The Godfather of movie buffs - Barry Norman will be appearing at the newly refurbished Arts Centre in Swindon on Thursday January 16th.

He is visiting Swindon as part of his 2003 UK lecture tour to promote his recently published autobiography 'And Why Not'.

In 1972 he began his celebrated Film... series for the BBC, which established him as Britain's most respected movie critic.

Over the years he established himself as the wittiest, most iconoclastic and astute reviewer of films in this country.

He has also presented the arts programme Omnibus and written and presented many movie-related television programmes such as The Hollywood Greats, Talking Pictures and Talk of the Eighties.

Film fans have also come to rely on his many informative books about the silver screen including The Good Night In Guide, 100 Best Films of the Twentieth Century and Barry Norman's Video Guide.

In 1998, Barry left the BBC for Sky Premiere on the launch of their new cache of movie channels. He went on to present Barry Norman's Film Night for Sky over the next three years.

Barry will reminisce about his life as a popular film critic and take questions from the audience at The Arts Centre in Swindon on January 16th.

We caught up with Barry prior to his visit to find out just what it was that led to his celluloid obsession and why he named his autobiography 'And Why Not'. The phrase become synomymous with him following Rory Bremner's infamous impersonation - although he never actually said it.

He also tells us about stars such as Robert De Niro and Madonna who he clashed with and who he really respects in the industry.

Click here to listen to the interview

'And Why Not' is available from all good bookshops priced £16.99.

Barry will be also appearing at the following UK venues throughout 2003.

6th February, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
21st Feb, Pocklington Civic Arts Centre
6th March, Oakengates Theatre, Telford
21st March, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea
26th March, The Roses Theatre, Tewskesbury
4th April, Aylesbury Civic Centre
6th April, Little Theatre, Leicester
23rd April, Medina Theatre, Isle of Wight
14th May, The Little Theatre, Middlesbrough
15th May, Alnwick Playhouse
28th May, Perth Theatre
6th June, Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks
29th June, Ludlow Festival
7th July, Garrick Theatre
10th July, Northcott Theatre, Exeter