Leafing through the programme at the theatre on Saturday night, the eyes were drawn as they usually are, to the section at the back where they list the benefactors. As ever, it was a question of seeing how many of them were familiar. But on this occasion, there was an added twist: how will the same rollcall appear in a few years’ hence, will there still be the usual suspects or will there be new ones or indeed, will it be anything like as voluminous?
Because rich folks matter. We need them, London needs them. Without their presence and support, their love and affection, swathes of our society will suffer. It is easy to mock, to take them for granted, to say they don’t count, that they don’t contribute anything. In which case, look around you. Yes, restaurants may be emptier, limousine services will suffer along with concierge services and private schools. Bless. Likewise, the posh estate agencies, florists and so forth. But they are real businesses providing real jobs.
