Drawing: Danny Devito and Richard Griffiths in The Sunshine Boys at The Savoy Theatre

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

To say that Richard Griffiths dislikes autograph collectors is an understatement. In fact, the week I went to ask him to sign my sketch at the Savoy Theatre he was quoted in a newspaper interview saying that autograph hunters were a pet hate and “the scourge of my life for 35 years.” Ironically his signature is one of the nicest from any celebrity – a calligraphic classic!

In contrast, Danny Devito is very relaxed and obliging… when you can find him. He was staying at the Savoy Apartments, adjacent to the theatre with the Hotel’s plush forecourt inbetween. During THE SUNSHINE BOYS season he used all available entrances and exits… and then some, with varying times. No pattern emerged. It was clear that this was going to be at least a 2 night operation.

The mission went as expected. I got Richard first try and it took four attempts to get Danny. Richard was straight forward – out the back stage door, into a waiting car, using the path of least resistance. He was about to get into his car when I asked him if he could please sign the sketch. He mumbled a few inaudible things, but duly obliged, then he looked at me and said ‘nice work’. Nice ‘graph I replied, then he sped off.

After waiting three nights till last train for Danny, I grugingly went again – bingo. He popped out at 10 through the theatre side door (we had a tip off). Signed for about 15 people, including the sketch. He didn’t say anything, but his PA (I think it was his son) said “that’s fantastic – it looks just like Danny!” “That’s the general idea,” I replied. Mission accomplished – a little sunshine boys into my life.

Drawing: Jeremy Irons in The Gods Weep at the Hampstead Theatre

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Oscar winner Jeremy Irons had previously signed a sketch for me when he played the lead role in Chris Hampton’s adaption of EMBERS at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2006.

Expecting a similar result I waited at the Hampstead Theatre one Saturday afternoon to catch him going in for a performance of THE GODS WEEP – an update of the King Lear saga by Dennis Kelly. The Hampstead has a number of entrances and exits, providing a challenge for the ‘siggy stalker.’

Alas, I missed him, so left the sketch with a suitable note and a stamped reply envelope at the stage door. I received the drawing back a few days later, unsigned with a message from Jeremy’s PA. It said that Mr Irons would be happy to sign it if I made a donation to the Prison Phoenix Trust which offers yoga, meditation and books to prisoners. He suggested £15 would be an appropriate amount.

I duly sent the sketch back with the recommended contribution and it arrived back signed and dedicated along with a thank you for the donation. A couple of weeks later, Jeremy was attending an opening night in the West End with his wife Sinead Cusack and signed some autographs… for free!

Drawing: Derren Brown in Svengali at the Novello Theatre

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Illusionist, painter, writer, showman and sceptic, Derren Brown signed my sketch after a performance of his Olivier Award winning ‘Svengali’ at the Novello Theatre in London. He is one of the nicest entertainers – very engaging with the fans at the stage door. He seemed genuinely interested in everyone and was in no rush as he signed autographs and posed for photos… then again he did hypnotise half of the audience! So, I checked the next day and the drawing was indeed signed and inscribed for me!

Drawing: Gemma Arterton in A Little Dog Laughed at the Garrick Theatre

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Gemma Arterton signed my drawing at the Garrick Theatre in London, in 2010, after a performance of “A Little Dog Laughed”.

Drawing: Felicity Kendal in ‘Mrs Warren’s Profession’ at The Comedy Theatre

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Felicity Kendal signed for me at the stage door of Mrs Warren’s Profession back in 2010. She was lovely to meet, as you would expect.

Drawing: Richard Briers in ‘National Assurance’ at The National Theatre

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Back in 2010 Richard Briers was in National Assurance at the National Theatre in London. As well as being performed on stage it was screened live in theatres around the world and for the courtyard at the National (where I was). At the end of the play the cast all came out to do a curtain call for the people in the courtyard, before quickly disappearing back inside again to do the curtain call for the people in the actual theatre.

Richard was, understandably, a little slower than the others and the staff at the National were eager to tell us all that there would be no autographs. I was pushed out of the way by them as they were eager to get him back to the stage ASAP. However, he saw my drawing and insisted that “as this gentleman has taken the time to draw me I will take the time to sign it for him”. Very kind man.

Drawing: Tim Minchin

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Went over to the What’s On Stage Awards in London last night, where Mr Tim Minchin was kind enough to sign my drawing for me. Now on ebay for 30 pieces of silver (ha! not really).

Drawing: Derek Jacobi in King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

Derek Jacobi signed this sketch from King Lear for me. I was quite happy with the way this drawing turned out.

Drawing: James Earl Jones

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

I’ve seen James Earl Jones a couple of times on stage in the Westend, and he was happy enough to sign a drawing for me.

Drawing: David Tennant in Hamlet at the Novello Theatre

Posted on February 12, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

A few years ago David Tennant pulled out of Hamlet due to back problems and I didn’t get a chance to have him sign my drawing. I saw him later in Much Ado about Nothing and got the signature.