Ian Dury and performed the theme song "Profoundly in Love with Pandora" for the television series "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾" (1985), based on the book of the same name by Sue Townsend, as well as its follow-up, "The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole" (1987). Dury turned down an offer from Andrew Lloyd Webber to write the libretto for "Cats" (from which Richard Stilgoe reportedly earned millions). The reason, said Dury, "I can't stand his music." When AIDS first came to prominence in the mid-1980s, Dury was among celebrities who appeared on UK television to promote safe sex, demonstrating
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ (musical) new production was presented by the Menier Chocolate Factory and Curve in association with Anthony Clare and David Ian Productions. NB: The role of Mrs Lucas was cut for the London production. The world premiere at Leicester's Curve Theatre received 4 stars from "The Daily Telegraph", "The Times" and "The Guardian". Lyn Gardner in "The Guardian" wrote that Mole was 'a home-grown hit for the Curve... a show constantly paying neat homage to previous British musicals and the traditions of the TV sitcom, and yet always staying distinctive and true to its source material... a quaint, unassuming little charmer." Dominic