In these uncertain times, many of us are missing the ‘live’ experience… and whether those thrills come in the form of a stage show, a convention, or just visiting the cinema with friends for that midnight premiere… Simon Annand’s latest book has all the warm-fuzzies.
Time To Act showcases remarkable backstage portraits of some of the world’s most beloved stars of stage and screen, as they prepare to perform. Amongst the over 230 images are insightful portraits of Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Sharon D Clark, Paapa Essiedu, Jake Gyllenhaal, Lenny Henry, Anthony Hopkins, Andrew Scott, Josette Simon and Judi Dench.
Glenn Close, Eno London Coliseum, Sunset Boulevard, 2015.
Annand has spent 35 years backstage capturing actors as they prepare to take to the stage. With an introduction by Cate Blanchett, Time To Act explores the moments of vulnerability which every actor experiences before they go onto stage no matter how long they have been working. Te result is more than a look into the acting craft, it’s a reminder of all the things we love and have temporarily lost.
To celebrate the publication of the book, a virtual exhibition (TimeToActPhotos.com) showcases selected images from the book; some of which will be available for sale. The exhibition will be re-hung on a weekly basis until early November.
The thrilling experience of seeing actors live on stage is under threat during the present Covid restrictions, and the book and exhibition give audiences a chance to re-connect with the magic of theatre.
Time To Act is a joy to own. Annand’s photographs are beautiful—of course—but flicking through is like a scrapbook of all your favourite theatre memories.
Just as importantly, a £1 from every sale will be donated to The Theatre Artists Fund to support the freelance workforce who contribute so much to the theatre industry in this time of crisis.
Pheobe Waller-Bridge, Almeida, Rope, 2009.
TIME TO ACT is published by Lannoo Publishers – an innovative publisher, offering the finest selection of international books on lifestyle, travel, art, food, wellbeing, culture, and history.
Available from Amazob and Waterstones, RRP £39.95