Photographs of actors by Simon Annand
The Dressing Room
Photographs of actors by Simon Annand

Simon Annand has been given rare access to dressing rooms around the West End where he has photographed many leading actors over the past 20 years, ranging from Sir Anthony Hopkins and Dame Judi Dench to Jude Law and Cate Blanchett.

The photographs have been taken during 'The Half' when all actors have to be in the theatre. This half an hour before the curtain rise is used for focus and concentration and is strictly private. All members of the public are required to leave. The photographs pay tribute to the dedication of stage actors and reveal not only their technical skill, but also aspects of a very personal nightly ritual.

The installation takes place backstage in two dressing rooms, resonating with the echos of a backstage world rarely experienced by theatregoers.

Lighting Design kindly donated by .dha design

The exhibition at the National Museum of the Performing Arts closed on May 1, 2005.

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