5th March 2026

Hello Everyone,

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Rob Grant. It feels very strange typing those words because, although it was quite a long time ago, the formative stages of my career in the early/mid eighties are still very vivid in my mind and Rob was a very important person during that time. We worked together on the Jasper Carrott shows, Son of Cliche for BBC Radio, Spitting Image and of course, Red Dwarf. It is safe to say that Rob is one of a handful of people, without whom my career may not have even started.

The Rob I most clearly recall is the extrovert and wonderfully animated ‘performer’ while giving notes. I can see him now, pacing around the rehearsal room in Acton, suited and booted, doing the voices of all the characters while building or fine tuning the scene in question. I say ‘suited and booted’ because in matters sartorial he put most others to shame, often arriving in a sharp suit and striking shirt. He enjoyed a good meal and was always happy to share his astute observations of all things comedy over some liquid refreshment. It is just a pity we didn’t have the opportunity to get together more often in his later years. Witty, creative and fun to be around, Rob will be sorely missed by all who knew him. RIP Rob.

It has been utterly brilliant to be guesting at shows again and many thanks to everyone who came along and wished me well after my health woes last summer. The 2026 schedule is coming together and listed below are the confirmed events so far…

WALES COMIC-CON April 4th Llangollen Pavilion

CARDIFF COMIC-CON April 11th Cyncoed Campus

LEICESTER COMIC-CON April 19th Leicester Arena

MAIDSTONE COMIC-CON May 2nd Maidstone Leisure Centre

BARRY CARD AND COLLECTOR CON May 16th and 17th Barry Memorial Hall, Vale of Glamorgan

UK GAMES EXPO May 30th and 31st Hilton Birmingham Metropole NEC

HASTINGS COMIC-CON June 20th and 21st White Rock Theatre

BASILDON COMIC-CON June 27th

WADEBRIDGE COMIC-CON July 4th

THE OFFICIAL RED DWARF CONVENTION July 18th and 19th The Level, Nottingham

TUNBRIDGE WELLS August 8th

During 2022 I became an Ambassador for Nature’s Haven whose mission is to enable the community to access and learn about the therapeutic and health benefits of gardening and nature and I would like to extend my thanks to all of you who have donated to this forward thinking, Not-For-Profit organisation. For more information please go to www.natureshaven.net or Instagram natures.haven.garden

I will continue to support small local charities directly, including those which support veterans and ex-servicemen and women. I believe that the treatment by the State of those who have been prepared to pay the ultimate price has been nothing short of shocking.

Here’s wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Best Wishes

Chris Barrie