Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

I think everyone had the Monday blues on Monday night as we were VERY thin on the ground!!! Obviously Lucie and Defarge are on their hols, Mr Lorry was called to a meeting so couldn't make it and Carton ran out of juice (well, not him, his car), we had a peasant missing, Barsad was working late and a revolutionary was absent so there were people standing in for others all over the place; which could have been very confusing had we not all been complete professionals. I thought perhaps we could have a video or a conference call and then we could have everyone doing their own parts, wherever they are.

We've had our first two tickets sold - well done to one of our revolutionaries - he will win a prize (although I'm not yet sure what that prize will consist of). I must just add (to prevent further outcries from Director Guillotine) that yes, I know you have reserved two tables Director Guillotine, and yes that is 16 tickets but you haven't paid for them and revolutionary has!!! So you can't have the prize.

My practise at throwing things has obviously helped as I hit Evremonde first time, although I must admit that he was quite close as Strypard (not Stryvard apparently) hadn't moved across quite far enough. However, in my mind, a hit is a hit - I'll keep practising.... On the subject of Stryvard, he has done exceedingly well and knows his words! Astounding work there, as his scene with Barsad is quite a tricky one - the two of them have worked hard on that and we can see it's paying off already. Well done to you both. Peasant Girl also did very well with her lines and with the flag bearing and twirling with Seamstress - looking good girls, great timing now.

Darnay was encouraged to "take Gabelle first" which I think I saw him do, although he did get away with not having to kiss him, even though it's the French thing to do and I wouldn't take it personally Gabelle.

Evremonde, despite his cries of outrage at the mickey taken out of his pencil case, showed me another addition to this little collection of art equipment, that I hadn't seen before. He has little pot with an eraser and a pencil sharpener inside (along with a few pencil shavings). Upon closer inspection, this pot came from Boots and once contained setting lotion. Evremonde explained that he had had this pot since 1981 - ah, bless! He had hair to put setting lotion on then....