London's West End welcomed back Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders for their first stage performance there for eleven years.
Their 'Live in 2000' tour began its extended run in the capital on 6 November and it was a baptism of fire for the pair. They felt the thrill and nerves of live performance when the crucial projector broke down minutes before the show began. Dawn described the experience as "the most fantastic buzz." Jennifer said, "It is actually absolutely great to feel really frightened again."
But years of the safety of the television studio have not dulled the pair's sharp culture critiques which have won rave reviews in the press and massive media interest.
Among the stars watching from the stalls of the Apollo Theatre were Lord Lloyd Webber, Ben Elton, Hugh Laurie and Robbie Coltrane. There were also reunions with Darcey Bussell (who appeared with French in 'The Vicar of Dibley'), and Emma Bunton who joined the other Spice Girls in the 1998 French & Saunders Special.
Exceptionally high demand for the shows has meant a fourth week of dates has been added to the London run, which now extends until early December.