Some actors are prickly about being constantly reminded of the role they are most well-known for.

Not Brian Blessed it seems – still best known for 1980’s sci-film Flash Gordon.

His interviewer at the Rose’s Time To Talk event on Friday Viv Groskop mused: “Had worried about being obvious with Brian Blessed. He burst onto stage with the words GORDON’S ALIVE”.

The Rose Theatre also tweeted: “We can hear the bellows of Brian Blessed across the building.”

Mr Blessed also recorded the voice of the Snow Gorilla in the Rose’s Christmas show.

- Another movie icon Sean Connery was back on the silver screen at the Rose yesterday evening after the public voted Goldfinger as it's choice for Bank Holiday Bond.