RUMOUR had it he had lost his edge but for me, Lenny Henry is still one of the kings of comedy.

He has come a long way since his appearance on the Black and White Minstrel's show, as he was quick to remind us himself, many times, during his show at Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre last Tuesday.

He will of course always be remembered as Delbert Wilkins, Theophilus P. Wilderbeeste or just the gangly kid trying to grow into his rubber-like body who achieved cult stardom on children's TV in the 1980s.

But it is fair to say our Lenny has finally grown up. Now sporting a hint of middle-aged paunch beneath his conservative suit he slipped easily into character roles ranging from old men, a young soldier and even an slightly jaded woman of discerning years.

His timing as usual was spot on and what he didn't actually say was written all over his face.

Pity the poor people who came in late - how could he resist? Especially when they were both bald.

Lenny's UK tour So Much Things To Say is less stand up comedy these days. Instead we were treated to little vignettes of humour as he lost himself in the characters he has created through his unstinting and astute ability for people watching.

I would have preferred him to have dropped his political correctness - the Iraqi war (inevitable) black power (unnecessary) but that's just a very slight niggle in what was otherwise a hilarious few hours.