Their careers have always taken different directions, but the fortunes of Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick have never seemed further apart.

Last week SJP soaked up the sun and enjoyed spa treatments at the luxurious La Mamounia resort in Morocco ahead of filming on location for the Sex And The City sequel.

The 44-year-old relaxed by the pool with a female friend (her SATC2 co-stars were not there) and stayed in a $2000-a-night suite. She also booked out the gym so she could work out in private.

“She looked like she was having a really good time,” says a fellow guest at the newly revamped resort. “She was chatting to staff in French.”

SJP is the fourth highest-earning actress in Hollywood, bringing in $25 million last year, on top of her lucrative perfume and fashion deals. She’s also being paid a reputed $1.8 million as the new face of the Halston clothing label.

Unfortunately the same can’t be said of 47-year-old Matthew. As his wife chilled out in Marrakech, his off-Broadway play The Starry Messenger had its first preview performance.

Audience members reported that Matthew frequently forgot his lines and needed to be prompted several times in the first act alone. The play’s official opening has now been delayed by a week.

It’s not the first time Matthew has received poor reviews – his role in another production earlier this year was also panned. Friends are concerned the problems could trigger a return to the drinking and partying that caused a crisis in his marriage last year, when allegations of an affair surfaced…

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Matthew is home alone in New York (left) while SJP is in Morocco relaxing at luxe La Momounia. Images: Snapper Media.