Blind date: ‘We laughed so hard the man at the next table shushed us’

Blind date: ‘We laughed so hard the man at the next table shushed us’ Rebecca , 26, a stage manager, meets Sophie, 28, a standup comedian Sophie on Rebecca What were you hoping for? Great conversation, since I’ve had way too many dates where I’ve borne the weight of the chat. First impressions? Gracefully frazzled, but with purpose! Smiley, friendly and very easy to talk to. What did you talk about? Obtrusive men on the tube. Comedy and theatre. Jane Austen novels. The kill-the-gays trope. Most awkward moment? When I got a bit Shakespearean with a sprig of dried lavender. Good table manners? Rebecca’s were impeccable. Meanwhile, I was scraping some dropped raita out of my palm with a tablespoon. Best thing about Rebecca? Her discretion. I asked about difficult people she’d worked with – she’d tell me what they did but not who they were. If you want anonymity, she’s your woman! Would you introduce Rebecca to your friends? I would – she’d be a fun addition to a day out. Describe Rebecca in three words. Amusing, self-assured, familiar. What do you think Rebecca made of you? It’s hard to ignore how chatty and distractible I can be; I don’t think I actually finished a story without getting inspiration for, and starting, a new one. Did you go on somewhere? She had evening work commitments, so we left things at the restaurant. And … did you kiss? I never would on a first date, but we had a polite departing hug. If you could change one thing about the evening what would it be? I’d have eaten less, so I had stamina for thinking up better questions. Marks out of 10? I left happy, and made a new London contact, so 10 for great company and chats. Would you meet again? As friends, yes. New to London, I definitely need more of those. Rebecca on Sophie What were you hoping for? Someone nice to share some good food and have a nice conversation with. First impressions? Sophie seemed very at ease and confident. What did you talk about? Books and movies. Living abroad. How when the Gu...