There's no guarantee how Z-list the calibre of celeb you might end up seeing if you don't time it right however. And how sick would you feel if you'd shelled out a load of cash on entrance and drinks to only see someone who'd been axed from last season's TOWIE? If you go on a waiting list you could eventually secure yourself at a table at The Ivy, but what happens if the night you go Lady GaGa's throwing a bash at Soho House and all the quality celebs have migrated there? Luckily there is one often overlooked place when you can guarantee to see a star - and you also know who it will be. The stage door.
An increasing number of West End shows are attracting big name stars these days. Keira Knightley…Jude Law…Dame Judi…Dame Maggie…Kevin Spacey… - we all know when they are in town because their faces are looming large on the billboards outside the theatres they are starring in. If a star is in a show for three months one thing is for certain - they will have to get in and out of the theatre to do the show. They will probably be in a rush on their way in to the theatre or may even have come in early for notes, but when they leave after the show most stars are happy to chat, sign autographs and some even pose for photos as they leave the theatre. The bonus of hanging around a stage door after the show is that it is easy to find out what time a show finishes. You may have to wait for them to get their makeup off and have a quick drink with their actual friends in their dressing room, but at some point they have to leave. Even if they try and whizz by you you should be able to get a jealousy-inspiring snap of them on your iphone.
If you happen to have seen the show even better - they will probably be leaving the theatre on a high and be more responsive to a genuine compliment of "you were amazing tonight, Matthew" rather than "Hey Chandler - how's Monica?" When an actor leaves the stage they are usually on a creative high, so catching them after a show is a time when they are likely to be open to some real-person interaction. You'd be surprised how many famous people are approachable and good humoured, so if you are respectful and don't mind being a little patient, your star spotting in London's West End should be get off to a flying start at the stage door.