My paintings generally depict actors preparing for a theatrical performance – applying make up and getting into costume in the dressing room, or waiting in the wings moments before stepping onto stage. This (usually hidden) backstage environment is a shadowy, private world inhabited by stage crew and performers, quietly working behind the scenes amongst the scenery flats, lighting, props and general clutter backstage. I used to sit there at the side of the stage thinking it would make a wonderful painting. You’re there in the gloom with all the clutter and equipment stacked up and you’ve got the glow from the stage lighting spilling backstage slightly and you see the actors waiting silently in the wings looking very excited and very pensive – it can be wonderfully evocative.