First day of rehearsals went so well I am almost starting to like musicals again. Howard Goodall in top form and a delightful cast. Six brand new Howard-Tim songs for the Ally Pally December 1 (previews from Nov 24).

This appears to be my 4,000th post. The 4001st will be more interesting.

Time's winged chariot does indeed seem to speed up. I hit 82 in a few weeks - but the first few years of a new decade always make me feel younger than the last few years of the previous one. My theory is that we feel our age most when the second digit is 5 or more. The first digit is almost irrelevant. At the moment I am a young octogenarian rather than a clapped out septuagenarian.

RIP Dolly; One of the greatest and best people of our era, which certainly needs a few more like her.

Disappointing but not devastating start to the Black Cats 2026/7 campaign but let's hope they play in their proper colours whenever possible in future. Who came up with the pink? Actually nearly all away strips are now dire.

Shocked by the sad news that Rod Liddle has died. (I'm sure he'd hate anyone saying he'd "passed"). He was a funny, honest and dedicated writer. Journalists like him are all but irreplaceable. RIP.

Sad to see the late great Gary Sobers described as a magnificent batter when in his long and unmatched career he was known as a batsman (and as a bowler, fielder, captain)

Gosh - half time entertainment at World Cup pretty grim. Made about as much sense as having a football match halfway through a Madonna concert. PS Well done Spain.

Matt is a genius artist at the top of his form. Yesterday and today in Telegraph absolute genius. It's not just the actual gag but the bewilderment of his characters with which we all identify.

Dame Jilly Cooper - simply one of the most charming, witty, honest and gorgeous women of her time. A great chronicler of British life and people - and perhaps above all brilliantly funny. No rivals. She was unique. And lovely. RIP

Happy Happy Birthday Pete Murray. 100 today! Great broadcaster. I have many good memories of being on one of his many radio shows over the years and just as good memories of listening to him in the sixties way before I ever thought I'd meet him. So glad I did.

One of my favourite actors, Ray Brooks (The Knack, Cathy Come Home etc) has died. He should have been an even bigger star; I particularly loved his subtle approach to portrayal of apparently confident characters who were never quite as bold as they seemed. RIP Ray and thanks.

Klaus Schwab

So many stars of my teen/pre-teen years leaving the stage. RIP Connie Francis one of the greatest, ballads or rock. Queenly, emotional voice. Only Brenda Lee matched her recording impact in late 50s/early 60s. She recorded 3 songs by my pal Don Black. I'm v.jealous. All Connie fans sorry now.

So good that Elaine Paige is now Dame Elaine. The only mystery is why she had to wait so long. I often wonder if she hadn't been so brilliant in creating the role of Eva Peron in the original production of Evita in 1978 whether the young writers' careers might have taken a less spectacular course. We writers need great interpreters of our stuff and EP sure delivered.

RIP Brian Wilson. Fun fun fun & now I've grown up to be a man (debateable) I still love his greatest hits. If you were around in the 60s you had to. Irresistible melodies and sophisticated and/or funny lyrics that made us all want to sample California. God only knows how he achieved so much in just a few magnificent years.