Keeley Hawes

[Tea Lady]

I would recommend Upstairs Downstairs to anyone who didn't manage to catch it in the UK over Christmas. KH played the lady of the house. Her character wasn't a particularly likeable one IMO, but she played it well. People are comparing it to Downton Abbey but I think that is a little unfair. Downton was quite soap opera, and rather enjoyable Sunday night viewing as such. Upstairs Downstairs played on the major historical events of that time such as the abdication and the rise of the Black Shirts in the 1930's, and weaved them into the story rather cleverly.

[A Cousin]

For those on the other side of the Atlantic, just a heads up that PBS will start airing Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs as part of the Masterpiece Classic series. Downton Abbey air dates are Sundays Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30. Upstairs Downstairs will air Sundays April 10, 17 and 24. But check your listings. In my area, Masterpiece Classic runs it on Mondays.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/classic/index.html

[Tea Lady]

£5 to see Keeley in conversation at the Lyttelton Theatre, 9 June at 3pm.

http://bit.ly/ldGT0w

[Tea Lady]

Following on from my previous post, I went to see KH in conversation at the National yesterday. She was with her co-star Joseph Millson. A very enyoyable 90mins in total I have to say, and I kind of regret not going to see her play now, even though the reviews have not always been kind.

Interesting though, the actors did criticise the play a little (Rocket to the Moon) so they were not blind to the fact that it has struggled. They mentioned that the first half was far too long, too wordy and there was too much repetition. They also said it was near on impossible to cut the play down. They just couldn't do anything about it, even though they saw it themselves. Must be so frustrating as an actor to see a project which could be so much better, but you are handstrung and on a contract.

Keeley seemed to enjoy her experience on the stage and said it was so radically different and was so shocked when real people were actually laughing at her jokes. She has always worked on set, and never knew whether her funny lines would go down well or not.

Can't fail to mention that Mr TL put his hand up at the end and asked a question. I was sooooo shocked !! He asked the pair whether they watch themselves back on the TV, when their shows are aired. Keeley said no and hadn't even watch MM in "Any Human Heart."

After the talk was over, we walked back into the reception area and there was Keeley saying hello to her fans and signing autographs. Managed to get a photo with her and I said that I was a fan of her in Spooks. She gripped my shoulder a little tighter at that point I hope that was a good sign

[A Cousin]

(10-06-2011 06:46 PM)Tea Lady Wrote:  Following on from my previous post, I went to see KH in conversation at the National yesterday.

Ooohhhh...! I've been looking forward to this! Thanks for the report. Interesting stuff.

(10-06-2011 06:46 PM)Tea Lady Wrote:  Can't fail to mention that Mr TL put his hand up at the end and asked a question.

Aww... Good for Mr TL! Its a good question too! Some will watch themselves and some just simply won't.

(10-06-2011 06:46 PM)Tea Lady Wrote:  Managed to get a photo with her and I said that I was a fan of her in Spooks. She gripped my shoulder a little tighter at that point I hope that was a good sign

If she didn't draw blood, I think you can take it as a good sign.

[pepelow]

Apparently, Nicola Walker was at last night's performance of "Rocket to the Moon". Someone mentioned on Twitter that they had to squeeze past Nicola in order to get out of the ladies room at the National Theatre. Love the fact that the Spooks cast (past and present) are always going to each other's plays! Jessica Raine, who is also in the cast of "Rocket to the Moon" was also in "Gethsemane" with Nicola in 2009.