'Happy birthday you mad adorable bastard. Since you were a grumpy old man when you were in your thirties, I am pleased that you have now mellowed into a warm, merry and loveable poppet. I hope you know how loved, honoured and respected you are, Trog old thing. I am so sorry to be away in Germany and not with you for this great day. I raise a glass of to you, salute you and - like hundreds and hundreds of others — thank you. Sx' STEPHEN FRY

'To Dear Christopher, The man that gave us so much advice, support and help in the early days of Underbelly. Happy, happy birthday to the true god of the Edinburgh Fringe x' ED BARTLAM (Co-Director, Underbelly London & Edinburgh)

'You've been an absolute inspiration. Many, many happy returns, and here's to many happy years to come. All the best and much love' PENNY SIMS (PR; former press at The Pleasance)

'Christopher at whatever age you will always be the soul that supports young talent and who in doing so keeps yourself young. You have always been an inspiration, keep on trucking. Love William Burdett-Coutts ps I meant to get you a paint pot, but you spilled it in 1981' WILLIAM BURDETT-COUTTS (Artistic Director, Riverside Studios London, Assembly Edinburgh)

'Happy Birthday to a man who backed us up to the hilt and was always there with a helping hand. We love you Christopher' TOPPING AND BUTCH

'I first met Christopher Richardson in 2001 and liked him instantly. He is kind, honest, unconventional and full of charm and wit. There were times when he drove me mad but in all the time I worked for him I wanted to emulate his standards and ethics of hard work. Happy Birthday Christopher, I look forward to having lunch with you soon' KIM MORGAN (PR; former press at The Pleasance)

'Happy Birthday, Christopher. You're a living legend. Thanks so much for many happy years at The Pleasance, Cal x' CAL MCCRYSTAL (Director)

'Many happy returns of the day - and may you continue to rise to the challenges of life with aplomb, come what may!' LEON CONRAD

'Christopher, Thank you for being a creator, many happy returns' BEN TARGET

'Happy birthday Christopher. Thank you (and Brooke) for THE coolest venue at the Fringe' BERNIE BYRNES (from all at Kipper Tie)

'Dear Christopher. Happy birthday. I still appreciate the energy and enthusiasm you showed for the arts at the Pleasance. You always showed me great personal kindness and I don't forget the opportunity you gave me to put on comedy in Edinburgh and present my first ever solo show there. Best regards Ivor' IVOR DEMBINA

'You are as BRIGHT as any Robin and gave us a fine BIRDY to watch! Happy Birthday and many MORE!' JANE MARNEY (Gown and Gauntlet Promotions)

'Happy Birthday, Christopher, and thank you for your wonderful creation, The Pleasance. It goes from strength to strength and there is currently a wonderful team taking care of your baby. Best wishes from us all' DAVID PADBURY (David Padbury Associates).

'Happy Birthday Christopher- Your legacy's have touched millions and you are an inspiration to us all!' HOLLY PAYTON (Director, World Festival Net)

'Christopher it was great getting to know you and sharing my 'TRANSFORMATION' with you. proud to have crossed paths with you and a pleasure to perform at The Pleasance both in London and Edinburgh in 'GREEDY SCRATCHERS' best wishes' GEMSKII

'Happy Birthday Christopher! 70 is the new 35, lets get drunk soon xx Zena' ZENA BARRIE (Co-Director, Camden Fringe, Etcetera Theatre).

'Dear Christopher, you are a wonderful man and an inspiration to anyone who has ever met you. With much love' PAUL SULLIVAN (PR)

'For the unique and distinguished Mr Richardson. Dear Christopher, May this milestone occasion be every bit as grand and as memorable as you! Happy, happy birthday! Love and best wishes x' PHYLLIS FOUNDIS (ex-Virgin Club diva circa London 2003 & Edinburgh 2004).

'Happy Birthday Christopher! Big thanks for all the help and advice you’ve given me and the shows I’ve worked on through the years – and for agreeing to be a judge for our Scavengers project last year (and agreeing to be driven up Arthur’s Seat in an old London Bus for pictures when I’m sure you had many better things to do...). It’s a genuine pleasure to have met you. Wishing you many, many happy returns. Very best wishes Steve' STEPHEN FORSTER (PR)

'Dear Christopher, Best wishes on your 70th Birthday. And for keeping small theatres alive' SIMON FURNESS (Actor)

'Hi Christopher, we share the same birthday! (It's also my wedding anniversary,19 years to the amazing Martin Soan, Greatest show on Legs) I've had the pleasure of playing at the Edinburgh pleasance back in 98 with Boothby Graffoe and before that with Chris Lynam and the Extravaganzas in 94 ...loved it! have a great day' VIVIENNE SOAN (aka Pierrette Scobaz - You and I were both born on St Peter's day)

'I think this really is my round... Peace now, and love always. Lou x' LOUISE CHANTAL (Producer; former press at The Pleasance)

'Hi Christopher Richardson, NYC Dirty Folk Rocker (and also June baby) Jessica Delfino, checking in from across the pond to wish you a spectacular birthday!!!' JESSICA DELFINO

'Dear Christopher, This is going to be my 5th Edinburgh and all because of you. You're an amazing man!!! I'll never forget when I called you and bugged you about the Pleasance, not knowing a thing about it in 2005, referred to you by Dominic K., one of your faves and you were just so patient and so gracious. YOU'RE MY IDOL!!! And you introduced me to Edinburgh. I wish you all the most amazing things for your big B-DAY and looking forward to seeing you soon' INES WURTH (I Miss Communism)

'There is only one you dear dear Christopher. You're an inspiration to us all, and a real gentle man in every way. Much love to you from me and all at Fringe Report' JOHN PARK (Editor, Fringe Report)

'Happy 70th birthday Christopher from John & Katie and all your friends Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate' KATIE PLEWS (Co-Director, Upstairs At The Gatehouse)

'Dear Christopher, Wishing you a very Happy Birthday. With much love and best wishes from Richard and all at Richard Jordan Productions' RICHARD JORDAN (Producer)

'Have a very very very Pleasance Day!! From Anthony, and all at the Pleasance' ANTHONY ALDERSON (Artistic Director, The Pleasance, London & Edinburgh)

Christopher Richardson - The Big Interview