So, you know that BBC series Merlin? And you know that guy who plays Gwaine? And you think he is the most attractive man to walk the planet, playing the most chivalrous Arthurian character to grace the pages of Malory? No? Well, me either. But my housemate Brandy* does. All year long I have been hearing about Gwaine, also known as Eoin Macken, and how he is the best thing since sliced bread. For Brandy, no man in her life could ever compare to Gwaine or be as attractive as Eoin Macken. For her, he is simply the best.
Well, a little over a week ago, Brandy and I got tickets to go see the new Globe production of the Tempest. I’ve been to the Globe before, but it is still one of my favourite venues of all time. It is reconstructed to look like the original Elizabethian Globe, which was open topped so that the stage received natural
light, with seats arranged in a semi-circle surrounding it. The Globe is also special because, just like in Elizabethian days, it sells standing tickets. The standing tickets are cheap, only five quid and you get to strand right in front of the stage in what is called ‘the pit’—could you get more medieval? And since they only use period instruments and decorations it really is an epic experience. Besides, who doesn’t love Shakespeare?**
So, for these reasons, visiting the Globe is always something I am up for. However, in this case there was an added impetus for seeing this particular show: Merlin’s star Colin Morgan was going to be playing the spritely Ariel. So, of course, we had to go. There was no question.
So the day of the production arrives, and we don our theatre attire and zip on the train down to London. We meet up with a friend of Brandy’s and then have quick dinner before picking up our tickets at the theatre. The first half goes by rather uneventfully, although I am of course enjoying the lively performance. For, Brandy, however, something much more exciting is happening. She pulls me aside at intermission:
‘you know he is here, right?’
‘Who?’
‘Eoin Macken, Oh My God. He is here.’
‘Really?!’
‘—are you telling me you didn’t see him?!’
‘Brandy, to be honest, I don’t think I could recognize him.’
‘Oh, my God. He is over across the way- sitting on the other side. I can’t believe you didn’t see him. I have been watching him this whole time. He was sitting over there!’
‘Over there? Brandy, I can’t see anything over there. It’s so far away. Are you sure it’s him?’
‘I am sure. I am 100 percent sure. Oh my God.’
Well needless to say, we stalked him out. Turns out he was there on a date, which was a bit disappointing for Brandy. But, beggars can’t be choosers: how often do you get to see your celebrity crush in real life? My only lament is that we were a little too shy to get an autograph, since he was obviously there just living his own life. But we did get a picture… one with them, in a line and us hovering oh so subtly next to them.
For me, this was a funny story, but for Brandy it was a big deal. She got to see Eoin Macken, the Eoin Macken in the flesh. Now the rest of us might not even know who that is, or even care, but for Brandy it was something to check off a life list. She had met *cough, cough* Gwaine. That is why I am posting this: because, as a naughty princess, I should know more than anyone else: dreams do come true.
* name changed to protect the innocent from potential embarrassment ** For some reason, Cinderslut has Shakespeare issues. However, it is my belief that if she were to visit the Globe this stance might soften.
I have Shakespeare issues? I love The Tempest, and I would be a poor English teacher indeed if I didn’t appreciate Shakespeare…not sure where this is coming from. BUT! I have watched a few episodes of Merlin before so I know who you are talking about. But then I stopped watching because they had a super lame CGI dragon…and the dialogue wasn’t much better.
Do you really not hate Shakespeare? Somehow my undergraduate brain had the idea firmly implanted in it that Cinderslut, aspiring high school teacher of all people, did not enjoy the English Bard. I think you are in denial of the past 🙂
I think you are making things up. I like Shakespeare just as much as the next person, although I’m not a fanatic. One of my favorite classes in all of college was Shakespeare to 1603…although part of that could have been my super hot TA. For the record I would love to see a Shakespeare play performed at the Globe. It’s for sure on my bucket list.
We’ll if it’s on your bucket list… they are performing Macbeth all the way from June to the end of October, and Macbeth is pretty epic. Just sayin’.
We’re going this spring.
I don’t really like Chaucer, though. I will admit.
Actually, now that I think about it that super hot Shakespeare TA of mine looked kind of like Colin Morgan, the actor who plays Merlin. A older, taller, better dressed version of him. No wonder I never missed a class, even though it was at 8:30 am!
Was the Shakespeare TA Shrimpf!?
i love this post. it’s got everything! Crushes, magical wins, Shakespeare, Merlin(i’ve seen a few episodes of the show-the rest i’ll save for a rainy day of marathoning) and a happy ending involving friends. Happiness indeed.