TONY BENN’S death at 88 last March deprived socialists of their greatest standard bearer, but a play opening in London tonight will ensure his life continues to encourage them at a crucial moment.

He always told anyone who asked that the humble epitaph “he encouraged us” would be the most touching tribute.

The opening of Tony’s Last Tapes, based on 11 volumes of the political giant’s diaries, comes less than a fortnight from the general election.

The one-man play has been transferred to South London’s Bridge House theatre for a three-week run following sell-out first shows in Nottingham last month.

Bridge House artistic director Giles Croft said that the show’s popularity was proof of “the affection that continues to exist for Tony Benn.”

Mr Benn served working people in Parliament for over half a century between 1950 and 2001, trouncing the Tories in 16 elections along the way.

Philip Bretherton is the actor with the task of trying to convey Mr Benn’s political conviction and personal kindness.

He has impressive stage and screen credits but has never taken on a solo role before.

And he admitted that the prospect was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

“That in itself has been a bit daunting but it’s also been a lovely challenge and to do this with the backdrop of the general election is really exciting, “ he said.

“People who knew Tony Benn said they enjoyed his company — I’d have really loved to have met him — and it would be a shame if we didn’t see his kind again.”