Originally published by L.S. Media. March 5th 2010.

Cast: Robin Sebastian, Charles Armstrong, Nigel Harrison, India Fisher, Timothy Dodd.

In the days when radio programmes could make a nation come to a standstill, there were a few performers that stood out as the real deal. Amongst those, were the talents of Ted Ray, Tony Hancock, Kenneth Horne and of course the superb Kenneth Williams. Well known for his ability to turn everything into a double entendre and an infectious sense of humour, there was much laughter that he shared with the world, as well as his own private demons that surfaced later in life.

Thankfully the cast of Stop Messing About have channelled the humour created by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke into a faithful recreation of the radio show and come up with something magical. For those that braved the cold spring evening, there was much to laugh at and the cast were on top of their game all evening.

Led by the wonderful Robin Sebastian, who uncannily has the great man down to a tee, the audience was treated to memories such as Kenneth going through his press cuttings when he struggled to get his hands on a decent part and the wonderfully ironic “Lesser known sports reports” which featured the London to Brighton Ballroom Dancing Rally.

Robin was joined on stage by Charles Armstrong as the radio announcer, Nigel Harrison as the vintage Hugh Paddick and the extremely talented India Fisher as the other carry on favourite Joan Sims. All of the actors were supported by Timothy Dodd who provided all the sound effects and who was just as authentic in his B.B.C overcoat.

One of the stand out sketches of the evening was the famous Joan Sims driving test which featured both Robin and India.

The comic timing never missed a beat all night and it is a testament to the actors and writers that this type of comedy can still have the audience laughing and groaning in all the right places.

A supreme achievement in a television dominated age.

Ian D. Hall