The Queen attended the comedy show with Prince Philip, their grandson Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn. She avoided attracting attention from the royal box, instead entered the foyer unannounced shortly before curtain up and sat among the rest of the audience, many of whom reportedly saw our monarch “giggling through the performance”, according to the Official London Theatre website. I’m so pleased she’s been able to see this show: I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know for ages! It’s a real hit, and I’m sure her Majesty thought the same.

And I bring news of an extension at the Royal Court: In Basildon has received rave reviews, and will now play until 5 April. The story of a working-class man on his death bed, In Basildon explores the complications of inheritance and the myth of place. It’s directed by Dominic Cooke, and stars Linda Bassett, who is known for her TV appearances in Larkrise To Candleford and Grandma’s House.

Next up, a new solo show at the Trafalgar Studios. Chris Larner’s award-winning An Instinct For Kindness plays at the Trafalgar Studios for three weeks this spring. The play takes on the contentious topic of assisted suicide, telling the story of Larner’s 2010 journey to the Switzerland Dignitas clinic with his chronically ill ex-wife. The Fringe First Award-winning show plays from 10 April to 28 April, following a critically acclaimed run at the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Independent described An Instinct For Kindness as, “Intensely moving, at times overwhelming”.

London Theatre Casting News:

• Carley Stenson, currently playing Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, will take over from Kimberley Walsh as Princess Fiona in Shrek from 21 May
• Jason Manford is to play competing barber Pirelli in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd for four weeks this summer, taking over from Robert Burt while the original star is on holiday (2-27 Jul)
•  Jonathan Ansell of G4 will lead the cast of A Tale Of Two Cities when it opens at the Charing Cross Theatre in April
• Finally, Simon Paisley Day will return to the London stage this summer, playing Petruchio in The Taming Of The Shrew at Shakespeare’s Globe, opposite Samantha Spiro