Drawing: David Suchet as Poirot

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

David Suchet is best known for his portrayal of Agatha Christie’s most famous detective Hercule Poirot. He has played the eponymous Belgian sleuth since 1989, so you would think some of his characteristics my have rubbed off – impatience, opinionated and direct… but no, he’s quite the opposite, one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.

He signed a black biro sketch of Poirot after a performance of All My Sons with Zoe Wanamaker at the Apollo Theatre stage door foyer in June 2010. One thing that they do obviously both have in common is doing things in an orderly manner. Placing my sketch neatly on the table he produced a complete set of Sharpie pens. A pack of 20 with every colour available. He selected the red, looked at the drawing then signed and dedicated it to me.

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: 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: 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.

Drawing: Rob Brydon, Nigel Harman and Ashley Jensen in a Chorus of Disapproval

Posted on February 11, 2013 by Mark Winter / Chicane

At the end of last year we went to see Rob Brydon in “A Chorus of Disapproval” at the Harold Pinter Theatre. Enjoyed the play and some of the cast – Rob Brydon, Nigel Harman, Ashley Jensen – signed my drawing.