Still somewhat hung-over from the Heritage Foundation bash Robert flew off to New York City to join Jim Dale for a very special evening of Carry On. Presented by the St. George’s Society on behalf of B.A.F.T.A. East Coast, Jim introduced the event and gave Robert a wonderful build-up before the two chatted for ninety minutes, screened choice clips from the films and took questions from a capacity audience. Robert was delighted to squeeze in lots of social time with Jim and Julie during his week in New York as well as his usual homage to John Lennon as well as a trip to see Rupert Everett and Angela Lansbury in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit at the Shubert Theatre. During his time Robert also indulged in two comic sandwiches: a Bob Hope (a delicious mix of stacked ham and Swiss cheese!!) at Lindy’s and the classic (and impossibly huge) Woody Allen at the Carnegie Deli. Arteries hardened with every mouthful! 😉 Robert was also in New York when the shocking news of Michael Jackson’s death hit. Akin to Elvis Presley and John Lennon, the out-pouring of emotion was an experience to remember. Madame Tussard’s touchingly placed his effigy in the window and put his music videos on a loop while the entire city had an air of shocked reverence.

Back to the O2 for the amazing rock ‘n’ roll circus gig that was the Britney Spears concert. Forget the tall tales and counter claims of out-of-form dancing and mimed tracks, this was pure pop theatre at its very best.

Robert delivers a eulogy at the Memorial Service for Jack Douglas at St. Pauls’, the Actor’s Church, in Covent Garden. Jack’s partner, Vivien Howell, and daughter, Debbie Cartwright, both speak at the service, alongside a reading from musician and fellow Isle of Wight resident, Rick Wakeman, and entertainer Anita Harris. Fellow representatives from the world of Carry On included Barbara Windsor, Valerie Leon, Jacki Piper, Lance Percival, Lynda Baron and Susan and Valerie James. It was a beautiful and moving tribute to a fine actor and a true gentleman. The Rev. Simon Grigg presided with his usual wit and affection.

Cake and wine helped to celebrate Marilyn Monroe’s birthday in style as Creme de la Crime books launched Linda Regan’s third Paul Banham thriller ‘Dead Like Her’ at Goldsboro Books in Cecil Court. The book, a potentially lethal combination of sex, drugs and Marilyn Monroe impersonators, is priced at £7.99 and is highly recommended.

Robert attended Lionel Blair’s 60th anniversary in show business celebration luncheon at the Dorchester. The impressive guest list included Roy Hudd, Rolf Harris, June Whitfield, Les Dennis, Vicki Michelle, Su Pollard and Sylvia Syms. Many thanks to the delectable Francoise Pascal for organising this wonderful event in aid of the Elisabeth Finn Care. Her dedication, devotion and determination shone through every second of a fantastic tribute.

Robert will be joining comedy favourites Brian Murphy and Linda Regan at the Max Miller Appreciation Society meeting on Friday 29th May from 7:30pm. The fun and frank chat will include everything from Carry On to Ken Russell, Doctor Who to murder mysteries and Hi-de-Hi to Old Mother Riley. Held at the Royal Albion Hotel, 35 Old Steine, Brighton, further information can be found at www.maxmiller.org. After the interview Robert will be signing copies of his Doctor Who audio play ‘Pier Pressure’, while Linda Regan will be signing her latest crime novel, ‘Dead Like Her’.

Robert’s latest book, an affectionate biography on comedy actor Sid James, will be published in September by J.R. Books. ‘Cockney Rebel’ will relate Sid’s life and times from the day he arrived in Britain in 1946 until his death in Sunderland thirty years later. The book will include a wealth of previously unavailable material, rare photographs and interviews with Sid’s favourite co-stars such as Victor Spinetti, Vera Day, Sally Geeson, Bernard Cribbins and the late Jack Douglas.

A wonderful pre-birthday day in London with Francoise Pascal culminated in a visit to see ‘Calendar Girls’ at the Noel Coward theatre and a glass of champagne with one of the stars of the show, Lynda Bellingham. An outstanding cast also includes Patrica Hodge and Sian Phillips.

It has been mentioned that some followers of this website are missing comedy-geared events because we tend to report on them after they have happened! In an attempt to address this, Robert will be attending or involved in the following during the next few weeks: 21st May, Graham Rinaldi, author of an excellent new book on Will Hay, will be introducing a rare screening of Where’s That Fire? at 2pm in National Film Theatre 1. 29th May, Robert will be in conversation with Brian Murphy and Linda Regan at the Max Miller Appreciation Society meeting. He will also be signing copies of his Max meets Doctor Who radio play, ‘Pier Pressure’. 31st May, Lionel Blair celebrates 60 years in show-business at the Dorchester Hotel. 4th June, Mitch Benn and the Distractions play their only London gig this year at the Udderbelly, South Bank. 5th June, The Memorial Service for Jack Douglas at St. Paul’s. the Actor’s Church. 6th June, Bless This House star, Sally Geeson, will be signing at the Vintage Magazine Shop, Soho, from 12 noon until 2pm. 20th June, The Heritage Foundation Annual Awards and Ball at the Millennium Hotel. 22nd June, Robert joins Jim Dale in a celebration of the Carry Ons on behalf of BAFTA East Coast in New York. More information on these and other events as they approach and, indeed, after they happen!

A joyous celebration of the career of National treasure, Leslie Phillips, saw Carry On Teacher lads Paul Cole and Larry Dann reunited, Jacki Piper cuddle up with her Doctor in Trouble co-star and Jeremy Lloyd stage a hilarious reminiscence of their work together on film and stage. Other guests included Leslie’s delectable wife, Anglea Scoular, Ray Cooney, Harry Fowler, Hattie Hayridge, Nicholas Parsons, Barry Cryer, Mark Perry, Valerie Leon, Angela Douglas and Sheila Steafel.