Douglas Adams’ book probably doesn’t need an introduction to most of my readers. But as a bit of an explanation: it was my friend Dirk Maggs who first mentioned it to me. (Dirk and I met at the memorial day for Patrick, via mutual friend Brian, and he’s been helping me with my English homework). Dirk is also the producer of the new live shows and while I’m currently still enjoying the book, I had to see this!
Dirk had promised me a pint and that he’d introduce me to the cast. But at this point I wasn’t yet aware of the fact that he’d introduce me as ‘The Dish of the Day’! Neither was he though. This happened in the afternoon, after I had just arrived in Northampton with a couple of friends. Dirk texted me to ask which seat I was going to be in and if he could ask for a favour. Todd and Steven were convinced it had something to do with dragging me on stage or throwing water in my face (?)
Little did I know that he actually needed someone last-minute (not specifically from the audience) to do a bit of the script! The bit of ‘Dish of the Day’. When he rang he asked: “You don’t get stage fright, do you?” I said ‘no’ to that and a spontaneous ‘yes, of course’ to whatever it was that he wanted me to do on stage. Even though Todd and Steven had tried to convince me that this was the part where the lady takes her clothes off. I had actually just read about this Dish in the book on my way over!
So I kind of knew what was expected of me: to be meat. Talking meat. When Dirk came in with the script – and we made sure there was finally proof of the two of us being in the same room together – Steven said to him: “So you’re the guy who’s calling my girlfriend a major cow?!” Without skipping a beat, Dirk replied: “No. I’m calling her an Ameglian Major Cow.” I love this guy. We read the script together – once – after which he had decided I’d do fine.
It was a minor part and only in the second set, so even though we went in via the stage door, I sat in the audience for most of the show. Well, after we finally found our way to it from the backstage area, which was only because I had recently met up with Brian here. While we were looking for the way out, a colleague of Dirk asked him to please not get lost. I added that I indeed would not also take his part – as he is the excellent drummer of the band too!
Before the show started, I announced on twitter: “Go to a show. Know the producer. End up on stage. Just my life.” And this did give a whole new meaning to going on space adventures. But even though I enjoyed being part of the Restaurant at the End of the Universe scene, I would have had an amazing night too if I had seen the whole show from the audience. What a lovely cast! And with all these sound effects, you just don’t know where to look sometimes.
I also think I want to adopt Marvin and it was great to see so many people (1000+) enjoying the show. My friend Todd said he liked it so much he’s going to see it again. If I could, I would too. I didn’t see the end, as I was chatting backstage, so I can’t do any spoilers. Dirk had apologised for this fact, but since I now just missed the part I still have to read in the book, this actually was great timing. But do go and tell me – you will have fun!
We went for a quick drink afterwards, where the lovely Simon had me (as a guest) sign his posters too. Geoff had done an excellent job of telling me what to do at the curtain call: when we walked out of the theatre, people recognised me and they gave the impression they hadn’t noticed that I had only seen the script for the first time that afternoon. While driving home, Steven remarked that he was glad he could take home the leftovers (!) and I found out I knew the part by heart still.
Thank YOU, Dirk and the wonderful people working on this show!
Thumbs up for Douglas at the curtain call (picture secretly taken by a ‘fan’, haha).
Your Dish of the Day on stage with Mitch Benn (Zaphod Beeblebrox) and Simon Jones (Arthur Dent). Picture with thanks to Ken Humphrey.
The very cool Dirk Maggs and me – yay! (Picture with thanks to Ken Humphrey).
Dirk and I reading the script. (Picture by Todd Howard).
At the stage door (Picture by Hanny van Arkel).
My friend Todd came prepared! (Picture by Hanny van Arkel).
Of all the times I came to London, I never actually did this. Picture by Steven Lantinga.
Still fooling around that afternoon before the show. Picture by Hanny van Arkel.
And Todd wanted to walk out of something too. Busted. (My fault).
4 Comments
And let me be the first to say here that you did an excellent job! I think people had no idea that you only had 3 hours or so to get used to the idea and learning your lines. I applaud you m’lady and I am very proud!
The show itself was fantastic as well. In fact, as soon as I’d finished my other book I started reading THHGTTG again!
And of course, thank you for taking me with you (and Geoff for driving, Todd for being my wingman and Richard en Yvonne for the company). MOOOO!!!
From start to finish it was a wonderful day! Meeting up with friends again is always good, but then to have a friend being part of the Hitchhikers show made it extra special. You took it all in your stride and performed brilliantly Hanny (MOOOO!!). Dirk Maggs, I tip my hat to you sir for a great show and excellent choice for the ‘Dish of the Day’. Tis true, I’m planning to see the show again. I echo Steven’s thanks to Geoff, Richard, Yvonne. Oh, and I’m happy to be your wingman Steven!
PS: All hail the mighty Douglas Adams
Amen to ALL of that. Oh and check this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbhAf62wfgE
You’re welcome.