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.