In a world populated by Hollywood actors who play roles only a few shades away from their true identities, it is always a rare treat to meet one who is able to conjure up a character so far away from his true self, and yet play that role with such faith that we all believe in his creation. Such a man is Robert Englund, probably best known for his role as Freddy Krueger in the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET films.

“Hi, I’m Robert, nice to meet you,” he said as he proffered a warm handshake. He had been waiting for all the rest of the production crew of Come Dine With Me to introduce themselves first, before gently introducing himself. The production company were filming a Hallowe’en special of the programme at Haslemere Museum’s library, and I was acting as location manager for the day.

He waxed lyrical on British period drama, how much he enjoyed series such as Cranford…

As the crew began dressing the set, Robert turned to me and said, “is this area where Wind in the Willows is set? Only I came over the Mole river today, and it set me thinking”. For the next three hours, his conversation danced over his fondness for the books, the quality of British acting and his love of the National Theatre.

He was full of praise for James Corden’s work on “One Man, Two Guvnors” on Broadway. “You know, that man has brought back to Broadway the art of true slapstick timing! For far too long, Broadway humour has relied on the blue to fuel its comedy … and that that man … that man is showing how you can do it without being crude”. He waxed lyrical on British period drama, how much he enjoyed series such as Cranford and the way “you British are able to take a good hard look at yourselves, and social changes in society through drama. We are only starting to do that in the States”.

“You know they will write on my tombstone, “Here lies Freddy Krueger” … but Freddy has been very good to me!”

The only time he talked of about his own body of work was to describe the problems he gave directors of photography and focus pullers due to the length of his nose. Finally, just as he was about to leave, I asked if we might get a publicity shot for the museum. I was fully expecting to be rebuked with the standard response, ‘Talk to my agent and we will see if we can get that set up’ but no …

“Oh for sure, did you have something in mind?”

“Well, can I take you to meet Arthur? He has been here for over a hundred years”.

A look of curiosity passed over Robert’s face.

“Oh, of course!”.

Now, Arthur is a six-foot stuffed Siberian bear and the mascot of the museum. As we walked into the one of the main galleries, Roberts eyes lit up: “Oh, we can do the Freddy thing”. I had been afraid of mentioning it, but:

“You know they will write on my tombstone, “Here lies Freddy Krueger” … but Freddy has been very good to me!”

As the crew packed up, Robert was whisked away to rejoin his wife, who had spent the day at the V&A. I was left with the feeling that I had not spent the afternoon with Freddy Krueger but with a truly talented actor with an interest, delight and intellect for many things.

And I could not help but wonder and hope, would he some day play the Water Rat at the National, because he would be brilliant in the role. But just watch out for those claws!

Come Dine with Me’s forthcoming Halloween episodes will see Sally Morgan, Alex Reid and Nicola McLean joining Robert Englund at table. Welcome to prime time, bitch!

Images (c) Robert Neller, courtesy of Haslemere Educational Museum