Tuesday November 27, 1979

_. To the Grand Theatre, Leeds, tonight with Ally, Dave L and Marita. A thrilling performance by Barry Humphries. Dame Edna is now my number one lady. I cannot recall ever seeing anything so hilarious in the whole of my life. Dame Edna's wicked and witty tongue had us all falling about. Ally was crying with laughter, and I could hear David and Marita wheezing behind. The performance lasted from 8pm until eleven and it included a 'gladioli throwing' episode and an appearance by the grotesque Sir Les Patterson, the Australian Cultural Attache to the Court of St James's. He spat and blubbered all over the first three rows, scratched his balls, picked his nose and swore like a trooper. The dialogue was brilliant, but some people did walk out of the theatre, apparently in disgust.

Afterwards it was too late to go for a drink and so we bid our farewells to Dave and Marita and went on to Guiseley. Marita invited us to a gathering on December 5, at the Albert in Yeadon, to celebrate her nuptials with Mr Matthews. Marita always has to be different, having a stag party for her male acquaintances.

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Monday March 19, 1979

_. Thaw today. Met Sue & Pete in Guiseley at 5 o'clock. He tells me he is suffering from gastroenteritis - and it's the day before his 21st birthday. One could have been cruel and asked whether his celebrations were going to go with a blast, but it wouldn't be very tasteful.

Mum and Dad were out all day (and night) and when I departed to my chambers at 11:35pm - still no sign of them. I think they have been up to Grassington.

Dave phoned from Stockport asking if I want to go there for the weekend. I don't think I can go because of the sudden glut of parties. One of Pete & Chippy's old pals is throwing a melé on Friday, and on Saturday Peter is expected to provide some sort of extravaganza for his birthday.

Saw "Fawlty Towers" followed by Dame Edna Everage ~ Superstar and Housewife, which was a good laugh, but not everyone's cup of tea. Sue and Pete hated it. They deserted me at 10:30.

Richard Beckinsale, the young actor, has died aged 31.

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