Please you, draw near.
I have a story to share.
About friends and plays.
And how to never underestimate the stubbornness of a Canadian on a mission.
First, some background. My friend and beta Altocello lives over on the west coast of the US. She has a sad story that is friends locked, but in simple terms - she couldn't come to London to see "The Tempest". My other friend Scotscookie wrangled me up a ticket to go on June 2nd, wayyyyy back on Feb 12. (I was still on tough times then, so I am very appreciative!)
Now I'm from the west coast myself, but happen to be living and working in London. I now work odd and late hours, but hey - that's the industry.
On Wednesday, May 23rd work let me out on time! It was a gorgeous evening and I thought, "meh, why not?!" I should have just enough time to make it to the Globe and catch the play. Of course, I hadn't ever tried to travel to the Globe from work before and got turned around in a few spots and ended up arriving at the Globe at about 7:35 (the play started at 7:30). I bought a yard ticket and was told to proceed to gate 4 where the steward should let me in. I picked up a program on the way. When I got to gate 4, the steward would NOT let me in as there was a quiet scene on at the moment and I would have to wait 15min to be let in, LOL. So I waited.
Eventually, us stragglers were let into the yard halfway through Act I Sc 2 where Prospero is reminding Ariel of all he's done and to quit his bitching and get back to work. I was wayyyy over by the right side of the stage. I eventually managed to shuffle my way to the center-ish and sure enough once intermission hit, I could get about third "row". But yeah! The play was great! Easy to follow, if you know nothing about it, too! Miranda (Jessie Buckley) had me in stitches and stole the show, imo. Same with Caliban (James Garnon). This was when Colin's voice was shot and so when he had to sing, he only mouthed the words and let the girls shoulder the tunes (with the exception of his solo song at the end).
So the play ended. I don't know what possessed me to buy that program seeing as I already had one bought for June 2nd, but it occurred to me that this could be a chance to do a really cool surprise! I was going to see if I could get Colin to sign it and I'd mail it out to Cello as a surprise! First problem was that I didn't know where the stage door was, lol. I wandered around a bit, and eventually found it with about 12 other people waiting. Second problem was that I'd come straight from work and I had nothing for him to sign *with*. Not a pen or *anything*. Well, I figured maybe I could borrow one of the pens of the other fans around. A third minor problem was that I didn't actually know Cello's real name, so I'd have to actually get him to sign it to "Cello", lol.
So we wait. Lots of other workers come out, but no Colin. One of the fans ask one of the departing workers if they knew if Colin was still in there and they said No, he'd already left. So everyone had left. I had a bit of a feeling though, and I stuck behind by myself and about 15 min later, sure enough he comes through the gates. Well, so much for borrowing another fan's marker..... I didn't even bother taking out my program.
"Mr. Morgan!"
"Hey"
"Well done tonight."
"Thanks, cheers!"
And he carries on.
Okay, so it's just that easy! I decide I'm going to get this program signed. I have a chat with Cello and ask if she could send me her details so I could send her "a postcard". I grab my Copix marker and because I had to work on the next day (Thursday), I again went down after work but this time just waiting by the stage door, not actually seeing the play. Well, he didn't come out this time, but I did manage to catch Roger Allem. I presented my marker and program and he goes to sign it. But.... okay so my Copix marker has two ends: a firm chisel end and a floppy inking end. I accidentally gave him the floppy end and, as actors are used to doing, he applies way too much pressure and his signature kind of blurrps out. I can't remember exactly what he said, but to paraphrase: "This marker really accentuates the sloppiness of my signature"
I had Saturday off, but had to work on Sunday so again I went after work.
And again, no luck.
Wednesday May 29th
Again I go after work and not long after the play ends, Colin comes out of the stage doors with the guy who always seems to be escorting him through the signings. He didn't have his backpack or his hat/beanie. Everyone in attendance was very cool about his arrival. There was some gasps when they realized it was him, but no one was freaking out and screaming or any of that crazy, lol. One girl had asked for a picture but he said he just wanted to sign as many things as he could. He would sign and sign, and if there was a lull he'd clasp his hands and ask "is that everyone?" or "anyone else?" Okay so my turn. I offer him my Copix marker (chiseled side this time) and he goes to sign:
"If you could make it to "Cello*", I'd appreciate it" (* actually I said Cello's RL name, but for the purposes of separating fandom/RL it shall remain "Cello" here.)
"Cello?"
"Yeah"
"Is that you?"
"No, it's my friend in (westcoast city)"
His eyes go wide with surprise at that.
"(westcoast city)?!"
At this point I tell him the tale that is currently friends locked at Cello's journal (I'd type it here, but that defeats the purpose.) Take my word he goes through happy emotions and sad emotions.
"Aw, no! So you're sending this to her?"
"I'm gonna send it tomorrow!"
"You're a good friend"
"Thanks" (this was a "thank you for signing" as he'd just given me my marker and program back) "I'll be here for Sunday's show, so hopefully I'll be lucky enough to get my own then."
"Thanks"
And that was that. He signed people's stuff, and I took the opportunity to snap a few blurry pictures.
When he was done, he went back inside. Everyone dispersed again except for stubborn me who was hoping maybe Jessie Buckley or James Garnon would still show up. About 15 min later, Colin exits the stage door again, but this time with beanie and backpack and headed home. We exchanged nods.
I got an envelope and doodled all over it. I put my ticket stub, my drawing of Ariel, a couple of the tissue paper petals I nicked from the masque scene and placed them in the signed program. I put a note on the front that said "HA HA I LIED! NO POST CARD FOR YOU!!!" and I mailed it off Thursday evening.
Okay so Sunday June 2! Hanging out with Scotscookie! Queen's Gallery! Trafalgar Square! And The Globe!
At this point, I hadn't told ANYONE that I'd been to the play and met Colin twice, because I was trying to keep the endeavour a secret. I laugh because at this point, the only other person who knew of my plot was Colin Morgan. YAY SECRET KEEPER!
But I had to tell Cookie.... LOL. Mostly because it was brought up in conversation.
So on my second viewing of the play, I had a front row seat in the left middle gallery. Definitely one of the best seats. And I got to finally see all the stuff I missed from the first time. Colin's voice was all healed up and he was singing all the parts. And fun fact: at the "Do you love *me*, Master?" line, the first time I saw it everyone went "awwwwww" and this time half the crowd laughed and the other half "awwww'd". So that was neat to see how the audience affects the performance. Also, there was spontaneous applause after the Harpy scene this time, and not on the first time. And to my sadness, Miranda didn't do her fist pump exit after the proposal on the second viewing....
Okay, so now it's time to try and get my own program signed. We waited out by the stage door, but no one came out. I found out later they all left through the main entrance that night.
Wednesday June 5th. I'm getting used to this ritual.... after work, head down to the stage door! Well, I was out a bit earlier, so I hit up a pub first. I was actually Skype'ing with Cello on my phone while I was waiting, lol and I thought boy, that'd be awkward if he showed up and then the jig would be up... but we all decided to wrap up the Skype session and be productive. Right after, Sam Cox who plays "Stephano" came out and I got his autograph. He asked me where I was from (probably due to my accent, lol).
Again, there was a long wait and it seemed like Colin wasn't going to show again. But as I walked passed the main gates, there were a few girls waiting because it turned out Colin was in The Swan. He came out and there was about 6 of us, I reckon. Again, someone asked for a picture but he said he wanted to just sign as much as he can. I saw Jessie Buckley was there too, but she darted off to catch her train (as Colin had told her "Go on and catch your train") before I could I snag her. Finally I get up towards Colin and hand him my program and Copix marker. And he says:
"Hey, you're back!" (oh boy... is it a bad sign when he starts to recognize you?)
"Yeah, I really appreciated you signing for my friend in (westcoast city). She should be getting it tommorrow."
"Oh you sent it already?"
"Yeah. This one's for me"
"Right on" And he gives a thumbs up and a big smile
"Thanks!"
"Thank you"
I was one of the last people to get an autograph, so I barely had a chance to get a photo off while he signed for others.
But as I made my way to the Millenium Bridge, he and the two lady friends walking with him were right behind me. The picture and video of him declining a fan at the front gates that night happened just before that (I was like, six steps ahead of that photo/video, lol) They pass me and keep on walking along the bank while I headed up over the bridge.
So that's it so far! Cello just got the envelope in the mail today and we had a quick squee, before she had to take off. She said she'd be making a post too, so keep an eye out for it!
I have a few more theater dates lined up. So I might have more stories later on.
Edited to add: Here is Altocello's half of the story!
About friends and plays.
And how to never underestimate the stubbornness of a Canadian on a mission.
First, some background. My friend and beta Altocello lives over on the west coast of the US. She has a sad story that is friends locked, but in simple terms - she couldn't come to London to see "The Tempest". My other friend Scotscookie wrangled me up a ticket to go on June 2nd, wayyyyy back on Feb 12. (I was still on tough times then, so I am very appreciative!)
Now I'm from the west coast myself, but happen to be living and working in London. I now work odd and late hours, but hey - that's the industry.
On Wednesday, May 23rd work let me out on time! It was a gorgeous evening and I thought, "meh, why not?!" I should have just enough time to make it to the Globe and catch the play. Of course, I hadn't ever tried to travel to the Globe from work before and got turned around in a few spots and ended up arriving at the Globe at about 7:35 (the play started at 7:30). I bought a yard ticket and was told to proceed to gate 4 where the steward should let me in. I picked up a program on the way. When I got to gate 4, the steward would NOT let me in as there was a quiet scene on at the moment and I would have to wait 15min to be let in, LOL. So I waited.
Eventually, us stragglers were let into the yard halfway through Act I Sc 2 where Prospero is reminding Ariel of all he's done and to quit his bitching and get back to work. I was wayyyy over by the right side of the stage. I eventually managed to shuffle my way to the center-ish and sure enough once intermission hit, I could get about third "row". But yeah! The play was great! Easy to follow, if you know nothing about it, too! Miranda (Jessie Buckley) had me in stitches and stole the show, imo. Same with Caliban (James Garnon). This was when Colin's voice was shot and so when he had to sing, he only mouthed the words and let the girls shoulder the tunes (with the exception of his solo song at the end).
So the play ended. I don't know what possessed me to buy that program seeing as I already had one bought for June 2nd, but it occurred to me that this could be a chance to do a really cool surprise! I was going to see if I could get Colin to sign it and I'd mail it out to Cello as a surprise! First problem was that I didn't know where the stage door was, lol. I wandered around a bit, and eventually found it with about 12 other people waiting. Second problem was that I'd come straight from work and I had nothing for him to sign *with*. Not a pen or *anything*. Well, I figured maybe I could borrow one of the pens of the other fans around. A third minor problem was that I didn't actually know Cello's real name, so I'd have to actually get him to sign it to "Cello", lol.
So we wait. Lots of other workers come out, but no Colin. One of the fans ask one of the departing workers if they knew if Colin was still in there and they said No, he'd already left. So everyone had left. I had a bit of a feeling though, and I stuck behind by myself and about 15 min later, sure enough he comes through the gates. Well, so much for borrowing another fan's marker..... I didn't even bother taking out my program.
"Mr. Morgan!"
"Hey"
"Well done tonight."
"Thanks, cheers!"
And he carries on.
Okay, so it's just that easy! I decide I'm going to get this program signed. I have a chat with Cello and ask if she could send me her details so I could send her "a postcard". I grab my Copix marker and because I had to work on the next day (Thursday), I again went down after work but this time just waiting by the stage door, not actually seeing the play. Well, he didn't come out this time, but I did manage to catch Roger Allem. I presented my marker and program and he goes to sign it. But.... okay so my Copix marker has two ends: a firm chisel end and a floppy inking end. I accidentally gave him the floppy end and, as actors are used to doing, he applies way too much pressure and his signature kind of blurrps out. I can't remember exactly what he said, but to paraphrase: "This marker really accentuates the sloppiness of my signature"
I had Saturday off, but had to work on Sunday so again I went after work.
And again, no luck.
Wednesday May 29th
Again I go after work and not long after the play ends, Colin comes out of the stage doors with the guy who always seems to be escorting him through the signings. He didn't have his backpack or his hat/beanie. Everyone in attendance was very cool about his arrival. There was some gasps when they realized it was him, but no one was freaking out and screaming or any of that crazy, lol. One girl had asked for a picture but he said he just wanted to sign as many things as he could. He would sign and sign, and if there was a lull he'd clasp his hands and ask "is that everyone?" or "anyone else?" Okay so my turn. I offer him my Copix marker (chiseled side this time) and he goes to sign:
"If you could make it to "Cello*", I'd appreciate it" (* actually I said Cello's RL name, but for the purposes of separating fandom/RL it shall remain "Cello" here.)
"Cello?"
"Yeah"
"Is that you?"
"No, it's my friend in (westcoast city)"
His eyes go wide with surprise at that.
"(westcoast city)?!"
At this point I tell him the tale that is currently friends locked at Cello's journal (I'd type it here, but that defeats the purpose.) Take my word he goes through happy emotions and sad emotions.
"Aw, no! So you're sending this to her?"
"I'm gonna send it tomorrow!"
"You're a good friend"
"Thanks" (this was a "thank you for signing" as he'd just given me my marker and program back) "I'll be here for Sunday's show, so hopefully I'll be lucky enough to get my own then."
"Thanks"
And that was that. He signed people's stuff, and I took the opportunity to snap a few blurry pictures.
When he was done, he went back inside. Everyone dispersed again except for stubborn me who was hoping maybe Jessie Buckley or James Garnon would still show up. About 15 min later, Colin exits the stage door again, but this time with beanie and backpack and headed home. We exchanged nods.
I got an envelope and doodled all over it. I put my ticket stub, my drawing of Ariel, a couple of the tissue paper petals I nicked from the masque scene and placed them in the signed program. I put a note on the front that said "HA HA I LIED! NO POST CARD FOR YOU!!!" and I mailed it off Thursday evening.
Okay so Sunday June 2! Hanging out with Scotscookie! Queen's Gallery! Trafalgar Square! And The Globe!
At this point, I hadn't told ANYONE that I'd been to the play and met Colin twice, because I was trying to keep the endeavour a secret. I laugh because at this point, the only other person who knew of my plot was Colin Morgan. YAY SECRET KEEPER!
But I had to tell Cookie.... LOL. Mostly because it was brought up in conversation.
So on my second viewing of the play, I had a front row seat in the left middle gallery. Definitely one of the best seats. And I got to finally see all the stuff I missed from the first time. Colin's voice was all healed up and he was singing all the parts. And fun fact: at the "Do you love *me*, Master?" line, the first time I saw it everyone went "awwwwww" and this time half the crowd laughed and the other half "awwww'd". So that was neat to see how the audience affects the performance. Also, there was spontaneous applause after the Harpy scene this time, and not on the first time. And to my sadness, Miranda didn't do her fist pump exit after the proposal on the second viewing....
Okay, so now it's time to try and get my own program signed. We waited out by the stage door, but no one came out. I found out later they all left through the main entrance that night.
Wednesday June 5th. I'm getting used to this ritual.... after work, head down to the stage door! Well, I was out a bit earlier, so I hit up a pub first. I was actually Skype'ing with Cello on my phone while I was waiting, lol and I thought boy, that'd be awkward if he showed up and then the jig would be up... but we all decided to wrap up the Skype session and be productive. Right after, Sam Cox who plays "Stephano" came out and I got his autograph. He asked me where I was from (probably due to my accent, lol).
Again, there was a long wait and it seemed like Colin wasn't going to show again. But as I walked passed the main gates, there were a few girls waiting because it turned out Colin was in The Swan. He came out and there was about 6 of us, I reckon. Again, someone asked for a picture but he said he wanted to just sign as much as he can. I saw Jessie Buckley was there too, but she darted off to catch her train (as Colin had told her "Go on and catch your train") before I could I snag her. Finally I get up towards Colin and hand him my program and Copix marker. And he says:
"Hey, you're back!" (oh boy... is it a bad sign when he starts to recognize you?)
"Yeah, I really appreciated you signing for my friend in (westcoast city). She should be getting it tommorrow."
"Oh you sent it already?"
"Yeah. This one's for me"
"Right on" And he gives a thumbs up and a big smile
"Thanks!"
"Thank you"
I was one of the last people to get an autograph, so I barely had a chance to get a photo off while he signed for others.
But as I made my way to the Millenium Bridge, he and the two lady friends walking with him were right behind me. The picture and video of him declining a fan at the front gates that night happened just before that (I was like, six steps ahead of that photo/video, lol) They pass me and keep on walking along the bank while I headed up over the bridge.
So that's it so far! Cello just got the envelope in the mail today and we had a quick squee, before she had to take off. She said she'd be making a post too, so keep an eye out for it!
I have a few more theater dates lined up. So I might have more stories later on.
Edited to add: Here is Altocello's half of the story!