Theatre

Love Song New Ambassadors Theatre
Starring Neve Campbell, Cillian Murphy and Kristen Johnston.
Haseeb (24), publishing and media student from north London ‘I loved the play, and I’m a big “Scream” trilogy fan. I came tonight to get my “Love Song” brochure signed by the cast. I’ve probably been waiting 25 minutes. My best signing ever was Madonna at Selfridges. In the West End, it’s probably Alyson Hannigan and Luke Perry. Showbusiness means celebrities to me.’
Gary (42), autograph collector from Portsmouth (pictured left, getting Cillian Murphy’s autograph) ‘I came to see Neve Campbell and Cillian Murphy. I went to see Madonna at a film premiere earlier this evening. It was good, but she didn’t sign very much, and I’d been out there since 2.30. The best autograph I’ve ever managed to get was Sylvester Stallone last week. “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” was the best West End production – Christian Slater was excellent.’ Feature continues

Natalie (22), student, and Paul (22), recent graduate, from north London ‘We just came to see the play. Natalie studied theatre, so it’s more about that than showbiz, but it was good to see the actors – they put on a great show.’
Chris (37), from LA, works in the film industry ‘I’m here because Kristen Johnston is one of my very best friends. I was born and raised in southern California – the stars are in the grocery stores over there! So I don’t autograph-hunt.’

Susan at the Piccadilly

Guys & Dolls Piccadilly Theatre
Starring Don Johnson.
Fumie (38), midwife from Japan (pictured page 21) ‘I’ve just seen the show – it was very good. I’ve seen it more than 50 times since Ewan McGregor was in it. The West End is exciting, and a very special place to see the show. People who work on the stage are very friendly. It’s a bit cold, though – I’m wearing three layers.’
Susan (age not given), visiting London from Berlin ‘I’m just here for tonight – I’ve got to fly back to Germany first thing tomorrow morning. I don’t have a favourite autograph that I’ve got in the past, but for me, the West End is the place to meet Don Johnson! It’s my first time here – if Don’s here, we’ll be here. How long have I been waiting? Since 1998, when I started being a fan!’
Cynthia, immigration advisor, and Charles, author (both in their forties), from Elstree ‘The theatre is something we look forward to every weekend. Not religiously, but we try. There’s nothing like the West End. Any night you can come down, get tickets straight away, get close to the stars… There’s so much to see in London. Because we come so often, it’s hard to pick our best ever shows. “Miss Saigon”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Mamma Mia!”, “The Lion King”. We want to see “Wicked”. Our best autographs have been Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas at “The Graduate”. A friend went to see “Billy Elliot” and saw Elton John in the audience: how lucky can you get?’
Juris (30), IT manager from Riga, Latvia ‘This is my first time in London. I’ve been at an exhibition, and took the chance to go to a show in the West End. It’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this – I didn’t know what to expect. We just don’t have this in Latvia.’
‘Guys and Dolls’ tours the UK until June, and may transfer to Broadway in 2008.

Haxie and Alex

Avenue Q Noël Coward Theatre
Starring Puppets.
Haxie (17), French student, and Alex (23), actor, from north London ‘We’ve been waiting for about five minutes. I’m auditioning for the show and know [actor] Giles Terera, so I’m hoping to get a free ticket for next week. I also want to congratulate him.’

The History Boys Wyndham’s Theatre
Starring Owain Arthur, Isla Blair, William Chubb, Philip Correia, Marc Elliott, Stephen Moore, Steven Webb.
Rachel (32), drama student, Grace (18), student, Kitty (20), drama student, Josh (20), drama student ‘The show was brilliant. It’s a great night out – culture, education and friends. Our favourite shows are “Guys and Dolls”, “Wicked”, “The History Boys” and “We Will Rock You”. The people in “The History Boys” are as strong as the original cast – really strong. Posner and the fatty are our favourites.’

‘The History Boys’ will go on tour again in September.