Joyous company for the matinee of Richard Bean’s new comedy ‘The Mentalists’ at the Wyndham’s Theatre. Stephen Merchant and Steffan Rhodri in a complex, hilarious, and poignant stake-out situation tackling philosophy, technology, and the poor state of London bed & breakfasts! A recommended treat. Later in the day, we were delighted to attend the recording for two of the new batch of ‘The Missing Hancocks’. Once again Kevin McNally is impeccable as the Lad Himself, with pitch perfect support from Kevin Eldon as Bill Kerr, Robin Sebastian as Kenneth Williams, Simon Greenall as Sid James and Susy Kane as Andree Melly. Thanks to producer Neil Pearson for the invitation; and a thrill as ever to embrace the guv’nors of sitcom Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, who were in the audience and received a totally deserved ovation for their glorious work. News on when these resurrected gems will be broadcast nearer the time, although if one of the episodes is any clue at all my guess would be around Christmas! In the meantime, Kevin McNally and The Missing Hancock team will be taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm at the Assembly Rooms, from the 5th August. Showtime: 4.15pm. File it under ‘Essential’!