(testing posting...my apologies for the interuption)

(posting testing. dito)

Laura, I do hope you get to go to Newport, as least you know you will definitely get to see MLSF, we don't know for sure that its 16th July, release date won't be changed again and you can report back. Best of Luck.

I will definitely go and see this movie and report back. Newport is a great place to visit.

I too live less than an hour from Newport -- Laura, we're probably neighbors, unbeknownst to each other;-) Isn't Colin supposed to be shooting DQ through the first week in June? Sounds like it'll be cutting it close for him to attend the Newport premiere.

Does that mean you will be going as well Susan, the more that can go and sup-ort Colin the better, I would really love to go and Newport sounds lovely but I have already planned my summer holiday, I don't think I could convince my husband we should go to America as well!

It does say US premiere at the film festival's website. How does your place compare to The Breakers or Marble House, Laura? ;-) Chateau Sur Mer was closed when I was there. But you've seen one mansion, you've seen 'em all!

Susan, what about that great chat idea of yours? If we would like him to do it this year, I guess we should decide something about a preferred month etc. and then just bravely contact his agency about it as soon as possible. I believe it�s a very remote chance that he�d do it but one can always hopefully ask!

I see that An Ideal Husband will also have the US Premiere.... that means Minnie Driver for sure.She never misses...in costume, of course.

The schedule for the NIFF will be posted on Friday, but one of the staff said it will be shown twice: once on a weekday and once on the weekend. They do not know at this point whether anyone associated with the film will be attending. BTW, she also wanted to know how I knew about this film. Why is this always such a difficult question to answer? ;-)

What was your answer Karen???

How does your place compare to The Breakers or Marble House, Laura? ;-) ] Honestly? It doesn't:) But for people traveling out of town, it highly reasonably priced (free) and I cook! Susan, I live in Attleboro, MA which is 5-8 miles east of Providence. And I've only passed thru Newport, I've never really done any sighseeing! (a shame really.) Evelyn, an Ideal Husband, is that the same story that JE's mom was in on Broadway?

The gremlins at Spring really are at work. I shall conquer this...

What I have been trying to say for the last 24 hours is that the news that BJD is to be directed by a first time director does not seem to me to bode well for BJD. I suspect that what the gremlins didn't want me to say is that I think it would be a mistake for Colin to take the part of MD unless the script is VERY good and the cast star-studded. I think he could lay himself open to all sorts of ridicule if he takes a part in a less than high profile film and just reprises his role as FD in modern cloth s. If he does do it, I hope they pay him lots of cash to make it worth his while;-))

so that he can return to the London stage and be able to afford to do 2months instead of just 2 weeks.

LOL Ann! A happy thought indeed.

(Karen), Chateau Sur Mer was closed when I was there. But you've seen one mansion, you've seen 'em all! I beg to differ! Why don't we invite Colin to chat with us on September 10, his birthday? We can plan a party once again.;-))

Re: BJD I think that Working Title have a reputation for making good choices of directors...and sometimes taking risks. Shekar Kapur was a controversial choice for a period drama like "Elizabeth", but he delivered the goods. Perhaps they want a more "real" documentary type approach to filming, rather than glossy "Notting Hill" unreality. Just guessing! And first time directors are often quite successful.

(Evelyn) that means Minnie Driver for sure.She never misses...in costume, of course. I'm trying to picture her Oscar getup with a nautical...hmmmm... argh!! (Ann) What was your answer Karen??? After a lot of er-ing and ah-ing, I finally said that one of the actors is a favorite of mine and I had heard about this movie a long time ago and knew it was being shown at the benefit at Cannes. Newport is lovely, Ann. Shame you can't talk James into coming here. It is very old (by American standards) and quaint; known for having the summer "cottages" of the richest people in the US in the 19th century and the yachting and regattas (like Cowes for you somewhat???). A great deal of historic significance there as well. BTW, some of these cottages are mini-Versailles. Allison, glad to see you've temporary gotten past the gremlins. (I'll let wer and Terry see if they can sort out your problems.) Bethan, why don't you post more from the BJD movie article. About how the director, Sharon Maguire, is HF's friend and supposedly the model for Shazzer, etc. Shekar Kapur was a controversial choice for a period drama like "Elizabeth", but he delivered the goods. Agree on first part, but disagree on the second. Moon, you're right. Some have more gold on their ceilings than others. ;-)

(Laura)Evelyn, an Ideal Husband, is that the same story that JE's mom was in on Broadway? She might have...the more recent one she did was Edward Albee's "A Delicate Balance".BTW Sunshine is being featured at the Cannes Film Market (still in post production), but they did not list JE's name in the billing....Ralph Fiennes and her mum.!!

Caught the opening ceremonies of Cannes. Kirsten Scott-Thomas spoke perfect french, Jeremy Irons and even Fay Dunaway pulled it off! I wonder if Colin will be making any speaches in french. He did study it in school. Wouldn''t that be a treat? The announcer's from the Independant Film Channel were a film prof. from Columbia U. and a French movie critic. They listed lots of films they were looking forward to seeing but NONE mentioned MLSF. Incroyable! The American Indies are to shine in Cannes this year, which is good news for Miramax since they have a few in competition.

Thanks Ladies for all the info. Laura, it is very nice of you to offer hospitality. Karen are you going? Newport is quite lovely and a nice break from the daily routine. You'll have to be prepared and get in all your questions if he does show up, and don't forget to invite him to Chat. They must have a clue as to the casting of BJD isn't there someone to call? If the director is a good friend of HF, there is a good chance Colin knows her too. At this point, I would like to know who they have for Bridget, and I'm sure they know.

Kirsten Scott-Thomas spoke perfect french Isn't she married to a French doctor and lives in France? I seem to remember hearing about that when she was nominated for the AA for TEP.

Yes, she is. She also has two sons.

I watched the Cannes tv coverage also...of course, with hopes of seeing CF...or at least Jeremy Northam...! No luck, of course. Quite the traffic jam of celebrities going into the event, and it moved soooo slowly. I agree Kristen Scott Thomas looked and sounded great!

From Reuters: Dench, who has been grande dame in London's West End theater district for years but has not graced Broadway in 40 years, said she found Broadway audiences' response to the play ``very refreshing.'' The nightly standing ovations are ``very un-British,'' as is the applause that marks her nightly on-stage entrance. ``That never happens in Britain,'' she said. (Karin) I watched the Cannes tv coverage also...of course, with hopes of seeing CF...or at least Jeremy Northam. Most of the news reports I've seen said that hardly anyone is in town yet. If you see JN or CF it will likely be on the day the films are shown.

OK, for the first time I'm going to give this italics thing a try. Here goes... (AnnW) Does that mean you will be going as well Susan, the more that can go and support Colin the better Ann, I would love to go. It will depend on whether Colin will definitely attend, what day it is, and whether I can find someone to babysit my two little boys:-) (Elena) Susan, what about that great chat idea of yours? If we would like him to do it this year, I guess we should decide something about a preferred month etc. I think July might be the best month. Both FP and MLSF will be opening then in the U.S. and CF will need to promote them "by any means necessary." And hey, a chat with online fans is better than having to deal with Jay Leno, right? Laura, if you live in Attleboro, we are practically neighbors. I live in Franklin and drive through or near Attleboro when I go to R.I.

Hurray -- the italics seem to have worked! One small step for man, one giant leap for the technologically inept;-)

Susan, you are soooooooo close to me! Perhaps we should meet up at the Emerald Square Mall (or the strip joint, as I call it. Route 1 is amazing!)

OH and Susan, I forgot, if you would like to see this movie at the film festival, perhaps we could go together. email me at lauram30@yahoo.com

(Karen) Quoting article : Judi Dench"The nightly standing ovations are ``very un-British,'' as is the applause that marks her nightly on-stage entrance. ``That never happens in Britain,'' she said." I told you we should have done that at the Donmar!! I had to sit on my hands when he came on stage.I think someone held me down when he was taking his bows....I was in the last row anyway...no one would have seen me. We should have let him know there were a few Americans in the audience. (Albeit, not wearing jogging suits....) I shall have to reconsider for TRT.Lots of mediocre actors get applause...the best should get a standing ovation and a few bravos too!!

Sorry about the ending tags.I just did it...hope they go away.

Not to change the subject or anything, but last night Teri Hatcher starred in Cabaret here in Boston and she brought the house down. The show stopped for minutes after she sang the title song. (talk about a show-stopper! Teri Hatcher is getting RAVE reviews for her portrayal of British Sally Bowles!) I think Dame Judi Dench deserves the applause she is receiving. She is a wonderful actress and I would applaud her if I saw her live and in person.

(Laura) think Dame Judi Dench deserves the applause she is receiving. She is a wonderful actress and I would applaud her if I saw her live and in person. "Not always"... ...I saw her last year in" Filomena" a Sir Peter Hall production and she was "OK." (I would not have given her a standing ovation...but it was a shallow play) I will be seeing "Amy's View" on May 25. Will let you know.

(Laura)ast night Teri Hatcher starred in Cabaret here in Boston and she brought the house down. The show stopped for minutes after she sang the title song. (talk about a show-stopper! Teri Hatcher is getting RAVE reviews So strange...she made her debut as Sally Bowles here in L.A. not too long ago, and got horrible reviews. I mean, to the point where the critics were ready to pull her off stage in mid-performance and strangle her! Perhaps she and the director did a major overhaul and rebuilt her performance from the ground-up. Good to know she's doing well. (Here's a bit of useless trivia about TH: she was a MATH major in college!)

(Laura) Susan, you are soooooooo close to me! Perhaps we should meet up at the Emerald Square Mall (or the strip joint, as I call it. Route 1 is amazing!) Laura, if I do go to the premiere, I'll definitely have to stop by Emerald Square and get something decent to wear. Currently my wardrobe consists solely of "mommywear":-) God willing and babysitter permitting, would love to go to the premiere with you -- gotta run now, will send you email.

Nice meetings coming up, I see :-) Evelyn, I felt like giving him a standing ovation too... (Evelyn)We should have let him know there were a few Americans in the audience. How can you forget you did let him know?

Re: Dench's comments All she was doing is pointing out the differences. The "very refreshing" comment referred to the audiences' response to the play, which could mean the standing ovations at the end. However, when in Rome... ;-)

All she was doing is pointing out the differences. The "very refreshing" comment referred to the audiences' response to the play, which could mean the standing ovations at the end. And also could have been a very diplomatic response to the overexuberance many Americans tend to indulge in when it comes to seeing a major star, particularly a recent Oscar winner, on stage. Don't think Teri Hatcher quite falls in that company. ;-) Laura and Susan, I hope you can work it out for Newport. It would be great to get a first hand report. I'll hold off for the film opening later in the summer but if we hear Colin's gonna be there, I'll be there in 6 hours.

the applause that marks [Judi Dench's] nightly on-stage entrance. (Evelyn) I told you we should have done that at the Donmar!! You did? Well, so did I, but I was shouted down. But I knew I was right to suggest it, and it would not distract the actors: they are trained to cope with these things. A mobile phone ringing in the middle of a performance is absolutely diabolical and contemptuous. A burst of welcoming applause is heart-warming. And you, Colin's greatest fans, deprived him of it on his rare return to the stage.

All she was doing is pointing out the differences. The "very refreshing" comment referred to the audiences' response to the play, which could mean the standing ovations at the end. (Heide)And also could have been a very diplomatic response to the overexuberance many Americans tend to indulge in when it comes to seeing a major star, particularly a recent Oscar winner, on stage. I dunno...In the Heartland, we never get an Oscar star in plays and we give standing ovations anyway...even school productions. IMO I think an actor would be flattered to be the recipient of such spontaneous feelings .And an indication of a superior performance. (Arami)And you, Colin's greatest fans, deprived him of it on his rare return to the stage. I know, I know....and I hate myself for it. **** (Karen)...However,when in Rome... ;-) "Not always". **** (Evelyn)We should have let him know there were a few Americans in the audience. (Gi)How can you forget you did let him know? Well, I did in conversation...but I mean..we should have indicated by standing at the end...really for the whole cast too. Oh well....I admit it...I blew that one....

Here's a link to the items being auctioned for the AmFAR benefit: http://auctions.yahoo.com/user/cinemaagainstaids_amfar

I have news about CF from the Daily Mail but the gremlins are at it again! I am trying to post!

Colin Firth who stars in the Miramax movie MLSF, which HH has directed from a script by Scottish playwright Simon Danald. The film will be screened in Cannes on Thursday for a gala Aids benefit. I can also tell you that Mr Firth, along with E McG and PM, will return to the Donmar Warehouse Theatre in London in Richard Greenberg's remarkable play, 3DOR. The drama ran for a few performances earlier this year and was such a hit that everyone decided to ressemble at the Donmar for a longer run, beginning o November 16. The production will break for Christmas and New Year, then return from January 5 to 22. The play, set on America's East Coast, explores the dynamite events that affect the life of a brother and sister, their parents and best friends over several decades. Article by Baz Bamigboye, Daily Mail.

Thanks Allison for perservering, great news, I was just hoping though that if it did return there might have been different co-stars, never mind thought it is great news.

Allison, re our recent conversation does this now mean that he must have signed up for BJD for a fantastic fee!!!

Hey! now we can be terribly un-British and give him that standing ovation! And, yes, Ann, if he's to pay his mortgage, he must have a lucrative film offer lined up. Otherwise �200 per week and a standard BBC Scotland fee won't pay the bills!

I bet he is not on a standard BBC Scotland fee. He was voted the most popular actor in 60 yearsd of the BBC. That would be a good negotiating starting point for his agent:-)

I bet he is not on a standard BBC Scotland fee. He was voted the most popular actor in 60 years of the BBC. That would be a good negotiating starting point for his agent:-)

I wonder what this lucrative film offer is for, any bets - Sea Wolf, BJD, Mary Queen of Scots (my choice), Enigma and the one you mentioned the other day Bethan, the name of which escapes me. BTW Bethan did you get my email re Miramax's London telephone number? and Bethan you really must try to at least go to a Matinee this time around, you will be glad you did. I hope to go to a couple of matinees so if you want company just ask.

Gremlins again!

Gremlins again! I was referring to my double post, Ann!!!

ah, not the film thank goodness for that!!! (re any bets - Marked Man?)

Allison, thanks for the news! I am so happy they will return to the Donmar instead of a larger venue. Maybe this time I will manage to see it/him. (sigh*) It is fun trying to guess what his next project will be. Heide, do you think it's time to send another Fax?

Ann, thanks for your kind offer. I'll certainly make it to the Donmar this time, but hopefully, with all the time to pre-plan, I won't have to make a secret trip on my own to London! My son will have started at Oxford so I reckon we can go down for a long weekend to see him (not that he'll want to see us!!) and combine this with a theatre trip. I've got five months to work on this scenario!! BBC Scotland...well maybe not the standard fee, but he won't be a rich man! That's one thing I admire in Colin...that he never seems motivated by money in his choice of projects. Otherwise he would be appearing in movies like "The Mummy"! I've seen some coverage of Cannes in the UK media, but don't really expect to see anything of Colin. MLSF isn't in competition, and he'll be busy filming DQ, so I presume his visit will be a fleeting one! Also the UK coverage, as usual, seems rather glamour fixated....items about Catherine Zeta Jones, now earning $5million a movie (why?),who insists on having an entourage of six bodyguards. Poor ol' Col can't compete! As to his next film, well my bet has to be on BJD. "The Sea-wolf" seems unlikely if it's a autumn shoot ( I actually don't think this is a good option...it's all been done before). And I'm still hopeful about "The Lion in Winter" because it's Pat O'Connor directing. I wonder if he'll be at Cannes with his wife (Mary Elizabeth M.) I've not read anything about "Mary Queen of Scots" but it may just be a starring vehicle for an actress, like "Elizabeth". BTW Karen, I haven't seen this yet, but I wasn't overly impressed by the clips. Ann, will reply to your email. Sorry for the delay.

Thanks Bethan,and congratulations on your son getting to Oxford, btw you say you are coming down to Oxford, for some reason I thought you lived in or near London and I know what you mean about visiting your son, we are going up to the Lake District next week and I thought it would be nice to pop in and see my son at Lancaster University, but it seems he is very busy finishing a project and getting it in on time, he said though that he may have time to go out for a meal, a free meal is always acceptable o poor students!!

OK, evelyn... time to make amends....The gods are giving me another chance!! This time...watch out.... **standing ovation**. If Judi can get one, so can Colin. (Ann) I hope to go to a couple of matinees so if you want company just ask. I'll go with you ;-))) Should I get the tickets while I'm at the Donmar next month? Oh no, have to see James again at the box office...!!

beginning on November 16. The production will break for Christmas and New Year, then return from January 5 to 22. May need a residency visa!! Thanks for posting the news, Allison, and continuing to persevere when faced with Yapp gremlins.

Allison, I forgot to say "thanks!" The Daily Mail (and Baz) really do come up trumps, every now and again! Please keep a lookout for BJD and any news of MLSF in the UK! BTW, BJD: The Sequel (whatever the title is!) is going straight to paperback (no hardback) at �6.99. I was in our local Waterstones the other day and asked about it. They were expecting delivery in April, but the date has been put back. Perhaps to coincide with the beginning of the film shoot...good PR! Sorry, this should be at #80...am too lazy.

I have just been out and bought the Daily Mail and interestingly Bethan there is also an item in the BB column "Hopkins to play the Lion King. Anthony Hopkins and Meryl Streep are the favourites to star in a new version of the Lion in Winter....Hopkins and Streep are at the top of director Pat o'Connor's wish list and delicate negodtiations are under way to secure their services for the film, which would be shot in Britain in the autumn." (would this rule Colin out). Also in the same paper is an interest ng article about Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels flopping in the USA and a bit about Working Titles and how they are looking for a star to play a British gentleman spy in a �20million film. A Man called Brown, will tell the story pf a secret agent operating in 1912. Love interest is provided by a suffragett, while the villian is a German munitions merchant. Actors being considered to play Brown include Ewan MacGregor, John Hannah and Robert Carlyle." Oh please two of these actors are scottish, where i Colin's name, he would be perfect.!!

And you, Colin's greatest fans, deprived him of it on his rare return to the stage. (Evelyn) I know, I know....and I hate myself for it. Don't, Evelyn. 'When in Rome' was the most judicious approach. Unexpected applause could have thrown off his rhythm. You ladies did a marvelous job communicating your great fan-dom after the show. We can all applaud CF together when he comes to B'way (*sigh* someday...hope, hope, wish, wish)--no restraints! I read alot about Richard Anderson (remember him? He was Pete in ATA) last weekend. It was publicity for "Hunt for the Unicorn Killer" but also noted his Tony Award nom for "Death of a Salesman," in which he currently stars with Brian Dennehy (B'way is loaded with 'degrees of Colin' right now although Alan Cumming is leaving "Cabaret." Would you believe Jennifer Jason Leigh played Sally for awhile? She's about as sexy as a breezeblock. I'll take Teri any day). Here's a few excerpts about RA from vari us local papers: "The stage door opens and Kevin Anderson walks smack into a throng of fans waving paper, pens, even photos of the actor...Anderson graciously stops to chat, and to sign every last scrap of paper proffered...Anderson extends his hand in farewell, hikes on his backpack, and heads out to search for a cab. This time, he slips, unnoticed, onto the street." "...Kevin Anderson has been living an actor's dream: every night, a house full of theater-goers on its feet, applauding. 'It's an incredible thing,' Anderson says...'the people have always stood up...' After a performance of 'Salesman' last week, Anderson signed autographs outside the stage door for fans. They wanted to know what films he would be in next (he doesn't know yet)...the increased visibility is a welcome change of pace for Anderson, an unobtrusive actor whose work is often appreciated by crit cs, but whose name has eluded the general public. 'That's the story of my career,' Anderson says. 'All these little gems that nobody has seen'...Anderson cherishes his freedom more than anything else--the freedom to say yes to the things that genuinely interest him, and not waste time doing things because they fit his schedule or because he desperately needs a cash infusion...'I actually have a fan club now...they set up a web site for me. It's real recognition, not just for the show ['Nothing Sacred'] ut for everything I've been in'...last year, a group of 30 fans from the US and Canada coordinated a trip to Chicago to attend the same performance of 'Death of a Salesman.' Afterward, they surprised Anderson outside the stage door with a leather-bound book of personal notes expressing their appreciation for his acting. 'They were basically saying 'Hey, we see what you've been doing, and we want you to know that we appreciate it.' It was touching.'" Remind you of anyone? Hmmmm?? IMO the similarity is startling. That's a good idea about the book--something to keep in mind for later this year (and next month, JE fans). (Bethan) I think he could lay himself open to all sorts of ridicule if he takes a part in a less than high profile film and just reprises his role as FD in modern clothes. I agree. Even if it the script is wonderful, in playing MD he risks being rubber stamped as Darcy--a persona he's trying to shake. (Ann)re any bets - Marked Man? Now there's something I'd like to see him in (from the little bit I read about the script). Don't hit me but I would prefer to see him play the hero in a nice, juicy thriller vs. risk being typecast in BJD. Unfortunately, the latter is probably more realistic. (Heide)Laura and Susan, I hope you can work it out for Newport Me too! *Road trip!!* Saw a clip of Hugh Hefner (and his blonde triplet dates, Booby, Booby and Booby--whoops, I don't think I have their names right) docking at Cannes. Bring on Pia Zadora! Don't expect much press on MLSF since it's not part of the competition. If we are to hear anything about it (or ODB) it will be on 5/20 or 5/21. Thank you for sharing Biz' confirmation about CF's return in 3DOR, Allison. *Sniff!* I smell an award finally coming his way!! Maybe this time I will manage to see it/him. (sigh*) Moon, perhaps we can conspire together? I'm *sighing* too!

Oops, that should be Baz, not Biz. (Ann) Actors being considered to play Brown include Ewan MacGregor, John Hannah and Robert Carlyle Yuck, yuck and yuck!

.... about as sexy as a breezeblock. Eileen, I think you are starting a new and fashionable simile! Which British newspaper started it? *Sniff!* I smell an award finally coming his way!! I think you could be right. I hardly dare think about it....I am starting to hold my breath already. And you, Colin's greatest fans, deprived him of it on his rare return to the stage. I am very British about this. I hate the huge round of applause which greets a star when they first come on to the stage. It is so inappropriate. Nobody has seen them in the part at that point. They are merely being applauded for who they are, not what they are doing. A standing ovation at the end in fine IMHO because you are indicating enjoyment of the actor's work not just his or her celebrity. Not that we stand very often...tho' I remember one production where my husband and I stood and cheered ( s my husband is Mr D at his most restrained, plus some, you can imagine it was quite a performance).

Re JJL and breezeblocks You should see eXistenZ. Will change your mind.

"The Lion in Winter"....I thought that Anthony Hopkins had retired! He seems to be more in demand now than ever. Historically, Henry II was 40 (not 60) at the time of all the conflict with his sons, so Colin would have been ideal. Oh well, cross it off my list. Sniff! Mind you, if they're advancing everyone's ages by 20 years, Colin could play Richard the Lionheart (whom AH played in the original "Lion in Winter"). to be shot in Britain in the autumn Hmmm...the only thing that slightly disheatens me about his return to 3DOR is that it blocks the autumn (and film-making) for him, which would indicate that he hasn't any film offers lined up (although Nov 16th is more winter than autumn) I hope he does BJD, but to be honest, I'd like to read that he was in contention for other major roles in movies. He's so versatile that to be rubber stamped as Darcy does him a disservice. But yet again, with an Andrew Davies s reenplay, drawing on P&P parallels, BJD could be very, very entertaining. Actors being considered to play Brown include Ewan McGregor, John Hannah and Robert Carlyle Again, sniff! Double sniff. They're all Scottish anyway, and Ewan McGegor seems to be considered for every part that's going. Including my favourite Captain Corelli! Colin would probably be offered the German baddie role. Sounds like a silly plot! Back to positive thoughts, a longish run with 3DOR could make him eligible for an Olivier nomination..

Bethan, he finishes DQ at the beginning of June, and apparently he had to with draw from the BBC play, so I wouldn't mind betting he has something lined up for the immediate future and that still leaves him time enoughto fit in say another 10 week shoot before 3DOR, they won't need a very long rehearsal period?! so we could have two projects to look forward to as well as 3DOR at Xmas, DQ inthe New Year and maybe MLSF will be released in the UK around then. 3DOR, I was also wondering if there might be a bit more scenery this time as it is a longer run, it was very minimal before, a bit more like the production you saw Karen?

(AnnI was also wondering if there might be a bit more scenery this time as it is a longer run, it was very minimal before, a bit more like the production you saw Karen?), Brava Ann! I was wondering the same thing. This is where your compare/contrast 3DOR letter to Colin would come in handy Karen, it is not too late. ;-))) They should change a little something as a special treat to all the repeat afficionados. If you see him in Newport, you could mention it as well. Before you know it, you will be fast friends and can introduce me. :-D

Unexpected applause could have thrown off his rhythm. Oh, come on, stop clucking around him like that - he's a professional, for pity's sake! A ringing mobile phone and a water tap falling off in his hand didn't throw him off his rhythm, so why do you think something positive like a symbolic sign of recognition and pleasure of seeing him would? I hate the huge round of applause which greets a star when they first come on to the stage What's your name - Judi Dench?

I just checked the Newport Film Festival web site -- MLSF is to be shown June 3 and June 6, both at 8 p.m.

(Karen)You should see eXistenZ. Will change your mind. Really? It's playing down the street, though I haven't really thought about seeing it. Maybe I'll catch it later tonight.

(Bethan)I hate the huge round of applause which greets a star when they first come on to the stage. It is so inappropriate Agree. I think one should earn applause and a standing ovation. Wow...you girls really have him booked up all summer...he's a dad you know...who enjoys his son on holidays.

Wow...you girls really have him booked up all summer...he's a dad you know...who enjoys his son on holidays. Too true....I'm sure he'll put a pencil through a couple of months in the summer. And I guess that's why, very unusually I think, 3DOR is breaking for a couple of weeks over Christmas. Normally theatres only close for a couple of days as the Christmas season is be very popular in terms of bookings. Full marks to CF for responsible parenting. It's just that there seem to be so many good projects in the offing at the moment and I'd love to read that he was being considered for them (not second choice!). And Will could have a lot of fun with his dad on a film set...I'm sure he's very well behaved! We're getting very good coverage of Cannes over here on BBC24 News and in the press. I've now revised my opinion and I really hope we see something of Colin, and some promo for MLSF, (not Minnie Driver, Elton John, Liz Hurley et al). Maybe the photographers will noice there's a handsome Englisman with a beautiful (and photogenic) wife. Or maybe not! Today's Times has a front page photo of Ewan McGregor announcing yet another leading role (James Joyce). This man is the British film industry!! Also the BBC24 had loads of stuff on Catherine ZJ who seems to adore the limelight, says she rather crabbily. I'll tune in on the 20th! BTW, I've sent a very long e-mail to the Arts Council/National Lottery Division about SLOW, asking about whether they monitor their �1 million investment (tax payers' money!) and also asking some very specific questions (legal status of film, screenplay, has anyone seen it etc). I had to send a similar e-mail (on a different topic) from work, so whilst I was in an aggressive mood I thought I'd fire off something about SLOW as well. No response so far! I also discovered an excellent megasearch engine at wo k, www.dogpile.com, which brought up a lot of info about SLOW that I hadn't see before. It was obviously slated for release, until the cruel fates intervened! Newport sounds great...sun, sand and sea. An ideal location!

Continuing my newshound stint....Harvey Weinstein is establishing a new film studio in NY, and he's quoted as saying that if he does a sequel to SIL it will be "Shakespeare in New York". He has a sense of humour, right? A couple of mentions for Liz Taylor and her upcoming AMFAR appearance. Also, was (genuinely) puzzled by the choice of EMcGr to play James Joyce, when it's a well known fact that Joyce didn't make any literary impact until his late thirties/forties. But apparently the movie "concentrates on his love affairs" (yawn, yawn)and the director chose EM because he is willing to take risks (ie his clothes off!) Don't expect any literary merit!

STOP PRESS********** I have just spoken to DONMAR and they confirmed 3DOR (why do I always get the wonderfully ditzy ones who don't know anything that I am talking about!!!) and that booking opens on JULY 19th Thought you would all like to pencil that in your diaries!!!!

Wonderful news about 3DOR. Since it's at the Donmar again, I'd expect the trans-Atlantic phone lines to be burning up on the 19th. Those of you who were really beating yourselves up about not going the first time can not let this one get away. (Evelyn) In the Heartland, we never get an Oscar star in plays and we give standing ovations anyway...even school productions. Thanks, Evelyn. You've supported my point without realizing it and much more succinctly. In the US, standing ovations have become almost meaningless because they're done so often. IMO People stand up for an actor's reputation, not their performance. I think an actor (musician, whatever) knows if they truly deserve the ovation and I'd be embarrassed to receive one knowing the performance wasn't up to par. This is just a discussion on the topic in general and has no bearing on what I would do at the Donmar. I'm planning on throwing my undies on stage, actually.

I'm planning on throwing my undies on stage, actually. LOL Heidi, which day are you planning to go? I must be there:-)) ODB said that no one had sent him any knickers.....you could be the first.

OH NO, not a Tom Jones Concert type atmosphere , please!!! Of course , you could have said underwear printed with a certain website address I suppose! Try and make it a night Livia's not in, then he would be able to take them home "by tube" undetected!

NOT a TOm Jones concert flavour to the performance, PLEASE!!! You could of course have your underwear printed with your favourite website beforehand. AND pick an evening when Livia's not there and we COULD see some repeats of a certain snappy Heide, I'll say no more!!

Sorry everyone , my first posting was rejected and something came up saying it had been returned!!! Very strange, anyone else had that?

those are really great news! after all the lousy excuses I made to myself for not going last time I'm definitely going to be there in November... It will be nice to see some of you in person too. How did you plan the trip last time? did someone was in charge of buying the tickets for the play? if you are going to arrange something like that now, please contact me (yosysh@ibm.net).

Adi, we all bought our own and it was sheer luck , initially that quite a few of us picked the same date!!

Lizza did you by any chance ask when the Play stops for the Christmas /New Year break i.e 16th November to when and then 5th January to 20th Jan. Adi I am thinking of going in November, and then in January and I would love to meet you and any other firthfans.

No Ann I didn't, but surely they would stop for Xmas by 23rd at the very latest and it will be interesting to see how much ticket prices will go up by!! It's a good idea to go earlier in the run and then later in 2000. CF to take us into the next thousand years, what a way to celebrate.

They've set a very early booking date....they must be expecting a lot of advance bookings this time! I'm really looking forward to seeing CF .....my hints about a theatre trip to London in the autumn have been surprisingly well received! I'm hoping that 3DOR will get more advance publicity second time round, so that I can say "hey, this is a must see show...everyone's talking about it" :-) I think that Colin must have really enjoyed the Donmar experience and the intimate atmosphere of a studio theatre....I'm glad it's not transferring. He'll have to stave off the coughs and colds though....more vitamin C, less Kentucky fried chicken!

I haven't decided if I'm going or not. One reason I would go is the chance to meet more droolers. We shared such camaraderie at the Donmar last spring amd there's not one lady I met I wouldn't love to see again. It's going to be a bit more difficult to meet up this time because of the longer run. As Lizza said, it was sheer luck that most of us picked the same day to go. But with so much time to plan, Adi, I'm sure you'll be able to settle on a date with other droolers. You've got to go. Wonder if the bed will be in the same spot? Donmar Seating Ann and Allison, will those paragons of patience you call husbands go with you again? We could use someone to hold our coats and purses to leave our hands free for those tactile experiences after the show. Just kidding!

Heide you just have to go again and get some more of those lovely photos. Not sure if my hubby will want to go a 3rd and 4th time, I shall have to have a word with my sister and try and persuade some of my friends that it is really a "must-see". Adi for your information rowA seats26/27 are at the bottom of the bed!, a few inches from his size 10's (only guessing!)

That's strange, according to the Plan above, the seats I mentioned are A24/25but I was sure ours were A26/27, anyway they are all very good seats. BTW they are in the Stalls and I was guessing about Colin's shoe size, in case anyone may be wondering.

his size 10's (only guessing!) Interesting: remember the Tatler photo of Colin in a Hamlet-like (or Byronesque, as some may prefer) pose? You can see the sole of one of the boots he's wearing, and there's a single number on it: very likely 9... some of you remarked how relatively small his feet seemed in real life...

(Heide)Re: Standing Ovations...I'd be embarrassed to receive one knowing the performance wasn't up to par. And I wouldn't give one....I would not have given Judi one when I saw her in Filomena...definitely mediocre. (Heide)I haven't decided if I'm going or not. Waddaya' mean?..... start clipping those coupons...play the lottery... I don't plan to go twice...but once, for sure.(Though I do wish it was a different play...let's take up a collection and get EMcG.a "dialect coach" that hat specializes in a southern accent).Surely , she'll improve the second time around. I suggest we set up two dates...one in November or early December and one in January. Firthettes could then decide which one to attend.It is more fun to have a group .And November& January are low fares season.I'll check on the dates of the latter.

where is dean?

Oh my, he's coming back to the Donmar? Hmmmm, how am I going to convince the DH that this is a must see? Start working on a set of excuses for me girls... I'm off to Singapore tomorrow so you'll have several days to think about it :-)

In the Sunday Times today:-" Bridget Jones gets her man" (can't type it all but here are the interesting parts. "Helen Fielding who created a bestseller by portraying modern urban women as shallow, vulnerable and desperate for marriage, has turned to one of the most successful men in the British film industry for help with her screenplay. The involvement of Richard Curtis would have mortified the fictional Jones, who goes to desperate lengths to conceal her dependence on men. But senior sources at Universal, the Hollywood studio, said Curtis would play a vital role in improving Fielding's draft screenplay, which s e began more than a year ago....... Oscar nominee Cate Blanchette has been tipped for the lead role, as has Helena Bonham Carter, though she has less in common with Jones than the 29 year old Australian star of Elizabeth. COLIN FIRTH who played Darcy in the BBC production of P&P is expected to play the LOVE interest, Mark Darcy." (where is Andrew Davies?)

Oh Ann you have been busy early this morning!!! Colin and Cate? Hmmm. Anyone see the Sunday Times lady at CHAT this week? I replied to her FP type questions re football and asked if she was preparing an article on him. As yet no reply!

BTW I agree with Evelyn about setting up several dates which need to be governed by cheaper air fares. Come on Heide, can you get on that game that Karen was on? Anything, just come! I bet they will change the setting round, so don't bank on the bed being where it was before!! The set may well be redesigned and more along the lines of what Karen saw in Chicago.

....... Oscar nominee Cate Blanchette has been tipped for the lead role Now that would be good for Colin. I am starting to get excited again.

Ann, you beat me to it this morning! Our papers have only just been delivered. I've just found the reference to BJD. Hmmm....yes, what did happen to Andrew Davies? I'd be inclined to take this report with a pinch of salt, based on idle tittle tattle at Cannes. "Insiders at Cannes said that a film of BJD wold succeed only if there were significant changes to the character...insiders say that Curtis (4 weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill) is likely to insist that Bridget gets her man" I think that Richard Curtis' involvement would raise US interest in BJD, but I prefer to believe the Andrew Davies version of events! RC could be used as a consultant. I'm not sure about Cate Blanchett...she may be too serious an actress. Romantic comedy requires different talents. Now, Lizza, what exactly did you say to the Sunday Times lady? There's also another bit in the Sunday Times about how Colin has become a Paul Ashworth-type obsessive about Arsenal since making FP. You see how rumours start!! :-) Re the 3DOR set...for a longer run, they may well invest in something more "real", less minimalist. Sets cost money.

Good sleuthing bethan!! I did not say he is an obsessive about Arsenal at all but only briefly mentioned what anyone who reads the FP sites could have told her. Of course I have had no acknowledgement from her and no answer to my question!! Typical? Those of you with intimate knowledge of this bis. will have to let me know. I guess that because we are all such a caring , sharing lot when it comes to ODB that it ****** me off when there is an exception to it. Still I won't be fobbed off that easily------ back to the email!

Assertive Firthette in action. Now I feel much better, like I scored a winning goal for Arsenal!!

BTW Cate Blanchett has not had good reviews for her role on stage in London, David Hare's "Plenty"(?). Some critics have considered her "Hysterical tone" in some of her speeches speeches. And we thought E.Mc needed help!!!