Undoubtedly the finest theatrical production Robert has seen this year – so far – was ‘The Recruiting Officer’ at the Donmar Warehouse. Mark Gatiss was on superbly foppish form, m’dear, and the pleasure of Anneke Wills’ company gave the whole experience that extra something. In a uniformly excellent cast, it was a delight to see vibrant veteran Gawn Grainger strut his stuff. Cut along to see it immediately. It was also a delight to see that other ‘Gentlemen’, Reece Shearsmith in Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Absent Friends’ at the Harold Pinter theatre. A fantastic six-hander, Kara Tointon’s Evelyn had the perfect mix of ’70s chic and petulant disgust.

A beautiful memorial service to David Croft OBE at St. Martin-in-the-Field. The Croft family and the BBC gave the perfect tribute to this hugely influential writer, director and producer – from Su Pollard’s singing to Rick Wakeman’s choral mash-up of the theme tunes to some of Croft’s best-loved comedy shows. The true greats of British comedy were out in force; including Jimmy Perry, Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Paul Shane, Jeffrey Holland, Barry Cryer, Ray Galton, Frank Thornton and, particularly moving for Robert, a reunion of ‘It ‘Ain’t ‘Alf Hot, Mum’ survivors Windsor Davies, George Layton, Stuart McGugan, Michael Knowles, Mike Kinsey and la-de-da Gunner Graham himself, John Clegg! The rest of the day was spent with Mr. and Mrs. Clive Doig. The fun included fine ale and the splendid production of ‘The Ladykillers’ at the Gielgud theatre.

Robert is delighted to be joined by Tim Brooke-Taylor in an affectionate salute to Marty Feldman. The event, part of the Aye Write! Festival at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow, will be illustrated with Marty and Tim’s work in ‘At Last the 1948 Show’ and ‘Marty’. Robert and Tim will be signing copies of the Marty Feldman biography afterwards. With thanks to Eddie Harrison for chairing the interview.

The hotly awaited autobiography of Francoise Pascal is being published by Pegasus on 26th January. It promises to be a riveting read and you can pre-order it here. Go! http://www.amazon.co.uk/As-I-Am-Francoise-Pascal/dp/1903490715/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326885865&sr=1-2

The final throw of the Christmas dice comes with Trevor Nunn’s splendid production of ‘The Lion in Winter’ at the Haymarket. James Goldman’s play always had the feel of a comic historical soap opera about it and that quality is at fever pitch here with outstanding acting across the board. Headliners were Joanna Lumley who preened and whined and schemed throughout, while the stage really belonged to the power house performance of Robert Lindsay as Henry II. It was at turns joyfully comic and coldly ruthless. It closes on 28th January. Do yourself a favour and see it.

Robert is always reluctant to let Christmas go so he grabbed the chance of going to the Wyndham’s Theatre for ‘Christmas With the Rat Pack’. Jack Daniels, cigarettes and good-natured banter were at the forefront, naturally, and the stars stood on the shoulders of giants with perfect delicacy. The show loses the Christmas songs from 9th January and runs at the Wyndham’s until embarking on a nationwide tour.

Robert’s old china, Harry Fowler, dies at the age of 85. In a sixty plus year career, Harry brought a real sense of the East End to hundreds of films and television shows. Serving his apprenticeship at Ealing Studios, he starred in their first proper comedy success ‘Hue and Cry’ and notched up notable appearances in ‘Went the Day Well?’ and ‘Champagne Charlie’. On television, he brought a new catchphrase to the last years of ‘The Army Game’. His scheming Corporal “Follow Flogger!” was one of the most energetic comedy performances of early ITV programming. His later television work ranged from avoiding Dalek attack in ‘Doctor Who’ to sparring with Warren Mitchell’s aged Alf Garnett. A lifelong film buff and devoted supporter of many charity events, Harry will be greatly missed.

A new year bristling with fun ideas. As for the seasonal television, that was as much fun as expected. From a glorious ‘Doctor Who’ on Christmas Day to the return of ‘Sherlock’ on New Year’s Day, the BBC prove themselves still expert at new drama. Mind you, ‘Downtown Abbey’ on Christmas Day over on ITV finally sucked Robert into the heightened history of Julian Fellowes, while the new ‘Poirot’ film, ‘The Clocks’, showcased David Suchet’s definitive performance once more. It also saw Anna Massey’s last screen work. A fitting and powerful farewell. Great to have the old guard Bruce Forsyth doing his thing on telly and Bernard Cribbins reading some poignant stories on radio. Mind you, it still didn’t feel like Christmas until Eric ‘n’ Ern could be enjoyed with the nation on Christmas Eve. Lovely and fitting that the boys are now as much a part of Christmas as turkey and Tiny Tim. The sad news also came through that cartoonist, wit and gentleman, Ronald Searle, had died on 30th December at the ripe old age of 91. He was best known for his barbed digs at education in both Molesworth and the girls of St. Trinian’s. One of the great Englishmen.

A great pre-Christmas lunch with Penny Spencer. Following which, loaded down with gifts, Robert journeyed home for Christmas. Normal service will be resumed next year!

Celebrated comedy scriptwriter Ronald Wolfe dies at the age of 89. With his writing partner, Ronald Chesney, he created some of British television’s best-loved shows including ‘The Rag Trade’, ‘Meet the Wife’ and ‘On the Buses’. He also gave Marty Feldman his first professional writing job on the radio and television ‘Educating Archie’. Ronnie and his wife Rose were extremely helpful to Robert while he researched his Marty Feldman book. Ronnie telling Robert, without irony, the best bus to get from his London home to the West End remains a treasured memory.