Services to comedy and theatre

Sitcom writer Jeremy Lloyd and Edinburgh Comedy Awards producer Nica Burns have both been awarded OBEs in the New Year honours.

Lloyd, 82, received his gong for services to British comedy, while Burns, who also co-owns a string of West End theatres, was recognised for her services to the theatre.

Writer Lloyd –  who was briefly married to Joanna Lumley – most notably co-created the sitcoms 'Allo 'Allo and Are You Being Served. His writing partner David Croft, who also produced the shows, died last year at the age of 89.

Lloyd said the OBE was 'the most amazing thing in my life'.

Burns, meanwhile, has been involved in the comedy award since 1984, when it was the Perrier. But in the theatrical world she is best known as chief executive of Nimax Theatres, which owns the Lyric, Apollo, Garrick, Vaudeville and Duchess venues in London, and is planning a new 500-seat venue in Tottenham Court Road.

The honours list was dominated by Olympic and Paralympic stars, with cyclist Bradley Wiggins being knighted.

Published: 29 Dec 2012