‘A conversation between two outstanding performers that includes triumphs and failures, laughter and more laughter, wit and wisdom.” That’s what is promised by the Mill at Sonning when Richard Briers (above) and Peter Egan are reunited on stage at a gala matinee on Sunday. It’s a partnership that goes back 30 years: how did they first meet?

“We’d nodded to each other in the BBC canteen,” Peter Egan told me. “But I first worked with Richard in a West End production of Arms and the Man. We went on to become great friends. Then, in 1983, I was in New York when my agent rang me, offering the part of Paul Ryman in a new BBC sitcom, Ever Decreasing Circles.

“I asked to read the script, but was told there was no time to send it to me. Then I was told that Richard Briers and Penelope Wilton were going to be in it, so I knew it was bound to be good. So I accepted, sight unseen. I heard later that Richard’s wife Annie had suggested me for the part.”

Peter agreed that audiences enjoy stories about actors’ most hairy moments on stage.

“For example, working with that wonderful character actor Wilfrid Hyde-White was always a challenge for me,” Peter laughed.

“He never learnt his lines, and would turn to me saying: ‘Dear boy, what do I mean?’ I was then expected to supply his next line. Richard makes me laugh whatever he does. He has made me come right out of character at times when we’ve been working together, I’ve been laughing so much.”

A few favourite readings are promised, too, together with a Q & A session: “No reasonable question refused. But unreasonable questions preferred!” as the show’s advance publicity puts it.

Tickets for the event are available on www.millatsonning.com or 0118 969 8000.