Mortimer's Miscellany

> Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

Sir John Mortimer not only is, but also looks, a character - what would you expect from the creator of Rumpole of the Bailey?

He introduces you to the loves of his life - poetry, law and of course love. Assisting him with the reading were Rohan McCullough, Marsha Fitzalan and playing the piano was Christine Croshaw.

The poetry included excerpts from Browning, Hardy, Byron and many more. His humorous tales were not necessarily repeatable in print but they were very funny and clean. One amusing observation was that in his legal days he found it easier to deal with murderers than divorce clients - because the former did not contact him at ungodly hours of the day by phone.

It is clear that his father had a lot of influence on him. But most of all I'm sure he inherited that boyish charm with that wicked glint in his eyes.

This was a man who has lived life to the full and is almost growing old disgracefully but in the best possible taste.