nights out

A Message From Beyond?

- TracyB 2 Comments

Well that is exactly what I was hoping for when I went to see the fab Sally Morgan in Dartford last night. I have been wanting to go see her show for a long time now.

For those of you that don’t know, Sally Morgan is a ‘medium’/ ‘psychic’ or whatever you choose to call it. She claims to have had this ‘gift’ as she calls it all her life and recalled stories last night of how neighbour’s would knock on her door and ask her mum to get Sally to look at pictures etc of loved ones who had passed away.

Since my Dad passed away in 2002 it does make you wonder whether there is something else when we leave this place. People need a bit of closure, proof or just something to put your mind at rest.

When we got there I found the very lovely John (her hubby), it was evident this man has a fan club of his very own! All the women wanted their pics taken with him and shamelessly I was no different!

Anyway we popped our photos we had brought into the box and hoped for the best (Sally will pick out pictures on stage during the show to help with messages). I clutched my Dad’s old pocket watch in my hand, something he carried with him ALL the time, and said in my head ‘ Best you bloody show up tonight!’. I will admit that every time Sally said ‘I have a gentleman here’ my heart jumped in my mouth and then when she said another person’s name I did curse a bit under my breath. I know you would hardly believe a lady like me could be capable. I willed and willed and willed.

I sat in amazement how accurate she seemed to be for some of the audience. One woman on the large screen could literally not stop shaking when she talked about her mum and dad who were looking after her son who had passed as a baby! Then the last message had people in tears. Even the best actress could not have played a part better than the recipient. She was visibly shaken when she picked up about her adoption, the fact her birth mother was still alive but her adoptive mother was in spirit, but that there had been a tangle over who was going to adopt her, the birth mother’s sister or her eventual adoptive mum!! Seriously you could not have made it up. The lady was in tears and just managed a gasp every time Sally mentioned another name accurately for her.

Now I am a believer (as you may have gathered) but this was completely random, accurate and just amazing. There were times that she told people that the message was not for them, so it seemed she doesn’t try and make the message fit she will just tell you that she doesn’t think it is for you.

To be honest going to see one of Sally’s shows is like going to a family gathering where the token mad auntie stands up and tells stories before flashing her knickers at the disco!! She is completely down to earth, heart warmingly normal, very funny to the point she can spook herself with what she says! She engages with people with unbelievable ease and talks to you like she has known you for years.

So did I get a message?

No………. *no, sobs into my coffee*- completely disappointed for myself but definitely not in the show.

However, afterwards I was lucky enough to grab a signed copy of her book (and some DVD’s that I will do a giveaway with soon) and get to have a chat with her.

I have the signed book I ‘m holding for a giveaway soon!

She took the time to sign tickets, programmes or copies of her books depending on what you had ( again no pressure to buy the books etc). She was so easy to chat to and didn’t rush you along but actually seemed interested in what you said. I did mention her lovely hubby John had donated a few bits for the blog she declared:

‘ Oh your one of those ‘Professional Bloggers’…..’

‘Erm….yes of course I am- very professional LOL’

 

** I would like to say she seems surrounded by a fab family team too. As I was queuing a theatre representative came up to John and asked if he could speed things along to which he got the rely:

‘No I don’t think so, she will go as quickly as she goes- this is all part of the show for her and the fans, so no I don’t think I will tell them they cant talk to her’ – Good For You John!! ( this is obviously why all the women love him)

This is totally what people want, the chance to have a minute or two with her, and to be honest she seemed to be loving chatting to everyone, and with a hubby watching her back as John did I think she will be doing this for a very long time to come.

Now the question is……….How soon can I go again…………*scuttles off to track down tickets*

I will be running a giveaway on the blog in the next week or so with the DVD’s and signed book from the show- so keep a look out.

Check out her website here      *****NOT A SPONSORED POST*****

 

Rocking in Hyde Park

- TracyB 5 Comments

I feel like a real ‘cool’ ‘up to date’ ‘rockin’ sort of mum this week. I can announce I have been to 2 fab concerts in one week- Go Me!!

One was for the fab Robster which you can read here if you missed it. The other was a lot ‘cooler’ as I took my teen to Hyde Park to see Bon Jovi!!! I know I’m still reliving it LOL ( bear in mind I don’t get out much *cough*). This was actually a birthday pressie for him back in April, but of course being 15 he needed a chaperone (that’s my excuse).

Anyway I cannot stand for very long periods of time so was lucky enough to get tickets for the accessible standing area which gave us a BRILLIANT view.

Our view from the ‘accessible standing’ area!

We were literally behind this barrier and this photo was taken with no zoom either. We were actually in part of the very expensive ‘Gold ‘ area which meant a lot more room and view with the thousands of peasants left to bundle inside the park area!!

They were packed in like sardines!!

Sometimes having an affliction can come in very handy.

First up for us was the Kaiser Chiefs who were great and the singer was a really funny guy interacting with the crowd to.

Then it was the turn of the main band- BON JOVI!! Actually I’m not sure who was more excited and I did outscream shout much louder than my son. What are mum’s for after all?

As the evening wore on the light show was amazing too.

We certainly got our money’s worth as they played for around 3 hrs or so, playing all our fav’s……….Raise Your hands, Living on a Prayer, with an amazing rendition of Always in the encore!

We both had a fabulous time, with my son recording lots of his favourite songs on his phone to listen at home. We swayed, danced, sung our little hearts out for a few hours and I was given the seal of approval for being able to get him in an area closer to the stage!! This may be a good thing or not depending on who he has his eye on next LOL………

I have my uses after all.

Wembley, Robbie and Ollie too

- TracyB 4 Comments

That was me on Sunday………..at Wembley, watching Robbie but having to endure Ollie Murs first!!! (so NOT a fan).

However, it was worth it to see the Robster in action again ( really I must be too old to be thinking that now as I’m in my *cough* 40’s) I have seen him at reading a few years ago and at Knebworth which was just an amazing day with loads of support bands including Moby who were amazing.

But nevertheless there I was with a few friends screaming like 17 yr old girls ( actually we did have two 17yr old girls with us so not exactly exaggerating).

Our motley crew with me on the left looking far too excited!

Anyway, my view was this:

Which was a fab place to be to see it all. Like I mentioned above I did have to endure Ollie Murs, who the 17yr old girls with had come to see ( madness!) but in all honesty he wasn’t actually that bad, although I had threatened to go to the toilet when he came on LOL

An amazing set!I was quite proud to put the youngsters to shame with my screaming once the Robster came on to the anthem of Let me entertain you!

My throat was sore as we left but it was all worth it.

Then to top it all off we noticed a young guy on the train home with a lanyard and pass in his pocket………turns out he was one of the lighting guys, and he lives at the top of the road! He was great fun and good for a laugh and we did try and reassure him that we wouldn’t stalk him………….WE KNOW WHERE YOU LIVE!!!!!

Bless him he even waved to us as we drove passed the entrance to his flat………………that to me is definitely friend acceptance surely?

Anyway, I’m recovering this week before I head off to Hyde Park with my eldest to see Bon Jovi……….BON JOVI people ( I really must remember that this was his birthday treat and that it wouldn’t be cool for his mother to throw her knickers onto stage while with him!)

 

 

Valentines Smalentines!

- TracyB Leave a comment

So is Valentines Day it important to you?

I can see the point behind it, really I can, but to be honest it has become BIG BUSINESS!!

Florists and shops increase the prices of everything, and if you are materialistic then this is a concern as things get more expensive for this one day.

However, I personally think that it’s the little things that make the bigger impression. No this is not an excuse to be a skinflint or unromantic.

We as a couple do not take the day off or head out to dinner on that day. Today for example, my OH is on late shift starting at lunchtime. So there was no option of going out for lunch or dinner, and generally we do Valentines dinner as a family where everyone has a hand in it. My boys are 12 and 14 so it would be nice to show them a simple sense of occasion.

So back to today, what did we do?

We got the kids off to school, went to our local high street Wetherspoon pub and had a breakfast together! Not exciting, obviously not over romantic, but it was time to ourselves and a meal eaten without disruption/ arguing etc. It was washed down with a good ol’ mug of tea and it totally went down a storm.

We did exchange cards in the morning and the boys had a card each. But that’s it, and if I’m very honest it was really nice, chilled out, relaxing and enjoyable.

Now my OH is at work , my dinner is with the boys before taking my eldest to his Explorer’s club tonight!

I don’t feel unloved, under appreciated or anything else because I didn’t get over priced flowers, or chocolates that I’m trying to cut down on or something fancy JUST because it is Valentines day today………………..DO YOU?

How has your day been?

 

A Wicked Time

- TracyB 4 Comments

That sums up my night out earlier this week.

I had a wicked night at Wicked courtesy of the very lovely Olivia from Think Jam!!

After the experience of taking my boys to the annual Wicked day back in October I decided that I was not going to waste these tickets on the kids who had grumbled most of the day………..harsh, yes I know.

So I decided these would be perfect for a girlie night out- Oh Yes!! And a great girlie night was had by all.

I had taken my mum to this many moons ago for her 60th birthday and had a fantastic time. I absolutely love this show and was just so excited to be going again. However, when someone else arranges it for you I always worry that the tickets either wont be there or that the seats will be rubbish!! I was unbelievably surprised to be sitting literally 6 rows from the front!!! I could not believe my luck ( these sorts of things never normally happen to me).

Just to prove it- with the map of Emerald City behind and our drinks in hand!

Two of my friends had never seen the show before so it was a real delight to take them and introduce them to the phenomenon that is ‘Defying Gravity’ in it’s own right. I think I can safely say they are now complete fans of the show. One of my friends had me in stitches throughout the show with the changeovers in characters……………..to the Tinman and the Scarecrow. It was hilarious ”Oh look it’s the Tin man………….Oh look it’ the Scarecrow……….Oh how clever!!” ( LOL it is the prequel to the Wizard of OZ after all!!! )

Although I knew the show there were things in there that I hadn’t fully remembered which was a real treat too. I have to say that Matt Willis did a fantastic job as the male lead.( a conversation that went something like- isn’t he from Busted or one of those groups? With a reply that went………Oh who’s been busted?)  Garlinda was still as mental……….toss toss! Defying Gravity did just that and just blew us away.

Truly it still lives up to all the expectations of being one of the best (if not the best) show up in town. FANTASTIC

Have you seen it? What would your favourite show be?

A Wicked Day!

- TracyB Leave a comment

 


In more ways than one. Actually it was the 6th Annual ‘Wicked’ day in London. If any of you have seen the hit musical then you will know what I’m talking about. It has become a bit of a phenomenon and I was taken by surprise at really how serious the fans take this!

The queue outside just before opening was huge and not your regular queue, no it was full of people dressed up in full costume (and not just for Halloween!).

On entering everyone was given a style of goodie bag, with details of the day and advertising for the musical itself. There were real costumes from the show on display along with other props.

Paul Phear from Magic FM was there on the day as our main host, with performances from some of the cast throughout the afternoon. They then mingled around the crowd posing for pictures along the way.

There was an endless queue for eager beaver fans (young and old) to sing their hearts out defying their own gravity for top spot in the karaoke competition at the end. The 3 finalists were truly unbelievable singing on the main stage in front of the crowd.

It was advertised as a family day and there were lots of children around! they provided activities for younger children in the way of face paintings, workshops and games.

There was a quiz to find the fan who knew the most about the show overall who had to go ‘head to head’ with some of the cast in order to win!

My youngest was filmed with an up and coming 17 year old magician who managed to wow him with a fantastic trick!

Anyway, all in all it was a great afternoon. However, I think next year I will round up a few girlies and head down there for a nice lunch, a civilised glass of wine and then into the 7th Wicked Day- who knows enough wine and I might attempt Defying Gravity on the karaoke!! Ok maybe not!

So for those of you who haven’t actually seen this musical so far, well shame on you! You must try and see it, go with the girls for a great night out.

For more information check out the Wicked website.

Dolly Parton at the O2

- TracyB 4 Comments

Alright, I lack in that department, with the closest I’ve been to a big chest being 3 days after my 1st son was born. I pulled back the shower curtain and didn’t recognise the huge knockers that were staring back at me……..so much so that I had to call my OH in just to prove it!!!!

Anyway I digress, last night I went off to the O2 with a few girlie friends, donned our pink cowboy hats and our best ‘yeehaw’ voices and took our seats with the rest of the crowd.

Thats half of us with me tucked in the middle!

We weren’t that lucky with the seats and found ourselves in the upper tier with the ‘Gods’ so to speak, but it wasn’t going to dampen our spirits.  Although at one point I had to promise my friend that if the height was too much I was wearing a belt and that I could, if required in an emergency, take off and secure her to her seat!!! I kid you not LOL

I tried desperately to get a picture on my phone and my camera however Dolly herself is soooo small and dainty and very sparkly so it was hard to pick her up in the big shroud of light that the camera seemed to focus on………….damn the technology and the fact I can’t bloody work it properly!!

Evidence that we were up with the ‘Gods’ and that she is sooo tiny too

An early rendition of Jolene started the crowd going mad. However, the first half of her show apart from the ‘Blue grass’ stuff ,which was fab, seemed to be mostly new songs. Which to be fair to her were pretty ‘toe tappy’ in amongst all the chat that she does. Actually she really is a funny woman too. What amazed me the most is the amount of instruments that she can play!!! I really am not kidding, last night included………………….
Violin (fiddle in her speak)
Banjo ( including a great intro of ‘Duelling banjos’)
Guitar ( or Geetaar as she would say!!)
Piano
Penny whistle
Harmonica
Oh and 2 strange looking, sit on your knee plucky types of things!!

So not only can she sing ‘ country’ and other styles with ease she really is talented musically too!!!

After a quick break ( thank god as I had been bursting for a pee at that point) and a quick change for her, Dolly came back on with a vengeance! With covers of Dusty Springfield and Tina Turner the crowd got going and then right at the last knockings came all the old fav’s……
*Here we go again
*Islands in the Stream
*9 to 5
*And an encore of I will Always Love You!!!  Fantastic

At that point I think we ( and I’m sure I can speak for the whole audience) could have listened to her sing all the oldies all night!!

So, that’s something I can now strike off my ‘Things to do before I croak it’ list if I had one!!!

I can now say I have seen a true Legend perform in the flesh ( even though she really is tiny….apart from that fab chest!)

As for the car park and getting home? Don’t even ask……………and I was designated driver!!! How do these things happen LOL