DeMontford Hall has had a complete re-furb of late. The seats are now tiered and the sound is better than ever. There was always a slap-back from the back of the hall which means you hear your snare drum half a second after you’ve played it, very unnerving. But like a lot of theatres that spend money on front of house, they never seem to do much with the dressing rooms backstage.

Two great drummers came to see the show: Duggie Wright, who I have known since the late 50s when he played with The John Barry 7 and during the 70s and 80s, during the golden days of recording sessions. He was one of the élite players and was always in demand. Also Rob Townsend, who I met last year at Ronnie Scott's Club with Ed Bicknell.

The new snare drum head has now broken in and the kit sounds the best I have ever heard it.

Bernard Broche came over from France and gave us each a case of Champagne.

"...merci beaucoup, Bernard!"