A Love Letter to Mr And Mrs F26 & F27

Firstly can I say a big congratulations to the cast of Wicked who did a tremendous job at the show’s Sydney opening night on Saturday. It’s great to see Amanda Harrison back in the show and sounding so good, while Lucy Durack is a terrific Glinda and Sydney-siders should do their best to ensure they see the show – it sits so well at the Capitol.

Firstly can I say a big congratulations to the cast of Wicked who did a tremendous job at the show’s Sydney opening night on Saturday. It’s great to see Amanda Harrison back in the show and sounding so good, while Lucy Durack is a terrific Glinda and Sydney-siders should do their best to ensure they see the show – it sits so well at the Capitol.

I was at a show last week – I won’t say which one – in which I was unfortunate enough to meet Mr and Mrs F26 & F27. For the night, I was Mr F28.

Now I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but food and drink in the theatre has suddenly become the norm. Even at Wicked on Saturday evening, the strong-selling green slushie drinks were a popular choice for a tasty treat during the show. Even just a few years ago it seemed Wednesday matinees with tightly wrapped lollies were the only time you’d hear the annoying ‘chomp chomp’ inside the theatre, but now the blue rinse brigade are not on their own.

At the show in question last week, Mrs F27 had a bag of snakes (of the lolly kind, of course). No point in opening the snakes before the show of course – she waited until the first scene, and struggled with the packet so much that Mr F26 had to help her. Finally, the packet was opened – huge sigh of relief.

About five minutes into the show, a sudden vibration went through the few seats surrounding Mr and Mrs F26 & F27. What could it be? Ah, of course, Mr F26 has accidently misunderstood the ‘turn of your phone’ message and has instead put his phone on vibrate. It’s got a nice and bright screen too – I’m actually pretty jealous. Mr F26 decides replying to the text message is vitally important so he gets to typing the message. He’s so polite that he attempts to hide the phone with his other hand. Hint: A bright white light in a dark theatre isn’t the easiest thing to hide.

Must have been a pretty good text message – it turned into a ‘text conversation’ of sorts that went for another five or six messages.

During the time, he had a couple of snakes that Mrs F27 had offered him. So polite, she made sure she whispered when she said “do you want one babe”.

Interval. Phew, it couldn’t come quicker. After all, the snakes are all out and reception is just a little bit dodgy in the theatre, so Mr F26 needs to check his phone outside.

Back to the show and Act II is just as fun.

Not snakes this time – some peanut M & M’s instead. I must admit, they taste pretty good – why didn’t Mrs F27 offer me one?

Mr F26 got one, and a few more text messages to boot.

Home the pair went – unaware of the annoyance they’ve been to those around them.

To Mr and Mrs F26 and F27, stay at home next time. Or at least eat before hand and turn off your phone.