A sold‑out celebration of one of Britain’s most beloved comedy institutions unfolded on Sunday, 23 November 2025, as fans gathered at The Ballroom, The Drayton Court Hotel in Ealing, London for a brand‑new Carry On–themed event.
What followed was an afternoon overflowing with nostalgia, laughter, rare stories, emotional reunions, and a shared love for a series that has shaped generations of British humour.
A full house and a star‑studded guest list!
The event sold out well in advance, drawing fans old and new, many travelling from across the country to be part of this unique celebration.
They were joined by an extraordinary line‑up of special guests whose careers are woven into the fabric of the Carry On legacy:
Amanda Barrie, Sally Geeson, Christine Ozanne, Edina Ronay, David Barry, Helga Jones, Paul Cole, Larry Dann, Louise Burton and a very special pre-recorded interview with Carol Hawkins.
Adding further sparkle were two guests whose connections to Carry On history brought an extra emotional resonance: Hannah Clive, daughter of the late John Clive, whose many Carry On appearances made him a fan favourite and Simon McKay, close friend and biographer of the late Fenella Fielding, attending to share and sign his new book Dear Fenella: 90 Years, 90 Letters. Together, they all contributed to the warm, intimate atmosphere where stories flowed freely - many of them never shared publicly before.
A surprise that moved the room
One of the most unforgettable moments came when a
very special surprise guest arrived:
Sue James, daughter of the late
Sid James, the undisputed King of Carry On. Her appearance led to a deeply touching reunion with
Sally Geeson, Sid’s co‑star from Bless This House. The two embraced warmly, and the room fell into a hush as memories of Sid - both joyful and emotional - were shared. Tears were shed, smiles spread across the room, and the audience witnessed a moment of genuine affection and remembrance that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
Stories, laughter, and a legacy revisited
Throughout the afternoon, guests took part in interviews, Q&A sessions, and informal conversations with fans. The tone was relaxed, heartfelt, and often hilariously candid. Many anecdotes were new even to the most dedicated Carry On enthusiasts, offering glimpses behind the scenes of a film series that has entertained millions.
Key themes emerged again and again:
- The joy of being part of the Carry On family
- The camaraderie on set and the unique working atmosphere
- The enduring affection fans still hold for the films
- The importance of preserving the legacy for future generations
What stood out most was the genuine happiness of the star guests, who repeatedly expressed how overwhelmed they were by the warmth, enthusiasm, and loyalty of the fans. Testimonials from the guests afterwards highlighted how unique, heartfelt, and impeccably run the event was—many noting that no other fan gathering captures the spirit of Carry On quite like these events.
A labour of love
The event was co‑produced and co‑hosted by Retroboy and The Whippit Inn, two non‑commercial organisations run entirely by fans. As we have said before, these gatherings take months of planning, coordination, and dedication, and they are created purely out of passion for the Carry On legacy.
Special thanks were given to the team of trusted friends and helpers whose hard work, reliability, and commitment made the day possible. Their behind‑the‑scenes efforts ensured that the event ran smoothly and that guests—both stars and fans—felt welcomed and valued. Great job guys! Another top drawer event!
These Carry On events have now featured more names from the series than any other Carry On related gathering, including some exceptionally rare appearances. They have also supported numerous charities over the years, with several guests choosing to donate their appearance fees to causes close to their hearts—another testament to the goodwill that surrounds the Carry On community.
Why these events matter
At their core, these gatherings exist for one purpose: to celebrate the legacy of the Carry On films and honour the people who made them possible—on both sides of the camera.
They provide a professional and welcoming space where:
- Fans can meet the stars who shaped their childhoods & celebrate a shared enthusiam
- Actors can reconnect with colleagues and memories
- New generations can discover the magic of the series
- Rare stories and personal reflections can be preserved
- The cultural impact of Carry On can be appreciated anew
The success of this latest event reinforces just how deeply the series continues to resonate.
The Carry On legacy in British culture
The Carry On films, produced between 1958 and 1992, remain one of the longest‑running and most recognisable comedy franchises in British cinematic history. Known for their cheeky humour, ensemble casts, and unmistakable style, they captured the quirks of British life with warmth, irreverence, and a wink to the audience.
Their impact includes:
- Defining an era of British comedy, influencing television, theatre, and film for decades.
- Launching and sustaining the careers of some of Britain’s most beloved performers.
- Embedding catchphrases, characters, and comedic tropes into the national consciousness.
- Uniting generations, as parents and grandparents pass the films down to younger viewers.
- Providing comfort and escapism, with humour that remains instantly recognisable and endlessly quotable.
Today, the Carry On films stand as a testament to a uniquely British comedic tradition—one that continues to inspire affection, scholarship, and celebration. Although some may deem them outdated, cheap and possibly 'exploitative' it is clear that the unique formula that made the series so successful for so many years has never been repeated with any other British comedy series and helped launched the careers of so many of the star guests who we have had the joy to meet and host over so many years.
This special afternoon at The Drayton Court Hotel was more than a fan event; it was a heartfelt tribute to a cultural treasure. It honoured the stars, delighted the fans, and reaffirmed that the Carry On spirit is still very much alive. It allowed us to hear first hand accounts of what it was like to be in a Carry On, to work with the giants of the core Carry On team and to be at Pinewood Studios in the golden era of British film making.
Our thanks to everyone who joined us on the day to make this one very special afternoon!
Very special thanks to all our star guests, the team at The Whippit Inn - Paul Stephen and Dean Barker, Matt Fleming supporting Retroboy, Sam Bessant, the brilliant events team at The Drayton Court Hotel in Ealing and all those who supported the event by being star guest chaperones and tech support.
Callum Phoenix - March 2026