Keeley Hawes

[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