Simon Annand’s photographic exhibition, ‘The Half’

Popped along to the V&A on Saturday to take a look at Simon Annand’s photographic exhibition, ‘The Half’. (We’re all extremely familiar with Simon’s work here at Richmond as we were lucky enough to have him take our pantomime production shots for Snow White). The exhibition was made up of photos taken of most treasured thesps during the half an hour before they go on stage – usually a sacred time for them – so as you can imagine the photos are quite revealing (in more ways than one for a couple), I particularly loved the photo of David Tennant (The Rivals Barbican 2000), Daniel Craig (A Number Royal Court 1999) and a stunning behind the scenes shot of Tim Vine and Jonathan Shotton in this year’s panto. What I really loved though was the projected images of Simon’s photos (note to V&A, please add a sofa in front of this as I could have happily sat here all day watching these images flick by, all quite absorbing. Be sure to go along soon though as the exhibition finishes on April 1. Also worth taking a look around the V&A’s permanent theatre exhibition, keep an eye out for Emile Tittler’s Show Business board game and Mick Jagger’s tiny stage costume!

Photo from V&A website

Written By: Alison Tracey