In celebration of Monty Python’s 40th anniversary on Monday, Robert will be chatting to BBC York just after 9am and BBC Berkshire at 11:30am. His book, The Monty Python Encyclopedia, is available from B.T. Batsford Books.

Belated congratulations to Terry and Anna on the birth of their daughter, Siri. She comes into the world just in the nick of time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Saturday evening sees BBC2 host a Python Night which includes a radically edited version of Bill, Ben and Alan G.Parker’s documentary Monty Python – Almost the Truth. The BBC’s Lawyers Cut features an hour-long version of the definitive tribute with new interviews with John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin as well as vintage footage of Graham Chapman. The two-hour feature film version will be in cinemas across the country and the nearly six-hour American television version will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray from 29th October. Robert should appear in one of those edits! 😉

Robert’s latest book, Sid James – Cockney Rebel, is now available to buy here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sid-James-Authorised-Robert-Ross/dp/190677935X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254490789&sr=8-1

This affectionate biography features contributions from Sid’s best-loved co-stars including Sally Geeson, Jim Dale, Victor Spinetti, Bernard Cribbins and the late Jack Douglas, alongside fascinating correspondence from the BBC vaults and a wealth of new information on Sid’s career highlights like the Ealing comedies, the Carry Ons and Bless This House.

An epic day of research at the BBC Written Archives at Caversham for another project planned for 2010.

The Regenerations convention in Swansea with wonderful moments in the company of Philip Madoc, Sylvester McCoy, Anneke Wills and the perfect guest, Sir Derek Jacobi. Many thanks to Cary Woodward and the gang for their usual, impeccable organisation and to Abby, Steve, Tim, Ben, Charlie, Rob, Mike et al for fun and games in the bar.

Robert conducts an interview with character actor, writer and director, Robert Gillespie, for his new biography to be published next year.

The Carry On Writing charity event at Pinewood Studios with Guest of Honour, Norman Hudis, unveiling the British Comedy Society scroll in honour of his own contribution to the series, fellow scriptwriters Talbot Rothwell, Sid Colin and Dave Freeman and Carry On composers Bruce Montgomery, Eric Rogers, Max Harris and John Du Prez. Robert interviewed Norman as part of the day and wound down after the event with a few pints of Bonkers Conkers in the company of Paul and Christine Cole. Muck about with that then!

Robert attends the last performance of Tom Stoppard’s Arcardia’ at the Duke of York’s theatre. Samantha Bond and Neil Pearson star.

Last minute preparations for the Carry On Writing event at Pinewood Studios where, from mid-day on Sunday 13th September, cast, crew and fans of the Carry Ons will gather at the British Comedy Society Hall of Fame. Guest of Honour Norman Hudis is flying from his Californian home especially for this tribute to the scriptwriters and composers of the world’s favourite comedy series. His wife and inspiration for Carry On Nurse, Rita, will also be in attendance and all profits from the event will be donated to the MacMillian Nurses. The on-screen Carry On Nurse, Shirley Eaton, will also be at Pinewood alongside other Carry On stars including Liz Fraser, Jacki Piper, Richard O’Callaghan, Sally Geeson, Margaret Nolan, Albert Moses and those Carry On Teacher tearaways Paul Cole and Larry Dann. Further details about the event and how to attend are at the British Comedy Society website:  www.britishcomedysociety.com

A return visit to Denis and the gang at the Vintage Magazine Shop on Brewer Street, Soho. This time with that legend of comedy acting Liz Fraser who started signing for fans a little earlier than the allotted mid-day start and carried on, quite literally, until 2pm. Liz happily signed images from Carry On Regardless, Double Bunk, Doctor in Love and other popular British films. Later Robert was enthralled by Alan Cumming’s ‘I Bought a Blue Car Today’ at the Vaudeville theatre. The show featured hilarious tales of ‘The High Life’, the Flintstones, Cabaret and James Bond interlinked with powerful songs from ‘Chess’, ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ and Victoria Wood. One of the most memorable of theatrical evenings.