Patrick Stewart IP

[osiris]

On 3rd January I journeyed to London for my 4th Hamlet visit ("Hello, my name is Nicola and I'm a Hamlet-oholic"), having previously seen the show twice in Stratford in November and once in London on 6th December. I'd not managed to see Patrick at the stage door, as with all of David's fans he's tended not to appear. The 6th December being Mr Tennant's last performance before he went for his much-needed surgery. On the 3rd, I was quite happy in the knowledge I would be seeing Edward Bennett's Hamlet (I've met him repeatedly, and he's just lovely). Little did I know that on the afternoon of the show, my contacts at the theatre (Ed included) would confirm to me that David would be performing. I was delighted. The atmosphere in the theatre when it was announced was extraordinary. Even Sir Ian McKellen, who we'd nearly bumped into on our way in, was cheering. It occured to me that I probably wouldnt get to see Patrick at the stage door afterall, but no matter.

After the show, we headed to the stage door but knew there'd be no way of getting near David. As usual the place was packed. We waved to David as he left (after signing a few near the door), then awaited the rest of the cast (scans of autographs obtained to be included in a seperate topic). As the barriers at the stage door thinned out a bit, I realised the security had not yet left... they usually do. I took my chance and pushed behind those waiting (and not moving down) so that I could get to the front near the door. I ended up being about 3 from the door. The security then left... cue us being disappointed... but then they assured us that Patrick was coming out, but they'd been told they could go.

We waited a while more, maybe 10 mins when the door opened... and out stepped a woman, followed by Sir Ian! That explains the wait then, Patrick's been having a natter with his mate. I'd got index cards in my hand, as well as my programme, in case Sir Ian did appear. Alas, he got into his taxi and left. Not surprising, he's on a night out. We waved him goodbye in any case. Shortly after, Patrick came out and started signing down our row. A rather rude woman stood in front of me on the other side of the barriers and I informed her that there were barriers for a reason and we had been waiting. Patrick got to me and I held out my pen and programme... still with the index cards in my hand.... and he signed one of those! Oops. I'd wanted my programme signed, but never mind. I told him I'd seen the show 4 times and it was wonderful. The rude woman announced "well I've been twice but whatever" and stuck her programme out to him. I wanted to smack her.



It was a fantastic night & I spent a good hour in the pub chatting to cast members, little did I know at the time that it wouldn't be my last Hamlet... thanks to some hardcore friends who queued overnight in the bitter cold, I also saw the last night on the 10th (from magnificent central stalls) and boy was it magical!

[James]

Great sucess, Nicola! {thumb2}