Robert meets and interviews acting legend Warren Mitchell for the first time. An absolute gentleman and a fund of stories. What a treat.

Very sad to report the death of actor Nicholas Courtney at the age of 81. Robert interviewed and drank with him many times and he was always a charming, kind, thoughtful and gentle man. His contribution to the work of ‘Doctor Who’ is, of course, immense. From his performance as Bret Vyon in ‘The Daleks’ Masterplan’ (1965) opposite William Hartnell to his final performance as the Brig in ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’ in 2008 he always gave a peerless performance. Appearing opposite every Doctor from the First to the Seventh on television, he also worked with Paul McGann and David Tennant on Big Finish audio dramas, making his contribution to the series a unique one. His other credits include ‘Randall and Hopkirk (deceased)’, ‘The Avengers’, ‘The Saint’, ‘Jason King’ and ‘Then Churchill Said To Me’ with Frankie Howerd, many of which were covered in Robert’s non-Who chat with the actor for Cult T.V.

They said ‘The Rivals’ was too good to only see once and they were right! A second helping of the comedy masterclass from Penelope Keith, Peter Bowles and Tony Gardner.

Thanks to that backstage beauty, Rachel Hewer, Robert sneaked into the local Riverside theatre to enjoy the manic fun of Roald Dahl’s ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’. That piglet was a comic genius!

To Swiss Cottage for the much anticipated plaque unveiling to ‘Doctor in the House’ and ‘Mind Your Language’ star Barry Evans. Stars of the popular 1970s situation comedy Francoise Pascal – who organised the event wonderfully – and George Camiller pulled the string. A tribute lunch to both Barry and the show’s writer, Vince Powell, followed where the guests were joined by Jenny Hanley, John Altman, Nina Baden-Semper and the legend that is Kenny Lynch.

A first draft of the new biography under his belt, it was time for Robert to meet up with his good pal, Bob Golding, for some beer-fueled antics in Buckinghamshire. Lock up your brandy!

Fun times for the new book with Ronnie and Rose Wolfe in North London. With writing credits on such comedy favourites as ‘Educating Archie’, ‘The Rag Trade’ and ‘Meet the Wife’, Ronnie’s best-loved show is undoubtedly ‘On the Buses’. Robert was delighted when Ronnie suggested the best way back to the West End was to hop on a bus. It fair made his day that did! More fun was to be had with the committee meeting for the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund lunch at BAFTA on 3rd March, while even more fun was to be had with a riotous get-together with Sarah-Jane Honeywell. Happy days.

The Slapstick festival fun continued with Graeme Garden’s fascinating, clip-laden tribute to comedian Harry Langdon. A wonderful gallop through the legacy of an unforgettable clown.

Tim was also heavily involved in the annual Slapstick Festival down in Bristol. Alas Robert couldn’t attend Sunday’s tribute to Marty Feldman hosted by Tim but the Friday evening Gala at the Colston Hall saw a host of comedy legends introduce silent comedy favourites. Barry Cryer praised Harold Lloyd before a screening of ‘Get Out’. Neil Innes championed Charlie Chaplin’s hilarious drunk act in ‘One a.m.’ Bill Oddie presented Laurel and Hardy’s 1928 classic ‘We Faw Down’, while Ian Lavender gave an eloquent tribute to his hero Buster Keaton before screening ‘Neighbours’. Other highlights including a Barry Cryer and Neil Innes sing song, Paul McGann warbling Chaplin’s theme from ‘Limelight’: ‘Eternally’ and a laid back Chris Searle on M.C. duties. Festival director Chris Daniels is to be thanked and congratulated. Keep an eye on www.slapstick.org.uk/ for 2012 dates and an exciting touring show of silent comedy planned for this spring.

The fun and hectic research for Robert’s new biography continues apace with a hilarious pub lunch with Tim Brooke-Taylor.