Triphop's Universe

The evening could be spiraling downwards... until Williams decides to take control. Lowering himself from his seat, he slips towards the suddenly-attentive-once-more crowd and eases into the scrum. His minder accompanies him, but Haley and Hugo remain seated, clearly knowing their roles: this crowd has eyes for one N*E*R*D* and one N*E*R*D* only.

What follows is akin to the most super-hip royal walkabout you could ever hope to witness. Simultaneously self-effacing and yet the centre of everybody's attention, Williams melts into the throng, sweetly glad-handing every soul he meets. The first girl he encounters is so awestruck her vocal chords appear to have gone AWOL, but Williams takes up the conversational slack, whispering into her ear before moving on, leaving her grinning delightedly and dementedly.

Over the next 30 minutes, he works the room like a natural, a consummate politician reminiscent of Bill Clinton at his peak. Every single person gets his full laser attention, is engaged with unfailing courtesy, before Williams shakes hands, gives a small bow and leaves them flushed, flustered and hungry for more, It's a master class in charm and empathy: one woman even removes her Alexander McQueen chiffon skull scarf and drapes it around his shoulders. Williams thanks her reverently and glides on.