2,811 posts
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Post by couldileaveyou on Apr 22, 2017 14:39:00 GMT
Donna McKechnie was incredibly nice at the stage door, she even pretended not to notice the awful reality and asked me if I am a dancer.
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243 posts
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Post by musicallady on Apr 22, 2017 14:49:39 GMT
When Matador was on in London I met Stephanie Powers who stood and chatted for ages. The next time we met Una Stubbs who had seen the show. Lovely ladies.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2017 23:53:05 GMT
Not exactly theatre, but I was told of a famous American singer from the 1960s who died not so long ago. He insisted his band kept playing after he had left the stage for the last time inorder for him to get out of the venue & away so that he didn't have to meet any fans. They would crowd round the stage door not knowing he was long gone.He was a right s**t by all accounts. Actually it was Gene Pitney. You hear different stories about the same people, I knew someone who drove Gene on several occasions and said he was quiet but a very nice person. Also know a few who met him and said he was a nice guy. Some actors or performers can be very quickly out of a venue especially if they have connections to make.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2017 0:01:05 GMT
I've met loads of people over the years having been an autograph collector as well as a theatre going fan. I've often found that the people you think may be nasty and sarcastic are often the nicest you can meet and vice versa.
I don't tend to ever do crowded stage doors as they can be too much hassle for all concerned but often when you hear people saying they are convinced that a certain performer may have gone out another way or if they will or won't sign etc and I think "You've never met them but you are judging them and also other entrances are locked so there is only one way out".
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1,330 posts
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Post by CG on the loose on Apr 23, 2017 9:38:42 GMT
I've met loads of people over the years having been an autograph collector as well as a theatre going fan. I've often found that the people you think may be nasty and sarcastic are often the nicest you can meet and vice versa. I don't tend to ever do crowded stage doors as they can be too much hassle for all concerned but often when you hear people saying they are convinced that a certain performer may have gone out another way or if they will or won't sign etc and I think "You've never met them but you are judging them and also other entrances are locked so there is only one way out". Totally agree that people can sometimes confound your expectations. I would however dispute your assumption that the sort of comments you mention are automatically judgmental - I've certainly speculated aloud about the likelihood of someone I'm waiting for putting in an appearance but only because I accept they may have needed to get away quicker than the waiting crowd would allow or simply weren't in the mood, either of which is absolutely fine! And going out 'another way' is entirely possible - indeed as I'm usually legging it for the tube and a train home, I've sometimes bumped into (on one occasion literally) said escapees making their fast exit elsewhere! (Panto at the Palladium last Christmas being a prime example.)
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1,510 posts
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Post by anita on Apr 23, 2017 9:55:08 GMT
Actually it was Gene Pitney. You hear different stories about the same people, I knew someone who drove Gene on several occasions and said he was quiet but a very nice person. Also know a few who met him and said he was a nice guy. Some actors or performers can be very quickly out of a venue especially if they have connections to make. I was told by a close relative of someone who worked with him regularly.
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1,093 posts
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Apr 23, 2017 12:02:51 GMT
My grandmother was good friends with an end of the pier performer back in the 50s, who was gay. He had one enthusiastic fan or we'd call her a stalker today. She has all sorts of stories about ways they used to sneak around to avoid her at stage door, and how she was called into beard service to throw this fan off. A shame but sometimes necessary.
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4,631 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Apr 23, 2017 12:22:19 GMT
Way too old now, to do stage door.
However it is great to reading on this thread where people's meeting are positive, really no negative meetings.
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1 posts
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Post by sceadugenga on Aug 14, 2017 14:32:50 GMT
Much too shy to do stage door, but have met Stephen Mangan socially and not only is he great fun, but he's very nice to his fans. Hayden Gwynn is very polite and interesting. Simon Russell Beale is just lovely, he's such a sweet man.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2017 14:53:04 GMT
Gavin Creel is very nice and polite. And hot.
He looks like butter wouldn't melt but you just know he's dynamite in the boudoir.
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1,177 posts
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Post by joem on Aug 14, 2017 21:28:02 GMT
Not a stage door person - my philosophy is that my purchase of a theatre ticket entitles me to watch a play, not to bother actors in their spare time. But when I was doing an MA, I tried to contact the creatives from Nunn's production of "The Tempest" at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. From the actors' side Andrew Jarvis (Gonzalo) and Gilez Terera (Caliban) were very helpful.
My better half is a fan of Rufus Sewell's and claims he is very nice with the fans at stage door appearances.
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1,936 posts
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Post by wickedgrin on Aug 16, 2017 1:30:41 GMT
Way too old now, to do stage door Yes me too - it would look very creepy! However, when I am out and about in London I often see actors either in the audience or around theatres and always say "hi" rather than just staring. Without exception all have been delightful to talk to and happy to chat. Most recently (last week) I saw the gorgeous Marc Elliott outside the Gielgud Theatre after seeing the Ferryman. He seemed delighted I actually knew his real name rather than his character name from EastEnders or Holby City and even more delighted when I said I had enjoyed his performances in City Of Angels and Urinetown etc. Absolutely delightful and dishy - although very short and slight for those of you interested in size!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2017 9:33:19 GMT
Most recently (last week) I saw the gorgeous Marc Elliott outside the Gielgud Theatre after seeing the Ferryman. He seemed delighted I actually knew his real name rather than his character name from EastEnders or Holby City and even more delighted when I said I had enjoyed his performances in City Of Angels and Urinetown etc. Absolutely delightful and dishy - although very short and slight for those of you interested in size! Get. Out. Of. Town.
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923 posts
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Post by Snciole on Aug 16, 2017 12:29:37 GMT
... Also really liked bumping into Tracey Bennett when we were at the ivy, stood outside chatting whilst she had a fag. I might be rose tinting this as I was massively pis*ed at the time! ... I had to ask her if she minded me pushing past in the Charing Cross Theatre bar to get a glass of water. She was very funny and said "This is acceptable but if you wanted booze it wouldn't have been" I actually booked Follies on the basis that she charmed me in real life!
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1,330 posts
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Post by CG on the loose on Aug 16, 2017 12:33:11 GMT
Another in the 'charmed by Tracie Bennett' camp... I remember talking to her after End of the Rainbow and saying it was one of the best shows I'd seen all year (it was in fairness almost the end of December!)... her response "only this year?"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2017 12:41:04 GMT
How fabulous. A gal after my own heart. I'll bet Tracie is a scream after a glass of champers.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2017 0:09:13 GMT
One story from many years of watching plays and autograph collecting was once at the Old Vic, I'd seen a play by Tom Stoppard and wanted the program signed by the cast. Whilst waiting I noticed someone approaching who looked rather like Sir Tom himself, to make sure I didn't make a fool of myself I glanced down at the program to Sir Tom's photo and up towards the approaching gentleman. Sir Tom had clocked what I was doing and said lightheartedly "Yes it is I, would you like me to sign it" I said "certainly great play, a real honour to meet you". He said £That's very kind" and went into the stage door.
Once at TRH Rachel Sterling was either in a play and Phyllida Law (Emma Thompson's mum) was meeting her as a guest or it was the other way around, Someone had a Tipping the Velvet DVD for Rachel to sign which she did and then told us all about a website she had found with stills of the series on it in case anyone wanted "Some good stills as they have got some really filthy ones on there" She was quite series almost encouraging people to print these photos for her to sign. Phyllida who was in her mid 70's at the time then said I bet Emma is featured on there too almost boasting.
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103 posts
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Post by sondheimhats on Aug 17, 2017 5:42:53 GMT
I had the immense pleasure of having an extended conversation with Sir Derek Jacobi recently, in a real-life social situation - not a stage-door. He could not have been lovelier. One memorable bit of our conversation:
We came to discuss Bernard Shaw, and he said "the last play that I did onstage was Shaw's Heartbreak House several years ago" and I said "But sir, didn't you do Romeo & Juliet at the Garrick last summer?" He laughed and said "Oh my goodness! You're absolutely right! I'd forgotten. I'm getting so old..."
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240 posts
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Post by Anniek on Aug 17, 2017 7:13:15 GMT
Celinde Schoenmaker. She is just lovely. Always time for a chat, picture whatever, and she is always interested in her audience (did you like it? was it your first time seeing the show etc) But to be fair, I've never met a particularly not nice person at SD.
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7,506 posts
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Post by alece10 on Aug 17, 2017 7:50:09 GMT
Sheridan Smith is way up there at the top of my list. One of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met.
And to single out a couple more. Alex Hanson. Totally charming man and so friendly and one who may surprise some. Cynthia Erivo. I can only say good things about this lady. Gives great hugs too.
Been lucky so far and not met a rude one.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2017 10:36:47 GMT
Cynthia Erivo. I can only say good things about this lady. Gives great hugs too. Just don't recommend her for a role.
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Post by d'James on Aug 17, 2017 13:34:15 GMT
Cynthia Erivo. I can only say good things about this lady. Gives great hugs too. Just don't recommend her for a role. Inteeesting point. I wonder if she would go off on one of her rants at the Stage Door if someone said they'd love to see her play an Oompa-Loompa or something or if it's the safety of the computer/phone screen, with many followers watching, that gives her the confidence to do it.
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243 posts
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Post by musicallady on Aug 17, 2017 14:40:55 GMT
Nicest - Alex Hanson, Kate O''Mara, Stephanie Powers (when she was in Matador), John Barrowman and Caroline O'Connor.
Worst - Ruthie Henshall, David Greer (Michael Ball's understudy in Aspects).
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7,506 posts
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Post by alece10 on Aug 17, 2017 16:55:04 GMT
Another in the 'charmed by Tracie Bennett' camp... I remember talking to her after End of the Rainbow and saying it was one of the best shows I'd seen all year (it was in fairness almost the end of December!)... her response "only this year?" Another shout out for Tracie Bennett. Met her at Dress Circle for signing of Over The Rainbow CD and mentioned that Liza was in town and wondered if she was coming to the show. She said "I hope not". Just love her accent so "corrie".
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2,302 posts
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Post by Tibidabo on Aug 20, 2017 10:19:05 GMT
Many many years ago a friend and I met Alun Armstrong during a lock-in at the Dirty Duck after a show. He was absolutely lovely and was genuinely interested in our lives - we lived abroad at the time. He loved the idea that we belonged to English speaking theatre companies, but also wanted to find out all about our day jobs and way of life. He honestly made us feel that our lives were more interesting than his. (They really weren't!)
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Post by tommy123 on Aug 20, 2017 11:49:14 GMT
Has anyone tried or succeeded with Olivia Colman at the Mational lately? I absolutely adore her but haven't stage door-ed in years but thinking of giving it a go just for her!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2017 12:08:39 GMT
I've never met anyone particularly horrible but Laura Pitt-Pulford was extra lovely when I met her after Flowers For Mrs Harris. Will Haswell lovely when I met him yesterday after Our House. Emily Howlett was very sweet who I met while she was here in Tribes and Lucie Jones was too who I met after Wedding Singer. Luke Baker is wonderful to meet at stage door - he's always willing to give so much time to you at stage door. Gavin McCaig is always a delight to speak to - he's a dancer for Northern Ballet. Justin-Lee Jones is always very lovely too and I loved meeting Charlie Bate and Rochenda Sandall too. I've been very lucky at stage door!
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5,586 posts
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Post by lynette on Aug 20, 2017 14:19:58 GMT
One story from many years of watching plays and autograph collecting was once at the Old Vic, I'd seen a play by Tom Stoppard and wanted the program signed by the cast. Whilst waiting I noticed someone approaching who looked rather like Sir Tom himself, to make sure I didn't make a fool of myself I glanced down at the program to Sir Tom's photo and up towards the approaching gentleman. Sir Tom had clocked what I was doing and said lightheartedly "Yes it is I, would you like me to sign it" I said "certainly great play, a real honour to meet you". He said £That's very kind" and went into the stage door. Once at TRH Rachel Sterling was either in a play and Phyllida Law (Emma Thompson's mum) was meeting her as a guest or it was the other way around, Someone had a Tipping the Velvet DVD for Rachel to sign which she did and then told us all about a website she had found with stills of the series on it in case anyone wanted "Some good stills as they have got some really filthy ones on there" She was quite series almost encouraging people to print these photos for her to sign. Phyllida who was in her mid 70's at the time then said I bet Emma is featured on there too almost boasting. I can verify, Tom Stoppard very nice guy. Signed my programme at the NT foyer, Utopia and my pen didn't work so he patiently waited while I switched pens. Pinter on the other hand not nice, very disagreeable when approached at Almeida after The Birthday Party was it? Anyway, he signed copy of text. Got it somewhere....a future Antiques Roadshow item for someone.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 20, 2017 21:05:24 GMT
Harold was directing a Simon Gray play a number of years back at Birmingham Rep, I'd heard he could be elusive and when he came out the stage door, a couple of us asked him to sign. He held up his hand and said "Sorry" and walked off, Simon was happy to sign btw.
I heard years later that the trick with Harold was to get him talking about cricket as he became much friendlier then.
Patricia Routledge could be a bit brusque but one time I met her, I mentioned seeing a clip of when she was presented with a Tony Award by the great Groucho Marx and she spoke about meeting him for several minutes.
Martin Shaw is another famously elusive actor, will rarely stop at SD but happily signs through the post or if stuff is taken in. I know when the Professionals came out on Video years back people could not get him to sign the covers. When I met the late Lewis Collins years ago someone said to him, he was much nicer than Martin and he replied "I had to work with him for 5 years", so there may have been no love lost there.
I have heard a story but cannot verify it that many years ago someone asked the late great Gordon Jackson to sign a Professionals item which he was happy to do and noticed that it had already been signed by Martin and said something along the lines of "How did you get the ****ing miserable ******* to sign that".
Diana Rigg was well known to never be asked to sign anything Avengers related or even let her see it as she was likely to stop signing or meeting fans if she saw it or was asked. But she was always pleasant if nothing Avengers was mentioned or came into her eye-line. Ironically a few years back Patrick Macnee was visiting her after a show and they left the theatre together so for once she broke her "No Avengers" rule as Patrick was there.
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485 posts
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Post by WireHangers on Aug 20, 2017 22:17:50 GMT
I met Jim Cartwright after a show I was in that also had his children in it. I was in my last year of drama school and had read virtually all his plays so I approached him and said I was a huge admirer of his work. He was so lovely and chatted for ages and was genuinely interested in what I'd like to do after drama school. I mentioned I'd love to be in a production of Little Voice and he said "I'll keep an eye out for you" and winked at me. Proper stand up guy. I get the impression he's still extremely humble and actually enjoys meeting fans.
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