A couple of years ago, my friend Jacquie and I went to see the magnificent ‘Tempest’ production which used holograms, and saw Simon Russell Beale as the fabulous Prospero, and Mark Quarterly as a tremendous Ariel. 

After the show, we repaired to The Arden, where we were staying overnight, but unfortunately Jacquie was feeling unwell, so went straight to bed. I curled up on the sofa with some gin in the Residents bar and happily read my programme – I was the only one in the room apart for the waitress who popped in occasionally. After about 5 minutes, a chap came in with a pint of beer and a book, muttered a greeting as he entered, and sat quietly in the opposite corner. I barely looked up. Only after another ten minutes did it strike me it was Simon Russell Beale! I was overcome, I didn’t know whether to speak, or keep quiet, since he obviously was having some quiet time. In the end, I decided to stay quiet – until half an hour later, when he left, and then I couldn’t resist, as he got to the door, telling me how a wonderful the show was. He promptly sat on the arm of the opposite sofa, and we had a lovely chat all about the production – he seemed genuinely interested in what I thought! 

It did seem possible Jacquie would never forgive me for not waking her up – but she has since moved to Stratford and is still my regular companion at your magnificent theatres, so our friendship survived.