English actor, lyricist, singer and comedian James Smith, better known as Jim Dale is currently playing to packed houses in Just Jim Dale.

Known for his appearance in eleven Carry On films, the 79 year old returned to the London stage this month for his one man (and a pianist, Mark York) show that runs until 20 June. The Guardian’s Michael Billington summarises “the unfairly talented actor recalls a career that has taken him from Olivier’s National to British film comedies and Broadway in this exuberant solo show”.

Jim has received two Grammy Awards for narrating the Harry Potter audiobook series. He was the lyricist for the film theme Georgy Girl, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1966. The song was performed by The Seekers and reached number 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, selling over seven million records.

On the stage he has been nominated for five Tony Awards, winning one for Barnum in 1980. He has also won four Drama Desk awards. In 1970 Sir Laurence Olivier invited Jim to join the National Theatre Company, based at the Old Vic.

The very affable entertainer met fans at The Vaudeville stage door after his matinée performance, including yours truly with this simple sketch. “All your own work?” he asked, “yes, like you,” I replied, as he wrote a very nice big siggy and dedication.