I’m delighted to announce that the second date of Forever Carrying On with Valerie Leon has now sold out. Following our appearance at the Leicester Square Theatre it is with great pleasure that I once again present Valerie’s celebration of six leading stars of the series, followed by an informal chat about her work with the team and their unique, lasting appeal. The show starts at 5pm. on Sunday, 13th. November. For returns please try ringing the Box Office on 0207 287 2875. If you are lucky I’ll see you there. Carry On!

Jimmy Perry O.B.E. has died at the ripe old age of 93. A long, full life of cheering people up is quite the legacy, and Jimmy’s work as a writer (Dad’s Army, Hi-De-Hi, You Rang M’Lord and, mine and his own personal favourite, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum) has cheered up more than most. With a community warmth and skill for celebrating the absurd character of the British, the world Jimmy created with David Croft will stand as a winking, self-deprecating salute to the nation. However, for me, it is his presenting of the series Turns that left an even more indelible mark. With genuine affection and enthused knowledge, Jimmy Perry introduced and celebrated ancient clips of the greats of variety, and it was the first time that I witnessed such legends of Music Hall as George Robey, Lily Morris, Teddy Brown, and Wilson, Keppel & Betty. It’s almost unthinkable that the BBC would screen such remnants in prime time now but that series, starting back when I wore a schoolboy’s clothes, ignited a passion that has never gone out. Thanks, Jimmy, and Stand Easy.

A thrill to join series favourites Dame Barbara Windsor, Valerie Leon and Hugh Futcher at the Comic Store unveiling of Nick McCann’s brilliant Carry On painting ‘And When Did You Last See Your Feet?’, a brilliant send-up of William Frederick Yeames’ English Civil War masterpiece. Fittingly, the work will be hung, next to the original, at the Walker Gallery, Liverpool, on 23rd. November. What A Carry On!