Comedy historian Robert Ross pays tribute to some of the finest and funniest, but often overlooked, names in showbiz

One day in 1936, the barrister Clifford Mortimer banged his head on the door frame of a London taxi and was immediately struck blind. He would never be able to see again. Then in his early 50s, he nev

Michael Bond and Paddington Bear

The 1950s was a golden era for British comics. Conditions were perfect. The US comics industry was yet to experience its 1960s Spider-Man era revival and, in Britain, paper rationing had ended as Brit

Quiz of the week 1) Which Shakespeare play ...

Dear Simon, Once again, the December 2025 issue had lots of memories to write about. Starting from the front, Gertcha! – I did love Chas and Dave, as did my husband. Of course, the family always watch