It Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time

On the 26th of March Scotland's smoking ban in closed public places comes into effect. This is, of course, a good thing, but it looks like the Scottish Executive didn't really think it through. It appears that the legislation also bans herbal cigarettes which means that actors can't use those instead. On camera or on stage! Think about it, how many period plays do you know that rely on cigarettes to set the scene or create comedy moments? How authentic is a Noel Coward without cigarettes? What is an actor playing Winston Churchill going to do? And any television made in Scotland is equally affected. So for those of you planning to go the the EdinburghFringe, look to your scripts, and if you find a suitable alternative that doesn't include tobacco or "any other lit substance or mixture" in a receptacle for smoking, then please let me know.