London Stagedooring 101

ArtMan things aren't too different here to the US, at shows with 'big stars' you'll often find barriers set up and security who will organise the stage door situation, others may not have this it depends who/what you're going to see.

30 minute rule applies here too, personally I don't like to stage door pre-show, some may say it isn't the best time to bother a performer and that it is better manners to stage door after the show as you are then able to compliment the performance etc, this is a matter of personal opinion.

Generally if you're polite, don't push anyone out of the way or make rude comments about anyone you'll probably be better behaved than some of the brits present!

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I would personally say before the show is more frowned upon, and mainly only hardcore show fans (eg Wicked and Les Mis) do beforehand.

With regards to Kiera Knightley, she comes out about 15 - 20 mins after the show. Big 4 x4 waiting for her, barriers either side. One side for the paps, other for autograph hunters. Problem is there are LOADS there waiting with Pirates stuff etc who have not seen the show so by the time people come from the theatre there is actually no room at the stage door. You will need to push and shove a bit, and stand around the front of the car (if you are quick out the theatre). She is out and in the car un under 2 mins. She signs with a quick generic 'K' or 'R' as it looks sometimes, poses for the paps then in she goes.

Damian Lewis tends to just walk up the street, people approach him and he signs has photos etc, but I wouldnt call him a natural at the stage door.

The closest to the Haymarket for Mckellen would be the Palace, the others are abit of a trek from it.

If you want a picture with Keira then don't go with high expectations. You are 99% likely to not get one, especially with her. I've heard she literally flicks down the line signing K's and then leaves.

If you want to meet Kim Cattral it is literally right next door to the Adelphi, but the running times may clash.

Damian Lewis doesn't have a car waiting for him? That makes me kind of sad. And is anyone interested at all in speaking to him, getting pictures, etc? If the answer is not really, then that makes me even sadder..

I'd take a minute with Damian over a minute with Keira any day.

There are people waiting for him, but to be honest i really couldnt warm to the man either as an actor (really bad diction), stage presence or afterwards, meeting people seemed more of a chore. I also get the impressing that Kiera getting more attention really pisses him off!

Aww, I've never seen him on stage so maybe it's not his forte. But he's wonderful on film. The Forsyte Sagas and Band of Brothers are two of my favorite things.

Lol about Keira....And that's kind of a bummer that he wasn't so into meeting the fans that did want to talk to him. When I saw A Doll's House last summer everyone was all 'OMG Gillian Anderson Gillian Anderson!' but I just wanted to get to Christopher Eccleston, and he seemed like he was really appreciative of like, the 3 people that were excited to see him.

Oh well.

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