DESPITE being a thinly disguised plug for former Python Michael Palin's new book and TV series the now intrepid explorer gave an interesting and thoroughly entertaining account of his most recent ventures into the Sahara desert.

He charted his journey from Gibraltar, through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Libya and Algeria, and various towns with weird and wacky names, taking in local cultures and football injuries along the way.

Recounting amusing anecdotes of camel-based meals, wandering nomads with business cards and websites, he even lapsed into the occasional Python sketch, much to the mirth of the assembled masses.

Basil Pao's photographs perfectly illustrated Palin's sometimes rambling commentary, although towards the end the images were skipped over rapidly in an effort to reach Gibraltar again before the Cheltenham Town Hall staff shut up shop.

Lasting just over an hour, the event proved never less than interesting. As well as a great natural rapport with his audience, Palin proved very knowledgeable on the areas he had visited, recounting traditional African names with ease. Of course, he may have just been making them up, but I was impressed anyway.

Phill Tromans