Before taking his seat in the theatre Robert was told of the death of that fine actor Simon MacCorkindale. Fondly remembered from ‘Quatermass’, ‘Death on the Nile’ and the ‘Baby’ episode of Nigel Kneale’s ‘Beasts’. It is a particular favourite of Robert’s and, poignantly, mentioned by Jeremy Dyson as one of his top ten ghost stories in the lavish programme. The episode got another airing today. Friday saw the launch of Mitch Benn’s ‘Proud of the BBC’ video on youtube. You can see it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3q2iZuU5WM and it is attached in the links section under www.mitchbenn.com. You can spot Robert in the ‘Horrible Histories’ gear. Proud of the BBC indeed! The song will be available to down-load from iTunes from 1st November. The T-Shirt is available now from Mitch’s website. Finally, BBC2 broadcast ‘Norman Wisdom: His Story’ last night from 9pm. A fitting tribute to a much missed comedian Robert joined such luminaries as Leslie Phillips, Dame Vera Lynn, Ricky Tomlinson and the late David Lodge in filmed tribute. Fittingly, it was Norman’s children who made the most touching contribution. It’s available to watch on the BBC iplayer here: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00vhmqq/Norman_Wisdom_His_Story/ Did we mention Robert was proud of the BBC? 😉

A fond ‘bon voyage’ to Martine Beswick, Vera Day and Caroline Munro as their departed from King’s Cross for Whitby’s Bram Stoker Festival. A sort of ‘Brief Encounter’ – with Kensington Gore! It’s not too late to join other guests such as Shane Briant, Ingrid Pitt, Hammer historian Marcus Hearn and ‘The Wicker Man’ director Robin Hardy: www.bramstokerfilmfestival.com Robert then journeyed to Turkey Street to attend the funeral service for Brenda Cowling. A brisk afternoon in the company of marvellous old pros Philip Latham, Derek Smee and Frank Williams and a fond farewell to a lovely lady. The evening was rounded off with a trip to the Duke of York’s to see Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s chilling ‘Ghost Stories’: an experience heightened even more for Robert by having Ant McPartlin sat directly behind!

A hilarious lunch with Christopher and Lesley Strauli packed with stories of Max Wall, Leonard Rossiter, Anthony Valentine and Henry McGee. A joy. Please read more about Christopher’s career at www.strauli.co.uk. A very impressive website.

A very sad week for British film and television this week: Sir Norman Wisdom, a true legend of comedy, passed away at the ripe old age of 95. Director Roy Ward Baker whose credits include the Titanic drama ‘A Night to Remember’, Hammer horror ‘Scars of Dracula’ and television episodes of ‘The Avengers’ died at 93. He had shared his vivid memories of working with a pre-comedy Sid James in ‘Paper Orchid’ for Robert’s biography of 2009. And prolific character actress Brenda Cowling – best-loved for comedy roles in Fawlty Towers: ‘The Germans’, Carry On Girls and as house-keeper Mrs. Lipton in Jimmy Perry and David Croft’s ‘You Rang, M’Lord’ died in Denville Hall at 85.

Talking of ‘Proud of the B.B.C.’, Robert joined Mitch, his delightful family, Bob the director and a lovely bunch of fellow Mitch-followers outside Broadcasting House to shoot a music video: guerrilla filmmaking style. Hilarious times in the rain and a real sense of – slightly nerdy – community. A wonderful experience. Look out for it on YouTube soon…and buy the single. It really is a classic.

Mitch Benn and the Distractions at the Central Studio, Basingstoke. Robert hadn’t been back to the venue since his days at Queen Mary’s College when he was eighteen. So, years ago! Kirsty Newton and Ivor Shepherd gave their usual consummate support throughout an epic 2-hour show. Musical genius. Check Mitch’s website: www.mitchbenn.com for further tour dates. The show mixes fantastic tracks from the latest album, ‘Where Next?’, with crowd-pleasing classics like ‘Macbeth (My Name Is)’, ‘Stinky Pants’, ‘IKEA’ and ‘Sing Like An Angel’. The new song, ‘Proud of the B.B.C.’ will make you swell with pride and wipe a tear from the eye.

Fun social times and productive chatter with Sarah-Jane Honeywell and Toby Dale, a little bit of chat about ‘The Goodies’ at 40 at the Barbican Centre and then Sir Michael Caine interviewed at the National Film Theatre. Sir Michael was promoting his new autobiography, ‘The Elephant to Hollywood’. A true legend. Sadly, the day was marred by the death of another legend, Tony Curtis. From the spell-binding (‘The Defiant Ones’, ‘The Sweet Smell of Success’, ‘The Boston Strangler’) to the joyous (‘Some Like it Hot’, ‘Operation Petticoat’, ‘The Persuaders!’), he was a true star.

The new series of ‘The Stanley Baxter Playhouse’ kicks off with Rona Munro’s ‘The Porter’s Story’. A clever, affectionate and hilarious take on ‘MacBeth’ with Gordon Kennedy as the would-be King, Siobham Redmond as Lady M and Stuart McQuarrie as the permanently drunk King Duncan. A civilized delight and the perfect showcase for Baxter’s laser-sharp comedy acting.

And so the end of ‘The Young Ones’ – the new reality show, not the 80s comedy series or the 60s Cliff Richard hit. One of the most moving, hilarious and life-affirming television experiences of recent years. The laughter of Dickie Bird, the tears of Lionel Blairs and Derek Jameson’s struggle with socks were highlights. Although emotions were high as Kenneth Kendall pampered dogs, Sylvia Syms bounded with children and Liz Smith picked up her paint brushes again. A treat.

A trip to the Richmond theatre to see the matinee performance of ‘Morecambe’ starring Robert’s good pal Bob Golding. A brilliant performance – of course – was enhanced even further by the presence of Caron Gardner who had sparred with the ‘boys’ in many of their classic 1960s ATV series ‘Two of a Kind’.