Special Guests
An Afternoon With...
Christopher Ettridge
Reg Deadman
Born in 1901, Reg Deadman was burdened with a mouthful of a name, or rather, 11 of them, thanks to his father's obsessive love for Tottenham Hotspurs. Hating every single one, he shrewdly adopted the name Reginald from the family dog. He was a simple, amiable soul until a stray unexploded bomb gave him a temporary jolt of genius after a minor head injury.
David Benson
Noël Coward
David Benson's performance is not a strict impersonation but rather a detailed character study. He captures Coward's unique, clipped voice and sophisticated mannerisms with a high degree of accuracy. More than just a simple mimic, Benson embodies Coward's style and persona as "The Master" of wit and showmanship.
Laurence Marks
& Maurice Gran
Creators and Writers
Marks and Gran's professional partnership began in the late 1970s. After years of struggling to sell their scripts while holding down day jobs, they had their first breakthrough with the sitcom Holding the Fort (1980). This led to a prolific and highly successful period, with their most notable works including:
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Shine On Harvey Moon (1982-1985): This comedy-drama, set in post-WWII London, was a significant departure from traditional sitcoms. It was praised for its balance of humour and poignant, character-driven storytelling.
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The New Statesman (1987-1992): A scathing political satire starring Rik Mayall as the amoral and corrupt Conservative MP Alan B'Stard. The show won a BAFTA for Best Comedy Series.
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Birds of a Feather (1989-1998, 2014-2020): One of their most enduring successes, this show followed two sisters, Sharon and Tracey, whose husbands are in prison for armed robbery. It was a massive ratings hit and remains a beloved British comedy.
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Goodnight Sweetheart (1993-1999): A romantic sci-fi sitcom about a man who time-travels from the 1990s to the 1940s. The show won numerous awards and showcased the writers' ability to blend historical elements with comedy and romance.​
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In 1989, they founded their own production company, Alomo Productions, which produced many of their shows and gave them greater creative control. Beyond television, they have also had success with stage musicals, most notably Dreamboats and Petticoats, which ran for nine years.