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Living permanently in Poland I can say that I got to see Michael by a stroke of luck. Last December I was choosing long weekend destination in May and hesitating between London (which I had been to several times and love) and Rome (which I had never been to). As luck would have it, at the same time I saw the info about oncoming British tour of 'Sleuth' on Michael Praed’s site, and, to my amazement, the Richmond theatre dates coincided with with my holidays. From then on I knew that Rome would have to wait and started arranging the trip.

Not mentioning the fact that I ran a very good chance of not being able to get there at all, due to an airport emergency, I finally set my foot on the British soil once again and went to see 'Sleuth' on the 2nd May. Me and my friend had central seats in row C, so could see everything, down to Mr MacCorkindale’s eyeliner. 

The play was brilliant – witty, humorous but with a bitter aftertaste, come to think of it. I was sorry to see that Michael had to struggle with a cold which did not affect his superb acting in the least! Some funny moments, unpremeditated in the script, only added to our amusement, such as Mr MacCorkindale’s smashing some of the props which he was just supposed to put aside or Michael’s problems with putting the clown’s trousers on properly, commented with a murmur “This bloody thing is the wrong side up”.

But it was just the first part of the treat.

I’d asked the usherette on arrival if it would be possible to meet Michael, since I had a small gift for Him. Unfortunately, they directed me to the stage door, with a helpful, detailed explanation where to find it. I somehow sensed that with the cold and a Friday night, Michael would probably want to be off as soon as possible, so after the show, when the applause died down I shot out to the stage door, leaving my friend to collect my coat and join me there. There were a couple of other people waiting already (did they fly or what?), including a small gentleman at the age of 8, I think. I had butterflies in my stomach, my knees were knocking, and it wasn’t for the chill of the evening, believe me.

After a couple of hoaxes, such as the theatre staff putting out the rubbish or bolting out to catch their bus home, the stage door opened again and Michael Praed emerged. Immediately, he started talking to us, or rather the couple with the boy who, as Michael learnt while signing the paper, had also seen and enjoyed the play.

My turn came and Michael asked who he should make the autograph out to. I also gave him a wooden statue of a legendary outlaw associated with the Tatra mountains of Poland, called “Janosik” and remarked that I’d put all the data about him on an attached card. Michael accepted it gratefully, and then in the last act of bravery I asked if I could have a photo with him. Michael agreed readily and even asked if we were sure whether it was a good one. While having it taken I remarked that I had been waiting for the chance to see him perform for 22 years, to which he replied that it had indeed been a long time. Other people asked for autographs so we stepped aside, me taking in the sight of Michael, clutching the notebook with his signature and little realising what else was going on around. It was time to go and we did it, but apparently Michael was going in the same direction. The last I saw of him, he was entering “The Duke” pub in Richmond and warmly greeting some people there. That was it.

We made our journey back to our hotel in London, my friend leading me by the hand across the streets like a four year old. (Lord, curse the left side traffic! 

Thank you, Michael, for a brilliant performance and making my childhood dream come true. It was well worth the wait.  You’re such a charming, easygoing, kind person to talk to.

And thank you, Celeste, without your excellent website I’d be still dreaming of meeting Michael instead of recollecting the wonderful evening in Richmond Theatre. What a trip!

Joanna

What a great evening! Went to see 'Sleuth' while in Nottingham on 3rd April.  Sat in B row and could almost see up Michael's trouser leg! Great view though, especially when he stripped off! At the end of the show he spotted me when taking a bow and smiled.* I rushed round to the stage door afterwards and waited. Michael came out about 10 minutes later, signed a few autographs, then came up the steps towards me with his arms wide open and greeted me with the usual hugs and kisses! It was great, and as usual I go all weak at the knees and my heart goes a flutter! We then headed over the road to a pub called ‘The Stage Door’ for a drink and a chat about all sorts of things, followed by the usual photo shoot! I was on cloud 9 million that night, but wished it hadn’t gone so quickly!

Thanks Michael for making my evening! Can’t wait to see you in Sheffield next month!

Shirley Merriman

'Sleuth' is a superb experience for Sharon

I only live a few miles from Sherwood Forest so the legend of Robin Hood is very special to me. Michael Praed, in my opinion, has always been the best Robin Hood and I've been a huge fan of his since I was 13 when he first appeared in `Robin of Sherwood`.

I've always wanted to see him on stage but never had the opportunity. So when I read that `Sleuth` was coming to Nottingham I immediately booked a ticket for the 2nd of April.

During the hour train ride to Nottingham I was both excited and slightly nervous. I'd never been to the theatre to see a proper play before and couldn't wait to see Michael in action but at the same time I didn't know my way around Nottingham so it was quite daunting being on my own.

`Sleuth` was amazing. I was blown away by the extreme talent of both Michael and Simon. I was captivated the whole way through and laughed out loud at the comedy. It's got me completely hooked and I've already booked to see another show in July.

I'd read previously on this page about other people's chance meetings with Michael. So being brave, I wandered off to seek out the stage door. Just as I found it the door opened and a smiling Simon MacCorkindale emerged. He was absolutely charming and really chatty. He signed my programme and gladly posed for a photo. Before he went he told us that he didn't think Michael would be coming out as he had a `Do Not Disturb` sign on his door and was probably taking a nap. My heart sank. But me and 4 others decided to brave the cold weather and waited in hope. Our perseverance paid off, after about an hour Michael appeared clutching a newspaper and was about to dash off up the street when he noticed us. He happily came over to chat and sign autographs. He was such a gentleman and completely as I imagined he would be. Even though he was obviously in a rush to be somewhere, he still made time for us and gladly posed for a photo. He was so calm, laid back and easy to talk to that I wasn't nervous at all, which surprised me. I thought I'd be a complete wreck.

Once we'd said our thanks and goodbyes I ran back to the station but missed my train by a whisker. After an hour wait for the next one I then had to endure a screaming baby all the way home, but it didn't bother me at all. I was bursting with happiness. After all these years of wanting to meet Michael Praed my dream had finally come true. I kept going over and over it in my head so I wouldn't forget a thing. In fact, I still have that silly grin on my face and probably shall for a long time to come..

Thank you Michael for your precious time. You've no idea how happy you've made me. I feel extremely lucky and privileged to have met you. My only regret is that in my excitement I forgot to ask if you'd had a nice birthday. But never mind, I got more than I bargained for on my first trip to the theatre.

I'd also like to thank Samantha with whom I got chatting to while waiting and who took the awesome pictures.

Sharon

My name is Annette and I have been a looooooong time fan of Mr. Praed.  On 1st April 2008 I met him again at my local theatre (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) to show him a figure that my brother, Panton Hall, had made when he was in 'Robin of Sherwood'.

At the time, I asked my brother, Nottingham born and bred, to make the whole cast, which included Jason Connery. He had done such a good job the I tried to get his work shown to the whole cast, but when they came to Sherwood Forest in 1985, the project was not finished. We had also tried to contact the studio and makers of the series but with no joy.

After twenty-one years and for my birthday present, my brother had bought tickets for 'Sleuth', which I saw yesterday (3/4/08). On the 1/4/08, we met Mr. Praed and I explained to him that my brother had made a figure of him in the 80s when he was seventeen years old.*  Mr. Praed was shown the figure of Robin Hood and Will Scarlett (Ray Winstone's character) and he loved it.

Sorry about the bad photo, but I attached a picture of us, with my brother and Michael holding a figure each.

If anyone would like to see the figures or know how to get in contact with anyone who would like to showcase them, please .

Thank you and many thanks to Mr. Praed for a special day again and I hope to see him again before I go back to Japan.

Annette

For my sister's birthday this year I bought tickets for us to see 'Sleuth' at the Civic Theatre, Darlington. Having been fans of Michael since our teens, it was an opportunity we couldn't miss out on. We went on 20th February to see the show and thought it was absolutely fantastic, especially to see Michael 'in the flesh' in more ways than one for those who have seen 'Sleuth'!!

The show was good enough for us, but imagine how we felt when walking past our local coffee shop a couple of days later to see Michael sitting in there having coffee. I was beside myself but didn't want to disturb him.

At dinner time I came out of work, looking forward to a sarnie, as you do, when coming towards me in the street was Michael. I thought "it's now or never", so I stopped him and asked if he was Michael Praed and he said yes and we chatted for a while. Even though I had stopped him he was quite willing to talk to me and he was lovely, such a gentleman. I told him we had been to see him at Darlington and him if my sister and I could have our photos taken with him, He said yes absolutely and arranged for us to meet him at the stage door the following night, as we had tickets for us and our mum to see him again.

When we got to the stage door we were told there was a 'Do not disturb' note on Michael's dressing room door and were asked to come back in 10 minutes, which we gladly did. We arrived back to hear that Michael had been looking for us.  How nice was that!  We were taken to his dressing room and had a lovely chat to him, even though it was 20 minutes before the show started, he had all the time in the world for us. We had our photos taken and he signed our programmes. He is such a lovely man, that's all I can say. And if he ever reads this I want him to thank him for being so welcoming and to know he made our year!!

Karen and Liz, Barnard Castle, County Durham

Firstly, let me say how frustrated I am that the one chance I got to meet him, I was so dumfounded and overwhelmed that I didn't even think to ask for a photograph!!

I went to see 'Sleuth' on 22nd February 2008 at Darlington Civic Theatre. It was my birthday at the end of January and when I heard he was coming to Darlington in 'Sleuth', (and having had such a HUGE crush on him in 'Robin of Sherwood') I just had to go and made it a birthday treat!

Having mainly gone to see this handsome man in the flesh, I definitely wasn't disappointed. I don't get much chance to go to the theatre, but the performance was excellent, the plot intriguing and seeing Michael, still looking extremely handsome all these years later a definite bonus!

Having enjoyed the performance, we had decided to get something to eat at the restaurant over the road, when I noticed people waiting by the stage door. I wondered if they were just being hopeful or if the cast were actually going to come out to greet them!

To my surprise I wasn't watching them long before seeing Michael and Simon McCorkindale emerge from the stage door!

Needless to say I quickly made my way across where my boyfriend asked them for their autographs for me. I'm a little bit shy when it comes to that sort of thing - I always feel like they must be tired and just want to go relax in their hotel and I hate bothering them. However, they were both lovely. Michael listened politely while I babbled on saying nothing interesting and when he spoke his voice was so hypnotising. I wished afterwards I had told him that it was he who had prompted my visit that evening as I felt that he thought everyone was waiting to see Simon rather than himself (especially since during the performance, Simon got whistled at when removing his jacket and Michael stripped half naked and definitely deserved a whistle, but I was too shy to give him one!!)

I wanted to do the evening over again, this time having prepared myself with some better conversation, but nevertheless, it was an evening I will remember and if I ever get the chance to meet Michael again, I will make sure I get a picture!!!!

Dawn

I wrote a letter to Michael asking if I could meet him after the show ('Sleuth') as I had tickets to see the show on 7th February at The Everyman Theatre Cheltenham. I included my mobile number as a joke and on the afternoon of the 7th at about 1.55pm my mobile rang but I couldn't pick up. When I had a voice mail I didn't think anything of it, but when I heard "Sarah, its Michael Praed" I thought I was dreaming. His message was pretty long, explaining how I could meet him before the show at about 7pm.

That evening I went to the stage door and asked someone to page Michael Praed as Michael had told me to do this. This person said that they would go and get him. I was very nervous and my heart was pounding as I waited. Within a minute Michael came down the stairs.  I felt that I was dreaming, a real strange feeling. He walked up to me and said "Sarah, so nice to meet you", hugged me and kissed my cheek. He said how much he loved my letter, and as we talked he made me feel calm and not so nervous.  Guess its his lovely voice. We talked for about 15 minutes.  Had 2 photos taken and he signed a 'Sleuth' leaflet saying "For Sarah, With my love and best wishes Michael Praed x".

I have recorded the phone message and framed the leaflet and saved the photos.

The show was absolutely fab, as was Michael, and I will treasure my encounter forever and I hope one day I will meet him again.

Sarah

My friend Linda and I went to see Michael in 'Sleuth' Wednesday 30th Jan 2008. All I can say is “WOW!” He is definitely worth seeing in this production and since it was only on in Windsor for two weeks before going around the country, I am so pleased I made the effort!

Linda and I had front row seats and they were worth every penny! After the show we went round the back to the stage door. It was freezing but luckily we weren’t kept waiting very long before Michael and his co-star Simon came out. Both were extremely friendly and funny, both happily signed our programs and posed for photos. Luckily, I was able to get two photos with Michael as the first one didn’t come out well at all –- he must’ve realised that as he said to take another one, still standing there with his arm around me -– I could’ve quite happily stood there for ever! A gentle, beautiful soul and a perfect gentleman!

Suzie

Lorraine

I had travelled to the NEC to see Michael for a second time with my two sons.  My son Daryl unfortunately has a problem with migraines and as we reached Michael's table he collapsed. Michael was very concerned and went out of his way to get help.  After a lie down in the medical room, we went back to thank Michael and just generally talked about my son's problem. Michael then gave me a signed pic and said that it was on condition I insisted the doctor refer Daryl to a specialist.  He even wrote "don't forget that deal" on the pic. Michael really could not have been nicer to us; he has a way of making you feel comfortable talking to him.

The doctor did refer my son to see a neurologist, who prescribed him some tablets. These have had a much better effect than the ones the doctor had tried. They haven't stopped the attacks but they are better.  One noticeable thing is that Daryl hasn't actually vomited since he started taking them which is a big improvement. He is due to see the neurologist again soon. They are also going to give him a head scan at some point; not that they think there is a problem but it's just to make sure..

Chimera

For a complete account, video, and more pictures, visit here.

Last year (2004) my friend Carole and I took our chance flying over from the States... and it was worth it.  We went to see Michael in the musical 'The Beautiful and the Damned', based on the lives of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda.  Well, the musical was so magical, the dancing -- wow!!!!!! -- and the moment Michael appeared on the stairs in his uniform I thought I was going to faint.  Its enough to melt you to sheer puddles just looking at him.  When Michael sang -- OMG -- angels above must weep.  It was absolutely wonderful.

I believe Michael has many male fans too, but I believe the women see something in him.  Earthy. Vulnerable. Ethereal.  It is just something he brings across in his performances.

We went to the back stage door and were escorted to Michael's dressing room (This I got set through the producer of the musical, Mr. Dobson, and the company manager Ms. Linden). Michael greeted my friend Carole and I with a huge smile and a kiss on each cheek.  Then he offered us champagne with a toast.  We talked about the show and how much we loved him in 'The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne'.  We hoped that we could come over and see more of him. I do plan on it when he is in another show.  He is the most wonderful, talented actor.  He was wonderful as 'Robin of Sherwood' and we all love him as Phileas Fogg.

I gave him a t-shirt of the airplane I was working on (the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor helicopter) and he knew all about it.  I am a lady aircraft mechanic, one of the few.  He was so excited about the aircraft.  He commenced to tell Ms Linden and Ms Anker about it.  I was so surprised.

I told him about my granddaughter being born on his birthday. He thought that was cool. Carole told him about her kitty Ellie who loves to listen to Michael sing and he told us about his English Bulldog Rosie who also loved to hear him sing.

We told him about our little group (Michael Praed Yahoo Group) and how much we loved him so.  Ms. Linden, the company manager, wanted the email address of our Michael site. We gave it to her and told them about the SJJV site ('Secret Journals of Jules Verne' Yahoo Group). Michael commented on how the fanfiction was getting stronger.  I think he reads some of it

I am still replaying it all in my mind.  It was an experience of a lifetime.

Gerry

Meeting Michael was the most exciting day of my life! Meeting him in London and seeing the show was a dream come true. When I heard about the show I decided that I had to get there one way or another. It was wonderful when Gerry offered to go along - partners in what we came to call "Mission Michael" and her connection with Mr. Dobson made the trip perfect!

Actually, it was exactly one year ago today (Editor note: August 13th) we had already met him once and were eagerly awaiting our chance to see the show and see Michael for the second time on closing night - Aug 14th. As Gerry said - it was magical! Michael's voice was the most beautiful I've ever heard. And what a wonderful man- so down to earth. It was more like meeting up with an old friend than meeting a celebrity and the man of our dreams! And then, kisses on the cheeks and a toast with champagne! What a gentleman!

It was very cool to find out that he knew about the plane that Gerry was working with and it was great to find out that he is an animal lover. At the time, my cat Ellie was just a baby. Every time I played Michael's music from "For My Friends" she would sit by the speaker and purr. I took him a picture of her by the speaker. There's just something about his voice! He used to sing to Rosie - his English Bulldog. Like I said he was just so down to earth, after our visit he threw his backpack over his shoulder, walked us out of the theater and then just headed up the street into the crowd.

During our trip we happened to find a very cute stuffed English Bulldog. We wrote thank you notes and gave him the gift on closing night to thank him for his kindness and the time he spent with us. It was so neat when he came out to us and said "Hi guys!" just like we had been friends for years! I too, am planning to go back when he's in another show. Maybe there will be a "Mission Michael #2."

Carole

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Shirley's first encounter

This is my very first encounter with Michael – 12th July 1996 ‘Copacabana’ in Nottingham.

I didn’t really know who Michael was until I saw him in 'Riders' and I thought this man was just gorgeous and how I wished I could meet him.  So when an advert came on the TV for the UK tour of 'Copacabana' starring Michael, I just had to go with a hope in my heart of meeting him afterwards!

The first time he spoke to me I remember thinking I could listen to that charming voice all night.  Talk about "swoon".  I was just blown away by his presence! I never thought after that night I’d ever see him again, but I ended up seeing 'Copacabana' and Michael another three times that week in Nottingham, followed by Sheffield, Bradford, Woking and Southampton. What a year 1996 was!

Since then I’ve met Michael quite a few more times and it’s so nice that he remembers who you are and greets you in such a welcoming way! Needless to say, I try and get to see Michael wherever I possibly can now. He’s just great!

Shirley Merriman

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Otter meets Michael

As luck would have it, on the day of the show he was sick and his role was going to be played by Garrett Snook. I was shocked. I went to the box office and explained my plight. They were very gracious and not only encouraged me to stay for that matinee - but come the following week as their guest.

The show was great - but seeing Michael the next week was awe inspiring to say the least. When I thanked management for their generous help - they told me that Michael wanted to thank me too - and to apologize for being ill.

I waited at the stage door and no Michael - but I still felt blessed. Just when I was going to give up - the Stage Door operator asked if I was the American who was supposed to see Michael. Answering yes, he invited me to go up to Michael's dressing room. I thought that the whole crew could hear the deafening pounding in my chest. When I got to the door, Michael greeted me. He was so incredibly generous with his time and made me feel so welcomed. We sat down for a few minutes and discussed the show. Michael really seemed to enjoy the role and appeared flattered that people took such an interest in his performance. He greeted a few more friends and introduced me as a friend from America. Not wanting to overstay my welcome I departed a few minutes later.

I will never forget his great kindness towards me. I will always remember feeling like a member of royalty that day. Sometimes it seems like a dream - though it truly did happen. Three Cheers for Michael!

Otter