However, let me report a very funny story, albeit on a very annoying theatrical reality.

On Tuesday, 21 January, my friend and I attended a performance of "talking Heads" at the Comedy Theatre. We had flown in from Vancouver, Canada, for our half-yearly dose of London Theatre. As a matter of fact, I had seen the show already past December (nice to work for the airlines...), and gone round to the stage door for an autograph. This time we did the same and found ourselves in the company of three other fans, who, as it turned out, were instantly recognized by Maggie Smith. She immediately started quite a show by complaining bitterly about the audience of the night.

"What was wrong with those people tonight? Never have I heard such a cacophony of coughs before! Is there an epidemic? Slap them! Do me a favour, slap them, it was awful!" And on it went for a while, and I must say, she was quite correct. Handkerchiefs seem to be quite a rare commodity these days, and the custom of at least burrowing ones head in ones hands has long been forgotten. Not to mention the respect for thy neighbours in the row in front of you, let alone the artists. Another result of hours spent in front of televisions, where those civilized conventions do not need to be observed? Anyway, I remarked that it has been know that killing glances have been thrown from the stage to audiences before. At which time Maggie Smith answered: "Good heavens, tonight my head would have to have been on a pivot, stalls, circle and all!" Followed by hearty laughter of all of us, including herself.

Otherwise it was again a wonderful week of good theatre. Eight plays in six days, not bad. And no overload, as far as we remember. Now we can only hope that there will be time available to us in June or July, and two empty seats on the flight. Thanks to this newsletter we are always up to date with the affairs of London Theatre. I drink to Darren! Next time, I simply must meet him.

(Max Kluth)