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Stewart Spotted 'Ghost' in Godot

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 27, 2009 4:38 AM CDT
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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 The Letters of Samuel Beckett, and discussing their roles in Waiting for Godot in London.
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 Waiting for Godot at London's Theatre Royal Haymarket, where Stewart says he later spotted a ghost.
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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
njgreen
Aug 27, 2009 11:12 AM CDT
Someone needs a vacation.
NxBigmouthery
Aug 27, 2009 10:16 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.
NxBigmouthery
Aug 27, 2009 9:04 AM CDT
A friend of mine got the first season for me on DVD for my birthday last week. It is wonderful, and pretty close to some of the silliness and wankery that goes on in theatre. In fact, I experienced a good chunk of that wankery yesterday during an interminably bad rehearsal.

 
theater • London • Ian McKellen • Star Trek • ghosts • Ghost • acting • Patrick Stewart • Waiting for Godot

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