There are radiators and drains in life. By that, I mean those who give off warmth and energy and those who exhaust and deplete those around them. There are, of course, different grades, shades and spectrums of defining people in such a way; times when “a drain” can be positive and times when “a radiator” can be negative, but on the whole the temperament will out. The Thesp is a radiator. Not only that but he understands the Italian spirit of bella figura; putting on a front of grace and goodwill. Even when the current theatrical part he has is smaller than his talent either demands or deserves and the production values and professionalism of his team are less than they ought to be, he does not complain. Further, he is unpaid and very much “off-West End” so, now the rehearsal period is over, he is back with me during the day.

We still maintain two corporate accounts with US law firms. We work with those moving over to London, guiding them through the rental negotiations and finding them a flat. It’s the part of our business that I least enjoy and one that I don’t often get involved in but am loathe to give up. It proved a steady, if small, income through the lean year of 2008 and in early 2009. The Thesp has taken over as the relocator-in-chief. On the whole, though well remunerated, the job of a corporate lawyer is not a fascinating one. The profession requires diligence, a brain for precision and endurance, for they are worked very long hours. Given all this, I feel The Thesp brings a certain, and needed, joie de vivre and, to be frank, difference into these clients’ lives.