Laughter was the most frequent reaction at a packed Watford Palace Theatre on Sunday night but it was the closing acknowledgement of one of the guests at Tales from the Vicarage (TFTV) Live that drew the longest and, one sensed, most heartfelt round of applause from the audience.

The guest in question was Clarke Carlisle and the former Watford defender was visibly touched at the response he received after show host and writer Adam Leventhal said: “It’s great to have you here.”

Leventhal shook the hand of all his guests as they left the stage but the 37-year-old warmly embraced the Sky Sports News presenter, the pair having worked together on ‘Reclaiming Watford’, the 12th chapter in the fifth volume of the Hornets-inspired collection of stories edited by former Watford Observer reporter Lionel Birnie which the show launched.

While Carlisle’s battle with depression and alcoholism, and surviving an attempt to take his own life almost two years ago, were not discussed in the show – it was not the place for doing so in my view – the warmth of the ovation was in keeping with so much of what had come before.

The show began with a spoof Sky Sports News flash as Vicky Gomersall cut ‘live’ to her fellow presenter, who explained proceedings had been delayed due to the ‘demands’ of the TFTV guests.

It did make for somewhat surreal viewing as ‘diva’ Nigel Gibbs was presented with a red and yellow bouquet of flowers because he wanted Watford-coloured petals on his dressing room floor, only to respond with mock indignation at the sight of an orange one – ‘orange? I don’t do orange’ – Tony Coton was filmed furiously polishing a trophy, while Carlisle was busy playing Pokemon.

Any non-Watford fans present could have been forgiven for asking what was going on, and I did sense some quizzical looks in what was an audience united in their support of one team, but it was a light-hearted start to the evening with the guests happy to play along.

It is the nature of trying something different that some of those present will feel the introduction worked better than others, but the tried and tested TFTV Live format was soon to return as Leventhal chatted to each of the four primary guests – three-time Player of the Season Coton, club record appearance maker in terms of starting matches Gibbs, Carlisle and now Colchester United defender Doyley – with video footage of some of their finest moments in a Hornets shirt played on a big screen.

Actor and Watford fan Colin Mace kicked off part two with a reading from the Hornet Heaven audio series before Mirror sports reporter Mike Walters joined Coton and Gibbs to debate the merits of Watford’s two FA Cup quarter-final wins at Arsenal from last season and 1987. It was then put to a show of hands over which argument had been the most persuasive but, predictably, the outcome of that ‘referendum’ was put to one side in favour of showing highlights from both famous triumphs.

Watford Observer:

The guests took part in a book signing at Waterstones in Watford before the show

Coton was in good form but particularly when the quartet were joined on stage by Mooney. The two former Hornets now work together at Aston Villa and it didn’t take long for the jokes to start bouncing back and forth as they explained why they refer to each other as “two” and “four” – Coton being the ‘higher’ number because he was the second player to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.

There were anecdotes aplenty throughout – Coton said his father told him not to return home if he didn’t sign for Watford because he wanted his son to get away from disruptive influences in Birmingham - and the end-of-show question and answer also had its illuminating moments.

Coton was asked why he had never won an England cap. There may have been other reasons but the 55-year-old revealed he’d recently learnt that if he had made an international appearance, Watford would have been due a significant additional payment from Manchester City, who he joined after leaving Vicarage Road. City's chairman at the time was the late Peter Swales, who was also a significant figure in the FA.

The former goalkeeper was also asked about the controversial penalty awarded against him by referee Roger Milford in the 1986 FA Cup sixth round replay 2-1 defeat against Liverpool at Vicarage Road.

“I didn’t feel any contact, he toed it pass me” Coton said of his challenge on Ian Rush, before conceding he could “see why the referee gave it”.

The five guests had previously been asked which Watford game they had played in they would like to relive again.

Coton opted for the 0-0 draw at Anfield in the initial 1986 cup meeting, while Mooney chose the 1999 Play-Off Final win against Bolton Wanderers with the caveat that he wish he’d scored at Wembley.

Gibbs simply stated “Luton 0 Watford 4”, Doyley selected the 2006 Play-Off Final victory over Leeds United and Carlisle chose the 4-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United the following season, but with a different outcome.

The panel, with audience participation, had also selected their Watford ‘dream team’ from those they had played alongside at the club. The XI was: Coton; Doyley, John McClelland, Steve Sims, Wilf Rostron; Nigel Callaghan, Almen Abdi, Kenny Jackett, John Barnes; Luther Blissett, Troy Deeney.

TFTV Live has firmly established itself as a ‘must be’ at event for many Watford fans. The panel and audience are bonded by one club but the show works because of the guests it attracts and their willingness to open up in a light-hearted and entertaining fashion and interact. The challenge for Leventhal and Birnie is to keep delivering more former players and staff, who can offer the same. If they can, there is plenty of mileage left in TFTV Live yet.