Most heckles lobbed at a stand-up comedian are followed by a witty comeback. But in the case of humourist and Radio 4 stalwart Pierre Novellie, his “best ever” heckle was followed by months of introspection, questionnaires, medical appointments and eventually a diagnosis.

Yet Pierre, who was 31 at the time, will remain forever grateful for the generosity of that male heckler in a Bristol craft beer bar basement – among a genial and friendly crowd – for speaking up two years ago.

In…