Sarah's Celeb Encounters: What's On Stage Awards

The What's On Stage Awards are currently the only major theatre awards in which all categories are voted for the public. This year, they were held at The Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, in the heart of Theatreland! Yesterday, Rachael and I spent three hours waiting to meet the stars, not being aware of some of the huge names expected to attend and not aware of how crazy it would be. But as I always say, it was well worth it!

Danny Boyle's genius Olympic Opening Ceremony was up for Theatre Event of the Year (which it proceeded to win obviously) and as a result, the crowds outside were treated to a continuous performance from the Pandemonium Drummers from the ceremony itself. It was great to begin with, but became irritating as it went on, especially when we were attempting to talk to people and could not hear properly! Danny Boyle even posed for photos with them on his arrival but still managed to sneak into the theatre past the fans themselves.

Stars we saw arrive but either did not get to meet or have photos with include: Boy George, Lizzie Cundy, Michael Ball, Jennifer Ellison, Adam Garcia, Andy Nyman, Daniel Crossley, Dean Chisnall, and Tim Minchin to name but a few. Autographs that Rachael collected were from: Jill Halfpenny, Andy Nyman, Gina Beck, Danielle Hope, Natalie Casey, Michael Ball, Jennifer Ellison, Imelda Staunton, Adrian Lester, Melanie C, Will Young, Adam Garcia and Peter Wilson.

I was absolutely thrilled to meet all the people we did and get photos with Jill Halfpenny, Natalie Casey, Imelda Staunton, Adrian Lester and Peter Wilson. I had desperately wanted a photo with Melanie C, but the crowd went crazy when she came out and we were being pushed and shoved so we were just happy to get her autograph!

The best moment for us though was meeting Peter Wilson, London 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist in the Double Trap Shooting. He was so kind and generous, giving Rachael the chance to hold his medal and then suggesting and helping Rachael to wear his gold medal! This made our night and we could not be more grateful to him!

Next year if we attend, we plan to stand away from the photographers as it was just too crazy near them and made it near impossible to meet the people we want, but even despite that, it was well worth the trip.