sorry about the mistakes, the thoughts keep flowing quicker than I can type, should have said "a day I won't forget" and "I look forward to hearing everyone ELSES comments." What did you friend think of the play Lizza, from a neutralpoint of view so to speak and Renate you are in for a wonderful time, I wish I could do it all again!

If anyone needs any scanning done, let me know. Bethan, is the Sunday Observer photo any good? (Moon Dreams) So Colin is keeping www.colinfirth.com a secret from Livia? Smart man! He doesn't want to shock her. Moon! And what is so shocking about colinfirth.com, pray tell me at once??? Evelyn, when you said you were from Spring, did it seem he immediately knew what it meant? Or did you actually explain it to him? Did you say it was an Internet virtual meeting place for various celebrities' fans?

(Moon Dreams) So Colin is keeping www.colinfirth.com a secret from Livia? Smart man! He doesn't want to shock her. (Arami), And what is so shocking about colinfirth.com, pray tell me at once??? By shock I meant to shelter her from his many fans. Jealousy can sometimes ruin a relationship, and he will be away filming sometimes, and groupies are everywhere. (I have interviewed actors and rock stars who are surrounded by them). As you read Livia was standing there waiting for him. She is probably computer literate and will check it out when he's away(I know I would). Not even very well known actors have such a wonderful site(s) as Colin does.

I'm so excited for everyone who got to meet Colin! It sounds like you all had a wonderful time, I just wish that I could have been there with you all!!! Thank you, to everyone who went, for sharing your experiences with us! If only you could all see the huge smile on my face now!! : )

Ann, thanks so much for your detailed account. I have goose bumps! To think that you all got to meet him. Thanks for sharing with those of us who couldn't go. It makes it slightly more bearable. (only slightly, mind you....)

Ann and Lizza, thanks so much for your detailed reports. I am actually shaking from excitement.....Colin is the gratious and kind person we all knew he was. IMO, it is CF's combination of intelligence and kindness that makes him the thinking woman's man. I, too, am glad you all had the courage to talk to him, and that he now knows what a devoted, thoughtful, and warm group of fans grace the net... Bethan, I also wanted to thank you for your updates and reviews. All info is readily appreciated.....

I turn my back for an hour or so, and there are dozens of posts - - - ;-)) Lizza, also thanks to you for your report. I could just simply have reached out and run my fingers through his hair!!! I must confess that for one mad, bad, dangerous split second I DID consider doing it. You missed the opportunity to give him a scalp massage?! Bad! It's good for hair growth, you know. ;-p Just wonder what his reactions would be ... after he coped so well with the tap, I'm sure he would find a way to cope with that, too. ******* All of you who have posted from London - where did you do it? Any Internet Cafe you can recommend? ******* Susan, I will be there next weekend, and if I get the opportunity I will try to get an autograph for you, too. But don't expect too much. I am afraid I will be very shy in such a situation, and who knows, maybe I will actually sink into the ground without trace :-]. If you know someone with more courage it will improve your chances to get an autograph dramatically. :-P ******* Bethan, I assume you collect those articles and pics to be scanned?

Renate, no internet cafes for me and Lizza, we are from England and are back home, tired, incoherent but very happy.

I've got all the articles/photos I mentioned and will send for scanning. But I will want the Observer photo returned! It's slightly off focus, but I love his expression. Observer review.. "Firth amongst equals"....This is a tremendous piece for actors and it is tremendously well-served by these actors.... And Colin Firth is amazing. He is completely convincing as a pinched and bullying neurotic. As the neurotic's self effacing and secretly successful father, he is a miracle of corrugation.

Sabine, come back...I am in Chat but had to use the tiled room.

But I will want the Observer photo returned! Now I am very curious, Bethan. I like this one - it may not be very clear nor beautiful but gives a good idea of Walker's tension (I think): Or, here's the link, and some quotes: http://firth.com/specials/3dortim.htm

Sunday Times "Brilliant" "played with corruscating intelligence and serene self-confidence. I urge you, go see it, now" (Quoted from memory...is this available on-line?) S. Telegraph "Exceptionally well-made, deserves much more exposure than it's getting in a brief run at the Donmar... The acting is first-rate throughout. So is the directing. Firth's insecure tongue tied Ned (no Mr Darcy) is particularly touching. S. Independent Very well cast... season of American Imports goes out on a high...stylish and witty...captivating production. CF plays Walker with a plaintiveness that owes more to Alan Alda than Woody Allen. More later..

--You can imagine my agony when I arrived at the library door yesterday afternoon and saw the sign thereon: INTERNET SERVICE UNAVAILABLE...ALL COMPUTERS DOWN. Aauugghhh!! So I went home and quietly had a nervous breakdown...(noisily, actually). Today they're up. I'm SOOOOO GRATEFUL!! --My initial response to all these glowing reports is... I TOLD YOU SO!!! (and I haven't even had a chance to read 'em all yet!) I am so happy for you and for us who can share your delight vicariously. (Eventually, in some cases...)

Bethan, I mention this because I don't think you go to Chat and I thought you might be interested to hear something Chloe said and indeed might like to ask her about it but you mentioned many posts ago that you had written to the BBC to ask if they could adapt 3DOR for television with the same actors, of course, and funnily enougth Chloe who I think works for Carlton TV said exactly the same thing and I think she said she has also written suggesting that someone adapt this wonderful play for TV. Just tho ght you might be interested and perhaps like to have a word with her about it. What a lovely lot of reviews, at last he is getting the accolade he deserves, btw Bethan someone said his parents where at the play again yesterday, they must be very proud.

WOW, I had one of the best days of my life in London. I want to thank all of the lovely ladies I have met in London !!!!!!! It was so nice meeting you all ! THANK YOU , THANK YOU for a wonderful day !!! And a special THANK YOU to all of the friends who joined us (Debbie, Susan, ...) and made this day possible ! I was so exited and my heart was beating so fast the whole evening that I couldnt think of anything to say !! I hope you don t mind me talking so little. But I really enjoyed just listening to all of you ! I think the play was very good and CF was terrific !! Now when I am looking at my autograph, I can t believe that I was just standing next to our DB and couldn t think of anyhing to say. My knees where week, my face red as a tomato and my head empty. He looked at me and said " To ??" and I said my name and that was it, luckily he knew how to write my name ( I think it is a german name, isn t it? ) because I couldn t say anything at all at this moment. My sister has taken a lot of photos and I will develope them on Monday, I hope to send them to Karen and/or Heide on Monday evening. I hope you trip to Arsenal was nice and your trip home was OK too. Susan and I enjoyed the evening very much and I hope we will met here or at the chat soon. SABINE

Sabine, come back to chat. We need you!

Sabine, come back to chat. We need you!

funnily enougth Chloe who I think works for Carlton TV said exactly the same thing and I think she said she has also written suggesting that someone adapt this wonderful play for TV (Ann) Weren't Carlton the sponsors for the American Imports season? They may be more interested in showing 3DOR (they do a lot of drama specials). I shall find their address/email and write forthwith to suggest an adaptation...you never know! btw Bethan, someone said his parents were at the play again yesterday, they must be very proud. I don't know why, but I find this particularly touching. He obviously comes from a very warm and supportive family...and I think this shows in the way he behaves to other people. What a lovely lot of reviews, at last he is getting the accolade he deserves, Yes!!! I wish the excellent reviews for 3DOR had taken precedence over the bad reviews for Macbeth, in the Sundays, so we would have had photos of Colin not RS. He never quite gets the full acclaim. But this is a quibble! BTW, Moon, I'm pleased that GP is still mentioning Colin so enthusiastically. Good for her! I'd love to see them do BJD together (I still am positve he'll do MD!)

I think I've scared the neighbors... I'm SCREAMING as I read all your accounts of meeting our DB! I am so happy for you all! Will run over to chat...

Thank you Ann and Lizza for providing such excellent details! I am SO excited for you! In truth, i am shaking with a mixture of excitment and envy. I have no doubt that had i beent there, i would have fainted dead away when presented with the DB face to face. Winter, will email you soon! ;)

For anyone who hasn't heard, at the SAG awards tonight SiL won for best cast and GP for best actress -- she thanked Colin as did Rupert Everett, who read the acceptance speech for the cast. Wonder if Colin would have attended had he not been in the play. Renate, thanks for your kind offer. Anything you can do most appreciated. I would be very shy too.

Ladies you did have such a marvelous time. I had to read ANN's acccount at least twice. TO meet our DB. I would still be in the clouds. You guys had such a great time. I would have loved to been there. I too, have a million questions. Cannot wait to see the photos of everyone. I am so happy that the play is a success.

I just returned from England and its very late but I have to spill my guts about meeting the DB. I still can't believe it!! At the Saturday night performance, after the play, Elena and I stayed on the steps waiting for him to come down. I gave him a pen and said I've come all the way from America to get your autograph and I really love your work-- could you please sign it best wishes, Jana. I had to spell my name for him and He wrote: To Jana, Love Colin Firth. I nearly died. As he continued to desen the steps I remembered I had my camera so I took it out and begin to take pictures. My hands were shaking I was soooooo nervous. Then the ultimate happened--he put his hand on my shoulder when we took a group picture. I couldn't sleep last night thinking about the time we all had. I really enjoyed meeting all you ladies. If my pictures come out I'll share them of course. Got to go to bed getting ready to pass out from lack of sleep.

Excuse the typos--very tired.

a plaintiveness that owes more to Alan Alda than Woody Allen. Yes, that's right! He was more Alan Alda! Was that a quote from the paper, Bethan, or your interpretation? I just have to share one wonderful moment from the play which sticks in my mind, so vividly. At the beginning of the second half, Ned is sitting up at the top of the stairs with Lina. I think he has gone there to take her some cigarettes [Colin spends a lot of time with cigarettes in his hands or cigars in his mouth but never smokes them - E McG does]. Lina asks him about the therapy he is undergoing for his stammer. Ned is sitting close to her but hunched and anxious looking. He then says "they are teaching me to breathe". The way he said it was quite wonderful. He can hardly get the words out, so they come out as a gush of breath. So clever and so affecting. Brilliant. Masterful. Definitely one of the best moments. How are you all feeling now Monday has dawned (for most of you)? Do you like him more, less or the same? I think this board my need to undergo some post trauma therapy;-)

that sould read may need to undergo...

Okay..I give up on correcting my typos.... but have you all seen this picture of Wessex. http://www.grin.net/~meluchie/99leffa.html ?

Definitely MORE, as far as I am concerned, it was a joy, I knew he was a good actor but on Saturday I thought he was absolutely brilliant and so professional, I am so glad I have seen him live on stage, he has such stage presence and whenever he came on he lit up the stage with his energy in the first act and his emotion in the second, I just felt like putting my arm aroun Ned and saying "never mind" or something like that, does that sound a bit silly, oh well too bad, he just becomes each and every cha acter.I think also we were so lucky that he chose to play in such a small and intimate theatre, seeing him in 3DOR was an experience I shall never forget and thankyou everyone for making the day an absolute joy.

I'm in trouble still can't sleep--started reading the posts. Lizza, for the group photo his other arm rested on my shoulder. What a scream. Oh and Heide, forgive me for grabbing an extra program from your purse. I'll send you the one I left in my room that night.

Hello Jana, it was lovely to meet you, glad you got home safely, I can't believe I missed THAT photo, I was too busy chatting, what an idiot!!!!

Hi Ann, it's 2:00 a.m. here but in Britian it's 9:00 a.m. I believe. I'm still on your time. It took for ever to get home (15 hours). I just hope I feel like going to work today. If not, I'll call in and say its Colin Fever. However, everyone will want to know if I got a chance to meet--as they say ("Mr. Darcy") I'm still so excited.

(Sabine)Now when I am looking at my autograph, I can t believe that I was just standing next to our DB and couldn t think of anyhing to say. Sabine, it was great to meet you and your sister, and what you wrote is exactly how I felt, it�s almost painful to think of it afterwards. We stood with Jana on top of those very narrow stairs and then Livia came first round the corner and walked practically into our lap, looking down at the crowd. I said in panic to Jana: �He�s coming now�, and there he was. Near us stood an older chap that Colin seemed very delighted and surprised to meet...Oh, those smiles and warm friendliness. Colin was saying things like �oh, yes, that�s right, how great to meet you!� I must�ve gaped at their chat like an idiot, it was so unbelievable that he was righ there, just a meter away. Then he took a step to us to write the autographs, and I lost my ability to speak English. All I could get out of my mouth was something like �you�re so wonderful, I came from Finland to see you� (that�s all, oh god it was so clumsy). Like I mentioned in chat yesterday, the sweetest thing that moment was that after he had signed my program and signed Jana�s, he realized that I hadn�t told him my name. So, he asked if I wanted him to sign the program for my name and I sort of shrieked OH YES(!), digging the program out of my bag again and handed it to him once more.

Girls....it meant so much to me that we were there as a group, I wouldn�t have done that trip without you. It was really great to be able to share a strong experience like that with someone. Ann, I agree, it was fantastic that Colin chose Donmar and 3DOR instead of some bigger place with probably no chance for us to see him so closely let alone meet him afterwards. Actually I did not expect to be able to meet him at all, it was a big surprise and a sort of a shock to me!

Elena, I think I'm the only person who didn't see Livia, even though she passed right before us. For some reason I only had eyes for Colin. Like you said he is very nice and considerate.

To tell you the truth Jana, at that moment on the steps I did not even want to see her but there she was, so close to me that I could see her every feature. I�m surprised you didn�t, you were right behind me! I think I really am having a post 3DOR trauma, I�m thinking about it all over and over again and can�t concentrate in anything else....trouble is I�m afraid i like him more now than I ever did before.

I agree with you Elena--I think that's why I still can't get to sleep even though it's 3:00 a.m. over here.

Btw Jana, I liked it so much to meet you! And I�m so jealous, he actually put his hand on your shoulder? I dunno how I could�ve handled it if he had put his hand around me like he did to Heide and Lizza!!! When he stood there smiling and holding Heide round her shoulders in front of us I just stared at them in complete amazement. I wouldn�t have done that myself, posing to cameras with him I mean, absolutely too shy.

at that moment on the steps I did not even want to see her but there she was, so close to me that I could see her every feature. Elena, even if you didn't want to see her, what was your impression of Mrs Firth? This is all so exciting. What are we going to do when he goes to ground again as he inevitably will.

Allison, did you manage to meet him also on Friday? Well, no wonder Colin married Livia, what comes to her looks. She�s really beautiful but not in a glamorous way, more like girlish, I think, and a sincere sort of face, no stardom symptoms. I think she looks clearly younger than her age. Beautiful, shining hair. What surprised me a little was how very slim she is, maybe that�s why I used the word girlish. For a second I felt she�s maybe a bit too slim, she could be a ballet dancer. Even though I said I didn�t want to see her (meaning: I knew Colin was coming right behind her in that crowded, narrow place), she looked very sympathetic, you just can�t have any ill feelings (!) for her when you see her. Btw, both Colin and Livia were shorter than I expected, I pictured Colin to be taller than he is and maybe more muscular, bigger or something! You get a pretty distorted idea of him from the movies, Wessex especially. Darcy�s grace is much closer to what he really is. About his losing his hair, in the matinee performance it wasn�t that clear because he didn�t splash the water all over his head like in the evening p., maybe due to having that trouble with the tap!! But when he got his hair wet it was very visible that his hair is getting thinner. It�s just one of those many things that make him so human and so lovable.

I'm so happy for all of you(quite jealous too). What tales we will hear from Heide! She never expected to find Colin's arms round her, I'm sure. Well it's nice that none of you fainted. I know you are still jet lagged and excited but we are going to want to know all the small details as well. What was Colin wearing? Livia? How tall would you say they are? Did they leave on fot or had a car waiting? etc etc Loved the tidbit about his holding the fags and cigars instead of smoking them. I guess he's really sticking to not smoking, it must have been v. hard for him to quit. More when you can ladies, and of course, we're looking forward to the pix. Such marvelous reviews, you are all lucky to see it.

Allison, just checked the Wessex photo: absolutely devine! Thank you for bringing it to our attention. (Takes time to load, but worth it)

Moon, I can't for the life of me remember what he had on coming down the stairs. But I took pictures--will develop them today. I remember his wit and smile. Someone's flash did not go off and he pointed that out. Very thoughtful sooo nice--I was really amazed. Elena, I really enjoyed meeting you too. Have you developed any of your photographs?

Oh, I just remembered something else. I did see Livia's mother. She was sitting two rows down from me at the theatre. A lady from Pemberley pointed her out to me. She wore a black pantsuit with a hat. Her hair was of medium lenghth, brown with redish highlights. She was a little stocky but very attractive. Many of Livia's familiy was there on Saturday night. I remember her so vividly because on Sunday I saw her at the airport. Funny I saw the mother but not the daughter.

Jana and Elena, thanks for your reports! What a marvelous evening -- so thrilled for you. Can't wait to see everyone's photos. Did you notice any bumps or cuts on him from his stereo speaker accident? Were there any celebrities in the audience at the performance you attended?

Jana, yes, just got my pics. I too just could not remember what he was wearing, now I see from the pix that it�s a pretty worn-out longish black coat of wool with buttons and a zipper, and under it he seems to have worn an almost black, slightly stripey sweater. With worn out I mean, the coat seems to have lost some color in the edges of collar and sleeves, he obviously has owned that coat for a couple of years! There are some tolerable shots, I�ll send copies to people who are grinning with Colin in them (Emma, Ann, Heide, Lizza and Gi). Good god, why oh why did I not let anybody take a pic of me with him?! So idiotic of me. I was just in such painful awe. Moon, Colin left the theater BY FOOT. That amazed me, he actually just left the theater and walked off after all the signing was done. I stood watching him go and took a few steps when someone shouted to me, �don�t follow him!�....well, I just wanted to see which of the bars he was going into.....!

Just keep those details coming as you return to earth's orbit, ladies! (Moon) Allison, just checked the Wessex photo: absolutely devine! Thank you for bringing it to our attention. (Takes time to load, but worth it) Oh, yes, it's a good one. Marcia, you can see the ring you gave up as a keepsake (...but you can't see what you chose in its place ;-) ). (SusanMc)at the SAG awards tonight SiL won for best cast and GP for best actress -- she thanked Colin as did Rupert Everett, who read the acceptance speech for the cast. Not only that, they mentioned his name *FIRST*. Well, Gwynnie did thank HRH Harvey W. and John Madden initially, but when it came to the cast she belted CF's name right out there. It seemed to me the actors chose to focus on the 'minute but crucial unnominated contingent.' Both GP and RE neglected to mention JF. An oversight, I'm sure. Moon, thanks for your mention of Gwynnie's CF plug on last week's Tonite Show. You gotta hand it to her--she thanks or plugs him whenever the opportunity presents. Did you think Leno was sincere (I know, the terms 'Leno' and 'sincere' sound mutually exclusive) when he said 'I like that guy?' Was it just because Wessex kissed Viola in the clip?

(Jana)I did see Livia's mother. How did you know it was her mother and where did you see her at the airport. you see no detail is too small! Colin left the theater BY FOOT. That amazed me, he actually just left the theater and walked off That's why he likes living in London and not LA. Didn't he say you have to drive to go anywhere in LA? (SusanMc)at the SAG awards tonight SiL won for best cast and GP for best actress -- she thanked Colin as did Rupert Everett, who read the acceptance speech for the cast. Did RE thank Colin? Or just mention him?

(Eileen), Did you think Leno was sincere (I know, the terms 'Leno' and 'sincere' sound mutually exclusive) when he said 'I like that guy?' Was it just because Wessex kissed Viola in the clip? Leno said he had never read any Shakespeare, but he had seen SIL twice and enjoyed it. He sounded sincere when he said,"I like that guy," but he should have known his name, that why Gwynnie felt she had to say it. I have a feeling Colin will be invited on the Tonight Show when he's in LA to promote a film(we still don't know which one it will be, FP, SLOW or MLSF). Jana, tell us more about Livia's family. How many were there? Does she look like Livia? Any siblings? No detail is too small(sorry, it's the reporter in me). How did the Pemberley person know it was her? What kind of hat did she wear(not large I hope). I don't think it's proper to wear a hat in the theatre because you may block somebody's view.

Who was it that saw Colin�s parents in the press night last week? Chloe? If you�re reading this Chloe, could you please tell us in detail what they looked like (and how did you know they were the Firths?). There was an elderly couple sitting right behind me in the evening performance and from the few words I heard them say and the reactions of the lady to Colin�s performance I was certain that they were the Firths. But after all, how could I be sure, I could be mistaken because I DID NOT ASK them!!! The lady had grey hair in a knot in her neck I think, pretty casually clothed and not much make up, specs. There was an American fan sitting next to them, praising Colin to them as very talented etc.They looked very moved and proud during the applauds, but so did I of course!

These acounts are all so unbelievable. I'm in utter shock and awe at how intimate your interactions were with him (puts my encounter to shame!). I'm so happy for him, and having you all there, I know, definitely lets him know that his work has not gone unappreciated, as people from America and Finland and wherever else went to such lenghts just to see him on stage. On a slightly divergent, but hilarious note, I just got off the phone with a friend, telling him about your encounter. When I told him that CF was co-starring with Elizabeth McGovern, he paused for a moment and then said (in disbelief), 'Elizabeth McGovern??? Wasn't she just in a bunch of those 1980's 'screw-movies'? What could she possibly know about theatre in England!" Sorry to say, but that had me ROTFLOL!

Welcome back Sabine, Elena and Jana. It was just so good to meet you and share such a magical and an unreal experience!! Everyone was so nice and genuine and protective and thrilled for each other all at the same time. Elena I have some great photos of you and HIM!!! So don't be sad!!!

Has anyone already mentioned about his flies? Whoops sorry to lower the tone here, but the lady from the states from the RP said that they had been alittle undone the night before too and that she bet he was mad with the costume department!!! She was sitting next to me BTW

Ann and Allison you have already said how tremendous the performance was. It was an incredible tour de force and the range of emotions he portrayed was amazing. When he was lying on the bed gazing up at EM in her underwear, the look in his limpid eyes and how he conveyed desire and longing were so incredibly powerful. I was the Observer hadn't referred to him as "hunky" , maybe rangy is a better word. His body is so full of energy that it is tangible.

Bethan thanks for keeping us so much in touch with the recent press. The production was well received by my friend Ann, he has worked in the theatre so was very appreciative, He said he looked up in the circle in the middle of the first act and he was completely amazed by the number of eyes fixed on Colin!! He said they only appeared to follow HIS every move regardless of the other actors etc In one way that is very understandable but you need to set his performance in the whole context of the play to fully appreciate his mesmerising performance and so relate to the other actors too.

HI, Lizza!! Have you recovered from it? I guess I never will. I have some great photos of you and HIM!!! What, that�s not possible, when did you manage to take them? I�m quite certain that I had my camera on my face almost all the time except when he signed for me up there.....I have one ok shot of you with him Lizza, I know there are much better ones around but I�ll send a copy to you anyway with some others. Let�s exchange addresses in email. Does he have a bruise in his forehead in your pics? Seems to have in mine unless it�s just a strand of hair.

Done my friend!!!

Ladies, I know you are all still very excited, but do try to answer our questions above. Thanking you in advance. Does anyone know when Heide and Karen are returning to the US?

Lizza, what is FLIES?? I did not notice anything special in his clothing. Not even in the lower department :-)

I have just finished reading all of your morning posts, and I am overwhelmed for you. I am sure life will be much different for you now! We Firthless Few (Eileen's term) will blend back into the woodwork and read your postings while we try to imagine being there with you. I am most delighted that you all had such wonderful experiences and all are home safely. Well Done! I have a 3DoR Keepsake list all set up with 5 things taken so far.

Elena, flies are the zipper openings in men's trousers through which he...um...gets himself in and puts it back. Never leave it open!!!

I only wonder what�s the clothing department got to to do with it? Suppose he can manage as much as get his trousers on and zipper up. Lizza, tell us what you mean, QUICK!!!! Was there something important that I did not see?;-)

Hallo Ladies, how good to be back in your company! I loved Saturday evening - it was kind of Big Adventure to me and, if you will, I'll give you my detailed report. But firth things firth, so I'll try this firth:

Oops, that came out too big! How do I make it smaller?

Gi, if you�re trying to put the group pic here, please erase me off it first. I�ve asked Karen to do so but did not realise that other people have scanners too, I don�t want my face in the net for some obscure reason.

Oh dear, I'm sorry Elena, I had no idea. Please Karen, or someone, will you erase the picture post for me please, I hardly know how to post, let alone erase a post!

And more people may feel the same way... I am mortified. :-(

I expect Colin himself wouldn't mind... So here:

Hi Gi, It was lovely to meet you and Antonio on Saturday what a wonderful evening. However, I am so cross with myself that I missed the Group photo, I was the other end of the foyer and hadn't realised what you were all doing, I was so pleased with my autograph and had moved back to give others a chance to get to Colin, anyway even though I am not in the group photo I wonder if you would be very kind and send me a copy, it would be a wonderful keepsake and a great reminder of the evening and meeting Colin and everyone. BTW somebody asked if we saw any other celebrities, the only celebity I saw was Charles Dance the actor of Rebecca fame?, I believe he was waiting for David Morrisey.

And I'll try the written report, hoping it's safer... Still, as I don't want to spoil the play for those who, not having seen it yet, don't really want to read what I have to say about it, I'll do the reporting in separate posts, and give each the appropriate title...Skip which you will!

Concerning flies. I noticed that on Friday night. Nothing too serious. It was just that the top third of the zip was not fastened. They were a very baggy, un-figure-hugging pair so it did not make the pulses race;-) I have just been reading Ceefax off the television. Really this CF fixation has done terrible things to the way I pass my time.... I read that Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels had just had rave reviews after its opening in NY and LA. This must be good News for SLOW. Made by the same company. Evelyn. If you have returned and recovered from your adventures. Are the Bank making the most of this coincidence.

Yes, Ann, I saw Charles Dance too (didn't remember the name), and nobody else.

I have not managed to see any of those photographs, Gi. Was that my problem or yours? Please...if there are any photographs of CF..please put them where we all can see them??

Hallo Allison, I was very sorry not to meet you :-( Is your husband better?

I posted a pic of CF in response 1768. Do you want to try again, Allison?

Marcia, Eileen, Winter, Jana and anyone else who was not lucky enough tp go to the Donmar, Murph's Appreciation site has some wonderful pictures of the Donmar set and other goodies to do with 3DOR, definitely worth a visit. It shows perfectly how intimate and small the Donmar is.

(Gi)Is your husband better? How like a doctor to be concerned enough to ask!! For anyone who was at Friday's performance, my husband was the only person who coughed. Usually you can rely on a lot of people to splutter and cough in quiet moments but on Friday my DH was the one who filled in the gaps. He is much better and certainly well enough to really enjoy the performance. Though he is starting to annoy me with "That woman, what's her name was soooo good...." As I said. I think he's suspicious....getting his own back!

Thank you Ann. Maybe the 3 Deers want to use any of our pics - erasing whoever wants to be erased:-)for Colinfirth.com.

(Gi)I posted a pic of CF in response 1768. Do you want to try again, Allison? I have tried, Gi, but I cannot find a link there...sob...

Ann, will you come to Chat?

No link, Allison, just the pic. Shall I e-mail it to you now?

On second thoughts, I'm out of chat. I must post my report!

Dinner is served I was so excited to meet all the droolers for dinner! I was only sorry that it was a long table and I could not talk with everybody. There were Droolers and Droolers' friends, and even James, Ann's husband, as good a sport as my fianc� Antonio, or even better since he went to 2 performances. One funny detail was that we had seen Elena and her friend in the train from Heathrow airport and we thought it could be them, because they were speaking Finnish... and Elena thought it might be us! What a coincidence We took pictures during dinner (mine are not so good) and afterwards some group photos as well. Heide is not photogenic - she is a lovely lady but needs to be well photographed.

Stupendous news Evelyn told me that she and Karen had talked to CF the night before and that they were planning to do so again, that we all might wait for him after the show and ask for autographs or whatever as he came out. I felt faint!

DONT READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN 3DOR YET.I'd be pleased to have a chat GI, because I would so like to have a photo of the group and Colin, when will you be there? BTW what did you fiance think of the play my husband thought it was very good indeed and didn't mind at all seeing it twice as on seeing it a second time it answered some questions, the first time around we hadn't realised that it was in fact Ned and not Theo who had designed the house, well actually thats not quite true James had but I hadn t, too busy concentrating on Colin, but he hadn't realised why Theo had been crying in the park or why Pip had been left the house until the second time around, he was also impressed at how much time Colin gave to his fans.

The play Ok, you all know by now how small the theatre is, I loved that it was so. I was to one side, facing the bed - and Colin a good part of the time. I confess I looked at him most of the time, because either he was speaking or reacting to the others, right? He is brilliant. I read the script beforehand, KarenJArt having had the kindness to e-mail it to me. I was curious, especially about how he would play Ned, all that stuttering and nervousness, easy to over do. And Walker, all broken sentences, and "so much pain"... Well, he was so natural, he used his hands (McG doesn't really know what to do with hers) and eyes and body language, and the accent all the time (sure, i'd prefer his own beautiful modulated English accent), and sometimes muttering the nd of his sentences... As Walker he looked great. Was it Elena who found him shorter than she expected? I found him tall and broad shouldered, slim legged, very English.

Oh, Heide is very photogenic at times, especially when Colin has his hand around her! Some of my pics look like they were scenes from the famous movie Darcy & Heide....oh! Unbelievable. And Gi, I�ll send you some pics if you email me your address, please.

Dear Ann, I can mail the photo to you, would you like that?

Dear Ann, I can e-mail the photo to you, would you like that?

Sure, Elena, I would love that, thank you. I'll e-mail you promptly.

Ann, Allison, and any others, I can either e-mail or s-mail pictures, if you had rather have them by s-mail then please e-mail me your addresses. :-(What a sentence :-(

I read that Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels had just had rave reviews after its opening in NY and LA. This must be good News for SLOW. Made by the same company. Saw it this weekend I thought it was brillant, aside from the machismo aspect of the entire film. The editing is very cool-- inspires me to go to film school and want to pursue production again. Lots of guns, leather jackets and gold chains, but still very well written, witty and smart (surprisingly!).

The play - part two At the interval Emma asked if I thought a woman sitting next to her friend could be Livia. So I looked when I went back, and she was! She had a long red knitted sweater, kind of grungey I thought, but she was made up and her hair glossy. She was with a friend, and seemed to enjoy the show, laughing and reacting like everybody else. When the second act was over,the 3 actors took the applause together, bowing from the waist. Colin had a big smile.Then we all left.

A memorable moment: we sat with Emma in the end of row B and at one point Colin walked very close to the rows, standing there, talking furiously in the Walker way. I watched him closely from the side, those slender legs and thighs in the black old jeans, loose sweater, broad shoulders, that firm neck, familiar jaws and ears, short hair in the neck..... Yes, girls, I�m drooling....:-))

After the play - the autographs So we all huddled together downstairs waiting for the DB to come out. Elizabeth McGovern came down first, and some people asked her for autographs. Antonio decided to ask for one - for me, he said, and used my program. She signed her name over her photograph, not even looking at him while she did so. Someone questioned her about the southern American accent she tried to do on the second act, and she explained it wasn't easy to do because she actually came from Chicago. Then flashes started to go upstairs and I saw Livia coming down, so I thought he'd be with her, and tried to get my camera ready. Livia actually came down alone (with her friend), and out the door quickly and discreetly. Colin was taking forever, I started up the stairs and saw he was giving autographs, talking to people and consenting to posed photos, so I took a couple of candid ones, he saw me and didn't seem to mind. Antonio said "get his autograph and I'll take pictures" (aren't I right to marry him?;-))so I gave him the camera, took out my program and when He came to my level, asked "Would you give me an autograph please?"He said, "What is your name?""Gisela""Two ll?""No, just one""A at the end?""Yes". He wrote "To Gisela, with love, Colin Firth +" :-))))) Do you believe it, it's the only autograph I've ever in my whole life asked for?

Allison/Moon - One of the ladies from the Republic of Pemberley pointed out Livia's mom to me. Also sitting beside Charles Dance were two of Livia's relatives because after the play they were all gathered around talking--including Livia's mom. And then the next day I saw her at the Gattwick Airport. Would not have clicked until I saw the same hat that she had on the previous evening. The hat was black. It had an upturned brim and was of velvet like material. That's the best way I can describe it sin e I'm not a hat wearer. Elena,who said don't follow him? Was he alone or with Livia? Winter,no you inspired us all. If it weren't for you we wouldn't have known how approachable and charming he is. Lizza your so right about Colin's character conveying desire. I saw it in the scene when he asked EMcG to go back to bed.

Gi, Thankyou very much indeed I will email you my home address, you are very kind. Gi, did you get the same impression as many that when he looked at you it was a quite deliberate look and it made one feel as it they were the only person "in the room" if you know what I mean the only person there, he has such magnetism and wa so utterly charming that I think my admiration for him has increase with seeing him in the flesh, if that is possible,excuse the grammar I hope you know what I mean.

Ann, Allison, and any others, I can either e-mail or s-mail pictures, if you had rather have them by s-mail then please e-mail me your addresses. Gi, could you E-mail them to me.. That would be great.

Talk - part one Well, I couldn't let it go at that, so I said "Do you know you have fans all over the world? Tonight there is someone here from Finnland, I'm from Portugal, and some have come from America..." He looked suitably impressed, and I went on:"We all enjoyed it very much.You are very talented" "Thank you", he said, and smiled. I replied "No, thank you", got another smile and left the stage to other fans...

I forgot who asked but Heide, Evelyn and Karen should all be returning today (Monday).