Wonder-ful Christmas Time

Yesterday I went to another I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue recording (yes, I know – again!!) – this time for the Christmas special, Humph in Wonderland which is due to be broadcast on Christmas day just after midday. I won’t say much about the show itself, so as not to give anything away, suffice to say that it was very funny and a very enjoyable evening was spent laughing our way through a very loose re-telling of Louis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The usual cast of Humph, Barry, Graeme and Tim were joined by a collection of guests (although I won’t say who, to keep the surprise for you) as well as Colin Sell at the piano, who was joined by Adrian MacIntosh and John Rees-Jones from Humph’s band.

C had managed to get us front row seats, which we were grateful for when they finally let us into the theatre! (There had been a mix up with the times – the tickets said 7pm , but the show wasn’t due to start until 7.30, which meant that most of the audience were queuing to get in far too early) So we had a great view of everything!

After the show it was round to the stage door as usual, where we had a chance to catch up with the Giddies. First out was Barry, who signed autographs and had photos taken before C and I went to talk to him and say how much we’d appreciated seeing him at the Frost Report show the other week. He said that he’d only realised that he was doing the warm-up right before the recording, which made me even more in awe of him!

Barry went off to see if he could find his wife, but we didn’t have to wait long before Graeme appeared. After everyone else had asked for their photos and books to be signed, I asked Graeme to sign my book and he said “you didn’t bring the sofa then?” (which is what I’d threatened in my blog after the Reading show) to which I replied “well, actually …” and pulled out of my bag a miniature sofa which I’d brought just in case. Fortunately he took it in the good humour in which it was intended and signed my sofa, saying that he’d have to be more careful what he said in future (although I’ll have to be careful what I write too!).

Graeme was standing and chatting to the six of us when Tim came out and joined us. Then it was (literally) hugs all round as first Tim, then Graeme went round the group of us giving hugs. After a brief chat they said that they were going back in, as there was a do backstage, and warned us that other people might not be coming out for a while. Realising that I’d forgotten to ask Tim to sign my book, I managed to stop him by the door and was cheeky enough to ask for a second hug too (I’m such a hug hussy!!).

Then the waiting began …

Eventually Tony Hawkes appeared at the door (strangely just after the Minx had said she’d really like to meet him!) and seemed quite pleased to see the little crowd still gathered there. Andy Hamilton also appeared, but seemed in a hurry to leave, so we didn’t try to stop him. Somehow Sandi and Rob had escaped us by leaving via a different door, so we were confused twice when they each walked past us from another direction!

I was by now thinking that I should perhaps go and catch my train. But then Graeme reappeared, so I stayed a bit longer.  There was some more chatting and another round of hugs before he had to go.

But then I really did have to go – It was going to be a long walk if I missed my last train home!

I can’t wait to hear the broadcast.

 [28/11/07  Edited to add] C has done her own write up – less of a what happened, more what she forgot …