NOW here's a happy thought. Two guys are wandering around Britain looking for people who need a good laugh and giving them one. And on March 8 they offer their wares at The Wycombe Swan.

The delightful duo are comic writer and performer Barry Cryer and Colin Sell, who, we're told, not only plays the piano but doubles as the scenery.

Their show, The First Farewell Tour, promises a bucketful of laughs. In fact there will be a bucket provided for the audience to pop topics in, to demonstrate Barry's ability to tell a joke or anecdote about any subject on earth.

Barry Cryer is the undisputed King of the one-liner. He's written for the country's best loved comedians for more than 40 years.

He wrote scripts for David Frost's ground-breaking Frost Report, The Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise, Bruce Forsyth, Tommy Cooper, Dick Emery, Dave Allen, Frankie Howerd, the Carry On team on TV, Billy Connolly, Jasper Carrot and many more. And during a long association with ATV he wrote for Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Phil Silvers and other visiting stars.

How do you keep up the inspiration for all those gags year in, year out? "I've always had a partner. If you have a block when you're alone, it's hard. But I've always worked in a partnership."

The jokes may roll off the cuff with apparent ease, but creating them is not so simple: "It's work. Serious business. Writing for so many different comedians is like a tailor making suits. You have to hear their voice and how they will say it."

Barry won't be drawn into naming a favourite comedian, but he has a soft spot for Kenny Everett: "Working with Kenny was one of the happiest periods of my life. He was a natural."

As well as behind-the-scenes writing Barry has long been a favourite on TV and radio panel games and he loves the spontaneity of live shows and the lack of a script. "You hope the right line or story will tumble out.

"I'm blessed with a good memory for jokes, though I have a terrible memory for important things."

Barry Cryer: The First Farewell Tour at The Wycombe Swan on March 8, box office (01494) 512000.