It’s always a delight to see the wonderful Michele Dotrice, both on and off the stage. She is currently starring in the Globe’s transfer of Jessica Swale’s NELL GWYNN at the Apollo. It’s the saucy tale of a 17th Century orange-seller who becomes King Charles ll’s mistress. Michele plays Nell’s faithful dresser or as one critic called her,” befuddled wardrobe mistress.” Holly Williams in her Independent review said, “Special mention must go to Michele Dotrice… Her comic timing slays the audience.”

This is a drawing of Michele as Mrs Wilberforce, the ‘lady’ in THE LADYKILLERS which toured the UK in 2012/13. Michele kindly signed it for me at the Apollo stage door a couple of weeks ago. She was recently nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in NELL, so I’ll have everything crossed for and hope she wins.