THE storm clouds were gathering over Downing Street, but Tony and Cherie Blair were blissfully unaware.
They spent Wednesday night at the theatre watching Judi Dench and Maggie Smith appearing together in a West End season for the first time in more than 40 years.
The Prime Minister and his wife settled into their seats at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, for The Breath Of Life, by David Hare.
After the performance they laughed and smiled as they met Dames Judi and Maggie. Onlookers said they appeared relaxed. One said: 'They chatted for a long time with both Maggie and Judi , and appeared unfazed. They both said they had enjoyed the play.' The Blairs would perhaps not have been so sanguine had Downing Street not decided to spare them the unpleasant developments unfolding off stage.
Godric Smith, the Prime Minister's official spokesman, received a devastating call at 9pm informing him of the emails which provided evidence of Mrs Blair's dealings with convicted conman Peter Foster in the Bristol property affair.
After three days of repeatedly telling the media that Foster had played no role in helping Mrs Blair buy two flats, Mr Smith was now being made to look like a liar.
When the Daily Mail first edition arrived at Number Ten, however, Mr and Mrs Blair were still enjoying themselves in theatreland.
It was not until yesterday morning that Mr Smith and chief spin doctor Alastair Campbell issued Downing Street's response.
Thanks to Maree Wilson for sending this article, which appeared in The Daily Mail (UK) on December 6, 2002.