Sitting near a performer puts you in the firing line – but it also makes you an invaluable part of any comedy showJohn Oliver looked into my eyes and cocked his head. We held each other’s gaze. On the “stage” of an upstairs room in a grimy little pub, his...

Simon Annand has photographed most of the UK’s leading actors on stage. But his images of them off stage – in the half hour before curtain up – offer a rare glimpse of private momentsAn exhibition of Annand’s portraits is at the Lawrence Batley theatre, Huddersfield, 7 September until 29...