UK Show Reviews and Michael Moments - 5
Thanks to Cathy Evatt-Davey a.k.a. "Cathymom" for providing us with the content of this page.
Last Night I went to the show at Wembley in England with my wife Vanessa. We started off by meeting some of the other VB'ers at the Hilton Hotel, Namely Maria from Belgium and Beverley and Christina from the States; It was nice to put some faces to names. The weather was dreadful being Wet, Windy and bitingly cold, but I was hoping that watching the show might warm things up a bit!. I wanted it to be a special night for Vanessa, she had yet to meet Michael in person, and I was prepared to do what ever it would take to allow her to meet him because I knew how much it mean't to her. I said to her "Tonights the Night"; Beverley and Christina commented that they thought it was nice that I was not upset at Vanessa wanting to meet him (and hopefully steal a kiss). I said that I could not see what there was to get upset about (You see I am not the jealous type, also I am full of admiration for Michael myself, his go on and achieve your dream approach to life strikes a chord with me and is an inspiration to me); I hoped that I might get to shake his hand later. Back to the show, I had last seen the show almost exactly a year earlier, I had enjoyed it then, but remembered being disappointed that I did not see Gillian Norris because she was ill. I felt saddened that I would not be seeing her again now that she is in T2. As you have probably gathered Gillian is my favourite, she is so sexy, and I am particularly fond of brunettes. We arrived at the venue, we were looking out for Linda (UK) who was also going with her Mum, Aunt, and friend. We could not see them and as time was getting on we took our seats. Finally the show started (about 10 minutes late). First thing I noticed was the new introduction to the show, I mean all the torch bearers, it added some extra drama and I liked the moodiness of the scene. Then things got going, the little spirit did her stuff (she is so tiny !) and we were into the Cry of the Celts and then ... Michael made his entrance. There was an immediate cheer from the audience. I immediately reached for my binoculars so that I could see Michael in his full splendour. I never cease to be awestruck by his immense talent and presence on stage. I also became aware of another difference, the projection screens showing closeups of Michael etc. I didn't care for the quality of these images, I much prefered watching through the bins. After all that excitement, things calmed down when Anne Buckley came on as Erin, Wow is she beautiful (Red Heads are my next favourite!), her figure and the beautiful green dress complement each other perfectly, Oh I nearly forgot - she sings beautifully as well. Then came Celtic Dream, I remember how lovely I thought Dearbhla was as the wind up doll. Bernadette was her usual flowing self. Daire was even more menacing than I remembered, he has obviously developed the part. Catriona was a treat to see in Gypsy (though I still prefer Gillian). Then there was the invigourating Strings of Fire - I love the music to the Show, I am looking forward to hearing Ronan's new album Solas. I have to say that as far as blondes go I am very taken by those 2 violinists especially Mairead in those awesome skin tight leather trousers ! I was a little disappointed that the audience did not clap along to it. Then we proceeded through Breakout (as a man I have to put this high up my top ten scenes! - very arousing) , Warlords (absolutely fabulous) , Erin (gorgeous) and on to The Lord of the Dance. This was the Awesome spectacle I have grown to love by seeing the video so many times, but you really don't appreciate it fully until you see it live. Michael was fabulous and I could tell he was having a good time. I spotted Beverley near the front waving her hands (alone - the audience were a little subdued) Then there was a rapturous applause from the audience and it was the interval. I went off to stretch my legs and walked straight past Linda without realising it, she was looking for Vanessa, and they met up. When I returned Linda had gone back to her seat. Then the second half of the show, we went through Dangerous Game and Hell's Kitchen. The thing which stands out in my mind from this was seeing the REAL tears in Helen Egan's eyes (coutesy of the screens) when she wants Michael to mend her broken Whistle. I was touched. It's true what Michael said in "Eire Apparent" about going through all the emotions you can feel. This is one factor which makes LOTD so awesome. And then to my favourite violinists in the Lament (those trousers again !!!!). This time the audience showed some signs of clapping along. And then something I had heard about but not seen, Michael playing the flute (is there no end to this man's talents?. It was brilliant, Michael looked like he was really enjoying himself and the audience got really excited. Then we went through Siamsa, I always think this is the odd scene out as it has such a modern disco like feel and the rest is so timeless. It is lovely to watch. I like the part where they spin in a circle and the Girls lift their legs off the floor. A benefit of the screens is that they had a camera immediately above the stage and when that shot was shown you could really appreciate some of the choreography and also some of the lighting effects. At the end of the scene a couple of the cast winked to the cameras and it was shown on the screens - a nice touch. The voluptuous Anne Buckley reappeared and sang "Our Wedding Day". I knew that the build up to the Climax of the show was about to begin. We went through Stolen Kiss (and WHAT a kiss that was, It looked more than acting to me, there is a real rapport between Michael and Bernadette) Then through the Highly Charged and menacing Nightmare. The Pyrotechnics were better and so was the lighting. I remember when Daire was spinning to despatch the Lord of the Dance, that he had a swirl of light spinning round him on the floor it added to the drama. And then thanks to the little Spirit Michael reappeared in what I think is his finest entrance in the show, and he certainly strutted his stuff through The Duel and Victory into the mother of all Finales - Planet Ireland. There is nothing to touch this and you absolutely have to see it live to appreciate it. By now the audience was really livening up. When the lights went out the noise was deafening. Vanessa and I joined in stamping the Floor and calling for more. After what seemed an eternity, Michael and the Troupe reappeared for the famous Bump and Grind routine (I might be a FlatSpouse rather than a FlatHead but I know all the terminology!) After a couple of encores from the end of LOTD the show ended in the flash of the final Pyrotechnics. WOW ......... We left the auditorium and headed for the concourse. I finally got to meet Linda and her party. Maria, Beverley , and Christina also reappeared. Word had got about that I used to be a photographer and so I was asked to take some Pictures. We waited round one of the front exits where Maria had managed to collect some autographs from the Troupe for a couple of Nights before. We did get autographs from 2 of the Troupe but for some reason no one else appeared - they must have used a different exit. Then we went to wait for Michael. The weather was still dreadful, the warming effect of the show was slowly wearing off. I was getting a headache due to the cold wind rushing around my neck. We tried to spot Michaels Limo. At first we could not see it, but careful examination finally revealed it hidden behind another vehicle. I met Jeremy and a couple of others who had joined us. Beverley and I went on a foray to see what was happening near the Limo, we got into a deep conversation about Michael and the meaning of life. Vanessa was wondering where I had got to. Eventually there was some activity and we knew Michael was on the way out. The car rapidly reversed (I think it was a Bentley) and headed to the Gate. Beverley and I rushed to the Gate. And surprise surprise there was Michael in the driver's seat greeting the Fans and signing autographs. I'm impressed at the trouble Michael takes to meet the fans who take the trouble to meet him. And Vanessa .... , She got the autograph and the KISS. She did not get to say a lot to him this time, but I know she will be back for more. I could see Michael was in a hurry and wanted the girls to have their moments and so I did not go up to him ... but one day I will, I really want to shake him by the hand. Everyone was on Cloud 9, we went back to the Hilton for a quick drink and then headed home. It was a fabulous night, Vanessa met Michael, I know she posted about it and she was over the moon, and so was I. Brian ... Vanessa's FlatHead Spouse ! Brian 195.147.8.245 <brian@brivan.globalnet.co.uk> Hemel Hempstead, England - Monday, January 19, 1998 at 14:07:39 (PST)
(Ed: WOOHOO WTG Brian! Flatspouse of the year nomination here! Great report and careful, you are fast approaching the outer limits of being promoted to a Flathead! LOL!)
Good evening fellow Flatheads. Firstly, let me just get this out of the way. I GOT MY MICHAEL MOMENT, I GOT MY MICHAEL MOMENT AND WHAT A MOMENT IT WAS, WHOO HOO, YES YES YES!!! Ahem........ that's better, normal service will now be resumed. Actually, I had two 'M' moments last night. One from Michael and one from Maria! But more on them both later, got to tell this story in the right order! I went to the show last night (18th Jan) with my best friend, Julie (non-Flat but likes the dancing) my Mum, Joan (total, card carrying, take no prisoners, Flathead) and her sister, Sylvia (so round-headed, I don't know why she wanted to go at all!) Well, I do really - she was curious and wanted to see what had turned her, formally 'normal' , older sister into a 75 year young geriatric groupie, LOL!! She had been taken in by the ego thing but promised to view the show with an open mind, which was fair enough, I couldn't ask for more than that, or, indeed, less. Anyway, until last night I had always hated Wembley Arena. It's an old converted ice rink and a bit of a dump, to be honest but the inside word from the troupe is that they all love it as the atmosphere is so good with lots of positive energy. I remember Michael once saying that some of the grandest venues he's played have had no energy and so he didn't like them. Well, if Michael and the others like Wembley, that's good enough for me and I'll never slag it off again! It's difficult to get to your seat as there are always so many people milling about, trying to make purchases from the various vending outlets all around the walk ways, but we got there in the end. Our seats were ok, 2 o'clock raised, if the stage were at 12 o'clock. After being totally spoiled in the front row last week though, I knew I was bound to be a bit disappointed. Everyone else thought the seats were good and, for the two first timers, I suppose they were as they could get an overview of the whole performance. A real treat for us last night was that Michael did his usual warm-up on the stage which I'd never heard before. I bought it to the attention of the others and we sat listening avidly, well I did anyway, LOL!! The taps were so audible and I let my mind wander to 'Eire Apparent' to try to visualise the scene behind the curtain. I could pick out the heel clicks and knew when he did the 'foal run' as so accurately described by Patrick Woodroffe (I think). He was strumming away and Julie made a reference about 'them' on the stage. I was telling her that it was only Michael that warmed up on the stage and about his routine etc when I became aware that the man sitting in front of me was hanging on every word. Anyway when his companion returned to her seat she said something to him about the tapping on the stage and he said "Oh yes, that's Michael Flatley, he's the only one who warms up on the stage........ etc, etc, etc" He even remembered about him dipping to one knee and speaking to his Grandmother! (G) Anyway showtime came and when Michael's intro struck up my heart started hammering, just like last time although not nearly as strongly. And there he was (sigh) The audience gave him a big reception, much louder than at Birmingham, which surprised me as Wembley audiences are usually quite reserved from what I've heard from friends. Well, COTC finished and the audience gave them a HUGE ovation, I couldn't believe it! Michael was VERY pleased and I thought, "Great, this'll be even better than Birmingham!" It wasn't though, sadly. The audience were not 'joiners in' but they DID go wild at the end of every number, so I'll let them off! I think the thing with a lot of British audiences is that they don't know if they're supposed to join in and sit politely until invited to do so. They weren't even clapping in the flute jam, would you believe, and then the guitarists put their hands over their heads and clapped, inviting the audience to do so too, and that was their signal that it was alright. They all started clapping, happily then because they knew it WAS what the performers wanted! I had to laugh at the end of Warriors. Daire held the finishing position and moved his head and eyes in that demented looking way which is very effective on the screens. Julie turned to me and laughingly said "He certainly 'does evil' well, doesn't he!?" Knowing how sweet he is off stage made me LOL! I noticed, what I think is, another costume change for Michael. I didn't notice it at Birmingham but that doesn't mean it wasn't there, of course. In Warlords he was wearing leather/look trousers, as usual, but they had a pattern down the side. It was a silver Celtic design similar to the other trousers he wears. He was also wearing a belt which I'm positive wasn't there at Birmingham. I think this was purely to keep them up and not for decoration as he's lost some more weight. Girls, he looked wonderful last night. He's definitely lost some weight even since Birmingham. He's not as slim as in the video but I think he looked just about perfect! He's obviously been working hard on his upper body because in just these few short days there was noticeable development in his pecs, yummy! Anyway, we got to the intermission and surprise, surprise, my Aunt turned to me and said "I absolutely LOVE it, can I get a video tape from here?" Wonderful! She'd promised to go with an open mind and she stuck to her word, bless her! By the end of the show her hands were so sore they were causing her real pain. A CONVERT!!! The audience finally got to it's feet during Victory and let go, at last. They gave them a thunderous ovation, stamping, cheering, whistling and clapping like nobodies business! Planet Ireland was perfect, not a foot out of place and the ovation went on long after the fireworks went off. We met up with Vanessa and Brian and then waited for Maria (who turned out to be waiting in the wrong place!) We stood around chatting about the show and an announcement came over the PA system to say that Michael would be signing autographs in the foyer in a little while. There was a bit of a stampede, which was quite amusing to VB'ers who knew that that was not the way to get to see him, LOL!! We were waiting and waiting for Maria and the PA announcer made us all chuckle. "Will the Ladies and gentlemen waiting for autographs please form an orderly queue." A short time later "Will the people waiting for autographs please stop pushing and shoving or Mr. Flatley won't sign any at all." Later as a huge crowd had gathered "Please note that Mr. Flatley will only be signing a limited number of autographs." Later with voice raised a little "Ladies and gentlemen PHULEEZE stop pushing in the autograph queue or Mr. Flatley won't sign ANY AT ALL!" Anyway, I went to the loo and when I came out there was an edition to our number. That was when I had my 'Maria moment', LOL!! I approached the group and she guessed who I was. "Ah, Linda!" she cried and embraced me in the biggest bear hug you can imagine! My head was buried in the fur of her collar and I didn't think she was EVER going to let me come up for air, LOL!! What a character she turned out to be, we had such a laugh whilst waiting for His Lordship! That reminds me. Don't worry about her not posting. It's very difficult for her to get to the internet cafe and so she is recording everything on a dictaphone so that she can post it all when she gets home. We went to the front of the building where the troupe had exited the night before to get some autographs. All of a sudden a HUGE cheer went up as Michael had finally made it to the foyer for the autograph session. No more announcements so presumably the crowd had stopped pushing and shoving!! We took some photos outside of the VB party so far which was made up of Beverley, Brian, Christina, Maria, Mum, Vanessa and myself. Only two of the troupe came past us and it was clear that we'd missed them so we went around to where Michael leaves from. That was really when the party started. Joining the group was Jeremy, Annemarie, Keiko and Kathleen, Q of D. When I was introduced to Kathleen I bowed in homage to her extraordinary skills which caused Christina to hoot loudly, making reference to a poem of mine she'd seen along the same lines! By this time it was pouring with rain and very cold and Mum and my Aunt were suffering a bit. There was plenty of room and so I fetched the car for the 'oldies' to sit in for a while. The rest of us, quite frankly, had a ball. Yes, we were freezing cold but it didn't stop us. We had a real laugh, taking LOADS of pictures and just hanging out together. Maria, Vanessa and I posed for a picture, proudly thrusting our VB shamrocks forward which, as they were attached to our 'chest areas', we decided to call our 'poink picture', I hope it comes out ok! The band members came out and we passed the time of day with them. I asked one of them "Where's your limousine then? Surely you deserve one too?" He laughed and, pointing to his tour jacket, said that Michael had provided them all with these instead so they didn't need one! The security man teased us a bit and opened the gates a couple of times, only to close them again just as quickly! Then, just after midnight, (Jeremy, your watch must have been wrong, I've checked it out with Vanessa and she agrees) we finally heard the immortal words over the guards radio "He's coming out." Julie went to fetch Mum from the car and then we waited. I was SO nervous, my stomach was turning over. About six security guards came out and stood near in what were, obviously, pre-planned positions. They weren't in our way though, which was good. Mum was standing much further forward than the rest of us and one of them said to her "Make sure you're not standing in front of the car when he comes out." It crossed my mind that, maybe, the chauffeur is a bad driver or something (G) Anyway, she didn't hear him and so, much to his amusement, I said "Mother, get back here, you tart!" We waited a couple of minutes and then saw a limo heading for the gates. It was a beautiful Bentley and Michael was driving with Emma at his side. I couldn't believe it was really him and found myself doubting what I was seeing. Then the window rolled down and he smiled and said "Hi guys." As soon as I heard that accent I snapped out of my trance and realised that I was VERY nervous indeed. I had given Julie my camera, as she wasn't bothered about meeting him herself, and just wanted to make it as special as she could for me, bless her. I tell you, at times like these, a non-Flat friend is worth their weight in gold! She, straight away, asked permission from Michael to take pictures and he posed for her before we approached him. He didn't get out of the car and who can blame him? As Julie said "Anyone with any sense is tucked up warm and snug in bed by now!" I replied "So what are you doing here?" "Making sure you don't make a fool of yourself!" came her answer!! Anyway, one or two had their moment and then it was Mum's turn. She approached the window and said "Hello Michael." He replied "Oh now, you're a sweetie!" Do you know what she did? Saying "We all think you're one too.", she reached out her hand and stroked his face! The brazen hussy, LOL!! He gave her a lovely smile and then took her programme to sign. When he passed it back he offered a kiss and she got one, right on the lips! WHAT?! There's life in the old dog yet, LOL!! All of a sudden it was my turn and, as I approached, I remembered some advice I'd given to another VB'er in jest some time ago when talking about a possible Michael Moment. "Don't go for dignified, you'll never manage it. Just aim for coherent and you might be alright!" He looked fabulous, I mean REALLY fabulous. I'd taken a good look as I was waiting and he was wearing a dark jacket, white shirt (I love a man in a white shirt) and tie and was clean shaven. There were no signs of the bags under his eyes which were in evidence in the latest Daily Mirror pictures and he looked younger than I've seen him in a while. ABSOLUTELY YUMMY!! Anyway, I passed him my programme and whilst he was signing it I said " I'll bet you wish you were in Hawaii with troupe 2 what with this weather, don't you?" Actually, I more stammered it than said it! He replied "Oh noooo, you're kidding! I really LOVE it over here, the best audiences in the world are over here." Now, if I thought for one moment that he really meant the last part of that statement, I'd never have posted it. But it was sweet of him to say it, anyway. So he passes me back my programme and sort of, kind of, half offered himself for a kiss. I wasn't sure if he was or not so I thought I'd better ask first. He replied "Of course." I loved the way he said it. I'm not sure if I can describe it but it wasn't said with an exclamation mark and it wasn't said sensually. It was, sort of, gentle and warm and cosy, like we were old friends. He offered me his lips and I kissed them, very gently. It's been said before and it's true. That man has the softest lips on God's green earth, I've never kissed a man with lips that soft before. I pulled away (very reluctantly (G) but he didn't break eye contact with me and that wonderful man made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. It's very intoxicating when a man makes you feel like that, even for a few seconds. I'm not stupid, I'm overweight and middle aged and I KNOW that the kiss meant nothing at all to Michael (ludicrous thought) but the fact that he took the trouble to make it special for me speaks volumes for the man's character. He's absolutely charming and he knows exactly the effect those eyes have on us girls! I simply said "Thank you", very quietly, he smiled and I moved away to turn instantly into a greasy puddle and cease to function as a human being. I don't know if I can explain how I felt very well. I think 'serene' just about covers it. I was unaware of what was happening then until I heard him calling farewell to us all. We waved and called our Goodbyes and he was gone. I can't tell you what colour the car was, what colour his jacket was or even if he was wearing that famous after shave. I didn't notice any cologne, I didn't notice anything up close except those eyes. It was a magical moment for me and what ever happens in the future, nobody can ever take it away from me, it's mine forever. For those few short seconds Michael Flatley was paying attention to nobody but me and I'm back up on that cushion of air that Jake put me up on last week. Except, this time, I'm not to be found over the English Channel but somewhere out past Mars heading towards Jupiter. After he'd gone Vanessa and I just looked at each other and smiled. No words were needed, we each knew how the other felt and we just hugged. Julie had been gamely clicking away with the camera but the flash wasn't charged up and she missed the kiss. It doesn't matter, it's a moment that's firmly locked in my memory and I'll get it out and re-live it many times over the coming months and even years, who knows? We said our farewells and went back to the car. My Aunt hadn't re-joined us for the meeting as she has a chronic chest condition that she didn't want to aggravate. When we told her what had happened she was kicking herself for missing out and was surprised that he was so charming. I was disappointed too. She'd been converted to the show and I'm convinced that the man would have won her over too if she'd spoken to him, oh well. The drive home was full of talk about the evenings events, from everyone except me, that is. I just wanted to sit quietly and savour it all again, the trouble was that I was driving! Julie was seriously worried that I wasn't fit to drive and, if I'm honest, I wasn't. Trouble was nobody else had insurance to drive my car and so I drove back with Julie saying things like "Red light coming up.", and "You're too close to the car in front." and "Give way sign ahead." Guys, I'm NOT joking here, it really happened! At one point Julie burst out laughing and my Aunt asked why. "You'd be laughing too if you were sitting where I'm sitting and could see her face! I hope she hasn't got that soppy look over breakfast tomorrow or I'm likely to throw up." She has a wonderful way with words, does Julie, I have to say! Well my friends that's about it for now. I have a couple of glowing reviews to transcribe in the next day or so, if nobody beats me to it, so until then I'll say goodnight and the sweetest of dreams to you all (SIGH) Linda 194.168.70.6 <r.servante@virgin.net> Derby, U.K. - Monday, January 19, 1998 at 18:06:59 (PST)
Just to say, saw the show at Wembley Arena on Sunday 18th January 1998, booked the tickets in May 1997 but BOY was the wait worth it.!!! Mr Flatley..you and your dancers are STARS !! You and your show made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, brought tears to my eyes and utter joy to the whole family. From me and my Family, Julie, Mitchell, Alex, Nick and Stan.. Thanks. Paul Brewster 193.130.253.3 Peterborough, England - Monday, January 19, 1998 at 23:50:43 (PST)
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