BRITISH Film Academy Award-winning actress, comedienne and British institution Dora Bryan OBE, is being honoured with a star-studded tribute show.

The 85 year-old is perhaps best known as the character Roz in the long-running BBC comedy Last of the Summer Wine and her acclaimed role in A Taste of Honey, not to mention numerous appearances in the Carry On films.

Sadly though, Dora is no longer able to perform as she suffers from dementia and lives in a retirement home in Brighton.

Close friend and former Bournemouth theatre public relations officer Tony Hardman felt moved to organise the event.

“The tribute show is for Dora’s sake, as she’s done so much in this area and been a great ambassador for the business. But she’s fallen on tough times, which in some ways is sad,” says Mr Hardman.

“When I saw Dora suffering from dementia, I thought, ‘I must do something for you’,” he added.

The tribute to the veteran actress will bring together many of her friends and fans for an evening of entertainment and reminiscence on the career of the Bafta- and Olivier Award-winning star.

Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Ian McKellen, Billy Boyle, Vernon Kay, Jess Conrad, Jill Martin, Johnnie Casson, Linda Lusardi, Robin Cousins, Sam Kane, Zoe Tyler, Liz Smith and Joanna Lumley will all contribute to the gala at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, tomorrow night.

Another special guest at the evening will be Hazel Blears MP who, according to Tony Hardman, starred in the trailer to Dora’s film A Taste of Honey at the tender age of five.

Dora Bryan spent many happy times in Bournemouth and Poole and has been a regular visitor.

“Dora’s played at every major venue in the area at some point in her long career.

“She’s was also involved in many local charity events and is the president of Theatre 2000 in Christchurch,” says Tony.

“Dora used to love coming down to Bournemouth and going to Chez Fred chip shop in Westbourne.

“She absolutely adored fish and chips when she used to come and stay with me. But the neighbours weren’t too keen on her pet dog, Lottie, a Tibetan terrier.”

Dora Bryan was married to former Lancashire County cricketer Bill Lawton until his death as a result of Alzheimer’s disease in August 2008.

It’s hoped that Dora may be well enough to attend the glamorous variety show being held in her honour.

  • Dora, the charity show celebrating the career of Dora Bryan OBE, will be staged at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London, tomorrow. For ticket information call 0844 4124 657.