Portrait photographer Simon Annand to exhibit never-before-seen images of stage stars

The 74 photographs include Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Colin Firth, Maggie Smith and many more

Held at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield between the 7 September 2019 and 1 February, Simon Annand’s new exhibition, The Half, includes 74 never-before-seen photographs of iconic stars of the stage, taken over the span of 35 years.

Each portrait captures the rare and personal moments actors experience in the half hour before stepping on stage. Among the many famous faces on display, visitors can expect to see portraits of David Tennant, Helen Mirren, Lily James, Stephen Fry, Tom Hardy, Cate Blanchett and Anthony Hopkins.

Of particular note given the acting industry’s male-dominated nature, Simon Annand’s exhibition provides a timeless exploration of the influential women of the stage.

Speaking on the nature of the portraits, Simon said, “The 35 minutes before curtain-up is a private time and the access that has been granted is exceptional. Unlike the preparation for an actor on a film set, where there are extended periods of waiting to be called, the theatre demands that he or she be ready at a fixed time and this is repeated each day. There is no escape and the discipline required is intense. I hope the exhibition shows how this is done and the many different ways it is achieved. I am delighted to be showing The Half at the LBT in Huddersfield and honoured it is the first exhibition in the new gallery space.”