Robert attends the funeral of Vince Powell at the Guilford Crematorium. Representing the casts of two of Vince’s biggest situation comedy hits was Jack Smethurst and Nina Baden-Semper from Love Thy Neighbour and Mind Your Language stars Francoise Pascal, George Camiller, Kevork Malikyan, Jacki Harding and Pik Sen Lim. A joyful wake was held at the Running Mare in Cobham.

Beginning at 3.30pm on Radio 4 that loveable Leslie Phillips begins reading The Adventures of Mr Thake, hilarious snippets of inspired, colonial comedy tomfoolery from the pen of J.B. Morton. Leslie returns with more tales of silly-ass Britishness abroad at the same time on Wednesday and Thursday. Highly recommended.

Robert is saddened to received news from mutual friend Francoise Pascal that scriptwriter Vince Powell died that morning at the Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford. His situation comedy credits are legion, including such timeless favourites as Bless This House, Love Thy Neighbour, Nearest and Dearest, Mind Your Language, Two in Clover, For the Love of Ada, The Bottle Boys and George and the Dragon. In a long and prolific career Vince’s writing ranged from Adam Adamant to Cilla Black’s Blind Date. He also proudly claimed the credit for the rushed screenplay of Carry On Emmannuelle. Vince’s autobiography, From Rays to Gags, was published to great acclaim last year.

Ken Burns and Licence to Shoot Entertainment present their first Carry On masterclass at Pinewood Studios. Carry On Shirley Eaton saluted the series’ first leading lady and saw the actress in conversation with Robert. The relaxed and enjoyable chat ranged from her three early appearances in the celebrated Carry On series to James Bond and via Hammer comedies, Bob Hope, Agatha Christie, art, Mickey Spillane and family life. The two-hour plus conversation was warmly appreciated by the audience which included Director of Photography Alan Hume and film director John Hough.

The alternative Independence Day celebration that is the Leslie Phillips signing at the Vintage Magazine Shop, Soho, goes brilliantly well with the packed-out two-hour session extended to nearly three hours to cope with the demand. Robert will be hosting another celebrity signing with Denis at the Vintage Magazine shop next month.

A final reminder that Robert will be joining Leslie Phillips at the Vintage Magazine Shop, Brewer Street, Soho autograph signing session from mid-day to 2pm on Saturday 4th July. Leslie will have a wide range of photographs for sale and autographs cost £15 each. Robert will also be selling books and will be happy to sign his Doctor Who Big Finish plays ‘Medicinal Purposes’ and ‘Assassin in the Limelight’ which star Leslie as the notorious Doctor Knox.

Back from New York City and Robert is, almost immediately, back at his desk working on his next biography. More news as and when. In the meantime, please remember that Robert and the Vintage Magazine Shop in London’s Soho are hosting a signing with Leslie Phillips from mid-day until 2pm on Saturday 4th July. Robert will hopefully be attending the plaque tribute to Wendy Richard on Sunday 5th July and the Bad Wolf Doctor Who convention at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham on Saturday 11th July. He will be interviewing Shirley Eaton at Pinewood Studios on Sunday 12th July.

Still somewhat hung-over from the Heritage Foundation bash Robert flew off to New York City to join Jim Dale for a very special evening of Carry On. Presented by the St. George’s Society on behalf of B.A.F.T.A. East Coast, Jim introduced the event and gave Robert a wonderful build-up before the two chatted for ninety minutes, screened choice clips from the films and took questions from a capacity audience. Robert was delighted to squeeze in lots of social time with Jim and Julie during his week in New York as well as his usual homage to John Lennon as well as a trip to see Rupert Everett and Angela Lansbury in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit at the Shubert Theatre. During his time Robert also indulged in two comic sandwiches: a Bob Hope (a delicious mix of stacked ham and Swiss cheese!!) at Lindy’s and the classic (and impossibly huge) Woody Allen at the Carnegie Deli. Arteries hardened with every mouthful! 😉 Robert was also in New York when the shocking news of Michael Jackson’s death hit. Akin to Elvis Presley and John Lennon, the out-pouring of emotion was an experience to remember. Madame Tussard’s touchingly placed his effigy in the window and put his music videos on a loop while the entire city had an air of shocked reverence.

Back to the O2 for the amazing rock ‘n’ roll circus gig that was the Britney Spears concert. Forget the tall tales and counter claims of out-of-form dancing and mimed tracks, this was pure pop theatre at its very best.

Robert delivers a eulogy at the Memorial Service for Jack Douglas at St. Pauls’, the Actor’s Church, in Covent Garden. Jack’s partner, Vivien Howell, and daughter, Debbie Cartwright, both speak at the service, alongside a reading from musician and fellow Isle of Wight resident, Rick Wakeman, and entertainer Anita Harris. Fellow representatives from the world of Carry On included Barbara Windsor, Valerie Leon, Jacki Piper, Lance Percival, Lynda Baron and Susan and Valerie James. It was a beautiful and moving tribute to a fine actor and a true gentleman. The Rev. Simon Grigg presided with his usual wit and affection.