'It feels like a dream': Filipina meets 'The Sandman' author Neil Gaiman and stars at London world premiere

Of course, there was Neil Gaiman himself with his trademark glasses. Other actors started arriving as well, including Tom Sturridge (Morpheus/Dream), Kirby Howell-Baptiste (Death), Joely Richardson (Ethel Cripps), Lourdes Faberes (Kate Fletcher), Niamh Walsh (Young Ethel Cripps), and more. 

The audience was treated to free wine, cans of still water, bags of salted popcorn, and the viewing of the first two episodes, "Sleep of the Just” and “Imperfect Hosts”. Watching this show, with its gorgeous visual effects, bold narrative and character choices was an experience beyond words. Imaginative and hopeful, yet disturbing and unhinged in its own right. Livvy, an admittedly bigger fan of The Sandman comics and expert said that certain scenes and frames were taken right out of the pages. 

Netflix’s The Sandman is an absolute triumph. As of this writing, I've finished watching the show, and as a whole, it’s a magnificent love letter to the original story while still being fresh, innovative, and fun for the casual new viewer. It’s such a thrill to enjoy a new kind of story in a market that's so saturated with remakes and reboots. 

Gaiman himself has said that this show is for all fans alike—for those who have followed the text since the beginning in 1989 and for those who have simply clicked play on Netflix now. Everyone is welcome to find something to delight, disturb, and dream about in the show.

Did I mention that my friend and I were invited to the after-party as well?

During the event held at Corinthia London, I got better acquainted with spectacular British content creators Tyrell Charles, Claire Rowden, and Zainab Jiwa. I’m a naturally anxious person, especially in a social setting, but there was something about this little group that felt calming somehow. Dreamlike, even.

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At the afters, with its free-flowing drinks… let’s just say, I take that “We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers” short story to heart. Every time someone offered me a drink, I would take it; there was a point where I felt a glass of wine and a glass of champagne in each hand. There was champagne, old-fashioned’s, fancy Sandman-inspired cocktails with names I don’t quite remember now… this combination of many, many drinks got me enough liquid courage to actually talk to some of the cast of The Sandman, and even Neil Gaiman himself.

As an aspiring author myself, I was so nervous but was looking forward to the chance to speak to Neil, one of my literary heroes even for just a  short encounter. And I was so lucky to receive that opportunity and then some! 

I spoke with Neil briefly and his kind, attentive eyes made me feel at ease at once. I congratulated him on the show and he spoke so wonderfully about the cast and crew. We also spoke about the Philippines and how he held such a fondness for our people, our country—and our fruit. Specifically… calamansi. He said that sometimes, people would bring him calamansi extract but that there was simply no replacing the real fruit. That makes him an honourary Tito of Manila, no? Someone get this man some calamansi, ASAP.

He also sang the praises of Filipina actress Lourdes Faberes who plays Kate Fletcher in the show and previously played “Pollution” in Good Omens. Later on in the evening, I passed by Neil and he actually recognized me. He gently tapped me on the shoulder to tell me that Lourdes was right there and I should meet her. Alas, I was on my way to the loo (that many drinks, y’know?) and by the time I got back, I was unable to make her acquaintance. Still, it was so thrilling to know that Neil Gaiman remembered me from our brief interaction. Absolutely bananas. I’ll be living off of the serotonin from that memory forever.

I was also so fortunate to meet Tom Sturridge. His was an intense, quiet energy—much like Morpheus himself—but his humility and his generosity with his time struck me. We briefly chatted about how much I enjoyed his performance so far and how excited I was to see the rest of the show. He smiled and offered his thanks, and I went on my way.

Throughout the night I found myself among the show's stars including Kirby Howell-Baptiste who plays Death. That night she wore a gorgeous gown with pronounced sleeves that would give our ternos a run for their money. The only way I could describe Kirby’s presence was pure sunshine—she was happiness personified and just being in her presence felt like a warm hug. She was gracious, vibrant, and just so stunning.

I stumbled into Vivienne Acheampong (who plays Lucienne) later in the night and she was such a joy to speak with. I told her how much I enjoyed her performance. Hers was one of my favourite performances in the show—which is saying something, considering how packed this show is with incredible, stellar performances from so many spectacular actors.

I also found myself sitting next to Niamh Walsh, who plays Young Ethel Cripps, and her partner and waiting briefly next to Vanesu Samunyai (who plays Rose Walker) and her friend, Keyah while waiting for our Uber home. 

The night came to an end but I could tell stories upon stories about it. From the drunken camaraderie of women in the toilets, to a surprise appearance of a certain actor who is friends with the lead… whose extremely soft hands I was lucky enough to shake (hint: he used to be seventeen… for a while)... it all felt too good to be true. A sentiment I keep repeating. It’s a night I don’t know if I could ever had the imagination to make up for myself.

Dreams can only stay dreams when you keep yourself asleep, stuck in the dreaming. When you wake up, dreams have the opportunity to come true in ways you never imagined and become memories—stories I never thought I would be the one to tell. 

I’m so endlessly grateful and privileged and otherworldly fortunate to tell this one.