Many thanks to Ross Owen and all at the International Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society for an evening of Stan and Ollie back where they belong, in the cinema: the Vue, Piccadilly, to be precise. On the eve of the 125th anniversary of Stan’s birth, Lucky Dog Theatre Company recreated a classic stage routine, followed by ‘County Hospital’ and ‘Sons of the Desert’ being screened to wild applause and gales of laughter. As Robin Ince tweeted, the cinema was: “packed with comics, writers, musicians all paying homage”. These included Sir David Jason, Terry Jones, Reece Shearsmith, Martin Freeman, Amanda Abbington, Andre Vincent, and Johnny Vegas.

Screenings across the country in June have brought Laurel & Hardy to the attention of fans old and new alike. A fitting tribute to the Fiddle and the Bow; the finest there has ever been. Hats off to them.

It’s my Doctor’s birthday today! Old Sixy, that is. Many happy returns to that fine actor and splendid chap, Colin Baker. You can celebrate by purchasing one of his many Doctor Who adventures for Big Finish. Ideally, one written by me! Go to the CD section for more information about ‘Medicinal Purposes’, ‘Pier Pressure’ and ‘Assassin in the Limelight’. Enjoyed at their best as a trilogy!

There are plans afoot to erect a statue to Keith Harris and, undoubtedly, Orville the Duck too, in his beloved Blackpool. Please take a moment to read about the campaign, support it, and spread the word. Let’s make this beautiful project fly! Thank you. www.change.org/p/blackpool-council-grand-theatre-blackpool-acknowledge-the-life-achievements-of-keith-harris-in-the-form-of-a-statue-in-blackpool

Lovely to see the ‘Carry On Forever’ documentary getting its first outing on ITV1 over three consecutive Monday evenings. Nice viewing figures too. Part one was followed by a screening of ‘Carry On Cowboy’, while tonight’s episode was coupled with ‘Carry On Cruising’. The third and final part airs on 8th June from 10.40pm. ‘Carry On Screaming!’ follows.

A wonderful afternoon at the Museum of Comedy with the legend that is Bernard Cribbins. Following a very rare and hugely appreciated screening of his 1969 sketch show ‘Cribbins’, Bernie joined me on stage for over an hour of outrageous and hilarious tales. Covering everything from Peter Sellers and the Carry Ons, to ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Right Said Fred’ (both the song and the group!), there was even time for a Wombles masterclass: an impromptu moment where that wicked old Great Uncle Bulgaria tried to get Orinoco drunk!

That alone rather made my year! The podcast will be available for download shortly. It’s a ‘keeper’!

The Press Night for ‘Just Jim Dale’, with the legend of pop stardom, Carry On, National Theatre and Broadway making a triumphant return to the West End. A glittering gallop through ancient stand-up routines, Oscar-nominated material, classic musical numbers, and even a slice of Harry Potter audio book recording; this was an extraordinary performance which attracted an extraordinary audience. Famous faces in attendance included Sir Derek Jacobi, Ronald Pickup, Charles Kay, Anita Harris, Ian Lavender, Mark Gatiss, Jessica Martin, Robert Lindsay, Anthony Andrews, Roy Hudd, and Bonnie Langford.

It was also inevitable that before curtain up, Jim would don a white coat and join Barbara Windsor in re-creating that now classic moment from ‘Carry On Again Doctor’ 46 years on. Wonderful stuff.

Jim is in residency at the Vaudeville theatre until 20th June. You can book tickets at www.nimaxtheatres.com or by ‘phoning: 0844 4829673.