Evelyn, I was surprised I got them too. But I've been beating myself in the head for weeks about whether I wanted to make the journey all the way from America. After all it's not everyday that you get to see your favorite actor in the flesh. I also got a copy of the seating arrangments for the theatre and my seats don't look too bad. Ann--sorry I was betting on each performance being 5 hours long. (Made a typo error) I only have tickets to two performances. So, is anyone else seeing it more than twice. The next two weeks will be totally useless ones because the excitement is killing me. And I have two papers to write for school. Yick!! Does anyone else feel this way--tell me I'm not alone, PLEASE!!

(bethan), Some "stars" don't need promotion! I believe that's what his agents must think. I wish he were more of a man and did something about it. He's starting to make me angry with his wimpy attitude. Wake up and smell the espresso Colin! He's got FP, MLSF and SLOW for G sake!

Firstly well done Bethan for telephoning the Donmar, its great news to hear that 3DOR has been busy and the other thing for someone who has been snubbed in the run up to the Oscars (for SIL I mean) he does seem in remarkably good spirits, perhaps he knows something we don't. Secondly two performances are better than none Jana, I look forward to meeting you in March and I agree I don't know how I am going to get through the next two weeks, I am having a bit of a problem with my mouth and throat at the mo ent and have this nightmare that I shall not be able to make it on the 6th, tell me I am being stupid, ever the pessimist.

Moon, what do yo mean his wimpy attitude is making you angry, in what way is he being wimpish?

Moon, what do you mean his wimpy attitude is making you angry, in what way is he being wimpish? I echo Ann's question. Here we have a man who made at least �3/4million last year for less than 3 months work. Who appears to have a happy personal life. Who is probably doing the work he wants to do. Why is that wimpish? It is sane. If he wanted to go for major Hollywood romantic leads, he would now have to be contemplating his first face-lift! (Bethan) the Donmar are not advertising 3DOR in the papers. I do not think the Donmar advertises that much. When I have been there in the past it has usually been via word of mouth recommendation rather than through press reports. They are a small venue with limited budget. I suspect we will hear something nearer the time. There is a review of the first two plays of the American import season in today's Evening Standard. The acting was generally praised but the reviewer did not seem to think the two plays were worth bringing all the way over the Atlantic. Lets hope 3DOR is better. It sounds more promising.

I believe he has to put more pressure on his agents so that when he gets the fourth billing in a film, he isn't omitted for the movie adv. When he takes a starring role after years of not doing theatre, there should be some promotion and adv. He has three old films which he should be knocking himself to make sure they come out. At this rate it will be video release(which is fine by me, I just want to see them!). And why not fight for the Mark Darcy role before it is taken.

(Moon)He has three old films which he should be knocking himself to make sure they come out. At this rate it will be video release (which is fine by me, I just want to see them!). I agree, If it is only in video I must may see them with the rest of the world. Otherwise , there is a very good chance that I might never see them. Out here.

What does he pay his agent for? Wasn't there talk that he has a new one? Well IMO they are not doing a very effective job.

WHOOPS I meant he/she, not they!!

I do not think the Donmar advertises that much (Allison) By "advertise", I just meant the very small ad that is included in the What's on in the West End Theatre section, and just gives booking/advance booking details and the name of the production and who is in it. The Donmar is always sandwiched between the Dominion and Drury Lane (I'm one of these boring people who reads the theatre ads!) But for some reason they are not advertising 3DOR, and I found that puzzling. They've always advertised their productions in the past. There must be a lot of people who are totally unaware that CF is doing theatre. Possibly there may be an interview next week, but it may well be that they'll just open...theatre gets far less publicity (unless you're Nicole Kidman!), and maybe he doesn't really want it. I echo Ann's question. Here we have a man who made at least �3/4million last year for less than 3 months work. Who appears to have a happy personal life. Who is probably doing the work he wants to do. Why is that wimpish? It is sane Have to agree. I really didn't like his non-inclusion in the SIL promotional ad, (ruined my breakfast!),and wished he'd been included in more reviews, but I don't honestly see what he could do about it. And probably this doesn't really bother him as much as it bothers me!! :-) I think he'll promote his upcoming movies very conscientiously, probably FP and MLSF in tandem....he's been more than co-operative in promoting SIL. And I continue to think that MD is a foregone conclusion for him, and he won't have to fight anyone for the role. AD's involvement makes it more of a certainty! And I agree that he's looking remarkably cheerful and happy with his life!

OK, OK, let's have happy thoughts for the weekend. Perhaps he *is* doing all these things and we just don't know about them. And if he isn't, I suppose it's his choice or there's some other good reason. Anyway...tick, tick, tick! The clock is moving for you London-bound lucky ladies! I've lost count, how many are going? How many countries will be represented? When do you think you might start posting news for us poor unfortunates back home?

I see Bethan and I have similar thoughts, posted nearly at the same time. I'm flying over to chat in case there's anyone lurking out there now.

What does he pay his agent for? Agents procure projects and negociate contracts...publicists do the actual publicity. I am thinking positively that 3 DOR contract was before the current agent. ***** I have just finished reading the play 3 DOR and don't see how they can stretch it out for 2 1/2 hours...unless there's a long intermission. And BTW, this is a very American play. If they change the locale...they will also have to change the dialog. ***** I can see where Moon is coming from...but,if everyone thinks his current status is satisfactory, why complain when he doesn't get starring roles? He's happy with his fourth billing...why shouldn't you be?

Yes I am sure he is happy with 4th billing but being omitted and replaced by BA, I wouldn't have thought so, still we will never know, its that that really bugs me okay I can see why the Oscar nominees are there but why BA and if BA why not Colin.

KJArt - I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you! How dreadful of me! Your very kind offer appeared at the beginning of about 30 new messages, and by the time I finished reading them all, I was even more tired and bewildered than when I started... Anyway, my own and my friends' needs have been well satisfied. Many thanks once again.

(Ann)... its that that really bugs me okay I can see why the Oscar nominees are there but why BA and if BA why not Colin. Ann, BA is there because he is better known than Colin inasmuch as he won an Oscar for Best Screenplay and co-starred in "Good Will Hunting", which was also nominated for Best Picture.And was also the largest revenue -producing film for Miramax.Also Harvey had to beg him to take the role of Ned Allyn in SIL. Why Colin isn't there....I could not venture a guess. But I doubt it was a case of "either...or..."

Come, come, it was just a few weeks ago that we were elated with the coverage he was getting. Let's not get our feathers ruffled just because things have reverted to normal. It's certainly no worse than before and I'm convinced there are still good things in store. I like what Bethan said...we're more upset than he would be.

I am so happy for all the ladies that are going to London. I wish I was going also.

Oh Rita, I know!!! If they were not such special ladies I'd really not like them very much. However, aware as they are of our stay-at-home plight, they promised to look through all of our eyes for us and bring all they see back to us. What could be better than that...Other than bringing CF back for us to share. Let's see...how many ways would we have to split him?! Perhaps like in the Arabian Nights, we could each get a turn in rotation...to entertain him however he/we saw fit ;D

(Evelyn) I am thinking positively that 3 DOR contract was before the current agent. Do you mean that he has changed agents? (Eileen)When do you think you might start posting news for us poor unfortunates back home? I am beginning to think that watching the audience at 3DOR might be more fun than even watching CF. I think I am going to find to find it hard to drag my eyes away from Row A in the stalls :-) BTW. I have just caught up with the new look at firth.com. Congratulations to all those deers who have made such a good job of the new layout. Very stylish.

Finally, something about CF and 3DOR in the press. There's a report in the Daily Telegraph, with a nice pic of Colin (as Darcy). But it's the usual sensational inaccurate type of reporting that we can expect these days. Headline is "New theatre role makes Firth as sexy as a breezeblock". Goes on to say that CF is returning to the London theatre after six years absence, for �250 a week. But don't expect sex appeal or love interest. Quotes an insider, or someone, (male, I'll bet!!) as saying that Firth "pla s a Deep South weirdo with as much sex appeal as a breezeblock" (ie none!). Couldn't they have said something about a poignant study of a brother and sister dicovering their past, and mentioned the fact that it's two roles in one..Walker, the drifter, and Ned, the architect father, and that the play has received much acclaim in the US. Nope! I haven't read the script....is "weirdo" appropriate?

Donmar are still saying that timing is 2hrs and 30 mins and will not be able to confirm that before MARCH 1st!! Not a lot of communication re director, stage manager and box office. They must surely know before that, by final rehearsal? IMO CF is one of the few men who could be sexy as a "breezeblock", male perspective reporting from the Torygraph, again. So go on Brit Press, be as negative and snide as you like, you won't put us off.

Still as they say any publicity is better than no publicity, be it good or bad, (who says that!). and drat I usually get The Telegraph on a Saturday but this wek we bought The Times.

Deep South weirdo, I guess that means he will be doing an American deep South accent. I hope you ladies won't find that as distracting as I would, his voice in ATA I found most annoying. Has he changed agents? If he has then maybe someone from his camp has been reading our posts (heehee).

Oh no a deep south accent,that is a little disappointing and not to hear Colin's own lovely voice, and I have to say that the deep south American accent is not one of my favourites anyway, apologies to anyone from the deep south, you probably wouldn't like my Sussex by the sea accent either( England).

Ann, I�m positive that you will forget your disappointment about the American accent by just SEEING him there as close to you as he will be! Imagine, it�ll be only a few metres from row A!! But I�m sort of sure that you already have imagined..... My problem, on the other hand, is not of aesthetic nature but practical: I probably won�t understand the play without a script! The British accent is much easier to understand than the American, let alone the "deep south" one.

Do you mean that he has changed agents? Sorry... a typo error...mean't publicist. And that is conjecture too . But with all his personal apprearances and articles in the Brit press and PEOPLE,since the new year, some of think he has a new publicist. So again I say...IMO "I am thinking positively, that the contract with 3 DOR with no publicity was before the new publicist." ******* I read the play and I didn't think Ned was a southerner or a weirdo. An American, yes.( Does that make him a weirdo? :-) ) I think this will be a real challenge for him and think of it this way,.. it will show Hollywood that Kenneth Branagh isn't the only British actor that can speak in an American accent. It's a clever play....was on the short list for Pulitzer in 1993.

I'd take "Deep South" with a pinch of salt, given the level of accuracy we get from the press. I wonder, why Deep South? It's set in Manhattan. I thought an architect could be cultured Boston or some equivalent, and his son, even if a "drifter" wouldn't be "Deep South" surely, and would the two characters have the same accent? I have to add that I really know nothing about regional accents in the US. Is Bill Clinton "Deep South"?... I like his accent. PS Sex appeal is Colin Firth walking onto a stage. And if he looks like he did at the Berline, tnen breezeblocks are SEXY!

There is a radiant photograph of Colin and Livia on Meluchie's off screen pages. I shall try a link!!

Well that did not work! Let's try once more. C&LF picture

Southern accent or not the opportunity to see the man in the flesh, a few feet away, performing at the craft he's so darn good at is enough for me. People have begun questioning my logic about flying so far for so short a period just to see a play. So I had to come up with a better story. Now I tell them "Oh, I'm going over to see the sexist man in England." Shuts them up completely--until someone uttered Prince Charles. I had to whip out the pictures after that statement.

C&LF photograph If that doesn't work I shall give up posting links for ever!

What a great pic. So, they love him in Mexico too. Winter, is that the black necklace you described seeing on Livia while at the L.A. showing of SIL?

I don't get "southern" from the play either. Maybe it's been done in the past with a southern accent. I think mid-south accents are nice - soft and lilting like Virginians. But like the others, I'll take any accent as long as it's believable. I'm not worried about sex appeal either 'cause I figure it's going to be there whether it's meant to or not. The man just can't help it. And isn't there a scene where he's in bed? Clothed perhaps but he is with a woman (as opposed to a man ;-)). (I hope I didn't give too much away.) Lizza has come through with dinner reservations. Wonderful, persistent girl. I'll give those of you who are there on the 6th a heads-up soon.

(Allison)Congratulations to all those deers who have made such a good job of the new layout. Very stylish. All praise must go to Renate who designed and executed the new layout. Work is still in progress... and will continue for a long time... Bethan, that nice photo of Colin as Darcy - I hope we have seen it before...?

I have just called the Donmar (again) to get a ticket for a friend and now there are only 2 tickets left!! They are amazed at how well they have gone for the whole run considering the lack of publicity. Never underestimate the power of a wet shirted breezeblock, I say!!

Whoops I mean only 2 tickets for March 6th, not the whole run!!

London Timeout is running an article/review of the Donmar season in the next issue (Thursday 25th?)

Hey, that IS the necklace I was talking about! In fact, that's from the L.A. premiere. Those two are so cute-- beaming all the time. Livia, I think, has a contagious (but charming) smile.

I would love to see him in something other than grey or black!!

Bethan, that nice photo of Colin as Darcy - I hope we have seen it before...? (Arami) Oh yes, it's the still shot (face only) of him at the wedding ceremony when he's standing next to Lizzie looking very enamoured. Ann, you got the Times today. Now, did you read it? Properly? :-) Look at the Weekend section, page 19. "A Filmmaker brought to book". It's about Lord Puttnam and (I quote)..."And yes, Britain's best known film producer is still producing, just: My Life So Far, to be released in the spring, will be his last. The article describes his various involvements in good works, mainly in education, and mentions that he suffers from ME. But, hey, the SPRING! Does this mean that we get to see it first in the UK? The Puttnam connection will ensure a respectful coverage in the press. I'd watch the film if only to see him (CF!) in a kilt and jumping into the lake! And isn't there a scene where he's in bed? Clothed perhaps but he is with a woman (as opposed to a man ;-)). (I hope I didn't give too much away.) Oh well, that's quite enough thank you, to fire the imagination. Especially if you're sitting six feet away. And doesn't he get wet (well, dampish) and take off his sweater. Breezeblock, huh!! He should hire us as his publicists...we'd make sure that he got the right coverage! The Box Office wouldn't be able to cope with the demand!

(Winter)Those two are so cute-- The pictures of him and Livia always make me DESPERATE with jealousy, that�s the terrible fact even though I try to deny it. I�ve always felt practically unable to look at those shots. Wonder how you others manage to do it and comment the pics so happily....!!

Thanks Bethan, yes I did miss it and wouldn't it be wonderful if as well as 3DOR, DQ we should also get MLSF for th Spring, all this excitement is going to my head and I had visions of us getting MLSF next Christmas.

Wonder how you others manage to do it and comment the pics so happily....!! Poor Elena! Don't worry, I feel your pain too. That twinge of jealousy is still there with me, my dear, still there. hey-- Jonathan Firth (brother) is still single...

I know this is off topic but may be of some interest to P&P UK droolers, Jennifer Ehle is on Late Lunch Channel 4 on Wednesday 23rd Feb, at 6pm.,second time in a week that she has done a British TV interview now lets hope CF does one, too.

(Winter)Jonathan Firth (brother) is still single... Is there a worse Hell than lusting after your own brother-in-law?! If you cannot have the real thing, I do not think the "looks like" variety would satisfy. However, it is the 90's... Perhaps I am being too conservative.

Imagine, if you will, traipsing around the house in the summer, having just emerged from the pool. He will be in the tiniest of clothing (Speedos?!!!) and dripping wet. I just would not do. Not for these lusty ladies, I think =P

And Jonathan lives downstairs from Nick Hornby, can't be that difficult to find him;) I like Jonathan;)

(Laura) I like Jonathan;) Enough that you would not drool uncontrollably in our DB's presence?!

You, ladies, have an incredible talent for making one dream. I am all curiosity about 3DOR and will be anxiously awaiting your reports. Bethan, not only do I think we would do a fantastic publicity job for Colin, we would all be great co-starring with him in BJD. Renate, I have already sent an e-mail to 3deers, but, let me congratulate you for a job beautifully done, du bist wunderbar! I'll be off to LA on Monday to meet with Winter and Jana2. We we're going to cover the FP premiere but as you know it has been postponed.

Jonathan is Colin's Baby bro, I don't think he'd have a problem as we are close in age. And DB is married;)

I don't think he'd have a problem as we are close in age And what? CF is a doddering old man? ;-) Older or younger, I'd have a hard time keeping my eyes off those Speedos. Though frankly I think he's more of a baggy trunks kind of guy myself. (Oh, this poor man.) Jennifer Ehle is on Late Lunch Channel 4 on Wednesday 23rd Feb, at 6pm. Ann, any chance you could tape this? Evelyn is out of town and probably doesn't know this but I'm sure would love to see it.

(Heide) I think he's more of a baggy trunks kind of guy myself. (Oh, this poor man.) True...on both accounts, I think. You can tell when it is a slow day at 113. I tend to be more fanciful in my imaginings (and he is such g o o d imagining!)

I love to see C & LF together. But, like WInter I feel a little jealousy but then when you see how radiant they are you have to be happy for them. I am jealous of all of the people that are going to see CF in the flesh. Especially, Ann and Evelyn. THey have promised a blow by blow account of the entire evening. I am so looking forward to that.

I saw "You have got mail" with T.Hanks and M.Ryan yesterday. M.Ryan is the owner of a little book shop and guess which book she likes the most ?? Of course, P & P ! She tells T.Hanks about the book and he buys it and starts reading it. AND then it happens !!! He has the book in his hands and who is on the cover ??? YES, CF !! Please don t laugh at me, but I was so excited to see the P&P-book with CF on the cover. The film was very nice just like "Sleepless in Seattle". That all about my sudden unexpected "meeting" with CF. But I think that a lot of you have seen the movie already, haven t you ??

It has come to Hilo!!! SIL is playing at a tiny arts theater downtown. That is the good news. The bad news is a: when I told the other half of the household I had to see it, he remarked, "You, do, do you?" but not solicitiously; and b: there are flood warnings up and we are told to stay home today. Aaarrrrrrrrhg!!!!

Re: ACCENTS "CF plays a 'Deep-South Weirdo'..." Geez you guys will believe anything in print...Good thing you have Evelyn to keep you honest. Neither of Colin's characters is from the South...the only character, as far as I can tell is the mother in the 2nd half...and I think Elizabeth can handle an American dialect just fine. From a Variety article of Mar, 1997, speaking of the original production of the play in Costa Mesa, the running time is given as 2 hrs. 20 mins. There is to be a benefit performance of "The Blue Room" on Feb. 25 for the Donmar Warehouse with Nicole Kicman and Iain Glen. (Ent. Wkly)

Sabine, the only reason I'd go to see "You've Got Mail" is to see that scene you describe. It would give me a guilty little thrill too. But I think I'll wait for the video instead.

Also RE: 3DoR: I do not like it that in one of the scenes 2 characters are supposed to be sitting there talking and SMOKING111 No wonder these poor actor-type people can't kick the habit for long! I protest!! Also I'll repeat the offer to e-mail the play to anyone with a lot of paper...

Yes please Karen, I would love to receive the play and have masses of paper! Thanks a lot.

Thank you for offering again Karen. Could you please email me a copy of the play too.

Me too, please Karen. Many thanks! "CF plays a 'Deep-South Weirdo'..." Geez you guys will believe anything in print. (Karen) Usually it pays to believe the exact opposite! Drop-dead gorgeous, sexy etc. etc. I've posted this before, but in view of the fact that Colin is doing theatre, it bears repeating! I keep a notebook by the PC, and sometimes jot down notes to remind myself!! A couple of years ago I posted some comments by a friend of mine who had just seen Ralph Fiennes in "Ivanov" and had also seen CF in "Chatsky" in the same theatre about three years earlier. She said (consulting my notes!)that CF had "a very good stage presence" and a very distinctive voice. We discussed how actors can look different n stage and screen, and she said that RF looked much slighter in build on stage, whereas from what she remembered CF had appeared well-built and tall! I love to see C & LF together. But, like WInter I feel a little jealousy but then when you see how radiant they are you have to be happy for them. Most of us fell for CF as Darcy. I like to think he's capable of Darcy-like passion in real life! I do not like it that in one of the scenes 2 characters are supposed to be sitting there talking and SMOKING Aargh! The old enemy waiting to strike! Perhaps he can chew gum instead. Ann, is your email address working? I got message returned.

Hi Bethan, yes my email appears to ber working, have received some emails today, please try again.

The NY Times (Feb. 21, 1999) devoted nearly all its Arts and Leisure section to the so-called British Invasion of Broadway. There were lots of articles. I thought maybe, possibly there would be some mention and YES! There it was, in an article entitled Words to Prompt Disdain in London: New York Hit by Matt Wolf. The jist of the piece is how London critics and theatergoers tend to automatically dislike anything that was a hit in America (so be prepared, all 'LLL's [lucky London-bound ladies]). Well into the long article, it states "And yet, the two-way traffic continues. Richard Greenberg's 'Three Days of Rain,' seen at the Manhattan Theater Club in 1997, is now in rehearsals for a London debut on March 2 [? date] as part of a monthlong American Imports season at the nonprofit Donmar Warehouse. Colin Firth and Elizabeth McGovern head a starry cast. Lucy Davies, literary manager of the Donmar and producer of the American season, called plays like Mr. Greenberg's 'such an enormously unmi ed area.' [Emphasis added] It is rather benign, but it is a mention! Other imported plays are also cited ('When Pigs Fly' and 'Defending the Caveman') but their stars are not. HA. Apropos to the discussion about accents, the piece states that these latter two plays were "Anglicized to varying degrees so as to play down any New York pedigree..." Those of you who have read 3DOR note how New York it is. I have been wondering if CF would use a NY accent. Can you imagine what that would be like? Fuhgetibudit! The Times had another article about the difference in accents entitled The Coaches Speak: Accents R Us (or Ah Us, if you Like) which discussed the rise of dialect coache to help British actors sound American and vice-versa.

I had a great start to the day!!! Switched on T.V. and there lo and behold HE was, swimming in that pond and emerging dripping etc etc At first I thought it was a CF programme but of course NOT, silly me!! It was a school's programme on P&P. I couldn't help thinking that I would be this close to him (distance from TV) in less than 2 weeks. Has anyone else seen the copious coverage on Rufus Sewell? I am getting fed up with it!! He opens on 24th in Macbeth (previews) and he seems to be everywhere. So I am hoping that logically they will be interviewing our DB for release this time next week. O.K O.K O.K so I can dream!!

The reviews of the DONMAR season have been mixed so far, but of course all that will change next week. I was thinking that we ought to begin a "Wish List" for the D.D. ( Deprived Droolies). Tell us what you would like us to bring back from 3DOR for you. It will complement Lisa's excellent list of what to pack for the trip!! Any starters?

According to the distributor, Fever Pitch's newest release date is May 28th.

Could well tie in the with opening of MLSF, and perhaps CF will promote both at the same time.

I'll be a starter for the "Wish List" for DDs!!! I think it would be really nice to have a program from the performance! I'm pretty easy to please so that would do it for me!!!!:)

You shall certainly have a programme Stacey, it would be nice if it were autographed as well, but can't promise.

Reviews for the first two plays in the Donmar "American Imports" in The Times and Guardian. Quite reasonably good, I thought, especially "Morphic Resonance". "The play is boosted by a superb production by James Kerr. He gives the exchanges the speed of championship tennis...the cast all play with class in a buoyant comedy." There's praise for the acting and direction of the other play as well. Definitely set in the US...New York and Harlem. Isn't CF's sister a voice coach? Maybe he'll work with her! Re. Running time.. (Quote)"We entered the Donmar at 6.60pm and left 5 hours later" One of the plays is fairly short, but there must be an interval between the two shows. 2 1/2houre for 3DOR seems ok.

Just back from Londinium. Dropped into Donmar to make sure it was still standing. They have Drool cleaners at the ready, but apart from that there is no activity. I checked out local restaurants again. Belgo and the Neal St. restaurant are still standing, and the second is still quite expensive (50 quid a head, I reckon). There is another one, also serving drinks, next door to the Warehouse, just on its right. Can't remember what it's called, but you can prob. get a drink there after the show. Might attra t the man himself, but looks a bit too swish for a cast party. Overpriced but, sadly, most things are around Covent Garden these days. \ I must say, I have never seen the tag "New York Hit" as a deterrent in London. Quite the opposite, if anything. Projection, I think.

I'm keeping a serious eye on the papers this week in the hopes that CF will do one interview (yes, Lizza, Rufus Sewell is everywhere...!) But I just have a gut feeling that he'll keep it low-keyed. Hope I'm wrong...:-) But as the guy in the Box Office said..."they don't need to advertise". BTW, 6.60 should read 6.30!

Keepsake? I would simply love a sound file of his voice, with or without accent, but know that is illegal and would not want to get a fellow droolette in trouble. (But if there is a way....) So I'll settle for a group shot of all of you in front of the Donmar. Preferably with you-know-who, if opportunity presents!! And I second Stacey's claim for a program. Let us know how he's written up.

Ben, what WOULD be the most likely place for the Donmar cast to have a drink after the play??? ;-) (I know I know, don�t say it here, he could read it and keep away.....!)

Ben did you catch JE in her new film while in London? You have been silent on that score for a while! You will have to match our drooling, which is gathering pace, I am sure you can manage it!! Welcome back.

We must have that picture of our fortunate Droolers in front of the theater, and where ever else you can arrange to do it. Since we will be there with you in spirit, take lots of them. Then post ASAP. I started a legal discussion with the suggestion of the tiny voice-activated recorder, but I would love sound bites. Just let someone who can refrain from the almost-impossible reflex of coughing in the quiet moments when our DB is speaking have the recorder. ;)

Ben did you catch JE in her new film while in London? A firsthand report on Sophie and the dreadlocks, please! (and we won't believe you if you say you didn't see it!)

According to the distributor, Fever Pitch's newest release date is May 28th. I'm not sure whether to take this as good or bad news: this will be one week after the opening of "Phantom Menace" (Star Wars, pt. 1). Will people be much too distracted by the power of "The Force" to see FP, or will FP be a relative haven away from the hype of Phantom Menace?

A haven, Winter, a haven.

One hopes it will live up to its name and be a truly phantom menace.

(Bethan)I'm keeping a serious eye on the papers this week I shall keep the Evening Standard under close strutiny. There MUST be something in there surely??

Love all these posts. All this Colin news in so good. I just hope the scene where there is smoking doesn't affect him. I quit two years ago and believe me I have my days.

Having just defended London critics against charges of knee-jerk anti-Americanism, there was this morning a rather nasty little piece in the Torygraph about the Donmar series. However, having panned the first two shows for pretensiousness, self-regard and over-sentimentality, he did say... It may be that the third show, Three Days of Rain, will prove something special when it opens next month with Colin Firth and Elizabeth McGovern in the cast. So, there you are. BTW, I know you true believers have every confidence, but can one be sure of a convincing New York accent from Wor Col? He may be v. good at it, but I've never heard anything other than his own voice, and it is terribly hard to do these things well. Also, I did NOT manage to see the new JE film. I was only in London for a day, and had only one hour free from blasted work, during which time I walked from Mayfair to Westminster, via Earlham St. You see how dear all of you are to me? Anyway, I have every confidence, dreadlocks or not, that she will not be able to hide her angelic charm. I would spot her even if she were lying homeless under Waterloo Bridge. Finally, as to cast party spots, I cannot tell. When I was there, there was not so much in the area, and being a wee bairn, I had to be out of the theatre by 10 o'clock. I think they used to go to one of the pubs nearer the Opera House. I forgot to mention another new bar I noticed, this one at the Leicester Sq. end of Garrick St, opposite the club, but it is self-conciously "modern" again, and no doubt fearfully priced. Not a thesps' hangout.

I would spot her even if she were lying homeless under Waterloo Bridge. Oh he's got it bad! Ben, I believe there is no turning back for you.

Lizza, re: keepsakes -- I would dearly love to have that sweater he whips off, whether or not it's wet;-) Anyone sitting in the front row brave enough to grab it for me? Barring that, I'll settle for your blow-by-blow reports, which I hope will begin arriving as soon as the final curtain drops.

Having just defended London critics against charges of knee-jerk anti-Americanism, there was this morning a rather nasty little piece in the Torygraph about the Donmar series. I don't think their critic would be over-welcome on the other side of the Atlantic!! He sounds rather xenophobic! But he also wrote: "I must admit that large sections of the audience appeared to be having a ball during "Morphic Resonance"...I can only assume they were friends of the cast". Hmm..well, I can only assume that they were members of the general public who, unlike the critics, actually paid for their tickets. And I can also only assume that they were enjoying the show! It's all matter of taste. Obviously the Torygraph critic would have been more at home with a five hour version of "Peer Gynt". But critics do wield a lot of influence through expressing an individual viewpoint...I think that reviews should be based on volume of applause. Let the audience decide! Wot! No dreadlocks report, Ben. How disappointing! :-)

(SusanMC)I would dearly love to have that sweater he whips off, whether or not it's wet;-) Pop over to 113, Dear. I just brought that up.

Am going to see the Chicago production of 3DOR this weekend. It has gotten excellent reviews. Will be in the second row, so will be in an excellent position to compare the respective Ned/Walker's stage presence! ;-p

Oh Karen, you do your homework most thoroughly. Have you the lines memorized yet? Just don't do to CF what Churchill did to Olivier: sit in the front row and audibly mumble his lines along with him!

Could someone please tell me the running time for SIL. Thank you.

123 minutes.

Thank you all for your posting the time. It was for the "Why?" chromosome challenged half of the family. I just posted my thoughts on the movie on 115. Here I can tell you it was magnificent, funny, touching, and entirely stunning visually. Anyone seeing it who has seen Olivier's Henry V will note a similarity in their treatment of the oval theaters and posting of notices and general crowds. I am still dizzy with joy. Take your husband or male SO. They will love it and laugh knowingly at things tha will surprise you. Mine did. On 113 I claimed my Keepsake. I think this movie deserves its own Keepsake list. I adored this movie. I must own it.

CF interview in today's Guardian. Not much about the Donmar...mainly about working for refugees/asylum seekers. Now lives in Islington (next door to Hackney, Arsenal territory).

Now lives in Islington Oh, my God, Iknew that's where he would be. I always bump in to Islington friends in the supermarket I use (its half way between me and them). Stnad by for sightings! Actually if I did see him in the supermarket, I have to say I would draw the line at giving everyone a minute description of his shopping list. I think he would have a right to resent that sort of intrusion. CF interview in today's Guardian. Off to buy the Guardian.

Off to buy the Guardian. I hope you're impressed by my speed of response! I set off on the 7 Feb 2036, I wonder which year I have returned in. A typically earnest Guardian article. Picture of our DB looking scruffy (as I am sure he does in real life). It mentions 3DOR and SIL. Some selections "Firth has a taste for contradictions and a gift of empathy unusual in a profession so crowded with egos." "He likes to joke about how often people are disappointed when they come face to face with the bloke behind the breeches" The imaginative reach across the centuries to Shakespearean England is nothing compared to the new challenge Firth has set himself over the past year. His own privileged life of interesting work, steady relationship, a son, was punctured by the story of a young Nigerian asylum-seeker's treatment at the hands of the British authorities. Appalled by the stories of immigration officers' whimsical use of their powes and the dehumanising system that faces asylum seekers, he has begun to visit and woek for re ugees". It hten describes a charity performance evening of song cance and poetry in Winchester, of which he was the MC and his hopes that it might be performed again in London and Oxford. "But for London, it would need to be more polished and you'd need some real names; just me reading some poems is not exactly giong to pull in the crowds". As the article goes on "This is classic Firth, self-deprecating and cautious..." And what do you make of this?"The question on most peoples' lips each time Firth makes an appearance is not so much what he thinks, so much as which, of his co-stars, he is currently thinking about (he did after all have several well-publicised affairs with his leading ladies)" There is then a bit about the perils of stars taking up causes of which they know little (they do not accuse CF of this) and how when he was playing Judd, his own politics were not so different... "The far left may have been left behind with Judd, but his polite disappointment with Jack Straw's performance on the asylulm issue indicates he is unlikely to be available for Cool Brittania". Ooops, have to go. Back with more soon.

So I did travel back in time. Sorry about the tyoing, I did not have time to proof read it before I had to go. Not much left. "He may have a house in Islington, but he drinks Nescafe and travels by Tube" [what do people in Islington usually do? It's not that grand.] 3DOR "is a return to the thrilling unpredictability of the rehearsal rooms". He was attracted by the very short run. "I can't do long runs, because my son is in Los Angeles and I'lm committed to regular visits; besides I could hardly run my commuting lifestyle on a regular Donmar salary." It finishes "At heart , Firth is as much the unromantic realist as Lord Wessex. It's not a bad quality for someone intent on challenging the asylum laws." One other bit that we know about but which I thought was well expressed "he spent miserable years as the left out middle-class child in the secondary modern playground. They are years that have left scars of uncertainty and a shy disinclination for publicity." It is so much like the Guardian to refer to the fact that he is now married in an aside that he is now in a "steady relationship". Is it unPC now to refer to wife or husband? If am happy to send this article to anyone who would like it and could scan it. Karen or Renate?

Thanks for defying time travel, Allison, to share this most interesting interview with us. The content is different than anything we've seen before, is it not? Signs of our multifaceted, ever-evolving DB! The urge to help people must be in his genes, considering his family tree. And what do you make of this?"The question on most peoples' lips each time Firth makes an appearance is not so much what he thinks, so much as which, of his co-stars, he is currently thinking about (he did after all have several well-publicised affairs with his leading ladies)" Don't think that's the question on our lips. We seem to gravitate toward what he thinks. I would love to see the whole article.

Oh, my God, Iknew that's where he would be. Ditto! I feel like I'm psychic. When I read a few weeks ago that he had bought a house, I just thought "I bet it's in Islington". Not too far from his old haunts, not too grand, a Nick Hornby neighbourhood etc. A typically earnest Guardian article. Picture of our DB looking scruffy I also thought that if he did give an interview, it would be to the Guardian. (You see...I'm beginning to think like him!) The pic is an old one...it accompanied an article about the making of FP which was in the Guardian two or three years ago. Interesting stuff about the asylum seekers. I wonder if CF supports One World? They have an excellent website www.oneworld.org. I remember reading some recent reports in the press about Nigerian asylum seekers. They had been protesting about corruption and envionmental sabotage in Southern Nigeria, and had been brutally tortured. But their treatment in this country has been less than humane, and they have been kept indefinitely in a detention centre near Oxford. One of them protested about their treatment and has, I think , been given a prison sentence.

As a conscientious reader of newspapers, I also have to report a snip from the Times. (Something else to look for, Allison!) Joe Fiennes has said that he fell in love with GP, but as a boy, not a girl. He says that GP as a boy caused the men (in the cast?) to question their own sexuality (as presumably they fancied her more with a moustache). The Times says that this will not go down well at the Box Office! I'm paraphrasing madly here as I can't remember the exact quote. The Independent is a bit sniffy about the Donmar season..."Do we really need these American imports when we're sending so much good stuff to Broadway, blah, blah, blah". But praises the production of "Morphic Resonance"