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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Stewart Spotted 'Ghost' in Godot

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(Newser) – Actor Patrick Stewart reported seeing a "ghost" in the wings while performing Waiting for Godot in London, reports the Telegraph. The former Star Ship Enterprise captain was apparently not up to snuff during one scene. When co-star Ian McKelllan asked him what happened, Stewart replied: "I just saw a ghost." Stage hands believe the man he spotted, in trench coat and twill trousers, was John Baldwin Buckstone, actor-manager of the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 1853.

"Patrick told us all about it," said Nigel Everett, a director of the theater. "He was stunned. I would say impressed. I think Buckstone appears when he appreciates things. We view it as a positive thing."

Sir Ian McKellen poses with Patrick Stewart before reading from
Sir Ian McKellen poses with Patrick Stewart before reading from "The Letters of Samuel Beckett," and discussing their roles in "Waiting for Godot" in London.   (Getty Images)
Who you calling a ghost?
Who you calling a ghost?   (Getty Images)
Sir Patrick Stewart poses in for a photo before the press night in April for the new production of
Sir Patrick Stewart poses in for a photo before the press night in April for the new production of "Waiting for Godot" at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket, where Stewart says he later spotted a ghost.   (Getty Images)
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8 comments
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DarkFrancis
Aug 27, 09 5:16 AM CDT
Buckstone has allegedly been seen many times over the years. Most old theatres have stories of a ghost roaming around. I thought I saw something odd at the Independent Theatre in Sydney last year after a show. In a week or so I'll be in Hobart at the Theatre Royal, where tales are told of a ghost called Fred, who sits in Double B. He supposedly was killed in a fight in the theatre bar. I don't believe in ghosts but can understand why people who have left us would, given the choice, want to hang around the theatre...it's a wonderful place. Reply
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prowlerzee
Aug 27, 09 8:36 AM CDT
Indeed, many theaters are haunted. I was backstage at a theater haunted by a former owner/manager. The stage hands were all freaked out because they were recording the musical performance...and because they were recording it, there was no extra hands to run the lights. Yet there was a light show. I guess the ghost-manager did not approve of running a concert without a light show.
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njgreen
Aug 27, 09 6:12 AM CDT
Someone needs a vacation. Reply
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Robert_Dada
Aug 27, 09 8:12 AM CDT
"I see dead thespians" Reply
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+3
schmidtkoff
Aug 27, 09 10:10 AM CDT
i's see a ghost too if i had to sit through one more performance of "waiting for godot" Reply
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