He opened the Olympics with a magnificent speech starring London. I have just read a post by John Lambshead, a British SF author, on the Baen's Bar SF forum. He and his extended family sat down to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies, expecting to sneer at trite overwrought nonsense. Instead, they were overwhelmed by a truly great oration.

Lawrence

I thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremonies. It was refreshing and fun and perhaps gave us a sense of what it is to be British. Congratulations to all our British crunchers.

Nothing to add. The best opening ceremony I can remember. Congratulations for that and let's hope for fair, doping-free and spectacular sports events.
Best Greetz from Germany

AGREED, the only change would have to play a tape when Sir Paul sang, he was sooo off key he was obviously old as dirt and showing it! Good opening but Elton John would have been a good alternate choice, a tribute to Diana and some of his other inspiring songs would have gone over better than "just the girls, I love it when the girls sing"! I DID like the Queen getting in on the spoof, she carried if off VERY well! I do wish she would have been a bit more excited when the British athletes came into the stadium though. She could have been a bit tired though, it was a lot of athletes, and some didn't show up as they needed their rest for the early am events! IMO they need to schedule that better next time! The athletes should get their chance to walk pre AND post, it could be a once in a lifetime event for them!!