I remember around 15 years ago phoning the Bloomsbury Theatre for tickets to see a stand up show. I'd seen the advert in Q mag and had my mobile ready at work to call the box office as soon as they went on sale. I'd always been lucky getting tickets and fancied my chances for a couple of us to see the star of The Office do his first major gig.
I'm paraphrasing, but it went something like this:
Me "Hi, I'd like to book tickets for David Brent."
Box Office Girl "OK, do you know what date he is appearing?"
Me "Yes, on the
blah blah blah."
BOG "I can't see anything for him on that night. Are you sure you have the correct date and venue?"
Me "Of course, it's right in front of me - advertised in Q magazine. Surely you've made some mistake?"
BOG "Hang on.....no I've double checked and none of my colleagues have heard of him."
Me "Not sure what's going on but surely you must know who is or isn't playing at the venue. Do you have a calendar with who's appearing? David Brent, you know the guy from The Office. He's listed on that date!"
BOG "No, sorry sir but somebody else is on that night."
Me "Who?"
BOG "Ricky Gervais."
I hung up and called back straight away and used a different voice.
BOG "Sorry, that show has just sold out."