"How to Make Friends & Unite People" - My Experience of the 'RA Fandom'

Now that I'm starting to find my way in this blogging world (though not without some growing pains!), I thought it was about time I write about my personal experiences of a very important part of being a follower/admirer/well-wisher/Armitage Army member of Richard. That is; The "RA Fandom". 

In The Beginning ... 

This time in August I was in a pretty rubbish place. Jobless, and facing a career which made me miserable, when all I wanted was to pursue my creative ambitions, but not quite sure how to do it. I was pretty lonely too; being without cash to spend doesn't make you the most popular person, or maybe that I haven't got the right sort of friends! I faced all this, and life was a pretty miserable prospect. Then, one day, I decided to go and see one of my favourite people in all the world in a role I thought him born to play. I went to see The Crucible, and everything changed...

The first time I went to see The Crucible I had decided it was a treat for myself. I'd kept some money aside, it was a special time to indulge in something that I would enjoy. And boy did I. At this point, I knew there were fellow Richard admirers out there, but I'd been in a pretty isolated place, so my awareness of them was minimal. But it was on this day it started to change. There was a great buzz about the theatre and everyone was whispering excitedly to each other - friends amongst friends, but most interestingly; strangers amongst strangers. I spoke to several people behind and to the side of me; we could all sense each others excitement and shared each others thoughts on what we hoped for the performance. And so the play truly did feel like a shared experience - we had all shared in that moment of excitement and now were sharing equally in the play's moments of sorrow. I left the theatre feeling so much better, inspired in fact. With the hope of not sounding too melodramatic here; life felt worth living again...

But my true initiation into the RA fandom all came down to a random encounter on Twitter. It was one of those moments I look back on and think: "imagine where I'd be if it hadn't happened"...

A Chance Encounter

Richard had joined twitter, and so my usage of it had quadrupled ;) - After 'Baconbeard', how could I not be checking his account to see what ingenious inspired moment would come next?! It was during one of my browsing sessions, in which I was mainly indulging in enjoying other peoples stage door photos, that I saw a little tweet come up from someone who said they had a spare ticket to see Richard in Conversation, as she was no longer able to go. Time froze. I had so wanted to go, but money was tight. But I went for it - 'seized the day' as they say - and got in touch...

And the person I met is now a very dear friend to me. She said I need not pay her for the ticket. But we eventually agreed if I could buy and post her a poster she had forgotten to get, that would make up for it. I thought this such a generous offer, I snapped it up and was very grateful! 

At first, my cynical lonely mind thought; 'be careful, she could be misleading you'. But she hadn't asked for anything out of the ordinary, and had sent me all the details for the ticket; I decided to trust in someone this time around. And boy, did it pay off! I arrived at the theatre, everything was fine, I had a wonderful time. I texted her after the event to thank her and filled her in about what I could remember, and I now dedicate my previous blogpost to her, in thanks of her kind gesture :).

And so, my submersion into the RA fandom had begun. And it was about to get even bigger and better...

On the day I recounted in an earlier post, when I, by chance, got to see The Crucible a second time, and met the lovely Richard himself - well, I had not achieved this alone. Whilst queuing at the theatre on that spontaneous day, I had texted my fellow RA friend to tell her about my little adventure. I asked if she knew the chances of me getting a ticket, and she said she didn't but she knew a group who would be able to help, on Facebook. And so I was let in to this group and, once again, my kind RA friend performed a wonderful act of kindness and asked its members if any of them had advice for me about getting a ticket and the stage door experience. I stood in the queue, taking in lots of very useful advice from strangers all over the world on my little phone; it was quite surreal! When I managed to get my ticket I shared it with the group in disbelief, joy and gratitude...

After the performance and meeting the man himself, I rushed home and shared my thanks with him on Twitter; and once again was introduced to further Richard admirers, asking stories and sharing pictures of their autographs. That was a wonderful experience too. I wrote a thank you message on the Facebook group and had a browse around; this looked like fun! From that point on, everything changed, and I became what I am now; the member of a fully fledged RA-Admirer family of my very own :)...

Finding a Family

The Crucible was coming to an end, and some of the members were getting itchy feet; we wanted to talk and also share fun things about Richard, but not just in a Crucible context. We also were all fond of our new exposure to Richard's brilliant and quirky sense of humour, and wanted a place we could share in that. And so a few of us united and created our own group, of which there are now many wonderful members. 

It was here that I really began to find myself again, and get back a little confidence. I was required to co-operate with people, learn to use new social media features, make an interesting group people wanted to join; but also I was able to interact with a group of people who all had a shared interest in Richard Armitage. It felt like home, somehow. I felt like I was able to share with these people in a way I've never done before, even with my oldest friends. I was laughing like I hadn't laughed in years. Real, serious belly laughter; tears and everything. It was wonderful. I woke up each morning wondering what mischief we would get up to! What I loved most about the group was that it was fun. It was a place we could go to laugh, and share funny pictures of Richard and indulge in each others admiration for him and have funny little competitions. There was an implicit trusting bond between us all and it meant what was created was really a Richard Armitage family. I hope, if this blog ever comes into your view, Richard, you can feel proud of the fact that people all over the world are uniting in their admiration of you, and are honoured to be, too :)...

Here's an example of the kinds of fun pictures we
 love to enjoy, for their complete sillyness :)!

#OneBeardToBringThemAll

It was at this time I became involved in a little Twitter event which you may have heard of, called #OneBeardToBringThemAll. It was an idea we had, to put on what we thought would be a fun and entertaining little 'event'; to wear beards, in honour of Richard's own he was still sporting from his role as Proctor at the time, and also in reference to an interview in which Richard suggested the Armitage Army wore a uniform...."perhaps beards?".

It was during this time that we really bonded as a group, and a time in which I learnt more about myself and my skills and capabilities (and also flaws!), than I ever had before. We had to work together as a team to finalise and organise the details of the event, contact other groups, answer questions. It became almost like a full time job! But what I saw unfolding was pure excitement to share in something fun and unique for Richard; even if it meant looking a bit silly! People were working together and loving it; I saw a really good side of human nature during this time, which helped me a lot. 

When the day finally came, and I finally managed to unleash my beard (which I was very proud of, by the way, and quite miss ;) ) - and watch others unleashing theirs on the Twittersphere too - it felt incredible. Never have I felt more part of the world I live in; even if it is in a virtual sense. There were beards from the UK, America, Europe, South America, Australia... Though there were only a modest 'number' in end, it was clear to see the enjoyment of this event spread further and wider than just those wearing the beards! To share in (what we considered) a victory, after all that anticipation and nervous energy was such an adrenaline rush (god I know I sound sad, but it really was!). It almost became not about Richard at all; though inspired by and essentially for or in honour of him. It became about us. The RA fandom. A small group of us uniting, in our own small way, to share and celebrate the joy we got from being fellow RA admirers, and doing it together. It really was such a special time, an unforgettable time, and I thank all those who worked hard to put it together and all those who participated, and those who enjoyed it too!

The Inspiration for #OneBeardToBringThemAll ...
look at The Precious...*strokes screen*... ;)

Settling In

I feel very much part of an RA-based community now; I have regular conversations - RA related or otherwise - with people on twitter and facebook; I have made lifelong friends. I have made connections with the RA bloggers, and been welcomed warmly and given some great advice and guidance on how to make blogging work for me. I have come across new creative ventures, inspired by Richard, like Cartoon Armitage, and connected with fellow artists across the world on our combined passions of creativity and Richard (a heavenly mix, that's for sure!). And last but not least, I have made connections with a whole new group of RA friends; those of you who take the time to read my blog and are kind enough to give me feedback - you have helped me become a better blogger.

And so, I come to my present point in this journey. Part of a fantastic FB group full of laughter and trust; with some new friends I have made along the way. I have a community of people I can tweet about Richard with, when I am feeling like the addiction is all too much to bear (which I have been recently). And of course there is the man himself, who continues to find his style of Tweeting and who I learn more and more about with each tweet; witty, quirky, lovely, honest, articulate. My own tweets feel pretty silly in comparison, but I love enjoying his hashtags with my circle of RA friends! I have become part of a community - albeit a virtual one. But in today's age, where everyone is so stressed and so busy, maybe that's exactly the kind of escape you need? It has certainly been a great help and support network for me. And long may it continue; though I may have to get a life and actually start doing some things at some point ;). Whereas three months ago I thought myself useless, worthless, a failure; now I feel I have really for the first time in my life, started to accept who I am, faults and strengths, and am learning to be comfortable with them, and feel braver to challenge those parts of me I think I can make better, stronger. 

What if?...

I do think to myself; what if? What if I hadn't been to see The Crucible? Would I have met Richard? What if I hadn't been cancelled on by my friend, and gone a second time? What if I hadn't replied to that tweet? ... Would the beards have happened? Would I belong to a community of new friends, with whom I have a new found confidence and passion for life? ... It certainly makes me wonder...

And then there's Richard. If I hadn't discovered Richard, and wanted to see him all those years later in the remarkable role of Proctor, what would I be doing now? I'm going to go all out now and say something potentially over-the-top, but in many ways I genuinely do believe it. Richard Armitage saved my life. Through my admiration of him, his good nature and his fine work, I have made new friends, have a new found confidence, have new hopes and a new drive for life...

 So thanks for that, Sir :).

Thanks Richard! :D

Antigone 

x

My Account of Richard Armitage in Conversation at The Old Vic

When I first heard Richard was going to be doing a special event at The Old Vic, I was very excited. I had wanted to see him talk for a long time, and this was my chance; he was right on my doorstep! So when I turned up at the theatre, I was full of anticipation and excitement. Excited to see him as 'himself' (out of character), and in anticipation to discover whether the real Richard met up with my previous perceptions of him from interviews, and also my hopes of what I wanted him to be.

I had got myself a ticket in the Upper Circle of the theatre, so sadly I wasn't able to see Richard's responses up close, but I had a clear view from where I sat and luckily he had a microphone so I could hear him perfectly.

I waited eagerly. "Where will he enter from?" I wondered; the play is in the round and characters entered from several different points throughout the play - which would Richard enter from? In the middle of the stage were two plush red velvet chairs and a small round side table - they looked very chic and elegant in the middle of that round stage and old embellished architecture. Then, he entered...

A Cheeky Pic from inside the Theatre - Richard sat on the right hand side *points*...

He wore an outfit pretty similar to one seen here on his appearance on The Andrew Marr show, and looked lovely in it too :). He entered from (our) stage left and immediately the auditorium rung out with applause. I have to say, I was anticipating to cringe a little and hear whooping and wolf whistles, but the response he received was surprisingly civil and measured!

Richard at the Andrew Marr Show

What struck me first was Richard's considerateness; as soon as he entered, he looked up and around at the auditorium, then straight up at us in the Upper Circle and gave a pleased and flattered smile and a big and enthusiastic wave! His eyes, even from "up in The Gods" sparkled freshwater-blue under the stage lights. We all waved back, very honoured and flattered too :). He seemed to glow and filled every corner of the space with affection and friendliness. I saw a positive and engaging spirit, who wanted us to know he was grateful we were there, and that we were very much a part of the conversation that was about to occur, not just observers of it. I loved the inclusive feel this established right from the start.

First Impressions

What struck me first was Richard's considerateness; as soon as he entered, he looked up and around at the auditorium, then straight up at us in the Upper Circle and gave a pleased and flattered smile and a big and enthusiastic wave! His eyes, even from "up in The Gods" sparkled freshwater-blue under the stage lights. We all waved back, very honoured and flattered too :). He seemed to glow and filled every corner of the space with affection and friendliness. I saw a positive and engaging spirit, who wanted us to know he was grateful we were there, and that we were very much a part of the conversation that was about to occur, not just observers of it. I loved the inclusive feel this established right from the start.

Also what was noted was the effort, thought, and conviction he put into his answers. His answers all felt very well thought out and full of substance. He brought along a copy of the play with him to reference, also a letter from a well-wisher which had particularly moved and inspired him, which he shared with us at the appropriate moment. I think Richard, in making such effort with his answers in this way, and making us feel included in his thought processes, brought a really warm and comfortable feel to the theatre - it really did feel like a conversation, between all of us. I remember at one part he got so engaged what he was talking about he had to stop and say "was that your question?!" in a light warm manner, and chuckled. That was so lovely to witness, and in those moments I felt my reasons for thinking so highly of him as a human being were expressed at their full magnification.

There is, however, definitely an intensity and mysterious reservedness to Richard's character and composure. Not that he was being evasive, indeed I found him very open, but I did feel like he was, at times, making the decision to hold things back, which I can totally understand. It's something everybody does. Why, because he is an actor with a new found celebrity, should we expect differently of him and for him to give everything away?

There was also an intensity to his answers; he used beautifully vivid and powerful language at times, which to me expressed how very deeply he felt things. When speaking about his work, he spoke in a very passionate way - we saw his ambition, and a love for what he does, shine through in those moments. He spoke about things in a way that very much came from his soul; there was real conviction there, and a real love of what he does, which was great to see.

I have always admired Richard's measured demeanour; it's something I aspire to myself, as I am the type to get very emotionally - almost hot-headedly - passionate about most things and run away with myself. He sat with very open body language; his leg folded across him, like seen in the picture I included above, for some of the interview. He used his hands and gestures to express himself throughout, which brought his words to life. His voice was calm and softly spoken, but he expressed himself clearly and confidently enough so that you could every word. He constantly looked up and out and around at us in the audience, keeping us enthralled and engaged. The lights in the auditorium were up, so to see all those adoring faces must have been quite intimidating and nerve-wracking, but he coped with it with grace. Richard seemed very self-composed.

Channelling Proctor

When speaking about The Crucible, what struck me how how much of an effect the play had seemed to have on Richard. He spoke about not being able to let John Proctor go at the Stage Door at night, which I had experienced first hand. He spoke about how he would prepare for the role; by listening to music in his corner of the dressing room, to gear himself up for what was about to unfold. I loved getting this insight into his craft, and also admired his methods in themselves. Coming from a creative background I understand the importance of immersing yourself in your craft, of really going to "that place" in order to express what your creative urges are telling you needs to be said. On hearing how Richard prepared for Proctor, and how he felt the character, within himself, very much explained the power behind his performance. 

He was almost like a medium, a man possessed; not by the Devil, but by John Proctor, himself...

A Man Possessed - Richard clearly became Proctor,
through the processes he used in his craft

"It's not funny the second time, either...sorry"

In an interview between Richard and Martin Freeman, I remember Richard mentioning that he couldn't tell jokes. Now I can't say I've ever heard Mr Armitage tell a joke, other than in this scenario, so who knows if he really can, but from watching this clip, and others in which Richard mentions how is 'not very funny' (I hope I'm accurate in my perception of this!), I expected the talk to be a very solemn affair.

But it was far from solemn. That's not to say it wasn't serious at times, because it certainly was; but what I loved most about the talk was that we really got to experience Richard's natural humour. It might not be joke telling, but I think having natural charm and wit is a much harder thing to have and/or perfect, and this just oozed naturally from him. This is something I think was very much missing from what I've seen of the transcripts. He made charming comments and cheeky asides throughout the talk, which, apart from "carrot-gate", I don't think were really mentioned.

Examples of this were found in little remarks he made in his answers. When referring to his preparation for Proctor's voice, he mentioned visiting an old mentor from his RSC days, and recounted him asking her for help, and ended with something like: "And then she said, come and lie down on my sofa" *audience giggled*...

Another occasion was when he spoke about his days at LAMDA and having worked in the round. I laughed at a part when he mentioned studying the Greek Classics: "and I remember there being lots of sand...." and he paused at this, as if to emphasise his bemusement in this.

There were also great moments of banter with the audience, like on one occasion when Richard was asked about whether he would do any more theatre work, and he said "Not Musicals... Which one of you suggested that?!?!" and he turned behind him in his chair at looked up and around us, playfully :).

Perhaps this humour shone through due to the circumstances of the talk. He knew he was in a place amongst people who admired him and his work; so perhaps he felt he could trust us enough to speak and behave in a more relaxed way? It was so lovely to see; I felt like I was, in those moments, getting a sense of 'the real Richard'....

Politically Aware

Another thing which came across vividly in Richard was his engagement with politics, and his passion for the importance of being engaged in this way, in the world we live in. I know this is an area which has caused friction in the fandom before, but for me it was a wonderful and commendable side of Richard which I thought was lovely to see. Perhaps this was because he shares views similar to my own on the issues he spoke about, though I think even if I had disagreed with them, I would have admired the confidence he had to share his views so openly and articulately.

You see so many actors talk about their work without even the slightest consideration of a shred of context or deeper meaning in it; as though politics or philosophy scares them or is not a 'cool' enough subject to be interested in. This was absolutely not the case with Richard. What came across loud and clear, watching him in conversation, was that he cared about the world and what went on in it, and that he had opinions on it which he was not afraid to share. This was a really wonderful side of him to see.

I noted upon reading the transcripts, that several moments in which Richard got a little political were actually omitted from them. I thought this was a shame, but could understand the reasoning behind it; perhaps those who compiled the transcript wanted to remain impartial on that front, or maybe there are rules about not including those sorts of comments?... Who knows.... All I can say is that was one thing I noticed to be missing from the transcripts which surprised me. I'd be happy to go into the details of what he said in these political moments, (though there were only a couple, really), but I feel their content is not so relevant as the fact these statements were made in themselves.

Passionate Artist, Funny Chap, Politcally Engaged

As the talk ended, I found myself impressed with what I had witnessed. Richard was everything I had hoped he would be, from what I'd previously seen of him in interviews, and more. His wit was great to experience in person, he was just charming and lovely. His articulate answers demonstrated his desire to want to become a more knowledgable person and try and understand better the world around him. His considered answers and warm rapport with us in the auditorium showed he was a man who was very much in tune with the feelings of others, and one who wished to embrace them.

I left the Theatre once again in awe of 'The Armitage'. It was over so quickly; too quickly for my liking! After his bold and beautiful closing statement, Richard was on his feet as we thanked and applauded him, waving once more in acknowledgement of us all, and slipped off backstage again, with a quick hoisting up of his trousers as he went ;) ...

" I suppose I already feel changed in that I think I have opened a part of myself, or Proctor has opened a part of myself, or somehow I have opened a part of Proctor, I don’t know which part of that is, but it had frightened me before and I guess I am no longer afraid."

I hope that in exploring my personal experience of my perception of Richard, I am able to give those who were unable to attend the talk a more personal view of what went on that day. Combined with the actual words he spoke at the talk expressed in the transcripts, I hope to try and share a more rounded experience for those of you who couldn't make it.

This has also been a great way for me to analyse my own reaction to the event, and what I opinion I formed of Richard's character from it. As for the 'real Richard', well who knows, and I don't claim to know it here, I only wish to describe the perception I got of him, even if it was his "public persona" (though in my gut, my instincts tell me he was being as much himself as one can in such a situation).

Here is a link to the transcript from the event and the live tweets, for you to combine with my account of things, if you'd like :)...

Richard Armitage In Conversation - Transcript (Part 1)

Richard Armitage In Conversation - Transcript (Part 2)

Richard Armitage in Conversation - Live Tweets from The Old Vic (Storify)

Until Next Time :)

Antigone x