Not only poorly cropped, but also taken a bit too close, so the wide angle lens distorts his noble features slightly. Karen, I think you talk a lot of sense here - you're right, of course, but allow the not-so-cool rest of us to fume! Bethan, my poor friend, I feel for you! My hubby agreed to go with me, but he likes the theatre, and in addition he's curious about the fellow who turned his old woman's head... I told him a little about the play and he said: "Oh, great - now I know all about it, I may as well not go." So I asked if I could swap his ticket for another evening, but he said no... So - it's beginning tomorrow... two weeks of hope and glory for one actor and several bunches of his fans from around the globe... As for the applause - it is not only the final applause that matters, though it matters most, of course. There is a long standing tradition among theatregoers to greet favourite actors with applause as they step onto the stage at the beginning of the performance. It establishes a nice buzz and lifts the actors right from the start. Let's go to it.

Gi--did you get your pkay? Bethan--did you get your play? Mannen--I can't seem to get your e-mail address right...send it to me.

Mannen, a warm welcome. You've made the plunge and I hope you'll stay. I think the best policy for me should I be so lucky as to be within talking distance is to keep my mouth shut before I embarrass myself completely. I tend to laugh like a giddy schoolgirl when I'm nervous so Donmar ladies, keep a gag handy to quickly stuff into my mouth. I think there is no fear that the applause won't be resounding. I'm afraid that even if the play turns out to be a stinker, I will think it's the best thing I've ever seen performed. Allison, we're counting on you for those first personal reviews. And anything any of you lucky UK ladies find in the paper will be greatly appreciated. Spoilers be damned, most of us know the script anyway. Those of you who aren't going, thanks for your kind thoughts. I hope I'd be just as generous if I were staying home. But I wouldn't count on it. ;-)

Heidi, Allison or Ann or somebody going will you Pretty Please snag me a broucher or something with Colin's name on it? I will be eternally grateful! Thanks! SBR

Oh, and Mannen welcome! Is this place wonderful?

Karen, No, I didn't get 3DOR but I received your email enquiry as to whether I had received it...and I must sincerely apologise for not replying. I was intending to do so. The email address I'm using (netaddress) is causing me problems at the moment. It takes me ages to read my messages, and I'm not always sure about the messages that I send. Please would you email me 3DOR again, if it's not too much trouble. I'd welcome some advice on a reliable email address (yahoo?, hotmail?) as I'd like to change. Bethan, my poor friend, I feel for you! (Arami) I feel for myself too. I'm really wishing that I'd been more intrepid, taken a day off work, booked a matinee performance and invented some excuse for a trip (toute seule) to London. But I'm just not up to all this subterfuge! And I have to admit I rather enjoy my "secret" admiration...but the price I pay is not being able to see him! In the London theatre listings, he's now officially topping the billing for 3DOR (not EM)! There is a long standing tradition among theatregoers to greet favourite actors with applause as they step onto the stage at the beginning of the performance I wouldn't be able to stop applauding though. Could this be offputting to the actor, particularly one who is self-effacing like CF? I'm beginning to think it's a good thing I'm not going...I'm sure I wouldn't be able to concentrate on the play! I went to a function in my son's school last week, held in the theatre which has a seating capacity of 300, and it made me realise just how small the Donmar is. You really will get a close-up view!

Actually, I'd be seriously worried about disgracing myself by squeaking or squealing, or calling out "Co-lin", and being ejected for disruptive behaviour! Much better that I stay at home (I'm trying to convince myself!:-) )

(bethan) being ejected for disruptive behaviour! Much better that I stay at home (I'm trying to convince myself!:-) ) So am I, but it is not working. It is just lucky I am this far away or I would have been sorely tempted and bitterly disappointed at not going. Those who are going and have cooler heads, please look out for the dignity of our overwhelmed sisters. I appreciate their plight.

Could this be offputting to the actor, particularly one who is self-effacing like CF? I grew up in a theatrical family, and believe me - there's no such thing as a self-effacing actor! :-) Cool, modest, level-headed, shy - yes: a self-effacing PERSON, but not a self-effacing ACTOR... Praise and appreciation for one's work is never offputting. It is welcome, it is hoped for and craved. How can you expect a fish to swim without water? Wanting to act and disliking audience is unnatural, contradictory. Applause at first sight is the best award an actor can wish for.

Oh, and Bethan, I can recommend http://www.iname.com I've had a very reasonable service from them.

Oh Mannen!!! Welcome .....this is the most wonderful place. I must have lurked for almost six months before saying anything. The people are absolutely wonderful. I just hope that when I get my new puter I remember how to hook this site up. It took forever before. I could not bear not the have it. ENJOY!!!!!

Bethan, I too am sorry you are unable to go, so near yet so far and as a consolation can I get you a souvenir programme and SBR I should be delighted to get you a programme also, I feel so lucky to be going and sorry for everyone who is not.

(Karen)he was a phenomenon, wasn't he? Of course, Yes he was. I think what was unique was that it affected women who were not in the usual swooning category. There are often heart throbs for the teens but CF completely blew away women of "a certain age". It was one of the few times that I remember discussing a television programme with friends. The men would be happily discussing how true it was to the original etc while, invariably, the women were muttering amongst themselves about how unbelievably gorgeous that Mr D was. It really was "Darcy Fever . I cannot remember anything like it. Have been reconsidering CF's recent interviews Does any one know how these interviews are done? Re reading them, what impresses me is that they are both obviously dealing with the same material. The Telegraph only seems intersted in CF's personal life and that he is obviously unwilling or reluctant to discuss. She seems not to have made any attempt to discuss his other work or even 3DOR. I could think of a hundred questions I would have lliked to ask him about that. The Guardian is happy to talk about the asylum issue bacause that would interest t eir readers and to put personal things to the background (marriage as a steady relationship...pulease..). Even there there were no real insights. Perhaps we know him so well that only a Ph.D. thesis on the subject would give us information we do not have). Generally two poor articles: Telegraph 3/10: Guardian 6/10. *************** I am feeling so nervous about 3DOR. I wonder how Colin is feeling? He is a professional so presumably he is used to handling these feelings but it must be hard after 5 years away from the stage and the first time he has performed live post-Darcy. I suspect the person with most butterflies is Livia. I wonder how easy he has been during rehearsals! She is probably seeing a new side of him. I hope she is bearing up.

Help, I was sure I closed the tags!

testing

To compensate for all those italics and for a further possible explanation of the Telegraph article go to: http://hem.passagen.se/lmw/news.html.

Lizza, Arami, Ann, Bethan, what does one wear to the theater in England? Another thought, should we consider sending flowers to him backstage? "To a favourite actor, from a group of Internet overseas fans" or something like that.

KJArt, thank you for the play, and I just wrote an e-mail to thank you also :-)

Thanks to all for the multitude of links. I agree with the sentiment about the DT article. It didn't start off too badly until the "secretly waxes" remark. Sheesh! What an "insightful" observation! And he has *never* considered the potential impact of another child on his life?? C'mon! No wonder he was in a less-than-good mood during the interview. Even as an ardent fan, I can't expect all the press to be good, but this article(and one other I read over at Jane's site [now gone] that came out around the time FP premiered--the one that starts out with him in the make-up chair, asking to have his eyebrows built up, saying he was 'really a queen' about that sort of thing, etc.--remember it?) really reaches to find something unfavorable. It makes me appreciate his depth all the more. What do you know? He's human! I know where my thoughts will be around 3 p.m., eastern time. Break a leg, Colin!

Arghhhhhhhhh!!! It is no good. To be a Colin Firth fan you have to be a super sleuth or psychic. From today's Evening Standard, Hot Tickets page. "From Tonight" under theatre, it has, "3 Days of Rain. The American imports season continues ..............The cast is headed by Elizabeth McGovern, fresh from the Scarlett Pimpernell, and Robin Lefevre directs". No mention of CF. I think I am going to give up!!!!!!!!!!! Break a leg, Colin! However, I shall give him one last chance, this Friday. So I really hope he does not, Eileen.

Welcome Mannen, this is a real paradise, lovely droolers and an even lovlier object of drool!! The tension is getting to me at last. we should savour this week because there will never be one quite like it again, the run up to something truly amazing. Yes , go break a leg DB (well you nearly broke your nose!!) and let us hope those scars have faded.

Fresh from the Scarlet Pimpernel .....oh, please!!! Incroyable! Really incroyable! OK..NEWS In today's (guess what) Daily Telegraph: "Forever Darcy...Firth tipped for role in Fielding's creation....Screenwriter Andrew Davies has just finished his first draft of the script for BJD. Davies is well qualified for his task..he adapted P&P, on which BJD was based, for the BBC. "I'm doing my best to enhance the similarities" He tells me. "And infact I think that Colin Firth, who played Mr Darcy in P&P, would be wonderful as Mark Darcy". AD has obviously written the script (a solo effort, it would seem) with Colin in mind as MD. I like the bit about "enhancing the similarities". He adds that it's "a bit delicate" adapting such a hugely successful book, but "Helen has been a very good sport". AD is very professional and experienced...I would think his "first draft" would be near to perfect, so hopefully thry could start shooting soon. And Colin has to be MD. Nice (small) pic of CF as Darcy. Will send whole item for scanning! Okay, break a leg, Colin!

Just popped to CHAT, LOL Karen, Heide and KJ!!! Very entertaining and good to see some action there at last.

I wish people would stop telling him to break a leg. I just have nightmares about "Mr Colin Firth is indisposed, his part tonight will be taken by....". I would have to howwwl with frustration and my husband might just begin to wonder...! It does sound like CFis to play MD. When that is announced we shall be really awash with news.

I have (at last!) read BJD, and although MD is a nice bloke it is a rather small part... isn't it? Don't stone me:-(

Gi, what to wear? that is a difficult one, as we are going to both the Matinee and Evening performances and there may be a certain amount of walking to do at least for me as I will be making a day of it and won't be home till quite late, so I shall be wearing something smart but comfortable, not much help really.

(Arami) Applause at first sight is the best award an actor can wish for. This sounds quite strange to me, I�ve never seen it happen anywhere (but then I�ve seen real theatre plays only in the Nordic countries). It certainly does not belong to Finnish theatre tradition, maybe it does in Britain.

I would echo Ann's view of our own "Costumes" for the theatre. I have a lot of travelling too, so smart and practical, but whatever YOU feel good in Gi, is what matters. After all it is a once in a lifetime event (ha ha). We will recognise you by your feathers and sequins!!!

Excellent sleuthing again, Bethan. So even AD wants Colin for the Mark Darcy part. Would Colin have the nerve to disappoint his adoring public? probably And yes, Gi, Mark is a rather smallish part. However, it has the advantage of being a key and likeable part vs. Wessex!! ;-)

(Lizza) We will recognise you by your feathers and sequins!!! How shall we tell her from Livia then?

Oh yes, one more thing. I saw 3DOR yesterday. It is very funny. A dark comedy. I wouldn't for one moment give away anything about the production and what we might expect in London. It was a bizarre experience. I kept picturing Colin in the Ned/Walker role and thinking Colin would do it differently and better. One thing we must all remember is that we are accustomed to seeing Colin on the screen where there are closeups which show his every little facial expression. He is going to be doing things a bit larger so that the back rows understand his emotions. I really liked Amy Morton as Nan/Lina (pronounced with a long i); she was Warren Beatty's wife in Bulworth and the guy who played Pip/Theo looked and sounded like Joe Mantegna.

Gi, they are not helping you very much in the clothing deepartment. A suit (jacket and matching skirt) is appropriate for either matinee or evening, but for evening I would add a brooch and a lovely and elegant blouse to the ensemble.

I think CF would be horrified by applause when he steps on stage. If nothing else, it will not help him get into character. Save your applause (but no standing ovations, please) for the curtain.

We will recognise you by your feathers and sequins!!! And you will recognize me by my casual look. I�m not going to wear anything special, even though it probably IS a once in a lifetime event. Maybe that�s why! The whole event makes me nervous enough without any extra concern about a thing like clothes. Well, if I was to meet Colin the situation would be SLIGHTLY different (CBD) but I�m counting on not having that chance!!! should we consider sending flowers to him backstage? Yes, I really think we should. Is there a flower shop near the Donmar? I�ve been thinking about getting a bunch but it might as well be a joint one. What do others think?

Chris, I agree, for reasons both general and particular. I'm not sure it's done, in general, and in particular you know already that the retiring Mr Firth is disconcerted by too much adulation. If any are indulging whimsical dreams about back stage visits to the (un)dressing room, surely CF would be LESS likely to let you in if he knows you were the one hollering throughout and being physically restrained by her friends in the front row? If, on the other hand, you showed a suitably cautious and restrained approval for his work.....

I have (at last!) read BJD, and although MD is a nice bloke it is a rather small part... isn't it? Don't stone me:-( I've always been keen on CF playing Mark Darcy and I firmly believe that in the movie version his role will far more central and "meaty". A lot of BJD the book just wouldn't translate to the screen...it's too internalised and episodic. Andrew Davies seems to be the sole screenwriter and talks about "re-writing something that's been hugely successful" and "enhancing the similarities" between P&P and BJD. I believe we will get a very strong AD adaptation of BJD, which will retain the basic structure and cha acters in the book, but will be as much AD's work as HF's. BTW, in the subsequent BJD weekly columns MD was very much an equal partner, and I believe he also features strongly in HF's follow-up book. Am going on about this somewhat, but I just want to see CF play one more alpha-male! (Arami) Applause at first sight is the best award an actor can wish for. Well, go to it ladies! Your chance to give him a "Best actor" award! Eeeech! He'll be on stage now. End of Act 1 perhaps?

Ann dear, thank you a million times. :)

Thanks Chris, I really think you�re right.

Should add to the above...at final curtain call. Otherwise, I think I agree that he would prefer "restrained approval".

Given the way the play opens and Colin's initial appearance, applause would be very disruptive to his concentration. I was sitting in the second row and there was a woman at the end of my row who, on noticing the Walker character in bed, starting to talk to himself, made a very loud comment. Something to the effect: "he looks pretty comfortable." Wanted to stuff something in her yapp! It's just not that type of play IMO. This is very much an ensemble piece and the actors are intensely into their parts. We can applaud our little hands off at the end. I can hardly wait.

If there are any programs left after all the important droolers are taken care of, and one seems destined for the dust bin, might someone save it for me. Please?! Or whatever they have from there. I have been known to collect bathroom tissue with "Property of the Village of ...." on it. Thanks.

9.30pm. GMT, I wonder how it is going, oh the butterflies, goodness knows whast I will be like on Saturday, I don't think I will be able to stand it, in some ways I shall wish I wasn't there and could hear about it later, but I know I would regret it if I wasn't there, whatever is the matter with us we are grown up women behaving like teenagers and I really can't believe I have written this let alone posted it but I just had to share it with someone who may understand. Why do we want something so badly for someone we don't know, should I see a shrink?!!

sorry about the grammar and spelling mistakes!!

whatever is the matter with us we are grown up women behaving like teenagers LOL.Yes we are, but I wish you wouldn�t feel ashamed about it, Ann. Maybe I need a shrink too, no doubt about it (!) but so what, I�m enjoying this and so are you, Ann, aren�t you!!! I�m just letting it happen to me as long as there�s no harm done (except for my husband grumbling a little about using the internet too much). ........I�m glad how brave you are to bring up this delicate subject concerning us as fanatics. I haven�t dared to do that although the WHY question is such an interesting one. I guess it�s a bit of a taboo.

Judging from my own response to these happenings, not a whole lot goes on in adult lives which makes one feel really alive and all tingly like when we were teenagers. He does, and so does this incredible adventure. We lead such structured lives for which we are responsible; it is a huge pleasure and release to break out of the mold and run free for a little while. I think it is very healthy. Do not try to read someone else's problems into it. Enjoy!!!

What a strange lot you all are! I assure you that it is a legitimate and traditional custom of cultured Europeans to acknowledge their favourite actors, singers, instrumentalists, orchestra directors, etc., before the performance begins. I admit it doesn't happen very often in the theatre, but real stars do get a hero welcome. Oh, well, have it your own way...

Arami, don't take on. But when in Rome..... I have witnessed opera in the open-air theatre in Verona, and seen how the tenor was cheered on his entrance and in the middle of his sustained top C; but you must know by now, surely, how repressed and surly the English are? I remember going to a concert with my father, an overworked investment banker, and hearing him wonder, rather sadly, why at the end of a day's slog no-one applauded him. I pointed out that where the lowly musicians got claps, he got dollars, but even the ripple of polite applause we were hearing was apparently too much. Anyway, the serious point is surely that Colin's entrance may well be in the middle of a scene, and its dramatic sense might be spoiled by noisily frothing Firthettes.

Thanks Marcia and Elena for your words of reassurance, I shall now go ahead and enjoy the next few days in anticiapation of the big day.

Colin's entrance may well be in the middle of a scene Ben, the play actually begins with Walker=Colin on stage, according to the script. He�s lying on a bed, listening to the night etc. or whatever, then begins to talk to the audience.

Elena, thank you. And Arami is right that in concerts, musicians (conductor and soloists at least) are clapped onto the stage. But not actors - I suppose it's because they are in their roles even as the curtain is drawn, and one applauds only the actor, not the character. To applaud them at that point would be like clapping between movements.

I know this is completely off topic, but is there a better, faster way to load the latest msgs.? I've tried through the n/f link, but this topic never shows up on the list. And, if I try to access this place via "forgotten," I get messages all the way back from December of '98. (took me 12 mins. to get here) ************************ I also think that applause for CF should be held till the very end. That way, you can initiate his standing ovation, and he'd at least get to have a peek at who his enthusiastic fans are (as opposed to if you were to applaud him in his first scene). ************************ Can someone please save me a programme as well? Ta!

Winter, are you using this URL? http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/116/new Putting /new at the end loads only the previously unread messages. (Ben) you must know by now, surely, how repressed and surly the English are? Sure - I'm married to one, for my sins... ;-) All right - I give up. No more talking about applause. Btw, I have replied to your Polish question where I found it, so you'll have to sneak back in 34 to see it. :-)

Never fear, we shall not embarrass the spring at the Donmar. And I am going casual too, Elena. Can only fit so much into my carry-on. But don't worry! This Ugly American will keep her sweats and sneakers at home!! We'll search the aisles and seats after the performance for discarded programs.

Bethan-- I have sent you 2 (count 'em) 2 e-mail messages today. I presume that 3DoR met the same fate. Did it? The most recent e-mail was refused as they did not recognize the address. I have tried the 'USA' in upper case and in lower case. Which should it be? Did you get either of my e-mails today?? (I think you'd better post to answer!! --Winter-- I have discovered that if I keep up will Spring on a regular basis, load time is minimal. I keep track (in my little yellow notepad) of the last response number of the last time I was here. Then I enter spring at :www.spring.net/yapp.html, which takes me to the front page. I sign in, and (usually) request the last 333 listings if I'm doing it daily. It is no trouble to scan down for the number of my last entry plus one, link into it and only the new ones will come up. Loads in about 2 sec nds. If I've been delayed a few days, I can bring up my desired entry number with: www.spring.net/public/read/drool/xxx.yyyy with "x"'s being the topic number (here, 116) and "y"'s being the response number desired. (such as 116.1454)) Up it pops and only the stuff after that loads. Do try...(This being only an alternate method/suggestion, of course. Noting response numbers is crucial...)

Thanks Arami & KJart-- For some reason, I've gotten in fine this time. But I'll take your advice next time I run into this problem again (which will be in the near future, I assure you). Re: Donmar attire-- When it doubt, wear black. You can never be too casual in black. (P.S.: I miss Pemberley. And just when when Masterpiece has got something other than Bramwell on the air)

Ann: I guess that I need a shrink also. I just adore this man.

Re: Donmar attire Don't worry about being casual. There is a wide range of attire at West End theatres these days; anything goes. Today's Times. Arts listings. "Recommended today...3DOR...cast headed by EMcG...". The Invisible Man! (AnnW) Why do we want something so badly for someone we don't know, should I see a shrink?!! I'll join you. Perhaps we could get group rates.

Today's Times. Arts listings. "Recommended today...3DOR...cast headed by EMcG...". One of the reasons that I "want something so badly for someone I don't know". Sometimes I just can't believe the way he's treated by the critics ...and it brings out my squawking mother hen side...I get so indignant and can't shut up about it!!! "Cast headed by EM" effectively slights CF as a good actor...I think some critics would choke on these words! There's the drool side (definitely!) but also I'm as nervous for him sometimes as I am when waiting for A level results or watching my younger son play a violin solo. I have to brace myself to read his reviews incase they ruffle my feathers! :-) Respectful maternal lust perhaps! Very Freudian. :-) Karen, Sorry you've had trouble e-mailing me. I'm severely technologically challenged...a real IT dumbo. I've been trashing my old messages but not deleting them so the memory space or whatever was used up. I've now managed to open my folders and have deleted absolutely everything...probably overdone it. Could I suggest you send me a one word "test" and if I acknowledge it you'll know that messages are getting through. I can't believe I've been so dim! My apologies again for putting you to extra trouble.

I'm as nervous for him sometimes as I am when waiting for A level results Oh, Bethan you strike a chord. I almost feel I should not confess this but my youngest is taking an A level physics module today and I suddenly realised I had more butterflies for CF. What kind of mother hen am I? (okay, physics modules can be taken again or that is what I am trying to tell myself) - I shall definitely have to join Ann at the shrink.

Ah, but with a physics module, there's some degree of predictability. You know that if your son has done a reasonable amount of work, has had good grades in the past and has been well taught, then he should do well. (I certainly hope so!) But in the case of the critics/press and CF, I just get the feeling that there are quite a few individuals out there who would take great relish in putting the boot in. ! If I read in the reviews that EMcG gives a brilliant performance, ably supported by David Morrissey, this mother hen will fly down to London and peck a few eyes out!! :-)

********** DONMAR NEWS***************** Running Time for 3DOR is now 2hours and 10 mins. *************************************** That is of course slightly less than we would have liked!! Marcia et al, we will comb the aisles etc for goodies for you, never fear. Donmar is too small and intimate for applause at start. We can save it to the end!! Please can I join your SHRINK group rate too.

(AnnW) Why do we want something so badly for someone we don't know, should I see a shrink?!! (Allison)I'll join you. Perhaps we could get group rates. Perhaps we could persuade the DB to attend with us :)

3DOR venturers, you have me happily excited for you. You can come lie on my couch and I will tell you it is all perfectly normal. It is like getting a wonderful present which you cannot yet open. But you get butterflies every time you think about it. That, and the fact that you will meet, at last, those people with whom you have shared your intimate lustings through carefully crafted sentences. When you are there, eye to eye, all that you really are will be for all to see. A face and voice with the ords. That would be the nervous time for me. Could those butterflies be in there, too? (Lizza)Marcia et al, we will comb the aisles etc for goodies for you, never fear. Bless you all for this sentiment. They shall not have to sweep up between performances at this rate. I am now warm and fuzzy feeling, and greatly excited for you. Happily so.

Perhaps we could persuade the DB to attend with us :) Forget the group rates, I'll pay double.

Good morning SB!!! Nice to see you. =)

(Ann W)something smart but comfortable. Smart and comfortable it will be! (Lizza) We will recognise you by your feathers and sequins!!! LOL! (KarenR)How shall we tell her from Livia then? I'm a few years older and won't have Colin by my side :-) (MarciaH)A suit... Thank you, Marcia, I think you have it right for me. (Elena)And you will recognize me by my casual look... Dear, better be prepared for anything. And it's better to be a little over than under dressed, don't you think? So, maybe you want to follow Winter's advice and wear black ;-) (KarenR)Oh yes, one more thing. I saw 3DOR yesterday. It is very funny. Now that is strange! I read the script and it didn't strike me as funny at all! And not the best story in the world either, a few of the surprise elements being too transparent to surprise... We'll see what the DB and the others involved will make of it. (Chris L)Save your applause (but no standing ovations, please) for the curtain. (Ben B)Arami, don't take on. But when in Rome..... Indeed! Shall we "play it by ear" and do as the natives do...only more? What do you say?

Allison, going back a post or two, I stand corrected, you are, of course, quite right, yesterday was the preview and tonight is the first night and press night, I believe the curtain goes up at 7pm tonight, fingers crossed especially tonight with the vultures in the audience! Allison how did your sone get on, well I hope.

son I mean not sone

Break a leg, Colin! Relax, Allison, this saying is American-ese used to wish an actor 'Good Luck' in a performance. As I understand it, telling them 'good luck' is really bad luck. Or something like that. Guess it all got lost in translation! I'd never wish for him to REALLY break his leg (but didn't he have a broken foot in Heide's friend's dream?) ;-) I was hoping to see reports of 3DOR reviews. Do they usually come out next day or is there a delay? Frankly, I don't care if the critics don't like the play as long as ODB shines. Wish I had the problem of deciding what to wear, Elena. I'll be thinking of you all as I sit at home :-( Thanks for your offer to pick up a program for me, Ann!

Well, I've popped over to the other boards and have answered my own question. Last night was the preview so it's too early to expect any reviews. Tomorrow, then? Thursday? And the curtain goes up at 7 p.m. tonight? Why--that was 10 mins. ago! He's on now!!

--Bethan-- I,ve tried three different times...they keep kicking it back!! Aghhhh!! KJArt

(Gi)better be prepared for anything. And it's better to be a little over than under dressed, don't you think? Yeah, ANYTHING. Guess why I decided not to take my husband with me to London?....:-))

Erm.....I hope he won�t be snooping here behind my back! Hei, toi äskeinen oli siis ihan totta pelkkä vitsi.

Well, let us think. You are from New Zealand...and you just happen to know a little Finnish...can't imagine how your Email address got there...none of the others seem to work.=P Do you think he will believe me?!

HELP!I accidentally erased Heide's e-mail and don't know the name of the restaurant we are going to! Can someone (Lizza?)either post it or e-mail it to me again? I'm desperate!

HELP!! How will we know each other when we arrive at the restaurant?

Gi, here it is: Hkalb@aol.com

(JanaC)How will we know each other when we arrive at the restaurant? I dislike them intensely, but a little unobtrusive sticky tag with your name on it will suffice. If they do not know you by that name, use the one you use here.

Gi, the restaurant is called the LUNA NUOVA and apparently it is underneath the Donmar down some steps. I hope the critics liked Colin's performance tonight, I am sure he was wonderful.

Which performance are you going to Gi, if you are going to both as I am then Heide suggested that we meet everyone outside the Donmar at about 3.30pm for a photo.

Jana , I tried to e-mail you with no luck!!!

Karen, I thought I'd solved my e-mail problems but am now getting "network error" messages (what's that?). I've got an old e-mail address which seems to be okay bethan54@yahoo.com Perhaps you wouldn't mind having another go...and I think that this had better be my e-mail address until further notice. (Thanks for your suggestion, Arami) I hope the critics liked Colin's performance tonight, I am sure he was wonderful. (Ann) I hope so too....but I just don't like or trust the London theatre critics. There's nothing they enjoy more than sharpening their talons, even when audiences actually enjoy the performance. They're best ignored! I think we're fortunate that Colin is prepared to give a demanding live performance, earning about �35 a show, when so many well-known actors (Hopkins, Branagh, Day-Lewis, Irons, Alan Rickman) have said that they'll never do live theatre again. Anyway he's faced the vultures, and good for him! I was just glancing at the Guardian article... the banner headline on the front page (which probably wasn't picked up in the electronic version) is "Colin Firth: God's gift to trousers." The Darcy legacy? But my guess is that he'll no longer be amused by this.

(bethan) "Colin Firth: God's gift to trousers." LOL Indeed he is, at least to breeches. Question: Is anyone going to be nosy enough to notice if he *really* dresses to the left or to the right?! The poor man will come in dressed in a cleric's gown. Of course, with a codpiece, there is no puzzlement;)

I have just read over at Chat that Colin is in HELLO magazine, is that true, is it UK Hello and does anyone know anything about it?

I have just been chatting to Chloe at Chat and she was at the press night of 3DOR, not a very encouraging report for our DB. Feel quite sad now, I will not be buying papers tomorrow. His mum, dad and Johnathan were there.

Oh, the pain... I keep seeing ads with dirt-cheap air fares from Boston to London and wonder if I should have tried harder to make the trek. Bethan, I too thought about trying to cook up a plausible business trip excuse, but this being New England I was afraid we'd get a snowstorm that would delay -- or, horrors, cancel -- my flight. And now I find out the play opens with him lying on a bed! O sisters in drool, think of me in my misery as you savor that moment.

Lizza which Jana do you want Jana C or Jana H?

(Ann W)I have just been chatting to Chloe at Chat and she was at the press night of 3DOR, not a very encouraging report for our DB. Feel quite sad now, I will not be buying papers tomorrow. His mum, dad and Johnathan were there. But details, woman, DETAILS! Don't be so cryptic!

--Bethan--I'll try both my own e-mail and piping 3DoR to that one and see what happens. Let me know. If it does work, don't forget to change your address at Spring. KarenJ

Arami, to elaborate, Chloe was invited to the Press Night, the play was received warmly but not entusiastically. She said the play had faults, that EmcG was good and that DM had the best lines and although she is a Colin fan she thought his accent wavered and that his character need a bit more oomphh. I'm afraid she said the play sagged a bit and that the timning was not good last night. Anyone can have a bad night I was just sorry it was Press Night, you know what our Press are like unless you are Nicole Kidman and I was sorry for Colin especially as his family were in the audience. Fancy putting oneself under the pressure of it not only being Press night but your parents are in the audience as well. From my own point of view I am sure he will be wonderful on Saturday, I just hoped for Colin's sake he would get rave reviews but who cares what the critics think, we know better.

Thank you ladies for answering my plea for help... Ann, what's with the report? What was said? Is it the play? Is it the performance? It can't be Colin!

Oops, Ann answered while I was asking... Let's hope they get everything perfect by saturday. I'd be devastated if I got anything less from Colin.

I�m positive that the play is getting better and better after the first night and by Saturday it�ll be as good as it gets. Trouble is, by then the worst vultures have already told their views to the public..... it�s pretty cruel that the press is always there right in the beginning when plays are often in a bit immature state. That play IS a difficult one to make it work.......oh, when I read your report Ann and started to write this my hands were shaking. I really want all the best for him and if the press is going to crush him I�ll be devastated.

Some other fans have seen it and said that Colin was wonderful, gave the best performance they have ever seen him give, his accent was fine, the audience, (including non-CF fans) loved it, they thought the play was very good, and there was tumultuous applause at the end, and he (eventually) gave them all a huge grin. I also read the report in Chat, and thought it was okay..C. seemed to finf the play too wordy, but a lot of critics have liked the play. What really, really charmed me (and made me like CF even MORE!) was the fact that his family were all there in the front row...mum, dad, brother and sister. I loved the description of his mum...very, very sweet looking, white hair in a bun, and beautiful eye. And his dad has dimples. CF is just too nice! C. also aid he looked absolutely gorgeous.

Thanks, dear Bethan. I was almost beginning to weep here!

Thanks, dear Bethan. I was almost beginning to weep here! So am I. I cannot find Chloe's conversation. It is no longer on chat. Was Livia sitting with the family group? She was there.

DON'T! The ladies who saw it on the first night were in seventh heaven...thought he was brilliant, anf the entire audience loved the performance and play and watched in rapt attention. And REALLY, REALLY applauded at the end. They can't wait to see it again. Go with that! The Press Night is always difficult, and it's tough having one so soon. Normally plays trial in the provinces first. There's no audience buzz, and critics don't give much. Must be very nerve-wracking to perform. I thought that it was lovely that his family were there to give him support and seem so nice. Livia was there on the first night, and he gave her a big hug. Hope I'm not being indiscrete, but I really want everyone to LOOK FORWARD to this! Apologies for all the earlier typos. Done in haste. No reviews so far in the papers we get, but I couldn't give a damn for reviews!

Arami, also Chloe said he was very very nervous, and who wouldn't be what an ordeal. I agree Elena it is a shame the Press come to see th play so early on, I would hate eto see them condemn it before it has hardly started. The critics can be so cruel but yes wasn't that lovely Bethan his whole family sitting in the front row. I don't think Livia was there last night but I expect she went to the Preview.

Review from the Daily Mail. Small piece by Michael Coveney "Love and the Paternal Triangle". There is an unprecedented spate of new British and Irish plays on Broadway at the moment. We send them The Blue Room, the Weir, Closer, Dame Judy Dench and Sir David Hare. And whar do we get in return? Well Neil Simon is still a going concern. And the Donmar is presenting an American season of new plays. Three Days of Rain introduces a very clever, if rather dry and schematic young dramatist called Richard Greenberg. And we do him proud. Colin Firth, Elizabeth McGovern and David Morrissey add flesh and passion to two overlapping triangulaar love stories in New York. First, 1995: a brother and sister of a lately dead architect pick over what happened, the legacy, the house that must be lived in. The son of the architect's partner, a TV actor who eats chocolate and doesn't put on weight, reveals his affair with the architect's daughter. Cut backwards, after the interval, to 1960. The same three actors play the two architects and the girl who left one for the other in three days of rain: wet, wet, wet. Lucidity of writing and the pointed, precise playing in robin Lefevre's smart production on a pristine white setting brings us all together. The emotional switch is beautifully handled. Miss McGovern is stunning as a calculating Southern Belle whose weakness for drink parallels that of her daughter, while Firth heads backwards from nerdy inheritor to stuttering, awakening artist of the drawing board. And the wonderful Morrissey redifines his Nineties nerve as Sixties cool , finally left our in the rain, like the cake in the pop song. It is heartening to hear good writing emerging from off Broadway again. I just wonder, though, if these tr angular, interconnecting designs for living will carry too parochial, or dare one say pointless, a punch. ************* I notice from the Times "recommended" theatre. EmcG still heads the cast but 3DOR os the only one in the list which has a mark against it for "House full, returns only". Now I wonder why that is....

sorry about typos. In rush. MUST get on with some work.