My Encounter with Tom
~ by Racheal ~
After a nasty bus ride all day Wednesday, But a wonderful flight Wednesday night/Thursday morning. I arrived in London on time at 8am, as I walked down the ramp into the terminal my mind was spinning. OMG! I am in London and I will be seeing Tom this evening, Holy Crapola
I arrived at my hotel at 11-11:30am and checked in. I quickly freshened up and was off to find the Theater, time was closing in. After getting lost and turned around on the Tube and then adding an extra mile to each direction because I read the map wrong I found the street by luck. "Who put the building scaffolding in front of the darn street sign!!!!!!!!!!!"
By this time I was hot, p***d off, and tired. But since I was here at the theatre I decided to go on in since I have never seen a theatre before. I hadn't noticed anyone walking down the street from the opposite direction. But as I started to go for the door this guy appeared out of no were. I looked at him quite unhappily because I had the run down feeling, when I looked at him I recognized the guy's hair and it was at this point everything when into slow motion. Tom was talking on his phone with an unlite cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a very stressed, p***y look on his face. He had on a white T-shirt, army fatigue pants, and Ahhh Yes his black Nikes (my favorite).
He pushed the door open and flung himself into the lobby, meanwhile I stood for a quick moment not sure I was seeing correctly. I entered the lobby and said aloud "Well thank you Mr Hardy". The ladies at the front desk looked at me, at this time I was not in a happy way so I went back to my hotel took a long shower and started to get ready. While debating whether to go back for the show. Yes, you heard me I thought about NOT going.
By 4:45 I was off again, the radio said there where problems on a couple of lines in the Tube so to be safe than sorry I left early, also to cover getting lost in the Tube again.
I arrived at Angel station in perfect time, and I didn't get lost :-) I stopped and picked up Tom 10 red roses, my hotel concierge called and could only find peach Roses. What!!!!!!!! Heck I can find red roses with my eyes closed.
Anyways off I went again, but darn it I took the wrong road and was in a residental area. I asked an older lady walking a dog if she could help me since I appeared to be lost. I said I need to find the Almeida Theater. She said "oh my you are on the wrong street, go down that street to the end and take a right and go back 2 streets and you will be there."
So I was off again, The fact that I was dressed up, in heels, and was carrying red roses told her I was on a mission.
Finally I reached the theater, Holy crap there is a line already as I got closer I read the sign that it was for people who were looking for the no show tickets or returned ones. Phewww
I went up to the ticket desk and asked the receptionist if it were possible to have someone gives these roses and card to Tom Hardy. She said sure no problem, as soon as I put them on the counter she scooped them up and disappeared, that was fast. I am not sure if she put them in water but who knows.
Ok time for Food, I was starving I had not eaten since I was on the plane at 3am, so into the cafe I went. I didn't pay too much attention to who was around I was hungry so I ordered a ham sandwich and a coke. And as I waited I looked around the cafe, and in a chair to my right I recognized a black winter type jacket and a grayish thermal hoodie type jacket. Oh my goodness!!!!! I looked at the person sitting at the table and it was Linda, ok this feels odd so I grabbed my sandwich and soda and sat at the table behind Linda and just fought with my sandwich. A huge sandwich with no knife.
After a while all was quiet and I was just sitting there chewing, all of a sudden the door on my right that leads out onto the street flings open and Tom cames flying in and sits down at the next table. You know when someone disturbs ya when they enter a very quiet room and ya give them a look, well I kinda did that but it back fired and Tom looked at me like "What". Ok now this feeling really odd, I decided I am out of here I wrapped my sandwich and put the stuff on the counter so I could leave.
I tried to make my way out of the cafe but the chair with Tom's stuff and a woman arguing about the bill blocked my way. I could either slide Tom's stuff out of my way or go over and around Tom. I put my hand on his black jacket and slide the chair in and of course it made a loud noise being on hard wood floors, the sound echoed. I noticed Tom had taken out of his second backpack a sketch pad and a pencil. Hmmm interesting Ahhh I reached the lobby and could breathe again, I went and sat up in the back of the lobby and soon they started selling programs. Cool so I went down and made sure I got mine, because Nat said they sold out the ones for Blood.
Ok 7:15pm I noticed Tom had stood up and was putting on his hoodie and black jacket. I thought what could it hurt to say good luck. So I went in the cafe and his back to me, so i peered around him and said "umm Tom?" and he turned around and looked at me and said "Hello"
I told him that I wanted to wish him good luck on tonight's performance.
He said "Thank You" and started to walk out to the lobby, but the lobby was packed.
So I said to him "BTW the flowers in your dressing area are from the Forum" He stopped and turned and said "Pardon" and brought his head down so he could hear me.
I said "The roses are from the girls in the Forum" and then he started to lite up and said "You must be" and I said Racheal and he finished by saying "northernPalmtree" really slowly.
I looked at him and thought my goodness his face seems smaller, but Wow! he is beautiful. And that smile :-) He bent down and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a hug.
He then looked at his watch, because he was cutting it close on getting ready for the play.
He said he had to go, but that we would talk after. All the while he was holding my left hand, which I do not even remember him picking up. As he was leaving my arm was stretched out and I relised he was still holding my fingers Saying he was sorry. I told him I understood and it was the reason I was there.
Oh how I thanked god the bar counter was right behind me, because that was the only thing holding me up. I was even at the point I had to go outside to catch a breath.
7:30 arrived and the 1st announcement for us to take our seats was made, I was the 3rd one to enter the theatre area (not that i was in a hurry mind you)
A gentleman showed me my seat assignment, and I looked at him and said This Seat here? and he was like Well Ya seat D7. OMG! NO Seats in Front of ME just a little bit of the aisle and then the Stage, The seat was on the End, and on the first rise so it was like i was kinda level with the stage. Holy Crapola!!!!
I sat in anticipation and looking all around. Waiting
They rang a bell like a dozen times to get the people out of the lobby and finally they closed the door.
I didn't expect Tom's charaacter to be in the scene straight off, but there he was OMG. Black leather dress jacket, white shirt, black pants, and sunglasses. The only way I can describe seeing him, was like seeing him for the first time Again. I held my breath, because I knew this character was going to be intense. I got shivers not even 15 mins in Tom on stage doing his job WoW!
So 9:30 came and the play ended What do you mean the play is over I just got here, Tom just got on stage it can't be 2 hours later already.
I slowly walked out into the lobby thinking how fast this evening had been and doubting that Tom would come out to talk to little me. But I waited feeling kinda stupid but still i waited. By 10 minutes of 10 i started thinking about what time the Tube shut down, I was not prepared to find another mode of transportation if i missed it. Not to mention I had no clue where I was.
So I said ok at 10 i will leave if he is not around (Ya sure you will Rach)
I wandered over to the door that entered the cafe and just hung around and watched everyone. At this time the cafe had turned into a bar/evening club atmosphere, I had wished my friends were with me so I would have someone to go in there with. Anyhow I found a pitcher of water and cups at the bar, which was great the theatre was so dry. By my 3rd cup I noticed movement coming up over the stairs, I didn't look but I knew it was Tom, besides the other actors were accounted for.
I heard him toss his gear on the floor and I looked over as I was putting my dress jacket on and I made eye contact with Tom so I kinda thought well maybe I should stay put. I walked over to the railing I had leaned against earlier that evening and just stood and watched Tom talking. I am a people watcher anyways, so I was interested in seeing what Tom is like in a conversation, how does he act, what type of mannerisms he has. Does he talk with his hands? Does he figit? that type of thing.
After a little while Tom looked over at me and then started to excuse himself away from the conversation. He said that there was someone here to meet him and he pointed in my direction. Ok there was that uncomfortable I should not be here feeling again.
With about 2-3 quick steps there he was, right in front of me. Now thank goodness for heels, because that at least put me at eye level.
Ok thinking hand shake again, I was greeted with another kiss on the cheek and hug.
(Bear with me now at this time my brain left me and I can't remember too well)
I said "It was great to meet him, and that his performance was wonderful"
He smiled and asked "If I enjoyed the play?"
I said "yes" And proceeded to ramble on regarding how certain scenes made me feel.And that for the first time a character of Tom's actually made me cry.
(Ok you guys No laughing, or I will pull this story over)
I am not sure about the _expression on his face, he was just listening I guess.
I said "I had never been to the theatre before" and he was "Really?" with a kinda surprised looked. I said "We really do not have theatre where I am from. Just in Boston and New York"
And he asked "Where are you from?"
I just said "Maine"
(this is my favorite part)
"Maine? Maine? oh Maine lobster"
I started laughing and I am sorry but he sounded like a little boy.
I go "Ya Maine lobster, or as someone pointed out when I first joined chat, Where author Stephen King is from"
"Ya" he said
Lets see I believe at this point the bar waiter came over, because Tom left his cell phone on the bar. So he got that back Our conversation moved to his schedule, he said "he was very, very busy"
He is producing and starring in his next project, I said "that was so great", I asked what the Producing part involved. He mentioned "Set designing and building" and also working on Festen too. So the man's plate is full these days. But Ya so can't help being proud of him.
Anyways he said Festen was moving to the West Side theatres and that he was not sure if he was going to go with them. And that Festen would also be appearing on Broadway. I asked "What about movies?" and "He said he had a couple of offers but He wants to make sure the money is there."
Somehow I returned us to the subject of Broadway and that I had just came through there and was not eager to return (meaning New York City)
I said "I hate the cities Boston and New York", and he asked "Why too busy?"
"I was like ya and they are just nasty looking, I am from out in the country."
He said he was "a city person" and I said born here? He said ya in Southern London.
I mentioned that i should get going and that I was so tired, he gave me another kiss and a big hug. But he asked when I have gotten in? I said my flight landed 8 am this morning and he was like Wow. I told him I had no choice to keep going, because it was the only theater ticket i could get. I told him how I had problems getting through to the theatre and that shows were just sold out.
He asked how long I was there for and what I planned to do. I said 1st wander around Hyde park since I was staying near it, and go down to Oxford street.
And he goes "Ahhh shopping" and smiled
Meanwhile I had programs and things in my left arm and I mentioned them. Tom asked if I wanted him to sign them and I said NO......
Because...............
Instead, I had made a ScrapBook page and took it with me that night, so I could see if Tom would finish it for me. I don't think he knew what he was signing but he like that I had all of his characters on the page.
He asked if I had a pen and of course I didn't luckily he did but said he that he didn't think the black pen would show up well on the page. And then he asked me what the date was? Which I almost laughed, here I was running on empty and missing 5 hours of my life and he is asking me the date. Thank Goodness I remembered the Forum and my last posts. I knelt down next to him and asked about one of the images and then about Maxx he said "Maxx is good, Maxx is very good" And I wish you could have seen his face that smile.
Well we stood back up and he said he had to meet with some students, I felt bad, because i had seen them there outside, because I don't think they had tickets. I said I had to go I need to get to the hotel and crash. We walked to the door and he tossed his cigarette away, and told me to enjoy the rest of my time there But be Careful. And I said Good night Tom, Take Care and we will see you in the movies.
Well after I left I did what any normal person on an normal evening would, I went grocery shopping LOL at 10:30pm. And then I got to my hotel room and called Barby screaming OMFreakinG!!!! I just met Tom!!!! She said NO!!!! I said Yes!!!! I just left him at the theatre.
~ by Racheal ~
After a nasty bus ride all day Wednesday, But a wonderful flight Wednesday night/Thursday morning. I arrived in London on time at 8am, as I walked down the ramp into the terminal my mind was spinning. OMG! I am in London and I will be seeing Tom this evening, Holy Crapola
I arrived at my hotel at 11-11:30am and checked in. I quickly freshened up and was off to find the Theater, time was closing in. After getting lost and turned around on the Tube and then adding an extra mile to each direction because I read the map wrong I found the street by luck. "Who put the building scaffolding in front of the darn street sign!!!!!!!!!!!"
By this time I was hot, p***d off, and tired. But since I was here at the theatre I decided to go on in since I have never seen a theatre before. I hadn't noticed anyone walking down the street from the opposite direction. But as I started to go for the door this guy appeared out of no were. I looked at him quite unhappily because I had the run down feeling, when I looked at him I recognized the guy's hair and it was at this point everything when into slow motion. Tom was talking on his phone with an unlite cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a very stressed, p***y look on his face. He had on a white T-shirt, army fatigue pants, and Ahhh Yes his black Nikes (my favorite).
He pushed the door open and flung himself into the lobby, meanwhile I stood for a quick moment not sure I was seeing correctly. I entered the lobby and said aloud "Well thank you Mr Hardy". The ladies at the front desk looked at me, at this time I was not in a happy way so I went back to my hotel took a long shower and started to get ready. While debating whether to go back for the show. Yes, you heard me I thought about NOT going.
By 4:45 I was off again, the radio said there where problems on a couple of lines in the Tube so to be safe than sorry I left early, also to cover getting lost in the Tube again.
I arrived at Angel station in perfect time, and I didn't get lost :-) I stopped and picked up Tom 10 red roses, my hotel concierge called and could only find peach Roses. What!!!!!!!! Heck I can find red roses with my eyes closed.
Anyways off I went again, but darn it I took the wrong road and was in a residental area. I asked an older lady walking a dog if she could help me since I appeared to be lost. I said I need to find the Almeida Theater. She said "oh my you are on the wrong street, go down that street to the end and take a right and go back 2 streets and you will be there."
So I was off again, The fact that I was dressed up, in heels, and was carrying red roses told her I was on a mission.
Finally I reached the theater, Holy crap there is a line already as I got closer I read the sign that it was for people who were looking for the no show tickets or returned ones. Phewww
I went up to the ticket desk and asked the receptionist if it were possible to have someone gives these roses and card to Tom Hardy. She said sure no problem, as soon as I put them on the counter she scooped them up and disappeared, that was fast. I am not sure if she put them in water but who knows.
Ok time for Food, I was starving I had not eaten since I was on the plane at 3am, so into the cafe I went. I didn't pay too much attention to who was around I was hungry so I ordered a ham sandwich and a coke. And as I waited I looked around the cafe, and in a chair to my right I recognized a black winter type jacket and a grayish thermal hoodie type jacket. Oh my goodness!!!!! I looked at the person sitting at the table and it was Linda, ok this feels odd so I grabbed my sandwich and soda and sat at the table behind Linda and just fought with my sandwich. A huge sandwich with no knife.
After a while all was quiet and I was just sitting there chewing, all of a sudden the door on my right that leads out onto the street flings open and Tom cames flying in and sits down at the next table. You know when someone disturbs ya when they enter a very quiet room and ya give them a look, well I kinda did that but it back fired and Tom looked at me like "What". Ok now this feeling really odd, I decided I am out of here I wrapped my sandwich and put the stuff on the counter so I could leave.
I tried to make my way out of the cafe but the chair with Tom's stuff and a woman arguing about the bill blocked my way. I could either slide Tom's stuff out of my way or go over and around Tom. I put my hand on his black jacket and slide the chair in and of course it made a loud noise being on hard wood floors, the sound echoed. I noticed Tom had taken out of his second backpack a sketch pad and a pencil. Hmmm interesting Ahhh I reached the lobby and could breathe again, I went and sat up in the back of the lobby and soon they started selling programs. Cool so I went down and made sure I got mine, because Nat said they sold out the ones for Blood.
Ok 7:15pm I noticed Tom had stood up and was putting on his hoodie and black jacket. I thought what could it hurt to say good luck. So I went in the cafe and his back to me, so i peered around him and said "umm Tom?" and he turned around and looked at me and said "Hello"
I told him that I wanted to wish him good luck on tonight's performance.
He said "Thank You" and started to walk out to the lobby, but the lobby was packed.
So I said to him "BTW the flowers in your dressing area are from the Forum" He stopped and turned and said "Pardon" and brought his head down so he could hear me.
I said "The roses are from the girls in the Forum" and then he started to lite up and said "You must be" and I said Racheal and he finished by saying "northernPalmtree" really slowly.
I looked at him and thought my goodness his face seems smaller, but Wow! he is beautiful. And that smile :-) He bent down and gave me a kiss on the cheek and a hug.
He then looked at his watch, because he was cutting it close on getting ready for the play.
He said he had to go, but that we would talk after. All the while he was holding my left hand, which I do not even remember him picking up. As he was leaving my arm was stretched out and I relised he was still holding my fingers Saying he was sorry. I told him I understood and it was the reason I was there.
Oh how I thanked god the bar counter was right behind me, because that was the only thing holding me up. I was even at the point I had to go outside to catch a breath.
7:30 arrived and the 1st announcement for us to take our seats was made, I was the 3rd one to enter the theatre area (not that i was in a hurry mind you)
A gentleman showed me my seat assignment, and I looked at him and said This Seat here? and he was like Well Ya seat D7. OMG! NO Seats in Front of ME just a little bit of the aisle and then the Stage, The seat was on the End, and on the first rise so it was like i was kinda level with the stage. Holy Crapola!!!!
I sat in anticipation and looking all around. Waiting
They rang a bell like a dozen times to get the people out of the lobby and finally they closed the door.
I didn't expect Tom's charaacter to be in the scene straight off, but there he was OMG. Black leather dress jacket, white shirt, black pants, and sunglasses. The only way I can describe seeing him, was like seeing him for the first time Again. I held my breath, because I knew this character was going to be intense. I got shivers not even 15 mins in Tom on stage doing his job WoW!
So 9:30 came and the play ended What do you mean the play is over I just got here, Tom just got on stage it can't be 2 hours later already.
I slowly walked out into the lobby thinking how fast this evening had been and doubting that Tom would come out to talk to little me. But I waited feeling kinda stupid but still i waited. By 10 minutes of 10 i started thinking about what time the Tube shut down, I was not prepared to find another mode of transportation if i missed it. Not to mention I had no clue where I was.
So I said ok at 10 i will leave if he is not around (Ya sure you will Rach)
I wandered over to the door that entered the cafe and just hung around and watched everyone. At this time the cafe had turned into a bar/evening club atmosphere, I had wished my friends were with me so I would have someone to go in there with. Anyhow I found a pitcher of water and cups at the bar, which was great the theatre was so dry. By my 3rd cup I noticed movement coming up over the stairs, I didn't look but I knew it was Tom, besides the other actors were accounted for.
I heard him toss his gear on the floor and I looked over as I was putting my dress jacket on and I made eye contact with Tom so I kinda thought well maybe I should stay put. I walked over to the railing I had leaned against earlier that evening and just stood and watched Tom talking. I am a people watcher anyways, so I was interested in seeing what Tom is like in a conversation, how does he act, what type of mannerisms he has. Does he talk with his hands? Does he figit? that type of thing.
After a little while Tom looked over at me and then started to excuse himself away from the conversation. He said that there was someone here to meet him and he pointed in my direction. Ok there was that uncomfortable I should not be here feeling again.
With about 2-3 quick steps there he was, right in front of me. Now thank goodness for heels, because that at least put me at eye level.
Ok thinking hand shake again, I was greeted with another kiss on the cheek and hug.
(Bear with me now at this time my brain left me and I can't remember too well)
I said "It was great to meet him, and that his performance was wonderful"
He smiled and asked "If I enjoyed the play?"
I said "yes" And proceeded to ramble on regarding how certain scenes made me feel.And that for the first time a character of Tom's actually made me cry.
(Ok you guys No laughing, or I will pull this story over)
I am not sure about the _expression on his face, he was just listening I guess.
I said "I had never been to the theatre before" and he was "Really?" with a kinda surprised looked. I said "We really do not have theatre where I am from. Just in Boston and New York"
And he asked "Where are you from?"
I just said "Maine"
(this is my favorite part)
"Maine? Maine? oh Maine lobster"
I started laughing and I am sorry but he sounded like a little boy.
I go "Ya Maine lobster, or as someone pointed out when I first joined chat, Where author Stephen King is from"
"Ya" he said
Lets see I believe at this point the bar waiter came over, because Tom left his cell phone on the bar. So he got that back Our conversation moved to his schedule, he said "he was very, very busy"
He is producing and starring in his next project, I said "that was so great", I asked what the Producing part involved. He mentioned "Set designing and building" and also working on Festen too. So the man's plate is full these days. But Ya so can't help being proud of him.
Anyways he said Festen was moving to the West Side theatres and that he was not sure if he was going to go with them. And that Festen would also be appearing on Broadway. I asked "What about movies?" and "He said he had a couple of offers but He wants to make sure the money is there."
Somehow I returned us to the subject of Broadway and that I had just came through there and was not eager to return (meaning New York City)
I said "I hate the cities Boston and New York", and he asked "Why too busy?"
"I was like ya and they are just nasty looking, I am from out in the country."
He said he was "a city person" and I said born here? He said ya in Southern London.
I mentioned that i should get going and that I was so tired, he gave me another kiss and a big hug. But he asked when I have gotten in? I said my flight landed 8 am this morning and he was like Wow. I told him I had no choice to keep going, because it was the only theater ticket i could get. I told him how I had problems getting through to the theatre and that shows were just sold out.
He asked how long I was there for and what I planned to do. I said 1st wander around Hyde park since I was staying near it, and go down to Oxford street.
And he goes "Ahhh shopping" and smiled
Meanwhile I had programs and things in my left arm and I mentioned them. Tom asked if I wanted him to sign them and I said NO......
Because...............
Instead, I had made a ScrapBook page and took it with me that night, so I could see if Tom would finish it for me. I don't think he knew what he was signing but he like that I had all of his characters on the page.
He asked if I had a pen and of course I didn't luckily he did but said he that he didn't think the black pen would show up well on the page. And then he asked me what the date was? Which I almost laughed, here I was running on empty and missing 5 hours of my life and he is asking me the date. Thank Goodness I remembered the Forum and my last posts. I knelt down next to him and asked about one of the images and then about Maxx he said "Maxx is good, Maxx is very good" And I wish you could have seen his face that smile.
Well we stood back up and he said he had to meet with some students, I felt bad, because i had seen them there outside, because I don't think they had tickets. I said I had to go I need to get to the hotel and crash. We walked to the door and he tossed his cigarette away, and told me to enjoy the rest of my time there But be Careful. And I said Good night Tom, Take Care and we will see you in the movies.
Well after I left I did what any normal person on an normal evening would, I went grocery shopping LOL at 10:30pm. And then I got to my hotel room and called Barby screaming OMFreakinG!!!! I just met Tom!!!! She said NO!!!! I said Yes!!!! I just left him at the theatre.
Copyright © 2003 - Twainy. All rights reserved.