From this at www.upcomingmovies.com about "My Life So Far" Greg's Thoughts: This movie, once named The World of Moss, was originally slated to be released a year before, in July of 1998; and all along, I've kept my eye on it. Why? Well, as people are welcoming back Terrence Malick after his 20 years away from the camera for his work on The Thin Red Line, I was also happy to hear that High Hudson is also returning. Though this is only his fifth film, his first two were very memorable (Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan is a favorite of mine), even earning him an Academy Award. I deed, the pace and manner of Chariots of Fire may be indicative of what this film might be like, as a description of a scene of daily swims in a Scottish loch reminded me of the famous runs along the beach in that film. In both scenes, there is a certain British stoicism that is unspoken, but remains in the viewers' memory, like some kind of compass of behavior for quiet moments. There aren't many British period-piece dramas that register on the cultural landscape of late. There've been a few in recent years (Firelight and The Governess are the most recent), but not the volume that there once was, in the heyday of the Merchant/Ivory films. Happily then, comes this film next Summer, perhaps as a well-placed piece of counterprogramming to compete with the crowds of the various blockbusters of the season. Here's hoping Hugh Hudson's return is a triumphant one. (As of 12/16/98)

Ladies, news of Colin's next project, according to Lisbeth (Lisbeth's Timeline) he is to play a madman, can't remember all the details ony that it is a TV film, great to hear he is working again but a madman!!

Go here to read a bit more about his project: Donovan Quick Thanks to Karen who got us e-mail on Yahoo or I never would have seen it.

Oops! I was so excited I didn't check out Lisbeth's timeline first. I see I put up the same link there that she did. Looks like a UK project so please look for more on this for us. I'm curious if this is BBC. That blurb on MLSF makes me feel this film might have a chance. I was beginning to worry that only Colin's fans even knew of its existence and now here's someone who is actually looking forward to it.

Thank you for the info. You guys are great. Hi ANN

Heide, yes it is for the BBC, have just read about it on ITV's Teletext pages.

UK fans, sorry it is no longer on Teletext but is still on Ceefax .

Jeez...I am NOT going to read any papers for at least a fortnight!!! Just break your abstinence, Bethan, for the Times review. "Colin Firth is the only real villain. Wonderfully grumpy, he is naked self interest buttoned into the dastardly Lord Wessex... A madman? Good. Sounds a good award catching role!

Let's hope he plays a heroic madman! Any news on when it starts filmimg, the title and co-stars would be appreciated. I wonder if it's the lead role. What good news to wake up to, thank you AnnW.

Heide, I just read the Don Quick blurb, it looks like he will be the star if he has the Don Quixote part! I hope they do it justice, by the name, it sounds like it might be a comedy.

CF on stage? Unsubstantiated report in the London Theatre Guide bulletin board states that Colin will join Eliz. McGovern for a two week run at the Donmar Warehouse, 1-13 March, in "3 Days of Rain". Gnashing my teeth, as I'll be in London in February and April, but not in March!

(Moon) Let's hope he plays a heroic madman! Well, if he is a modern-day Don Quixote then there's no way he's in a baddie role again! Wonder who will be his Sancho Panza and Dulcinea? FYI, Joe Fiennes is scheduled to be on Jay Leno on Monday next and Gwynneth Paltrow on Conan O'Brien next Thursday. (When's the deadline for AA nominations?) (Chris) that Colin will join Eliz. McGovern for a two week run at the Donmar Warehouse, 1-13 March, in "3 Days of Rain". Wow!! Wouldn't that be something to see. Is this a new production or a change in cast for a longer-running play? I'll bet fares to London are pretty cheap that time of year.... ;-)

Colin doing Theatre? He heard me!!! Yes! You lucky UK ladies, go to it. We will want a full report. In the book Dulcinea is not such a big part as they made her in Man of La Mancha, but indeed, I do wonder who will be Sancho Panza.

--Well, I hope all you gloomy gussies are satisfied!!..1) He's working, and 2) he's gotten that theatre bit he said he wanted so much...now, all together now, are we happy for our Dear Boy?? (Oh, ye of little faith!)

I see another trip up to the big City coming up, thankyou Chris for alerting us. I will telephone the Donmar Warehouse tomorrow and find out a few details and book of couple of tickets, hopefully in the front row again. Also at Murph's Corner she reports that Colin is featured in February 8th People magazine, is that only available in the US?

I feel so elated, so much good Colin news, a film, a play, news of a story with news photos, and on top of that I have read two reviews today, both of which mention Colin specifically and the one at the PA News centre is particularly generous "an exceptional cast are all magnificent with Rush & Firth strong as the primary support, and notable faces right down to the cameos". Colin news is a bit like the buses in my area, nothing for ages and then two buses come along together.

Wow! It never rains but it pours! I'd almost gotten used to being miserable, and now I don't know where to start enthusing! Firstly, the review in the Times. Yes, Allison, it was well worth reading! Only GP and CF were singled out for positive mentions (JF's review was so-so). We get the Times delivered and I actually stuck to my resolve and didn't even glance at it this morning. But when I read your comment, I sneaked a look, and, hey! it was good! Donovan Quick (Don Quix)...again very good news. I like the sound of this and one advantage of TV is that we get to see it pretty soon (and can record it!) If it's a BBC film there's also always a chance of a cinema/video release....The Advocate was a BBC TV film, as was Jude with Kate Winslet. Checking my reference books..to remind myself about Don Quixote...."Don Q becomes slightly crazy after reading too many knightly romances. His crazy notions lead him into every kind of absurdity as he goes about trying to right wrongs that never existed or making real wrongs worse by his unwise interference. Quixotic describes a person who goes so far out of his way to do a foolishly kind deed that he hurts himself." Not a hero exactly, Moon, but sounds like an interesting character study. The director got a BAFTA nomination recently for "THe Lakes" a drama series set in the Lake District. Bus privatisation was a late 1980's thing in the UK, with considerable job losses, and also reductions in services in rural areas (like the Lake District)which often left older and less affluent people cut off and isolated. The film sounds like a parable..anti-big business, greed etc. And finally, theatre, WOW! WOW! Donmar Warehouse specialises in short runs. It was where Nicole Kidman recently appeared (I think?) Sam Mendez often directs. Fingers crossed for this one. What's "Three days of rain"...contemporary or what? Elizabeth McGovern is a good actress (American settled in the UK?) An exciting day!

Bethan, is it the same Elizabeth McGovern who was in the recent The Scarlet Pimpernel with Richard E Grant, if so I thought she was very pretty , they will make a handsome couple!

When is the Oscar ceremony? If he's appearing in the theatre at the beginning of March and SIL is nominated (which it will be), it's a very newsworthy combination. Apparently, he's also said that he's given up smoking ! (Well done, Livia!) So much good news!! :-)

At last the long awaited Ann's private photos from the London premiere. Thanks, Ann! Also official photos from The Evening Telegraph and The Sun. (All scanned for the Archives by one of the Three Deers) http://firth.com/prempic/annprem.htm

Livia is so gorgeous, and if she has gotten DB to give up the evil weed, how can one begrudge her her handsome husband. Thanks AnnW for the photos. BTW, I was checking on the state of the world just now on CNN Headline News, and they had a several-minutes story on the popularity of Shakespeare in the Movies. They had good coverage of SIL including several clips...alas, none with our man. Mostly GP. But, that is ok. She has been very generous in sharing the limelight.

Thanks for the lovely pictures at the London premiere. Wow! It seems as though he will be busy for quite a while. I just began reading Fever Pitch in anticipation of the movie opening in the US. Anybody else read it? I'm not getting all of the references, but I'm thinking that they are not necessary to understand one man's obsession with soccer (ok, football). Any helpful hints to assist my understanding of football? Thankfully I had heard of Arnsenal and Manchester United before I began the book and I remember, vaguely, the hoopla that surrounded soccer, from when I lived in England for a while.

AnnW, thanks for the picture and you Renate did a wonderful job!

Today :- 1) I have seen Ann's marvellous premiere photographs. 2) Am going to see Shakespeare in Love 3) Have booked seats for 3 Days of Rain. All I need now is a copy of People magazine and my life will be full:-)

It's almost worth enduring the famine to enjoy the feast! :-) Hope I don't sound too serious if I say how much I approve of his choice of new projects. Three Days of Rain sounds like a terrific play, with CF in the lead role, and it seems as though he'll be on the stage all the time. And I also think that Donovan Quick could be very thought-provoking drama. (And, hey! lead role AGAIN!). Reminds me a bit of one of my favourite old movies,"The Man in the White Suit" with Alec Guinness, which was about loss of integrity in business. Does anyone know whether it's made by the BBC or Channel Four? Channel Four have now linked up with Miramax, and of course have their own Movie Channel, Film Four, so a Channel Four "TV" film could reach a cinema audience. Great! Great! And (IMHO) much, much better than playing the baddie in a James Bond or earning millions and millions in StarWars. I hope to see SIL this weekewnd, as my son, mother and husband have all quite independently (and without prompting!) expressed interest in seeing it! So I needn't come out of the closet and declare a vested interest in CF...yet! Hope you enjoy SIL tonight, Allison!

Thanks, Bethan! I haven't told my husband the cast of 3 Days of Rain yet. I just said I was taking him to a new production at the Dolmar and he was content. He will probably (I hope) laugh when he does discover. I just pray the theatre isn't full of ladies of a certain age dribbling into their handkerchieves. Not that I wouldn't love to see you all there! ;-)

Hope I don't sound too serious if I say how much I approve of his choice of new projects. I agree. So know we know why he was smiling. And he has given up smoking!

Renate, I never dreamt you would be able to make the photo's as clear as they are, you have worked wonders, thankyou very much to everyone who was involved in putting them up. According to Telextext Bethan Donovan Quick is a BBC film.

Thanks Ann! BBC, Channel Four, equally good! Just had another thought. If he's opening in the Donmar at the beginning of March (must be rehearsing now), we should expect at least one "serious" interview with him in the press, maybe third week of Feb (Oscar nomination time?), when he would probably talk about his work. Juliet Binoche, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Spacey, Ewan McGregor all got good coverage..why not CF!!! So, I'll start reading the papers again! Another thought. I wonder if there are any plans for this production to "transfer". Juliet Binoche and Ewan McGregor both transferred to the West End, and of couse Nicole Kidman, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes all transferred to New York Broadway. It's a short run...16 performances? So nice to have something REAL to conjecture about! Great!!! :-)

Great news about Colin's new roles. The whole cast for SIL is up for the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Best Ensemble cast. Their competition is Life is Beautiful,Saving Private Ryan,and Waking Ned Devine. This might be the closest Colin comes for an American award. Broadcast March 7 on TNT. I'm hoping he will be there, but I don't think he was when TEP was nominated for the same award so I won't hold my breath. SIL was nominated by the SAG in every film category. Actor JF Actress GP Supporting Actress JD Supporting Actor GR

Fabulous pictures, AnnW!! Could almost imagine myself there sitting in the front row. He looks so good standing up on that stage. (Wonder what GP and JF are looking up at on the ceiling??) Am running out to buy a copy of People magazine so I can see the lovely pictures of him in Italy. Anxious to hear how all of you ladies like SiL, since it opens today and am terribly jealous that you will get to see Colin on stage. Wonder if it will come to NY like the Nicole Kidman thing?

Well Ciaran Hinds is in New York in Closer (thought Colin would be good in that play) so you never know. Karen, don't you think he looks smarter than any of the other male cast members. I think I will have to ask Evelyn to get me a copy of People magazine, I don't think we can get it in the UK. Allison did you have any trouble getting you first choice of tickets for 3 Days of Rain?

--I wonder how DB feels about always being referred to as "heart-throb actor" (RE; the Yahoo UK announcement.) I can guess...

Such exciting news about CF's upcoming projects. I'm rushing out to get at least half a dozen of that People's Magazine... For those of us in the US, who can we call to order tickets for 3 days of Rain? I've surfed the web, and no success. I'm desperate! Please help!

Hi Emma, The Box Office telephone number for the Donmar Warehouse Theatre is 0171 369 1732, I'm afraid I don't know the code for calling England from America, there is also a fax number which you can find at Darcy Diliriums, hope this is of some help.

Just thought I would mention that the tickets are �15. or �8. not many at �8. , very cheap to see our DB and that the performances start at 8pm Mon-Sat mats 4pm and Mar 2nd. 7pm

I am so jealous. There's nothing I'd rather do than see Colin on the stage (well actually, I would love to be at the same dinner party). So I repeat, I am so jealous! The only thing that cheered me up today was knowing that I will spend part of the Easter week in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Hey, wait a minute, Italians love that place, maybe Livia can talk DB into a well deserved vacation (one can dream, I'll start sending my moonbeams that way).

For those wishing to look at Yahoo UK/s review of our "heartthrob" : http://movies.yahoo.com/movies/guide/shakespeare_in_love.html

actually it is at http://film.reviews.co.uk/archive/992801shakespearlove.htm the above one is the US review.

KJArt, where did you find your review. Both of the URL's I posted deal with SIL but hardly mention CF!!!

Marcia, there is a very good review for Colin and the supporting cast at (sorry don't know how to do the link,) at www.popcorn.co.uk/ and then scroll down to the review for SIL. Hope you find it, it is excellent.

Renate, are the photos to be found at colinfirth.com only when I go there I cannot find a link to the photos, am I doing something wrong. I have your link but I just wondered which site they were on.

Ann, they are not yet linked to any other page. Reason is, that I had just time to put them up last night before I fell asleep. I think they should be linked to and from and become part of Murph's Corner, where all the other premiere pics are. Murph, are you listening? Do you want to make them part of the Hugest Corner Ever?

Come to think of it: "Three Days of Rain" is a very promising title - wonder if he'll wear a wet shirt? ;-p.

Ann, thank you so much for Donmar's phone number. You're a dear. Does anyone have any idea about the plot? Not that it matters. If Colin thinks the play is good enough for him...ooh the possibility of another wet shirt scene...I'm booking my tickets NOW :-)

Ann: The pictures are wonderful. He is too cute and the wife is beautiful. HOoray for our DB giving up those cigs.

Emma, if you want to know more about "Three days of rain", there's a very good review of a recent production in NY which gives you an idea of the plot/characters. There are jusr three characters in the play. CF takes the lead and would, I think, be on stage all the time. The play goes back in time, so all the actors play a double role. CF plays Walker, a drifter, who then "becomes" his father, Ned, a famous architect, as the drama moves back over 30 years. The play is described as "a fine, fine play", "beautifully written", "intensely moving" "funny" etc. URL for the review is http://www.botz.com/nytheatre/3days.htm Giving up ciggies...who said a man can't change?

(AnnW)Allison did you have any trouble getting you first choice of tickets for 3 Days of Rain? No. The play has not yet been advertised. I went into the Dolmar to get my tickets and there is no mention of the cast of the play on any of the handouts, so I do not imagine it is generally known that Colin is appearing.

I've emailed the BBC "Feeddback" to ask them if they could consider adapting the upcoming production of "Three Days of Rain" with Colin Firth, for television. They've done this with a few productions in the past! Keep the same cast of course! Email is info@bbc.co.uk. The more the merrier!

re the review at popcorn.co.uk, I feel I just have to share this wonderful review as it mirrors exactly my view of Colin's performance and it is the first one that I have seen that does - "Fiennes is a perfact randy genius, matched for scene by GP in looks, power and chemistry. Firth makes a superb baddie, saying more with a gesture than many could manage with a lecture. BA has fun sending himself up, and JD's Elizabeth is shrewd and sexless. But TW is worthy of special mention, his Fennyman is a thumbreaker who, through the beauty of the playwrights work, sees that the arts are a noble venture. The rest of Hollywood, please take heed." There is als a good review for CF at the PA Newscentre, Entertainment, (don't know the address) says Colin and GR give strong performances. Thankyou Allison, I shall give the Donmar a ring today, lets hope he gets full houses every night and that it is a sell-out.

Have just telephoned the Donmar and have got my tickets, I am so excited. The third member of the cast is David Morrisey, who I believe is in Hilary & Jackie and was so good in Our Mutual Friend, an excellent cast. Apparently tickets are going quite well, which is great considering it hasn't been advertised yet.

David Morrisey was fantastic in "Our Mutual Friend"...it's a great cast!

(bethan) The play goes back in time, so all the actors play a double role. CF plays Walker, a drifter, who then "becomes" his father, Ned, a famous architect, as the drama moves back over 30 years. The play is described as "a fine, fine play", "beautifully written", "intensely moving" "funny" CF on stage most of the time, playing a double role...tis too much! Thank you bethan for the play review link. If this is an American play, and takes place in New York, will we hear CF with an American accent? By the way, for those of us in the U.S. call Donmar directly at 011 44 171 369 1732, it may take a few moments to connect. And don't forget they are 5 hours ahead of us. Get that credit card ready :-)

Saw SIL for the third time last night, this time with my husband (he has no clue as to the depth of my obsession) and teenage son. They both liked it a lot. My husband thought Lord Wessex looked familiar, but couldn't quite place him, later he said Colin was rather funny, with a very expressive face. YES! And the audience applauded at the end.

(Emma) If this is an American play, and takes place in New York, will we hear CF with an American accent? Have been thinking the same....oh dear! So, where are the reports from England on seeing SiL yesterday? Audience reaction?

(Emma) If this is an American play, and takes place in New York, will we hear CF with an American accent? (Karen), Have been thinking the same....oh dear! I second that. It would ruin the performance for me. I guess we'll have to wait to find out.

Thank you for telling me of the Popcorn review of SIL. Loved the comments about Wessex/Firth. For those of you needing a hot link: www.popcorn.co.uk scroll down to SIL and click on it.

One more time: http://www.popcorn.co.uk/

--MarciaH: The "Heart-throb actor" citation was from the Yahoo UK News announcement that was linked (I think) out of here when it first appeared. I don't know if it's still there, but the URL on my print-out reads: http://www.yahoo.co.uk/headlines/19990127/entertainment/917473320-2-1.html I'll check out to see if it works and get back to you.

--It works!...and it's still there (so far...).

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! It's good to be with you again with so much hot happpening info. I have booked my DONMAR tickets thanks to your tip. Tell me I am not mad to be going twice!!! The photos are just GREAT Ann, I thought you said your hands were shaking!!! I would like to see some when they are not!!! I saw SIL yesterday, only 15 in the audience, it was almost like a private showing and lived up to and beyond expectations.

BTW on Brit TV tonight there was an episode of "Inspector Morse". It was directed by John Madden! I thought there were some hallmark shots after seeing SIL yesterday. My partner , not sharing my obsession, thinks I am being fanciful! Also in one of our papers tomorrow (Indie on Sunday) there promises to be an article entitled something like: "Is our critic the only man in Britain who doesn't like SIL?" I'll keep you posted. It would be ironic if our DB was actually mentioned in this one!!

Bethan, thanks for the link to the synopsis of the play. Can you imagine sitting in the audience and most likely the first person you'll see on stage will be Colin? What a wonderful test for self control, ladies. I don't know if I could pass. ;-) (Allison) I just pray the theatre isn't full of ladies of a certain age dribbling into their handkerchieves. Not that I wouldn't love to see you all there! ;-) And I'd love to be there. I'll let you know after I make sure I have enough handkerchiefs. I hope everyone who goes can retain enough sanity to give a clear report to those who will be left behind. Talk about sopping hankies. The premiere shots are wonderful, Ann. You did a terrific job. I can't get over how stylish and fit he looks, especially compared to the others. Looks like he really made an extra effort. Thanks to the 3 Deers for putting them up. May we have a shot scanned in here as well? (Thanks too for putting in that Fever Pitch shot - one of my alltime favorites.) People Magazine! Talk about sensory overload. Three pages, ladies! Seven pictures! What is going on? What's with all this activity? Why is he being focused? What gods are smiling on us? Does anyone want the text put up here? Or should we wait until more get a chance to read the article for themselves. Karen, can we scan some of those photos in here? Yes, yes, I second Karen. Your Shakespeare in Love opinions, please. I'd love to know your thoughts on his acting, appearance, did it live up to its reputation, the ending, etc., etc. If you want to talk about spoilers, you can put it at 115. Thanks to Sue for the heads up on the SAG awards March 7. Surely SiL's cast has a real good shot at winning. I guess we can rule out Colin appearing though. Guess I'll just wait here now for the next bombshell to drop. Happy days! Firth makes a superb baddie, saying more with a gesture than many could manage with a lecture.

Meant to italicize the above quote from the popcorn review but forgot. Anyway, anyone who counts themselves as a Firth admirer is very familiar with those subtle gestures and changes of expression.

BTW if anyone is thinking of coming over to see CF on stage then the number for the DONMAR that AnnW gave out is ALSO a 24hour number that connects to TICKET MASTER so that could be more convienient for you if you are on Eastern time or in fact any time zone that is not GMT. Ironically when I phoned a voice said "I'm Colin how can I help?" IF ONLY!! Well I'm off for some sweet dreams of Wessex on horse back. I only mention this because I know some of you out there like to be reminded of his thighs at every possible occasion, however tenuous the link!!

Ironically when I phoned a voice said "I'm Colin how can I help?" LOL! Well,my son has seen SIL and I haven't (yet!). He went into town with his friends and came back and said they had all been to see Shakespeare in Love. He thought it was"great" and "much better than Men in Black". If they've cracked the 14 year-old market, they've got a winner! I was supposed to see it this evening with my husband, but he has a report to finish for Monday, and was "too busy" to go. ("We don't have to go this weekend do we, the film isn't going to disappear!") Huh! We are now going next Friday, and I am not in a good mood! :-( Karen and Moon....his accent in Three Days of Rain. I thought that too!! Perhaps as he's a returning wanderer in Act 1, he can retain his own accent, and maybe just have a v.slightly American accent in Act 2. His character in the second act has a stutter as well! What is the nearest American accent to a cultured British accent...isn't there a posh Boston accent? I have heard some very "neutral" American accents. Elizabeth McGovern, his co-star, is American, but usually plays with a Brit accent and David Morrissey normally has (I think) a northern accent. Heide, I've seen the pics fron People magazine, and some of the text, but some more extracts would be much appreciated. Is that his in-laws' villa in Umbria? I remember reading that the reception was held in the family's villa. And the dogs (great pic, lovely dogs)..are they his pets? It was nice to read that his parents had known each other since they were children in India. Childhood sweethearts. Very romantic! In the paper, the Donmar was advertising a Sondheim musical, which closes in 3 weeks. That gives them one week to set the stage for "Three days", which must be the next production. Really very exciting! SIL and the Indie on Sunday. The Independent can be quite snooty. It always seems to like things I dislike, and vice-versa!

(Bethan)Giving up ciggies...who said a man can't change? Just speculating... but if a baby were on the way, giving up ciggies would be a very logical habit to break. ....now running out to the newstands to buy People. I can't find the story on People Online. agh!

KJArt, thank you. There his glorious name is with all the heart-throbbing making it hard for me to read. Much appreciated. I would be in high dudgeon if I had to wait the better (?)part of a week after all this time to see SIL. My sympathies for the waitor, and fie on the waitee. I recall the first (and only) time I saw Olivier live on the stage. I about lept out of my skin!!!

He didn't give up ciggies when his son was born? Perhaps the doctor said, listen it's your lungs, they are black with that disgusting tar! This speculating is just a bit.... too much.

Hi everybody...great to read all the News....Wow...gone a few days and all hell breaks loose:-) Ann, the pics are wonderful. Colin looks so handsome all dressed up....new shoes too...soles are sparkling clean. Eager to read reviews of SIL from UK friends.On 115?

Evelyn, I must second your comments. Good God, I just left town a few days ago and now return to find a new movie role, a play in London and a huge spread in People magazine. I am quite overwhelmed!! I'm having palpitations just thinking about it - oh my poor nerves :-)

Hello, everybody, I�m back from a trip to the Malaysian jungles and what do I find here: in two weeks, the world has changed! No more anxiety over CF planning to retire (!) but two new projects to look forward to. I�m so happy and relieved, also because of the change of mood in this board. Took me hours to read everything. Looking back at the discussion here and all the hopes and fears about his career, it seems to me that the logic of his choices remains wonderfully unexpected. The Don Quixote role sounds like a new approach again (in fact I find it very difficult to imagine a modern version of DQ! The book and the character are so absurd). I really admire his determination to do new sort of things or nothing at all....he�s going to surprise us many times in the future. Dear Ann, thanks very much for your premiere report & pics! I know you probably have answered this a hundred times but still I�m dying to know: how exactly did you feel like when you saw him Live? Did it change your feelings about him somehow?

Hello Elena, welcome back. Yes it was wonderful to see him in the flesh and I thought he looked so well and lean and fit and much better than on the video which will be on its way to you shortly, but I am becoming blase because I am going to see him again in the flesh in March, can't wait to hear that voice on stage, just hope he hasn't got an American accent, no offence to American accents, just love his own voice. I understand that the tickets are going very well so anyone who is undecided whether to o or not don't delay. Good review for SIL in The Sunday Telegraph not so good for the two main actors JF & GP but excellent for the supporting actors (incl CF) and the script. Karen & Heide I am going again on Tuesday, will tell you all about it. re 3DOR I was thinking would it not be possible to base the play in London, does it have to be in NY?

Elena, sorry forgot to mention that it improved my opinion of him, if that is possible.

Oh my, I�d love to see him on theater stage, only the thought of it makes my knees weak and my heart make a somersault. Ann, what a lucky girl you are to possess the tickets and to know that you�ll see him again so soon! I�m trying to figure out how I could possibly come and see the play but there are so many damned practical obstacles. Maybe I could overcome them somehow. After all, this could be a unique opportunity, heaven knows what he�ll be next up to and where. Btw...the weak-at-knees thing is what I meant with my question earlier. You must be a very balanced person emotionally to just calmly observe his good looks and happy conduct without any symptoms of hysteria (!!!!) caused by sitting only a few meters away from your idol.

Ann W I am reminded of P&P2 in your comment about about seeing CF in the flesh and how your opinion of him has improved. Didn't Lizzie tell Wickham something like "my knowing him better has improved my opinion of him." I am not sure how I will be able to sit in the front row of the Donmar and remain calm. Perhaps Ann and Dame Winter could run some online workshops using their own experiences of our DB!!! "Up close and personal, a survival kit for dithering droolies------"etc etc

Lizza, you have a font row seat as well, I can see the the whole A row will be full of droolers, what a lovely thought. My first instimct I must confess was to run up to him and tell him how wonderful he is, then my sensible mother of two side of me , persuaded me to act with a little decorum, but it was hard, he really looked good enough to eat. It will be interesting to see if the audience for 3DOR consists mainly of woman of a certain age.

Yes, accompanied by "friends etc" who do not look so enthusiastic, or have a look of total surprise on their face when they open the programme and see who heads the cast list!!! I gather it's in "The Round" so those of us in the front row really will have a "Bird's eye view". I am going to have a look at "Scarlet Pimpernel" tonight to see E.M. I don't remember seeing her before. This will be a huge sacrifice on my part because I can't stand Richard E Grant!!! (Sorry any fans)

& tolerant husbands, you mean you haven't told them who is in the cast!! Apparently the actors run down the aisle onto the stage and guess who has got the aisle seat, not my hubby.

From the People Magazine:

Another delicious shot...

With dogs Flick and Flock:

Re: 3DOR I feel certain that all will be performing with American accents. According to the Donmar's website, isn't this play part of its "American series"? It would seem rather odd to change the setting in that case. I have the script and few articles about other performances of the play and an interview with the author. The play is also going to open locally in a few weeks and I just might go check it out, but I don't want to *SPOIL* anything for anyone.

Karen, thanks a lot for the pictures. The Feb. issue of People is not yet available in Finland so this relieves my eager curiosity a little....btw, I wonder how he manages to look like a totally different man in every picture.

Karen, Thanks for the pics, it's great to see them. I guess the coffee one is in the Villa (Umbria?), any info on the dogs? I can't imagine they reside in the Hackney flat. Is this PEOPLE article cobbled together like the NOW and SHE ones or has our DB actually invited them in to take the pics?? He'll be in HELLO next!!! LOL.

Thanks for the pictures Karen, I'm off to buy it tomorrow. BTW, there is a game we play in Italy called Flick & Flock. When two people are talking and they say the same word in unison, they lock pinkies and say uno, due tre, flick e flock and then they either say flick or flock. If they both say the same word, then their wish comes true. Great names for two dogs!

Colin makes the espresso, very cute! Now that he has quit smoking he's probably addicted to cafe.

Lovely game Moon, could that explain how they got their names? Perhaps he will play in 3DOR with an Italian/American accent?!! Does anyone know if we can get PEOPLE over here(eventually)?

(Lizza), Lovely game Moon, could that explain how they got their names? I think it is a very good guess.

Hi, everyone. I'm glad Colin has put everyone out of her misery; it was a sweet sorrow, but sorrowful nonetheless. I too am intrigued by the modern Don Quick. I can vageuly picture his inheritor, but he'd have to be slightly different - a bit more self-aware and pious, perhaps. I think DQ's naivety would not rest easily on modern shoulders. But an earnest PC equivalent could work. This is obviously the time, by the way, to rekindle an ancient and shallow university friendship with...Sam Mendes. Being the groupie I was, I used to hang out with the thesps at uni., and Mr Mendes was one of the crowd. Darling. Now he's a worldwide star and for some reason I see him less. But perhaps I could give him a call. "Sam, you won't remember me, but I have the perfect dresser for Colin - several dressers, in fact, all willing to work for next to nothing." How about it? [We could put in a little line in the Donmar programme: "Mr Firth is dressed by himself, and undressed, frequently, by a horde of enthusiastic Droolers.")

(Ben) [We could put in a little line in the Donmar programme: "Mr Firth is dressed by himself, and undressed, frequently, by a horde of enthusiastic Droolers.") I dare you, Ben......:-) ****** Thanks Karen for scanning the pics of PEOPLE... BTW anyone want to write a letter to the editor...and tell them this guy has almost 20 websites on the WWW, and has been around for a while... editor@people.com Include name, address and daytime telephone number. **** He'll be gorgeous with an american accent as well....but not as . Somehow the american accent in ATA killed the resonance in his voice. Perhaps he was just trying to be mid-west. PM accent was better. *** Those dogs are ugly. ****** I can see that the whole A row will be full of droolers, I can see that Row D [for Droolers:-)] is going to keep an eye on Row A!! I can see that Row D is going to have to keep an eye out for Row A:-)

The pictures are quite fabulous, darling. I'm not shy about saying I buy People every week (one must keep up with world events) and this is a very lengthy article compared to most. And all those pictures! I'm still amazed. Some of it are quotes we've heard before but perhaps said differently so either Colin uses stock answers to those same old questions. There is new information. But they have the facts correct - ages, dates (not going to quibble about Nostromo) and the new photos were all taken in Italy - the dog one says it was taken in December. Ann, hope I didn't mislead you. We'll be there just on Saturday, not Tuesday. But your tickets are for Saturday too, right? Ben, please give Sam our names... our fingers are quite fleet with buttons, zippers, etc.

Lizza, I wouldn't judge EM on the basis of the absolutely AWFUL "Scarlet Pimpernel". She can act (wasn't she in "The Wings of a Dove"?), although I didn't see any evidence of this tonight. Defeated by the script perhaps. BTW, why didn't anyone have a French accent? Karen, Re Three days of rain......I think it will have to be American accents, as it's an American season. But perhaps Walker, by dint of being a wanderer, could have a much less pronounced accent. I sound as though I'm agin the US accent...it's just that I think CF's natural voice/accent is very attractive, and an assumed accent can be distracting. Perhaps they could follow the example of "The Scarlet Pimpernel" and completely abandon any attempt at accents! BBC Films...I've noticed that most BBC feature films nowadays are co-productions, often with WGBH Boston, so I reckon you'll have a pretty good chance of seeing DQ in the States. Ben, I'm impressed! You move in very exalted circles! Lovely pics, especially with Flick and Flock! Very natural. He looks a mite self-conscious pouring the coffee! He'll be in HELLO next!!! LOL. Over my dead body! And remember the curse of Hello!

(Bethan), And remember the curse of Hello! Could you refresh our memory? Evelyn are you going to London for the play? I think Karen is going too. If only my husband had to go, I would join you all so happily. Of course we will want to see the program and you must take pictures when he takes the curtain call. Those pictures of Colin with the dogs might have been taken in Umbria over the Xmas holidays. The apt. building in Rome is not very likely to have a garden.

--I,ve just bought two copies of People...Haven't read it yeat and indend to leave y'all to do so...Happy Sunday!

Is that his in-laws' villa in Umbria? I remember reading that the reception was held in the family's villa. And the dogs (great pic, lovely dogs)..are they his pets? No mention of his in-laws in the article. Just says, "...he calls home a villa overlooking olive groves and ancient vineyards in the Italian region of Umbria, where he plays guitar, prowls the countryside for antiques and studies Italian." No mention of the dogs except for the caption under the photo that just says "...with Flick and Flock in Italy in December..." About his parents: "His parents met as schoolchildren in India, where their own parents worked as missionaries. While Firth was still a toddler, the family--which now includes brother Jonathan, 31, an actor, and sister Kate, 36, a voice coach--moved to Nigeria, where his parents were teachers." Hmmm, Jonathan is nothing more than a footnote in this article. Here's a passage I find interesting..." 'He was the kiind of student who almost never occurs,' says (Drama Centre) founder Yat Malmgren (whose previous students included Anthony Hopkins and Sean Connery). 'He had everything I expect and rarely find: imagination, intelligence, logic, common sense.' Indeed, the 37-year old institution decided to stage its first and only Hamlet just for him. 'You can't do five Hamlets a year,' says Malmgren. 'You've got to wait until you find your Hamlet. W found ours in Colin.' "

(Moon)The apt. building in Rome is not very likely to have a garden. But the article does not mention an apt. in Rome or in London for that matter. It does mention a condo in LA...and ..." he calls home a villa in Umbria" ****** Yes, I am going to London....after some arm-twisting...just booked my tickets.......someone has to keep Row A in line:-) BTW every airline has a special going in Feb. and March.United has a $228. RT from NY and $288.RT out of Chicago.American and the others are matching it. Online fares are probably even better. Also I read that Jennifer Ehle's new film "This Year's Love" will be playing in London... and Monet is"playing" at the National Art Gallery.

Love those pics from People. He does look oh so handsome. My market was sold out of the Feb 7 issue and I will have to go somewhere else on Monday. That is a must purchase. He does look so happy. A villa. How lovely.

Just a reminder VALMONT on Feb 5th on Encore.

I see that SIL has moved to no. 5 in the American top ten films this weekend, pretty darn good.