October 1999, Comic Potential

In October of 1999 Tom and I were in London to catch the final performance of Comic Potential in Guildford and the opening performance in the West End. The entire trip was delightful, but I will concentrate on the events surrounding David here.

Prior to the show in Guildford, we met at the theatre with Sylvie, Sarah Cook and Sarah’s husband Peter. Sarah and Peter were not staying for the show, but were so kind to come out to see us. They are really nice friends to have. We also met several other fans including Debbie and Robbin Laffoon (who is also from Missouri).

The show was great. The entire cast is very talented and David is well suited to his role. I found the story very entertaining and charming.

Following the show Sylvie, Eunice, Tom and I were lucky enough to ride the train from Guilford back to London with David and Janie Dee, the lead actress. David and Janie were nice enough to find a space large enough for all of us. Then, Janie proceeded to pull beers out of the backpack she was carrying to share with us. She and David chatted about the play and she asked a few questions about his S&H days. It was fun to listen to her giving him a few zingers about their age difference. At one point she said that she was a Hutch fan as a child and that she even had a Hutch pillow case. She joked that she was only six years old at the time. "Not true," David was quick to point out. "I know how old you are and you were much older than six," he said with mock indignation. Sylvie was able to snap a few pics of their playful conversation.

David mentioned that he might have time to get together with us sometime on Sunday or Monday, but unfortunately that did not work out. However, on Tuesday he did ask Tom to come over to his flat to teach him a few things about his new computer. So, Sylvie and I went shopping while Tom spent the morning with David. An honor totally wasted on Tom, but he is always willing to help. That afternoon Tom and David took a taxi to the theatre where Sylvie and I met up with them. David was running late for dress rehearsal, so he was gone like a flash.

That evening we were able to see the show at the West End theatre. We really enjoyed it a second time even after just seeing it three nights before. The play seemed slightly different in parts. It is obvious that they are still making adjustments to things like timing.

Following the play we got to see David, Alexa and Checky for just a few minutes before they headed home. David was exhausted and it showed. So, it was hugs and good-byes…..until we meet again.