With his head draped in an Arabic keffiyeh, Eamonn Gearon introduces himself as the ghost of T.E. Lawrence, recounting the potted life history and some fascinating trivia surrounding this legendary character. Facts with which even the most ardent fans of David Lean’s 1962 epic would be unfamiliar.

Gearon then takes over as the modern day expert on Middle Eastern politics that he is, casting a twenty first century gaze over the exploits of this maverick, who, whilst working for British military intelligence during the First world war, developed a belief in Arabic self- determination. Lawrence spent much of his life shunning his fame, but recounted his experiences in the classic tome ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’,  a book that’s celebrating its centenary of publication and has never been out of print.

The structure of the show, with alternating monologues from the Lawrence ghost and Gearon the academic, adds a touch of theatre and some great storytelling to what would otherwise be more of a historical lecture – albeit a highly fascinating one. Gearon is an expert at holding the attention of his audience, interspersing hard historical fact, with witty asides and amusing anecdotes. It’s entertaining, and mostly not too serious and there’s also some juicy film trivia. We learn of Peter O’Tooles ingenious remedy for his saddle sore bottom after six months of camel riding!  However, there’s a more serious side to the talk. It  does touch on the origins of the current Middle Eastern situation,  including  the three contradictory promises made by a Britain that in 1916 was losing the war. It’s impartial, non political stuff, and should be compulsory viewing for anyone  who seeks to understand the origins of the current problems in this fascinating, but troubled region.

Eamonn Gearon is, one suspects, a little like Lawrence himself: part author and part academic, an Arabist with a passion for exploration. He’s been fascinated with Lawrence of Arabia since he saw the eponymous film aged 8. Gearon’s own story is as interesting as that of his hero. As he references his travels into the Sahara with his camels, teaching Egyptians students in the wake of 9/11 and his brush with the feared Egyptian secret police – the Mukhabarat, one can’t help feeling that there’s material for a whole other show right there, in fact perhaps three or four more shows. Gearon opens up so many fascinating avenues for discussion  and it’s  an enthralling  50 minutes which finishes all too soon. A must see for history lovers and film buffs alike