Matthew Morrison, Bush Hall London - 20th June 2013

Last Wednesday morning I got sent a link for a ticketing website. Matthew Morrison was coming to the UK to promote his latest album and he was playing an intimate show at Bush Hall in London. I knew I had to go especially when the ticket prices were so reasonable. Even more so, thanks to my best friend, Emma and her husband, Dan, I was able to book for VIP as I had a £30 gift voucher to use on Ticketmaster! (Still cannot stop thanking them for it!)

The day arrived and I spent all day watching the clock, desperate to set out for the venue! It felt like it went so slowly that when it got to half two, I could wait no longer! Before heading to the venue, I shot up to Oxford Street, picked up a copy of his album, shot round to Piccadilly Circus to capture my photo for photography challenge and then jumped on a tube and headed over to the venue. I ended being the first one there, despite expecting to find a good twenty odd people there already. So I went off for a walk, discovered where Loftus Road was and came back to find three ladies who I recognise, had turned up. Turned out they had also been at the Oliviers, one of whom just happened to work at local train station! Spent the next three hours chatting with them until the doors open, which definitely made the time go faster!

Finally it was time to go in and I nearly missed out on front row seats because the lady who was checking us off the list as we entered forgot to give me my wristband. But it turned out to be a blessing as I ended sitting next to a guy who attends the same conventions as me! I was position just to the right of the centre, so I did not need to worry about he dreaded microphone stand being in the way all of the time. Before Matthew came on, we got to see a new up and coming artist, Matt Wills perform. He is extremely talented, got a James Arthur vibe off him and he did very well making every one laugh and enjoy themselves, considering we could have been a hostile crowd as we were there for Matthew and not him.

Finally, it was time for the man we had come to see, with fabulous intro music from Brad Ellis and band! Matthew was swearing, making jokes and drinking on stage and it just felt more relaxed than his previous show. It felt more like him, that he could be himself, which I think all the fans absolutely loved. I know I did. Favourite moments included a West Side Story Medley, which I nicknamed "How to do West Side Story in Two Minutes" and Singin' in the Rain. Very happy as well that Matt looked my way and gave me a smile during the performance!

After the show, it was time for the Meet and Greet, which took place in the Terrace Bar upstairs. I was so excited and nervous to meet him, that when it came to my turn, I could barely get my words out. But Matthew was so lovely, he introduced himself, shook my hand and asked my name, even checking how to spell when signing my album. I manage to tell I was coming to the CD signing the next day, just so my daughter could meet him! He was great in the photos, getting up close with each fan to give them the best photo he could. Admittedly, I was not completely happy with my photo cos my stomach looked awful! While waiting for a friend outside the venue, I also got to meet Brad Ellis, the piano player on Glee. He was so lovely to talk to as was his wife! Though I was idiot who chose a song that I love that was not even arranged by him!

Chris Colfer Book Signing - 16th June 2013

Up until yesterday, Rachael and I had been fortunate enough to have to met two cast members of one of our favourite TV show, Glee. Yesterday, we were got to meet a third, the absolutely adorable, Chris Colfer.

This past week has been crazy in terms of the information flying round. No one really knew what was going on. The only thing we had figured out was that was a lot of interest and people were planning to camp out. The scaremongering started Saturday morning when Bluewater Waterstones tweeted a photo of the first person to turn up to camp out. From there, more and more people turned up, that by the time we had got up and ready to go, I actually threatened not to go.

We were very lucky to meet loads of wonderful people, starting at London Bridge where we met the lovely Lauren, who had flown over from Northern Ireland just to attend. It really did help the long wait go so much quicker. We arrived just before 9am and grabbed a ticket, number 437. We were there, we had a number, we were guaranteed to meet him! The next six hours went by so quickly thanks to amazing laughs, chats and fun we were having with the group of people we had met. (I'm sorry I cannot mention you all by name, cos I cannot remember them all and if I did, knowing me, I would forget someone).

Then the time came to meet the man himself. As expected Rachael went completely shy, but Chris was so lovely to her. I bent down next to her, rather than get the photo I had originally promised I would get, and helped through the meeting. Chris asked her name and replied that he was hearing the name Rachael a lot lately when she replied. I took this as my opening to tell we had meet Lea last year, to which he gave us a huge smile. If he said anything else, I honestly cannot remember! But I did managed to throw in that we were looking forward to seeing him in Glee next season. He was definitely worth the 6 hour wait!

Coronation Classics - 2nd June 2013

Having just got back from holiday the day before, I had not expected to find myself back at the Royal Albert Hall for the second time in three months. My in-laws had phone the night before offering me tickets for me and Rachael to attend a concert that would be taking place and that they would now be unable to attend themselves. The concert was Coronation Classics.

Coronation Classics a concert of music to celebrate 60 years since the Queen's Coronation. It featured music which to my surprise I actually knew and this is coming from someone who is not a fan of classical music. The music was a mixture of music from the coronation itself, including Handel's Zadok the Priest and Walton's Crown Imperial; and music which was not. It ended with extremely well known classics, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

It featured the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Choral Society, with featured guest performers, cellist, Julian Lloyd-Webber and Soprano, Ruth Jenkins. The conductor was Anthony Inglis, who really impressed me throughout the concert. He made the effort to engage with the audience, telling us stories about the music itself and encouraging us to join in with the songs at the end, making jokes as he went.

I have to say I really did enjoy myself more than I expected to. It probably helped that I knew the music as well. I enjoyed so much so, that I have promised Rachael that I may just take her to something similar again.

Olivier Awards - 28th April 2013

The Olivier Awards are the British equivalent to the Tony Awards, the theatre equivalent (in my eyes) to the Oscars; they are the most prestigious theatre awards in the UK! And when such huge names are announced as attending, you know full well I was going to be there to see them walk down the red carpet.

This year, the awards were held on the 28th April at the stunning Royal Opera House, in Covent Gardens, London. The huge red carpet was laid out from the entrance and straight down the road towards to the turning for the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Barriers laid out either side for the fans to stand behind.

We arrived in Covent Gardens at 11:30, a whole 5 and a half hours before the stars were due to walk the carpet. It was a good decision on our part to do so. By midday, we had given into the fact we would have to queue, but luckily there was not too many people waiting. Many were autograph collectors, those people who then sell them ebay. It does annoy me when they turn as they can take the chance away from genuine fans to meet their favourite celebrities. Amazingly, one was actually really nice and texted me a list of confirmed guests coming to the awards!

At 2pm, we finally got to head to the barriers to get our place and we got a great place, at the front about half way up the carpet and away from the press pit. Then all we could is watch what little was happening for the next three hours. Finally 5pm arrived and it was time for the stars to arrive and walk the red carpet. Once the big names started arriving, it went nuts. It was completely crazy, so much noise, but luckily not too much pushing!

We were very lucky to meet Vicky Entwistle, Myleene Klass, Lynda Bellingham, James Bourne, Anita Dobson, Brian May, Tim Minchin, Gina Beck, Louise Dearman, David Suchet, Idina Menzel, Rupert Everett, Daniel Radcliffe and Heather Headley.

We had come up to the event with three specific people in mind of meeting, Matthew Morrison, Idina Menzel and Daniel Radcliffe. Sadly, there was so much noise for Matthew, that despite us calling, we did not get to meet, which did sadden both me and Rachael. But this made up with meeting Idina, though we only got her autograph but at least we met her. But we got to meet Daniel, which really made our day. The publicist who was with him, spotted me and Rachael calling for him and she got him to come over to us. He walked up to Rachael, shook her hand and asked her name, I think Rachael was quite taken aback with just how polite he was. Luckily, he agreed to a photo while he signed an autograph for us, which the Olivier Awards tweeted via Instagram!

A big thank you must go out to both Tim Minchin and Rupert Everett for agreeing to stop for me and Rachael to sign an autograph despite being in rush to go in! Also a big thank you must go to the absolutely delightful Anita Dobson, who was kind enough to go and get her husband, the legendary Brian May to come over and meet us too! Both of them were so great to meet and I must remember to pass on Anita's love to my mum!

We also got to meet Gina and Louise for the third time. Gina did remember us and agreed to another photo as our previous one had not come out as well as I had hoped last time round. Louise also looked absolutely stunning in her black gown and we told her how we were looking forward to seeing her perform as Elphaba in Wicked when we hopefully go in the summer! Imelda Staunton walked past around the same time and actually recognised us from the What's On Stage Awards, so that was a much added bonus!

All in all, the day and experience was absolutely amazing. We may not have met everyone we wanted to meet, but we got to meet Daniel Radcliffe, which for us was the icing on the cake on this amazing event! We enjoyed so much, that we fully intend on going again next year!

Potter Potter - 14th April 2013

Everyone who knows me, knows I love Harry Potter. I love the book series to the point that I would buy the new book at midnight and read it completely within 24 hours! I love the film series that I was prepared to go to the cinema by myself just to see it! And obviously I have been to the studio tour up at the original studios, which is the most magical experience. So when I received an email offering me discounted tickets to see Potted Potter, I immediately booked!

Simply put, Potted Potter is the unauthorised Harry Potter Experience, all seven books acted out in just 70 minutes, a parody written and performed by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, former CBBC presenters. The show started out as a simple street show to keep the fans amused while queuing at midnight to buy the latest book back in 2005. A year later, it had expanded into an hour long show, which eventually went on to be nominated for an Olivier Award and a What's on Stage Award.

The show has toured all around the world even finding its way to the bright lights of Broadway. But today we headed up to the famous Theatreland in the heart of the West End to see the show at The Garrick Theatre, currently home to the musical, Rock of Ages. The theatre is small and intimate which made it a great venue for the play to take place. We had managed to get stall seats just eight rows from the front. These seats were fantastic and there was no worry about someone tall sitting in front of us as the stage is high above the audience, giving a great view to all.

The show was ridiculously funny and despite being a family show, bordered on naughty at times! There were a couple of running jokes throughout the show. First, the lack of great props and scenery, which they jokingly said was because all the money being spent on a fire breathing dragon, which in the end, was just a puppet! Secondly, the fact that Dan had not read the books (obviously he has) and he kept mixing it up with Star Wars, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. They even joked about the stupidness of having The Hobbit (one book) spread out over three movies!

One of the funniest moments for me and I think most people in the audience, was the chance to play Quidditch. Obviously, no expense was spared for the props, with two hoops, hung over the balcony of the circle, a beach ball used for the Quaffle and Jeff dressed up as a snitch! No one scored a goal, but I did get a couple of touchs of the ball myself. To end the match, two children had been invited to be seekers and obviously this involved chasing the snitch (or Jeff in the case). It didn't last long as Jeff was caught by a little girl and literally slammed to floor! Dan used every chance for the rest of the show taking the mickey out of Jeff for being beaten by a little girl!

The show used silly props, a computer presentation and a song set to the tune of " I Will Survive" to tell the stories of the 7 books and was brilliant and so cleverly done! I was crying of laughter throughout the entire performance. This is a definite must see for all Potter fans!

Singin' in the Rain - 9th March 2013

2012 was the year that celebrated many things, including the 60th anniversary since the classic movie, Singin' in the Rain, was released. One part of the celebration was presenting the movie in a new form film/concert presentation, Symphonic Cinema.  It was introduced in 2007. It is where the film, with its original vocals and dialogue is shown in sync with an orchestra playing the original score.

Singin' in the Rain had been remastered and released on Blu-Ray in 2012 as part of the 60th anniversary with new bonus features available for the viewers. It was this version that was used for the concert, with the score performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. However, in 1969, the studio bosses at MGM made the decision to destroy the original scores of their musical catalogue, including Singin' in the Rain. It ended up in a landfill that became a freeway.

John Wilson stepped up to the task of reconstructing the original score by listening to the soundtrack over and over , with some days only producing a few more notes of the score. What he produced, and what was performed, is the closest thing to what the original score written all those years ago.

To introduce the movie and the orchestra, was the wife of the late Gene Kelly, Patricia Ward Kelly. While she was not married to him at the time the movie was shot and released, she spoke with so much passion about Gene, the movie and all the myths that come with it. She reminded us of the huge age difference between Gene (38yrs old) and Debbie Reynolds (19yrs old) at the time of shooting, of how Gene had a 104 temperature the day he shot the famous sequence for the song Singin' in the Rain and how Debbie's vocals for two songs were dubbed by Betty Noyes and how Jean Hagen did not actually speak like her character!

The film itself, was as always, amazing to watch, fantastically funny and with stunning musical sequences. The music felt like it was part of the film, that I had to keep checking the orchestra was actually playing. Patricia noted in the programme how Gene said that nobody thought the film would be a lasting picture, but it evident last night, within the packed auditorium of the Royal Albert Hall, that was not the case and in my opinion it will never be the case, due to the number of children being introduced to movie last night. If you have not seen it, then you must see it!

And if you have the chance to experience Symphonic Cinema, do so!

Girls Aloud - Ten: The Hits Tour - 1st March 2013

October 2012 celebrated ten years since Girls Aloud formed (and also when me and my husband first got together!) and with that a brand new album and a tour! Of course, I immediately ordered my album and brought my tickets! The plan had originally been for me and Jon to go but typically we could not get a babysitter, so Rachael got to come!

We never sit and watch the support act as we always go to the Sky Backstage Bar. So last night was no different! We headed inside and got to use the green screens to have photos of us as part of the Got To Dance panel and as always had our Red Carpet photo. While waiting for Rachael to have her make up done, we got to hear their support act, Amelia Lily. I admit was a fan of hers during her time on X Factor but her music has not really done it for me! But admittedly, she did a great acoustic cover of Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars.

Just as Amelia Lily finished set, we headed down to the arena to find our seats. I had been dreading it as I had not got seats where I usually prefer to be. The presale had not been kind to the fans! But the main thing was we were going and we were there! We had got seats in Block 110, Row M. Once we had found our way to our seats, turned out the view was not as bad as we had expected. It helps I have a great zoom on my camera too! The stage plan had not been officially released, all we knew was the floor was for standing only, rather than seated as normal. So was very pleased to see a B Stage, which provided a fantastic view for us!

The show was meant to start at 8:30pm but typically it begun later than expected! But the wait was worth it as the girls exploded onto the stage! The black drapes dropped to reveal the girls standing on a huge sign of their band name hung above the stage! The first section took us right back to the beginning of their career, singing their hits Sound of the Underground, No Good Advice, Life Got Cold, Wake Me Up and Jump. You would never have guessed that had been away for as long they had as they performed as tightly and brilliantly as they always had!

After after a quick interlude, playing a video showing them getting ready in a dressing room for a show, the girls were back out for their second set which included The Show, Love Machine, Whole Lotta History, Can't Speak French and fan favourite, Biology. It was at this point I notice just how much the crowd were cheering every time Nicola sung a lead part. She has always been underused, but whenever they perform live, she never fails to disappoint with her vocals, sounding so much better than on the recorded tracks! The Show, using elements of Models, began with a little catwalking, which reminded me of a Victoria Secrets Fashion Show or the Notting Hill Carnival due to the additional part their stage costumes that look like the costumes due to either these events.

Another quick costume change and it was time for the girls to head to the B Stage, the part I had been waiting for! The girls got back onto the huge sign of their band name to travel to the smaller, more central stage, while performing Sexy No No No, the version they had used originally on their Tangled Up Tour. Once on the B Stage, they sung Untouchable, On The Metro and Call The Shots. I have to admit, I do love bands who use a B Stage and the girls regularly use one when on tour, as it gives everyone a chance to have a great view, but it also provides a more intimate performance. At the end of that section, the girls braved the crowds by running through them to head back for another costume change!

The final section brought us right up to date, starting with Something Kinda Ooh! Then the shock cover for the night, Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson. It was a great fun cover version, though admittedly I did not realise Nadine was singing the chorus as the crowd were singing along loudly. From there, it was into the song I absolutely love due to the stunning vocals from Nicola, Beautiful Because You Love Me. The final song was Something New, which got the crowds really going and made a great end to the show, before the encore!

There is always a gap between the final song and encore, but this one felt long, long enough that people started leaving! But the girls came back, dressed in stunning red dresses, for two final songs. The first one, surprised me as a choice, I'll Stand by You, But it worked so well due to the old videos of the girls playing on the big screen, as the girls have always stood by each other, throughout their ten years together. The final song of the night, is probably the absolute fan favourite, The Promise! It was a perfect way to finish off the show, that and showering the crowd with ticker tape! And then it was over! It was goodbye for final time! As for the majority of the fans, it will be the last time we see them in concert, as this is their farewell tour! But it was a fabulous farewell!