It’s all a Muggs game

11:53am Wednesday 15th June 2005

He is one of Croydon's most famous, or should that be infamous, sons and is among the most controversial figures in broadcasting history.

As Peter Stockbridge tours with Mugg Shots, it is an endorsement to Malcolm Muggeridge's legacy that people can still feel roused to have a pop at the actor representing this colourful character.

And if Muggeridge needed to be represented as a colour it would surely be red vibrant, daring, alarming, Labour Party red for danger. Born in Sanderstead in 1903, Malcolm Muggeridge was the son of HT Muggeridge a distinguished Labour Party member and Croydon councillor, pivotal in providing the borough's first council homes.

Growing up with this family background it is no wonder that his son Malcolm would become the man he was. For a while after graduating from Cambridge he taught at John Ruskin Central School, Croydon. Many titles have been attached to Malcolm Muggeridge journalist, soldier, spy, broadcaster, womaniser, but it was his conversion to Roman Catholicism from decades as an agnostic that shook the world.

In Mugg Shots, written by actor Peter Stockbridge and John Ford, the story of the 20th century is told through Muggeridge's experiences.

"I've always been a great admirer of his," said Peter. "Not so much as a personality but his writings. I'm thrilled to be performing in his home town."

Peter brings Muggeridge alive in an eloquent performance that has been approved by Muggeridge's relatives. The show even involves a questions session answered in character and this is where feelings have run high.

- Mugg Shots Croydon Clocktower Saturday, June 18, 8pm £11 020 8253 1030

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