December 4 2007 Variety is the spice of life
Wow. The Royal Variety Show was a complete and utter triumph. A massive credit to Liverpool and to all involved in its conceptiopn, construction and execution.
Just driving through the streets to the Empire was amazing. The police presence, the people in the streets - it was buzzing.
The show was magnificent. Act after act giving memorable, often inspiring performances against a rapidly-changing stage set.
Last night could have been London, New York, Sydney. It was that good. I felt we crossed a threshold last night.
I am privileged to have this job and honoured to have been a last night's show.
What did I like best? Seal was extraordinary. Watch the Echo's Insider' page on Thursday for a Seal exclusive! James Blunt was tremendous and so was Russell Brand - but then I'm a big fan of both and expected to enjoy.
But best? It's weird.
It started with six buglers (Or were they French horn-players) from the Household Cavalry. They blasted out a fanfare to welcome the Queen into the auditorium.
Something gripped me (sadly not the lady to my right). In my 46 years I've never experienced anything quite like it - a raw emotional overload of pride and patriotism. The nearest I've been to it it is when my team walks out on the footy field at an away ground. Some kind of deep and instinctive tribalism.
As they bugled her in and she waved, I felt like it could have been 420 years ago and it could be Elizabeth I greeting her subject after a gallant military campaign.
I felt a swell of Britishness. We are a proud island nation - we'll do things our way and to hell with the rest of the world.
One more glass of champagne and I would have invaded France.
What a night. Big respect to everyone involved. Roll on 08.
Neil Macdonald wrote...
From discussions on inspecting your mate's bum in great detail to the Royal Variety Show - what a year!
Posted by: Neil Macdonald | December 4, 2007 4:38 PM