(05-12-2009, 02:50 PM)marathondan Wrote: "...but I did have time to get to the gym for the 9 a.m. spin class" - I think most people would still count that as virtuous rather than debauched.
Why is there so much queuing, if you already have reserved tickets?
Because they always issue more tickets than they have places (to ensure enough people turn up to fill all the seats). So to be sure of getting in, people start queuing hours ahead of the admission time. We had a terrible journey in through heavy traffic, my marriage getting frailer with every red light. Got there about an hour before they were to start letting people in, which is quite late -- but we were OK in the end. Further back in the queue people are put on standby -- let into the waiting area but only get into see the show if production guests don't turn up. Don't know if the 60 or so people on standby made it. Must be a sickener to finally achieve the near-impossible task of getting a ticket, and making a long journey down (we spoke to people from Edinburgh and Belfast in the queue who'd travelled specially for the show), and then not to get into see it. So that's why people turn up early.
And once you're let into what they call the foyer (a large waiting room with a bar and a shop) you have another wait of about an hour and a half.
But we got in finally, and had a good evening. As always, one is always struck by how much smaller and tattier the real thing is, though that doesn't detract from the pleasure. You end up admiring the smoke and mirrors that creates such a glamorous, seamless result. All very jolly in that hammy Brucey fashion.
Unexpected treat to see Bette Midler. M is a fan, and had been anxious to see her in Las Vegas, but her residency had finished just before we got there. Great song too, which had to be done twice. M also loves the gorgeous, talented Darcey Bussell, so it was a bonus to find her temporarily added to the panel of judges.
Anyway, I'll add the full tale to the ever-lengthening entry I need to post. I've just about finished the Ragdale bit but will add an update before posting.
Spin classes are good, by the way. Great workout, and strangely compelling. This is my 3rd in just over a week, and I'm having to confront the possibility that I've been bitten by the bug. I keep reading that spin is addictive.
