Arsenic and Old Lace at the Basingstoke Haymarket theatre. A fantastic production starring Louise Jameson and Sherrie Hewson as the murderous old ladies and a surprisingly outstanding Wayne Sleep as the Peter Lorre-styled Doctor.

Sad to hear of the death of distinguished character actor and ‘King of the voice overs’, Patrick Allen. His long connection with the Carry Ons includes the narration for Don’t Lose Your Head, Carry On Doctor and Carry On…Up the Khyber, new linking material for the ‘Comedy Club’ audio tape releases in the mid-1990s and, most recently, the stirring introduction for Ken Burns’ Carryoons. Great to see Patrick working until the very end; adding style to the ‘music telly’ links for More4 earlier this year. Admirers of his work should invest in the Tigon DVD Collection from Anchor Bay. It features his mind-blowing lead performance in The Body Stealers, along with his entertaining audio commentary moderated by Robert’s good pal, John Hamilton.

Robert has been extremely busy with a couple of ‘classic’ Carry On projects over the last few weeks. All will be revealed a little later in the year! However, for those keen to get hold of his latest book, The Goodies Rule O.K, a few weeks before the official publication date, Robert will be signing copies in Edinburgh on Saturday 19th August. He will be joined by Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, currently selling out concerts at the Fringe Festival, from 2pm at the city’s Waterstones.

Robert attended the Brinsworth House concert to mark the Queen’s 80th birthday. A marvellous day. Great music from Joan Regan. Fantastic company. Excellent food. And an atmosphere of a good time had by all. Congratulations to the Matron and staff who work so hard and make it look so easy.

A fond farewell to Alec Bregonzi at the Lambeth Crematorium. The service of memories, poetry and song perfectly summed up his lifelong passion for the theatre. And the overture from ‘Mack and Mabel’ brought a sense of joy and celebration from the outset. It was marvellous for Robert to bump in to so many people from the Tony Hancock Society and the afternoon wrapped up as only these things should. A few shared laughs and a few shared pints with Ray Galton!

Sad to hear the news that character actor Alec Bregonzi has died at the age of 75.  A regular of London’s film and theatre circles, Alec will be remembered for his sterling comedy work, notably opposite Tony Hancock, the Two Ronnies and Kenneth Williams in Carry On Sergeant.  Charming!  Robert has many fond memories of interviewing Alec, chatting over a coffee, bumping in to him at screenings or memorial services and of his charm and generosity at the launch of The Complete Sid James last year.  One of the profession’s true gentleman Alec always had time for an anecdote-fuelled reminisce.  R.I.P. dear boy.

Hanging out with Jim Dale and enjoying his performance as Mr Peachum in the Roundabout Theatre Company Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera at Studio 54.  A weird and wonderful offering, despite the shocked expression back-stage Robert REALLY did enjoy the show Jim!

Nursing a slight hang-over from his birthday drinks the night before, Robert attended the first committee meeting of the 2006 Best of British Comedy lunch on behalf of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund.  The event takes place at BAFTA on 27 September.

As the filming of Carry On London is officially announced from midnight, Robert found himself chatting about the classic cast and crew and the 21st century resurrection to Paul Williams on Radio Five Live.  Here’s wishing director Peter Richardson, producer Chris Chrisafis and confirmed cast Shane Richie, Victoria Silvstedt, Vinnie Jones, Rik Mayall and Harry Enfield all the success in the world.

Sad to report the death of Val Guest at the ripe old age of 94.  Whether co-scripting Will Hay’s masterpiece, Oh Mr Porter, or directing Robin Askwith’s immortal rear-end in Confessions of a Window Cleaner, Val’s contribution to British cinema and television is immense.  Having had the pleasure of interviewing him several times and receiving a foreword from Val, and his actress wife Yolande Donlan, for his book, The Complete Frankie Howerd, Robert salutes a true original.