Callers booking tickets at the Chickenshed Theatre had a surprise today (August 2) when the phone was answered by an acting great.

Simon Callow answered calls at the Cockfosters theatre box office through the morning, personally greeting customers as they book their tickets, including to the upcoming Christmas show Adventure to Oz, for which tickets went on sale today.

It was a return to Mr Callow’s roots - his involvement in theatre began in the early 70’s when he wrote a fan letter to Sir Laurence Olivier, who was the Artistic Director of the National Theatre. 

He received a reply suggesting that he join their box office staff, which gave him the in-road he needed to begin his career, including film roles in Four Weddings and a Funeral and Amadeus, and on stage in many plays.

Kevin Metchear, head of box office at the Chickenshed, said: “We always thought how Simon started in the theatre is a nice story, then he wrote a piece praising Christmas shows and namechecked us.

“We asked Simon if he wanted to come down and help us launch it, and he said ‘sounds like great fun, count me in’.

“He is someone we are very proud to call a friend and supporter.”

Chickenshed artistic director Lou Stein added: “The designer on our Christmas show has worked with Simon on his shows, it’s huge to have this kind of connection.

“It would be fantastic if people call up to book the tickets, and get a nice surprise.”