20 DECEMBER 2008, page 113

Your Problems Solved

Dear Mary Once again Mary has invited some of her favoured persons of distinction to submit Christmas queries. From Sir Tim Rice Q. I have recently employed a full-time driver.......

From Mark Coreth Q. I Have Recently Had An Incredibly

successful show at the Sladmore, selling nearly 100 bronzes. In view of the credit crunch and most peoples’ reduced circumstances, I don’t like to seem boastful or insensitive......

From Elspeth Barker Q. On The Day That Our Ford

Fiesta convulsed its last, my husband had providently purchased an equally inexpensive oxblood-red Mercedes-Benz at the local auction. How joyful we were as it bore us homeward,......

From Jack Whitehall Q. As A Comedian, I Have No

problem opening up to a roomful of drunks above a rundown pub in Wigan or Stockton. My problem arises when I’m offstage in social situations and have to reveal my profession.......

From Matthew Fort Q. I Cooked A Serious Dinner —

four courses, lots of fancy gear — and asked six people round to share it. Four turned up at 8 p.m. as requested (I had intended to start eating at 8.30). The third couple rang......