AT LAST, the film we have all been waiting for comes to town: Star Wars Episode III, The Revenge Of the Syth. An unmissable film, not only because it’s a box-office record breaker and a true classic – you see. I had to watch the film, if nothing else, because I have grown up with the nickname ‘Princess Laia! Plus, I must confess, I am a real fan.
And I am not alone. There are so many die-hard Star Wars fans out there! We were talking about it last week, and a group of about ten of us (including a Luke), decided to go and see it. So last Saturday, just a few days after it opened, we booked tickets and off we went…
Saturday morning, and the plan is to meet at the UCI cinema in Whiteley’s at 4pm, for the 4.45 session.
I am on my way to the theatre and bump into Audrey, who is also coming to the film. We are both very excited and very early, so we decide to grab a cup of tea beforehand. I tell her about a brand new venue called The Tea Palace on Westbourne Grove, which I suggest we check out. “Sounds good to me!” she says and we make our way there.
The venue is airy and elegant, with rows and rows of very smart-looking large purple tins of speciality tea on shelves behind the counter. It’s busy, so we join a queue, but soon we are shown to a table. It looks pristine, grown-up and inviting, with a crisp white tablecloth and napkins on it. Audrey and I look at the other tables filled with cakes and other delicious-looking goodies, and smile.
We are given a menu, and our waitress recommends their freshly baked scones. How could anybody resist? We order a pot of Earl Grey – which is truly scrumptious with its fine Bergamot aroma – and some scones, which arrive on a silver cake stand, and are absolutely divine.
We enjoy our tea and catch up, settle the bill and leave. I notice some gift packs at the counter and make a mental note – they will make the perfect present for that friend who has everything.
We walk to the cinema and continue to catch up on our latest news and soon we are joined by the others, who look excited and expectant. We get to the cinema and go through to Screen One, where we are seated. In the theatre, the lights go down and after some great trailers the film begins.
We are taken into a world and a galaxy far, far away, and the force is with us in an unbelievable display of special effects. The story unfolds, the princess is born and soon the story has been told. It’s a long film, but – like the spaceships – it certainly flies past!
My favourite thing in the film were the light-sabres that the Jedi’s carried. Wouldn’t that be the ultimate accessory? I ask you, how many times in your life would you need to own one and destroy everything that’s in your way, only to pack it in neatly in your handbag once you have finished with it – just like a folding umbrella!?
We grab a coffee at the Starbucks opposite the UCI cinema, and discuss our favourite characters, weapons and lines. We order a round of cappuccinos and play around with the straws, destroying each other’s froth, and pretending that our muffins are spaceships.
Luke makes a startling revelation: he has collected Star Wars paraphernalia for ages, and could practically open a museum! We talk and laugh some more, and slowly but surely return to our very own planet…
The Tea Palace 020 7727 2600, www.teapalace.co.uk
