Left: “See what my wife found in its crop!” Blue Carbuncle, Sidney Paget, The Strand Jan/Feb 1892 Characters: Holmes, Watson, PC Peterson

Generosity was overwhelming

I was saddened to hear of the death of Jeremy Brett.

In 1988, when I had had no acting work for some time and felt more than adequately rested, I took a job as a dayperson at Wyndham's Theatre, where The Secret of Sherlock Holmes was about to open, with Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke as its stars.

Once the first night had passed successfully, it was arranged that the cast would go out for a meal after the show with everyone who was working backstage. At the restaurant, Jeremy was exuberant and flamboyant, but he was the first to leave.

When, at the end of a thoroughly enjoyable evening, the rest of us asked for our bills, we were told that he had paid for us all.

The following night he accompanied all the front house staff to the same restaurant and paid for their meal. This seemed to me an extraordinary act of generosity, and I shall always remember him not only as a very fine actor, but also as a delightful and warm-hearted human being.

Nigel Harris

Westport Street

Stepney