Backstage baby drama – 30 years ago in The Stage

This week 30 years ago (August 17, 1995), The Stage reported on an actor whose partner went into labour in his dressing room during a performance at Chichester Festival Theatre.

“Actor Simon Coates had more than the usual distractions during his opening performance of The Miser at Chichester Festival Theatre when his girlfriend went into labour in his dressing room.

“But baby Bessie’s grand entrance was delayed long enough not to disrupt her dad’s big night. Simon struggled through the following day’s matinee, with partner Sian Reeves backstage having contractions every five minutes and by the evening show they were in the local hospital’s labour ward.

“More waiting followed and Simon decided to do the next night’s performance, but said: ‘During the show I got a call saying the hospital was about to do an emergency Caesarean. I finished the show and raced over there immediately, still wearing my make-up. It’s been a hell of a week – a very memorable first night and, in the end, a very happy experience.’

“Eventually Bessie arrived weighing in at 5lb 4oz and her dad was able to get back to his other leading role.”

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