Trinity Theatre was filled to the brim last week as famed comedy writer, Paul Mayhew-Archer, brought his stand-up tour, Incurable Optimist, to the Isle of Wight.

Paul, who is best known as the co-writer of The Vicar of Dibley, had the audience in stitches as he talked through his career, from producing I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, to writing the screenplay for Esio Trot, starring Dustin Hoffman and Dame Judi Dench.

Much of Paul’s show was focussed around living with Parkinson’s after he was diagnosed with it 14 years ago.

Paul likes to explore the funny side of the disease, joking about receiving a diagnosis in the early hours of the morning, as well as his arm movements getting him into awkward situations.

Paul also discussed the absurdity of being told to make no sudden movements when his podcast group, featuring former University Challenge presenter Jeremy Paxman, visited Downing Street.

Last month, Paul spoke to the Isle of Wight County Press ahead of his appearance in Cowes:

The evening was split into two halves and during the interval, the IW Sparky Parky Folk Band, made up of musicians affected by Parkinson’s, performed live.

A raffle raising money for Parkinson’s UK offered a number of prizes and at the end of the evening, Paul announced that £293 was amassed for the charity.

The evening ultimately raised awareness about Parkinson’s and everyone in the theatre went home with a smile on their face.