Get ready to laugh out loud as Rising Damp comes to the Grove

In 1979 it won both the BAFTA and Evening Standard awards for best comedy.

Now the Comedy Theatre Company is reviving ITV’s much-loved masterpiece with a brand new stage production.

And one lucky reader – with a cat that looks like landlord Rigsby’s beloved moggy Vienna – could even win a chance to meet and greet the cast and see a performance.

We’ve had a sackful of entries as proud owners put forward their particular feline friend hoping to bag the prize.

Latest is engineer Dave Reeves, 38, of Round Green in Luton.

He’s convinced one of his purrfect black and white pair – Bailey and Luna – could carry off the crown.

“Bailey’s definitely in with a chance,” he said confidently. “I’m not so sure about Luna, she’s just a kitten.”
Dave says he’s never won anything in his life and would be thrilled if Bailey could do it on his behalf.

“My wife Debbie’s always winning loads of stuff,” he said. “But she works as a nanny and isn’t here at the moment.”

The winner will be announced next week.

Rising Damp was inspired by award-winning writer Eric Chappell’s play The Banana Box.

And although the last episode aired more than three decades ago, it’s formly ensconced in the hearts and minds of its huge fan base across the globe.

Octagenarian Eric is still bubbling with entertaining ideas. His perfect timing and hilarious domestic situations have been making audiences laugh for generations, yet he still feels he could do better.

The modest family man – who’s also responsible for comedy classics like Duty Free, The Bounder and Only When I Laugh – loves visiting theatres where his work is being produced.

So if you see a charming old chap roaring with laughter beside you, it could very well be the author himself.

> Rising Damp is at Dunstable’s Grove Theatre from July 10 - 12. Call the Box Office for tickets (from £17.50) on 01582 602080.