Londoner’s Diary: Minnie Driver: Hollywood’s still not up to speed on sexism

MINNIE DRIVER accused Hollywood of moving at a “glacial pace” over sexism at an event last night. “Even if you present your argument politely, you can be saddled with being called ‘difficult’,” she said, noticing “the same eye roll when young women ask for certain things”.

The actor, right, also defended women being given more opportunities, even if they are “shoehorned in”. At the How to Academy event at Conway Hall Driver said: “Someone said to me the other day, ‘Have you got any female directors?’ and I said, ‘Don’t you mean anyone good?’ They said, ‘No, they just need to be a woman’.” She added: “The more female film makers there are, the more female narratives [there are].” Small steps.

Driver, who has spoken out about sexism, including being asked to fake an orgasm for a Dutch advert, suggested staying angry has its perks. “Misogyny is what gets me out of bed in the morning” she joked. “You get used to accommodating the hard things in any job”.

Living the truth on stage at last

Londoner’s Diary 10 05 22

THE cast of new play Foxes were happy to get on stage at the Seven Dials Playhouse last night after two years of pandemic delays.

The play explores homosexuality in the Caribbean community and is directed by James Hillier. Writer Dexter Flanders, from near Highbury, told us he was inspired by a relative coming out. Flanders said: “When I was growing up, of course there were people who were gay but nobody would dare come out and live their truth.”

“You can’t tell the last time you saw two black men walking down the street holding hands in London, or two South asian men, or Turkish men, or muslim men” he said. Hamilton actor Jamael Westman also attended.

At the Cambridge Theatre Claudia Winkleman debuted her one-woman show Behind the Fringe, supported by her husband and parents, while designer Clara Pinto showcased a new collection in Belgravia.

Fan holds the Key to a scare for Tim

Comedian Tim Key has revealed how he received cancer treatment after a fan who saw him in shorts at a performance suggested he get a check-up.

“I did a gig and a doctor got in touch... and said, ‘Loved the show last night, but I would recommend that Tim gets his leg checked out’,” the Alan Partridge star told The Adam Buxton podcast. He was referred to a specialist, who said: “I need to cut that out today.” The comedian, left, asked if he could finish the final night of his tour in Norwich first. After two operations and oral chemotherapy, Key is better. It’s good to have fans.

Florence and the misperceptions

SINGER Florence Welch says fans can get the wrong idea from her bohemian public image. She says they imagine her “lounging around in silky stuff”, but instead she is “a ball of anxiety, with the TV on”. Meanwhile, says the Florence + the Machine frontwoman tells Rolling Stone UK that friends and family keep her grounded, as they don’t only offer praise. Instead they say: “We still want you to know that you’re a really frustrating individual.” Who’d be a star.

Feltz on ‘ghastly’ Celebrity Big Brother

VANESSA FELTZ didn’t enjoy a “ghastly” Big Brother stint for charity. “It was so boring listening to Anthea Turner discuss shoes with Claire Sweeney,” she told the Table Manners podcast at the Palladium last night. Feltz said she thought: “I’m not being paid! I hate this!”