A stirring tale of missing spoons and a tribute to Woody Guthrie

When American singer David Lutken arrived in London two years ago to perform his tribute to folk-music hero Woody Guthrie, one small but important piece of kit was lost en route - the spoons.

A search for replacements ended at the National Theatre's staff restaurant and the performance of Woody Sez was able to go ahead. Restaurant manager Christine Paul never expected to see them again.

But back in London after a tour, the Woody Sez crew casme back to the South Bank from their new home in the Arts Theatre to return the spoons - which they had even had engraved to show their appreciation.

Lutken said they realised their spoons were missing as they were about to premiere their show on the Southbank in 2009: "There's a song in the second act that has a spoons solo.

"Our manager said, 'I'll go find some spoons,' and the next thing - we had spoons." Ms Paul, from Bermondsey, said she may have them mounted. "If I put them out, they'll just go missing. My spoons always go missing. We're lucky to get these back."