Ever wondered what really goes on behind the curtain? Photographer David Levene offers a rare glimpse into the vibrant and often secretive world of theatre dressing rooms in London’s West End. Ahead of next month’s Olivier awards, his captivating images reveal the pre-performance rituals and quiet moments of some of the stage's biggest stars.
Levene's lens captures the likes of Steve Coogan, Vanessa Williams, Paapa Essiedu, and John Lithgow as they prepare to take the stage. These intimate spaces, filled with lightbulb-wreathed mirrors, wigs, and makeup artists, hold a unique lore in Theatreland. They're more than just places to gear up or wind down; they're pressure cookers of anticipation, camaraderie, and sometimes, even a little rivalry.
The Magic Behind the Scenes
The backstage dressing room has long been a source of fascination. Films like All About Eve and John Cassavetes’s Opening Night, along with plays like Ronald Harwood’s The Dresser, have explored the tension and vulnerability that permeate these spaces. Judi Dench even shared a humorous anecdote about accidentally flashing Kenneth Branagh in the unseen side of the proscenium arch.
"It is a private space for a company of actors to gear up or wind down, in between slipping into character, but it’s so much more than that."
One particularly striking image shows Denise Gough, who plays Emma in People, Places and Things, chatting with her fellow "Emmas" during an interval at the Trafalgar Studios theatre. These moments of connection and shared experience are what make the backstage world so compelling.
Lithgow to Play Dumbledore?
In other exciting news, John Lithgow is reportedly in final talks to play the iconic role of Albus Dumbledore in the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO! While HBO has yet to make an official announcement, sources indicate that filming is scheduled to begin this summer.
Lithgow himself believes that playing Dumbledore will be a defining moment in his already illustrious career. The Oscar-nominated actor is said to be thrilled at the prospect of bringing the beloved Hogwarts headmaster to life for a new generation of viewers. This casting choice is sure to generate considerable buzz among Harry Potter fans worldwide. Get ready for the magic!