Six Degrees of Separation

Among other things, I like to play the game 'Six Degrees of Separation'. You know the one? Apparently, we're only separated from EVERY OTHER PERSON ON EARTH by six relationships. Amazing.

Variations of this game are the well known 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon' and 'Six Handshakes away from the Queen' (gawd bless 'er majesty). It's a jolly way to pass the time and is a fine ice breaker among strangers. As I discovered in the departure lounge of Beijing airport last month.

I was joining a tour group in Hong Kong and around half of us were heading out there on the same flights from London. We sort of drifted together as we waited for our flight down to Hong Kong. We chatted about this and that until, suddenly we got round to the subject of famous people spotting.

Although 'Six Degrees' is meant to work for every individual on the planet, it's easier (and perhaps more fun) if you use famous people. So for example: Madeline stood behind Frances DeLa Tour at the beauty counter in John Lewis once. So now, via Madeline, I am only 3 degrees away from the great Leonard Rossiter (me-madeline-frances-leonard) and (wow!!! I just realised) I'm only 5 away from the glorious and godlike (and apparently, very nice) Hugh Jackman!!! Me - Madeline - Frances DeLa Tour - Richard Beckinsale (rising damp) - Kate Beckinsale (his daughter) - Hugh Jackman (in Van Helsing together) Huzzah!!! Sweet Madeline. I like you even more now than I did five minutes ago.

The best 'connection' I've managed to make myself is shaking hands with the Dali Lama (blessings be upon him. Freedom for Tibet). Now this, in itself, was a unique, unforgettable and all together unspeakably cool occurrence. But in the context of this game, he's my first step amongst the great and good of the world. He must have met everyone. Or if not everyone, he's just a step or two away.

Even if we ignore politicians and world leaders for now, I am linked, via his Holiness’ creepy-faced stalker, Richard Gere, to the Hollywood A-List. eg: Me - Dali Lama - Gere - Julia Roberts - Brad Pitt - Angelina Jolie ... It goes on, branching and twisting. Julia to George Clooney and onwards. Gere to Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins. Brad to Jennifer and indeed, anyone who's ever been in Friends. etc, etc.

Anyhoo. It's a jolly fine game and I recommend you give it a go. It's amazing how quickly you can establish links to the shiniest of stars.