Two hundred guests packed The Adelaide Suite of The Marriott Hotel, Regents Park, London last week for one of The Heritage Foundation’s most memorable events to be staged in recent years, a Tribute Luncheon given in honour of Jeffrey himself. Accompanied by wife Judy Buxton, son Sam, daughter Lucy and son-in-law Darren, the event was organised in recognition of Jeff’s contribution to the world of entertainment, not least his iconic character creations throughout the entire Croft, Perry and Lloyd ‘Golden Age of Comedy’.

With a guest list that read like the cast of a  Royal Variety Performance, proceedings began with a drinks reception and photo call before the serving of a delicious three course luncheon, followed by a video montage of Jeffrey’s career and tribute speeches from Jimmy Perry OBE, Vicki Michelle and Charles Garland. But with so much wall to wall talent in the room, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the entertainment provided, in the main by Jeff’s friends and colleagues. Magician Matt Grindly delighted and amazed with his incredible illusions, while pianist Bobby Crush brought guests to their feet with his request medley. He was then joined by Hi De Hi co star Su Pollard who topped the bill with her show stopping performances of Stairway to Paradise and You’re My World interspersed with some outrageous comedy interludes for which she is so well loved.

For Jeff it was an emotional day he will never forget. “What a day for me!” he exclaims. “ It was almost overwhelming to be the subject of a Tribute Lunch, particularly as most of the people that one really wants to be there actually turn up for you! Some wonderful things were said and I was especially delighted that my dear friend Su Pollard was able to sing so beautifully for me! Accompanied no less by the amazing Bobby Crush too! What a treat! To have not just my two children but also Jimmy Perry and David Croft on my table meant the world to me! It was a very special day for me and one that I will never forget as long as I live!”

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Jeffrey visits Hi De Hi Stage Tour

Jeff and his wife Judy Buxton crossed the footlights to take their place in the audience this week, when they attended a performance of the 30^th anniversary stage tour of Hi-De-Hi. The show is based on the legendary David Croft, Jimmy Perry television series which dominated the world of British sit-com during the 1980’s and is packed full of fun, songs and opportunities for audience participation. Written specifically for the stage, Croft and Perry’s script brilliantly re creates the perfect atmosphere of the holiday camp throughout the auditorium, in a production that transcends time.

Leading the cast are Maplin’s troopers Barry Howard, who effortlessly steps back into his original role of champion ballroom dancer Barry Stuart-Hargreaves and Nikki Kelly, former Yellow Coat Sylvia, now portraying the role of Yvonne Stuart-Hargreaves his partner. For Jeff it was a very nostalgic evening. “When I saw this marvellous show it was like watching my life flashing before me! The cast are sensational and really true to the original characters!

The bonus of course is having Barry Howard and Nikki Kelly back at Maplins as if they had never been away! This show should bring back a lot of happy memories for everyone who sees it – it certainly did for me! A definite must-see for any fan of classic sit-com.

For production photographs and full tour details click here

Jeffrey visits Ulverston's Laurel & Hardy Museum

Jeff took a break from performances in Victoria Wood’s play Talent, at the Old Laundry Theatre, Windermere recently when he visited the new Ulverston Laurel and Hardy Museum. Jeff, a huge fan of the comedy legends, opened the original Laurel and Hardy Museum located in Brook Street in 1983 at the invitation of its founder, the late Bill Cubin. The new building is a far cry from the first but Jeff feels sure it would have met with Cubin’s approval. “It’s very different,” he explains. “But I think Bill would have been very proud to see it. The old one was just a couple of rooms but this is quite something.” The museum houses a collection of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia including over 1,000 photographs and personal items of Stan and Ollie supplied by Lois Laurel (Stan's daughter) and Lucille Hardy (Ollie's widow). Among the prized mementos is a silver cigarette case which once belonged to Stan's father.  Following his trip to the museum, Jeff paid a visit to Stan Laurel’s birthplace in Argyle Street and then popped into the Stan Laurel pub for a quick bite to eat. “This has helped to make up for missing the unveiling of the Laurel and Hardy statue earlier in the year,” said Jeff. “I would love to have been there for that but I was touring in the 25^th Anniversary stage play of Allo Allo at the time and the unveiling happened to be on the one and only Sunday we had a performance of that!”

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Jeff and Judy swapped the frantic antics of Cafe Rene and Nouvion this week for a nostalgic visit to Warmington On Sea and Captain Mainwarings Home Guard or to put it another way, they took time out from their current UK tour of Allo Allo to attend the 40^th Anniversary Birthday celebrations for Dad’s Army given by The Heritage Foundation at the Grosvenor House Hotel Park Lane, London.

The ballroom was packed with celebrity guests and fans of this iconic TV series, all enjoying a sumptuous three course lunch followed by a charity auction and raffle raising money for The bomber Command  Memorial Fund. Jeff contributed to the auction with one of his now famous caricature drawings of John Le Mesurier. He also won at auction an original piece of sheet music ‘We’re Going To Hang Out The Washing On The Siegfried Line’ which he performed during his audition with David Croft and Jimmy Perry for the Dad’s Army stage show. ‘I’m delighted to have it’, said Jeff. ‘It holds a great deal of sentimental value for me.’

Guests of honour at the event included David Croft, Jimmy Perry and cast members from the series. Clive Dunn flew in from Portugal where he now lives and entertained everyone with some hysterical anecdotes from his career with Jimmy Perry and Bill Pertwee also contributing to the speeches. Other famous names present from the series included Ian Lavender, Frank Williams and Pamela Cundell

Jeff and Judy joined a host of celebrity guests at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London this weekend for a tribute luncheon given in honour of actor and writer Jeremy Lloyd by The heritage Foundation. Jeremy is responsible for such iconic TV series as Allo Allo and Are You Being Served both of which have played a significant part in Jeff’s career. Not only did he appear in two episodes of the latter but has recently made his stage debut in Allo Allo as Rene Artois in which he stars with is wife Judy Buxton and original series star Vicki Michelle.

The event was hosted by Ian Freeman with the help of Vicki Michelle and tribute speeches were made by writer Jimmy Perry and actors Vicki Michelle and John D Collins. Following lunch, a celebrity auction and raffle were held with proceeds donated to the Bomber Command Memorial Fund. Celebrity guests included Jean Fergusson, Burt Kwouk, Anne Charleston, Juliette Kaplan, Frank Williams and Robin and Dwina Gibb.

Jeff and actress Vicki Michelle joined Alan Titchmarsh on the 100^th edition of his afternoon chat show this week, to help promote the 25^th anniversary UK theatre tour of Allo Allo. Jeff also talked about his time in Hi de Hi, what it was like to replace Gorden Kaye as the legendary Rene Artois in allo Allo and the reasons behind the show’s success.

Dad's Army Reunion - 40th Anniversary 2008

2008 marks the 40th Anniversary of the screening of the pilot episode of the much loved comedy classic Dad's Army and Jeff joined members of the cast at the Imperial War Museum on the 10th July for a birthday bash to celebrate the event.

Dad's Army was instrumental in launching Jeff's career having starred in an episode of the TV series in addition to both the West End and national touring musical stage versions of the show. Despite many of the veteran cast now being in their 80's all were in fine form.

Those present included Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Frank Williams, Pamela Cundell and Eric Longworth with David Croft & Jimmy Perry. They were joined by wartime Forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn who was there to 'see the boys.'

Paul Elliott - 50 Years in Show Business

Jeff was at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London this Sunday 8th June 2008 when he joined an esteemed guest list of a party thrown by theatre producer and entrepreneur Paul Elliott to celebrate his 50 years in show business. Those present included many performers who have worked for Paul over the years plus Danny La Rue, Eric Sykes, Russ Abbott, Donald Sinden, Barbara Windsor, Lesley Joseph, John Barrowman and Vicki Michelle. Entertainment included a speech from Paul outlining the high spots of his career to date.

Vicki Michelle - Heritage Foundation Tribute Luncheon

Jeff and Judy were at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday 27th April 2008 to join in the celebrations of a Tribute Luncheon given by the Heritage Foundation in honour of actress and friend Vicki Michelle. The couple were among over 200 guests, many from the entertainment world who enjoyed a 3 course gourmet lunch in 5 star surroundings followed by a question and answer session with the cast of Allo Allo and a celebrity auction, the proceeds of which were donated to the EABF and The Dream Factory, a charity of which Vicki is a patron. One of the auction items, a caricature of Carmen Silvera was drawn and donated by Jeff.

Later this year Jeff and Judy will star alongside Vicki in the UK National 25th Anniversary tour of Allo Allo.

Hi de Hi Reunion 2007

The first official Hi de Hi reunion took place in October 2007 at the Cliff Hotel, Dovercourt, Essex and marked the 20th Anniversary of the final episode of the sitcom being screened on BBC1. The event which took place over 2 days proved highly successful and has prompted plans for a further reunion in 2009. 'Everyone had a wonderful time,' said Jeff 'and it was great to go back to the hotel where we all stayed during the filming.'

No expense was spared when it came to detail, for example the organisers even arranged to set up a press call for Su Pollard and the Hotel's Parrott whom she had taught to swear back in production days.

During the course of the weekend, writer's David Croft and Jimmy Perry unveiled a plaque in the hotel to commemorate the production for which several framed photographs can now also be seen around the building.

For the main celebratory dinner, the function room was transformed into the camp's Hawaiian ballroom, complete with bamboo wallpaper and staff resplendent in grass skirts. There was even a blackboard with flashing light and message reading 'Baby crying in chalet.....' Jeff led a couple of songs including Son's of the Sea and Goodnight Campers and there was a ceremonial cutting of a cake but undoubtedly a highlight of the weekend was Su Pollard arriving, dressed in full costume as Peggy, having put together her own little act for the fans complete with to references to Miss Cathcart.

In addition to Jeff and Su, only 3 members of the original cast were able to attend due to work commitments. They were Nikki Kelly (Yellowcoat Sylvia) and the Webb Twins (Yellowcoats Stanley & Bruce).

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Jeff's 40 Years In Show business

On 17th July 2007 Jeff celebrated 40 years in show business having made his professional debut as Frank Mullins, the Judges Clerk in Henry Cecil's play No Fear or Favour at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.

To mark the occasion, Jeff held a Sunday lunch party at the Richmond Gate Hotel. Accompanied by Judy and daughter Lucy, Jeff welcomed many distinguished guests from the world of show business with whom he has worked over the years and who have played a major part in his career. Among those included were Paul Elliott, Ray Cooney, David Croft, Jimmy Perry, Dirk Maggs, The Simmonds Brothers, Carolyn Lyster and Trevor Bannister. Also present was actor Raymond Bower who had appeared with Jeff in his debut production and presented his fellow performer with a copy of the play in book format to mark his anniversary.

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Royal Meeting

A recent highlight in Jeff and Judy's social calendar came with an invitation from friends to attend a charity polo match in the heart of Gloucestershire. For Jeff it was his first visit to such an event and was somewhat staggered at the obvious dangers and speed involved. 'I found myself standing on the side shouting things like be careful, that's our future King!' he laughs. Afterwards prior to a Black Tie Dinner, Jeff was privileged to meet HRH Prince Charles during which time they described the sport and the injuries the Prince has incurred over the years.

In July 1990, Jeff was greatly honoured to appear by Royal Command, in the Queen Mother's 90th Birthday Gala Performance staged at the London Palladium. The show's theme was musical theatre during the life of the Queen Mother and which began with Jeff and his fellow co stars opening the show with a number from Floradora, Tell Me Pretty Maiden. With the men dressed in frock coats and top hat and the ladies in crinolines , Jeff describes the number as more of a sedate promenade than dance. His partner was Anneka Rice with Lionel Blair, Bonnie Langford, Christopher Cazenove, Angharad Rees and Jenny Wren all taking part.

Following the show, Jeff was privileged to meet several members of the Royal Family including Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, The Queen, and Princess Margaret.