John’s Encounter

vfb-2

I became a Nicola Walker fan after watching Last Tango in Halifax. Her portrayal of Gillian is magnificent. I have watched other British TV shows such as Viscious, Prime Suspect (the Helen Mirren detective Series), the great British Baking Show with Sue Perkins (she is great in it). In addition to Nicola, I like Sara Lanchashire’s Caroline. John’s character is also good.

As soon as I saw the announcement concerning A View from the Bridge coming to Broadway, I got tickets for my wife (also a Nicola fan) and I for the Matinee on Saturday, November 14. We went solely because Nicola was in it! I read a review she did and she suggested stage seats, so I got stage seats second row. They were worth the price!

We live outside Philadelphia, PA and specifically went to New York to see the play. Our two children live in New York so we got to see them prior to the Matinee performance.

It was a great performance by all especially Nicola. Mark Strong was excellent as was Phoebe Fox and the newcomers who played the cousins. It was a very unusual stage setting that really challenged the actors. Nicola and Mark were certainly up to the challenge.

We’ve only ever went to the Stage Door one other time for a Woody Allen play to try and see Marlo Thomas. We went this time hoping to see Nicola and let her know she has fans in the US also!

There was nobody waiting by the Stage Door the day we were there. Just my wife and I. Phoebe Fox came out first, to catch a smoke and waited for the other cast members to come out (which was about 20 minutes later). The wait was worth it.

As Nicola was coming out with the other cast members, I approached her and said, “Nicola, we love your work in Last Tango in Halifax.” She gave a big smile and said “Thanks, that’s so nice of you to say.” I then said, “Great performance today.” She said, “oh Thank You”, which I then said, “No, Thank you”! It was only a few minutes but now we can say, we’ve met Nicola Walker!

I don’t like to intrude by asking for a photo, seeing Nicola perform on stage and meeting her afterwards was enough for us. Later when my wife and I were walking on 6th Ave, Nicola was walking towards us talking on her mobile. I said “there she is” and she gave us a big smile and wave! This second encounter was priceless!

I can’t wait for season 4 of Last Tango! I have since purchased the DVD boxset of Unforgotten and the show with Sue Perkins, Heading Out. Nicola plays a great Justine. I just ordered some of the Spooks DVDs to see her as Ruth Evershed.

A lot of actors act like they couldn’t be bothered, they just go through the motions. Nicola seemed genuinely appreciative. Being away from family in New York, the day after the Paris tragedy, I could understand if she just smiled and went on her way. She didn’t, and she let us know she appreciated our kind words. I don’t know her but she seems really genuine, someone we would enjoy having a pint with.

Editor’s Note

Many thanks to John for sharing this encounter with Nicola. Cheers!

 


Back to Close Encounters main page