MY STARRY NIGHT OUT
At this time of year, my thoughts always turn to those poor, neglected members of society whom everyone always overlooks — actors.
they just don’t get enough attention, love or money, do they?
so you’d be forgiven for thinking that the notion of a charity for actors is right up there with donating your hard-earned cash to the Yacht Owners support Group or the Philip Green Benevolent Fund For Philip Green — but wait!
Acting For Others is an umbrella body for various theatrical charities, and it supports those in the industry who have fallen on hard times. No, not Joe soap whose EastEnders contract wasn’t renewed — it’s more for workers in the industry, including those backstage, front of house and all the other unsung worker bees who make going to the theatre such a magical experience. Last weekend, the ivy restaurant in London’s West End hosted a One Night Only fundraiser. the tables were turned, with performers such as Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery, Dame Penelope Wilton and sir tony Robinson (Baldrick!) waiting on tables and fixing drinks. i went along — what a scream! the reception desk, usually a hive of brisk efficiency, was haphazardly manned by Last tango in halifax stars Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid. he was on his second glass of wine, while her hospitality manner was rather more brutal than ivy guests are used to. ‘Get out of my way, don’t bang into me,’ she shouted, carrying a tray of drinks at a 45-degree angle while charging through the restaurant.
Manager-for-the-night Dame Penelope, who once worked as a waitress in a Chelsea cafe, was preparing for all events, even ejecting diners if needs must. ‘i would say: “Get out now and never darken these doors again,”’ she decided.
My favourite was barman stephen tompkinson (pictured), the gloomy DCi Banks reincarnated as a gloomy barman who forgot the little dish of peanuts with my cocktail.
‘What the hell happened to my nibbles?’ i cried. he looked utterly stricken, thinking i said nipples.
samantha Bond kissed everyone who bid in the auction — but that didn’t stop the evening from raising just over £100,000 for the charity.
Well done, you lovely people. You see? i can be nice to actors if i try.