Released: 30 September 2020

World-renowned theatre photographer Simon Annand has witnessed some of theatre’s most intimate moments. His new book TIME TO ACT showcases over 200 remarkable backstage portraits. Included are many of the world’s most beloved stars, photographed during the last 37 years.

Deeply personal images of Olivia Colman, Elisabeth Moss, Claire Foy, David Oyelowo, Gillian Anderson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Bryan Cranston, Lily James, Sophie Okonedo, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart and many more world class actors as they prepare to go on stage.

With a foreword by Cate Blanchett TIME TO ACT illuminates the vulnerability, the discipline, the thrill and the danger of live performance.

For every copy of TIME TO ACT sold, a donation will be made to The Theatre Artists Fund. The Theatre Artists Fund has been set up to provide emergency support for theatre workers and freelancers across the UK who are in need of urgent and critical financial support due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the theatre sector.

“It is as difficult to capture actors and creative teams in unselfconscious action as it is to arrest birds in flight. Simon’s aim is to illuminate the process in a way that invites an understanding in the viewer.

But there lies Simon’s skill. He is inside this process with his subjects. His sensitivity to atmosphere is, quite simply, astonishing. ”

— Cate Blanchett

Simon Annand is one of the UK's leading theatre photographers, renowned for his remarkable and unique portraits of some of the world’s most famous actors. Simon has photographed productions and performers extensively for over three decades, working with the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and many other leading theatre producers. His work has been exhibited nationally at galleries including V&A Museum, as well galleries around the world including Paris, New York, Berlin, Moscow and China.