Famous theatre actors caught offstage For 30 years, photographer Simon Annand has worked backstage at almost every major theatrical production to be staged in London. Capturing his subjects during the 30 minutes before the performance starts, known as 'the half', he has photographed Britain's most celebrated actors in repose before some of their most lauded performances. His work is the subject of the exhibition Simon Annand: The Half, on show at the Idea Generation gallery in Shoreditch from Feb 24 to April 8. Here he shares the stories behind some of his most memorable shots. Kelly Brook, Calendar Girls, Noel Coward Theatre, 2009 Kelly was taking a rest between a matinee and evening performance, dressed in her Christmas outfit for Calendar Girls... For anyone to go on stage and perform live in front of an audience requires considerable bravura and skill. To repeat this night after night, and to keep it fresh, the theatre actor also needs to be highly disciplined and self-possessed. Picture: Simon Annand