Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction which began at this time. This is a recurring theme throughout the book. The story also deals with an issue that has affected Sue Townsend directly; she was registered blind in 2001, as a result of long-term diabetes. "Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction" was typed by Townsend's husband from dictation. In her review of the book, Mary Wakefield felt Mole's immature and angst-ridden personality has lost its appeal as he approaches middle-age, where it was endearing in a younger man. Bruce was Adrian's old schoolmate in the first book. He was very clever although he couldn't grasp
Jake Brunger and Pippa Cleary at Jermyn Street Theatre received Time Out Critics' Choice. "The Great British Soap Opera" was likewise well received by critics. Sally Stott in The Scotsman wrote 'there's a sophisticated structure underpinning the story in which "real" life and TV fiction run as parallels... it's all great fun, surprisingly clever and just like a real soap you'll find yourself getting drawn in despite yourself'. In London, Nina Caplan in Time Out described the musical as "more welcome than any profound examination of these putrid times" "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾" at Leicester's Curve Theatre received 4 stars from