DARLINGS...what an inspirational idea from the John Lewis company - they are planning on sending their London staff to drama schools.

It’s so they can improve “vocal techniques, stage presence and confidence.”

Maybe other organisations could do the same. Oh how different life would be if we all had an educational stint in Luvvie Land and learn how to present ourselves in public.

It would certainly benefit the service industry in this country which is years behind America.

John Lewis, apart from making cracking Christmas adverts, is synonymous with first class service.

George Henry Lee was part of the JL partnership when I was growing up and it’s where my mum bought my school uniform and the store is was given a name check in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers.

It had all the charm and respectful approach of Grace Brothers from TV’s Are You Being Served.

The John Lewis brand believe that the customer comes first.

Call centre staff could do with taking a leaf out of their acting school concept.

Another group of people who would also benefit on such an acting tuition scheme are our politicians – national and local. In the hallowed halls of Oxford the likes of Boris Johnson honed his oratory skills at the Union’s debating society.

It was a finishing school for many of today MPs who knew the theatrical lure of the House of Commons.

I used to watch Boris when I was at Oxford in 1985 and we all knew then that he was an actor - playing to the cameras and there weren’t any there. I can still see him using humour as a weapon throughout while performing - running his hand through his ruffled hair. I never agreed with his politics, but I felt self-taught BJ was a star and would be a cert for a BAFTA one day. Councils up and down the country should send councillors for some acting lessons.

Policies need to be communicated more than ever especially after the Brexit confusion - the public need decisions explained to them by people who know how to talk and be listened to. I can see it now, a standing room only, house full sign at Wallasey Town Hall as Phil Davies stands up to say, in his best Laurence Olivier voice, “Friends, Wirralians, countrymen - lend me your ears.”

“THIS is your guard speaking” took on a whole meaning recently.

One man who doesn’t need actors’ training was a guard who introduced himself over the intercom simply as “John.” He made the 25-minute journey fun. On the 6.30pm from New Brighton to Liverpool Central, John showed some ready wit. Here are some of his interjections en-route.

“We are approaching Birkenhead Park were they filmed “Home Alone 6” before Macaulay Culkin took the hint.” On nearing Conwy Park John quipped: “Please get off here for the Pyramids – it’s where Tutankhamun bought his chariot-riding flip-flops.’’ And as we arrived at Central, he advised passengers: “Anyone over 35 years old... please avoid Concert Square.”

Dear John, thanks for going the extra mile and the advice.

ART warming ...we revealed in this very column TV political guru and artist Andrew Marr had his first major exhibition called Strokes of Colour.

Mr Marr told me he was bowled over by the welcome from Merseysiders he has received on three visits. Artist Andrew who had a stroke in 2013 gave proceeds from the sales of 56 pieces to the ARNI institute for stroke survivors.

And the good news is while he delivers paintings across the world to buyers, his gallery in Aigburth will be in safe hands. Wallasey-based June and Dave Lornie who ran the Liverpool Academy of Arts, will be in charge next month as guest curators.

They told me they would love to see people from Wirral to come and see their group show. From August 8 to August 24. Count me in, folks.

HEY pop pickers ... Radio 1 is 50 years old in September.

One celebration I am looking forward to is the publication of David Hamilton’s new book. Diddy David is always a joy to interview. His telling tome reveals how the Radio One DJs didn’t get on. The egos had landed when they were poached from pirate radio I have interviewed most of the stars from Wirral’s late great John Peel to Noel Edmonds. And I agree with him.

But one outstanding encounter remains after I attended a Top of The Pops party in London Alan Freeman arrived...pushing a zimmer frame.

ROGER and out: The Sony Gold award-winner Roger Phillips is used to thinking on his feet (sitting down, too) on his daily BBC Radio Merseyside show.

Roger was temporarily locked in the toilet at the station.

Fellow broadcaster Paul Salt later enjoyed the incident and played suitable records to mark the unscripted time in loo spinning the appropriate classics Release Me by Engelbert Humperdinck and We Got to Get Out of this Place by the Animals.

A flushed Roger told me: “Thank God for the mobile phone.”

AND finally, another Roger and out. Wimbledon ace Roger Federer turned centre court green after partying till 5am after his victory on Sunday.

He can’t remember what he drank but admitted he had a huge hangover.

I think he played too many mixed doubles on his own.

Peter Grant