Patrick Stewart Says We Need More Americans

By Rob Last edited 220 months ago
Patrick Stewart Says We Need More Americans
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If you hadn't guessed already Londonist quite likes Patrick Stewart.

We like him becasue he's a cracking British actor who appeals to a wide range of people (i.e. from the Trekkies to the Luvvies), and he can hold his own against the "Hollywood stars" who insist on coming over here and 'treading our boards'.

So what are we to make of the fact that Pat is now urging those self same Hollywood stars to appear in stage productions in the West End, because "they draw more crowds to theatres".

"I wish more Americans would come back to the West End, and bring new Hollywood stars with them." Stewart is reported as saying. "They inspire a whole new range of people to come to the theatre who wouldn't be there otherwise,"

Well, to be honest, from where we're standing there doesn't seem to be much of a problem with US actory imports right now, but Patrick begs to differ: "The problem is the unions; they get in the way and don't help the actors with visas. It's outrageous."

Oh, of course: it's the unions' fault. Who else?

As you might imagine Equity aren't exactly chuffed with Captain Pat's comments, with union spokesman Martin Brown saying "Patrick has misunderstood. If an actor has international status, they get a work permit and everyone is happy. We also have an exchange agreement with American Equity on a job-for-job basis so lesser names can come over here and vice versa."

Hmmm, could all that 25-year-old loving Pat's been getting from girlfriend Lisa Dillon have gone to his brain? Maybe next time he should utilise that rather unique highhorse of his to rant about British talent and why the public seem to prefer Hollywood imports.

Last Updated 24 November 2005