The past few days in Stratford-Upon-Avon have already been spectacular for me. From making friends with a 50-year-old British man on the Virgin Airlines flight (the same one that told me to have a drink with him and say cheers not thanks), to simply exploring the hometown of Shakespeare, every moment has been memorable. But if I’m being honest, their is one memory that I know I will never forget from this trip; going to The Dirty Duck and meeting cast members from Henry IV Part I.
The Black Swan, aka “The Dirty Duck”
Now normally I am not a star fanatic, People and Us magazine mostly appeal to me for the fashion, not the random celebrity gossip and I’ve met performers in the U.S. So, when Professor Pickett informed us that the cast normally goes for a pint at The Dirty Duck after the plays let out, I didn’t really think twice about it. But now I can safely say that I finally understand what it’s like to be a “fan girl.”
Three nights ago, after seeing Henry IV Part I, I went to The Dirty Duck with a group of about 10 people. After getting a round, a few people noted that Alex Hassell, Prince Hal, and Trevor White, Hotspur, were on the other side with some other cast members. In that moment, the reality that I was actually in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s hometown, and that I was surrounded by some of the most talented classically trained actors in the world overwhelmed me. In that moment, I knew I had to meet them and thankfully Annie stepped up to the plate and made that happen. We chatted for a little bit and my appreciation for the theatre and their work seemed to grow exponentially. Then that horrifying moment arose and I knew it; I was officially a fan girl and I needed a picture. So I got one:
Just a casual night out with Prince Hal and Hotspur!
And another:
And again, another:
And then we went out the next night and spotted King Henry IV, but we didn’t request a picture with the man Hassell and White referred to as “Kingy,” actor Jasper Britton. But the next day I got to fan girl a little more when we met Lisa Dillon, the star of the roaring girl and again later that night when I met Ian Bonar, the actor that played Jack Dapper.
The Black Swan, aka “The Dirty Duck”
I sighted Joe Bannister, aka Sebastian Wengrave, but didn’t get the chance to speak to him yet.
Until next time, The Dirty Duck awaits!