Event Review
Held at the Brighton Centre 29th to 31st August 2003
There’s been a heat wave in Brighton. I know because I’ve seen it on the news. So I was pleased to arrive there on the afternoon of Thursday 28th August to a downpour that lasted for most of Friday too.
I arrived at the Brighton Centre on Friday morning to find a queue of wet but eager fans stretching around the building, all hoping to get an elusive David Boreanaz photo/auto ticket. Most of those that were not fortunate enough to have pre-booked their ticket were disappointed, as there were less than 50 tickets available to buy each day.
Having spent and inordinate amount of money for the privilege, I was able to meet the supporting cast guests, Nick Brendon (Xander Harris, Buffy), Kristine Sutherland, Joyce Summers, Buffy), Mark Lutz, The Groosalugg, Angel) and Kelly Donovan (Nick’s twin brother and stunt double, Buffy) as they arrived and then later upstairs in the green room where they chatted and Nick invented the Iceland dance for our two new Icelandic friends.
We were then rushed to the ‘red carpet’ area in time to see David arrive just under two hours late. Cat baseball cap pulled firmly over his jet lag and matching leather jacket hugging his broad shoulders, he managed a smile and a wave as he breezed passed.
The main star having arrived, the proceedings of the day (well afternoon now) could begin and David sauntered on stage for a brief introduction (not that he needed introducing to the hundreds of star-struck Angel fans in the audience) by Event organisers Glen Dellimore and Sarah Owen. There was just time for one question from the audience, and one lucky girl (that was me by the way) was picked to go up and stage and ask a question.
Heart pounding I took the stage and the hand David offered me, sat down and somehow held it together long enough to get my question out, “How did he get involved with the Dido Video” If I had been watching TRL on Thursday instead of travelling down to Brighton I would have known the answer. David was kind enough to explain how her people had contacted him and, although he had heard of her, he did not know who she was so was quite embarrassed when it came to their first meeting. He said he thought she had a beautiful voice, liked the song and enjoyed making the video but stated he would not do another one.
David then left to get ready for his photo shoot and the supporting cast guests came on stage too for a quick hello (and some of Mark Lutz’ words of wisdom) before they left for lunch.
Those lucky enough to have procured David photo/auto tickets then proceeded to the long long queue whilst those left behind listened bad Once More, With Feeling karaoke, wandered around the dealer’s room or relieved the bars of their already depleted stocks.
The queue for a quick photo and a squiggle on your most precious Buffy/Angel related item or a poor quality photo sold at the event, meandered its way around the building. Those reaching the front of the queue were told, ‘no touching/kissing, asking questions or personalised autographs’ before being shoved next to David for their photo taking. Worth £49? Not unless you were one of those who recklessly threw caution to the wind (which was most people), asked the man himself and found that David was quite happy to be touched, very willing to answer any questions and would gladly give a personal message to go with the squiggle.
Five hundred flashes later and David was back on stage for the question and answer session (details of these to follow), whilst in the next room the rest of the guests began their photo/auto quest. Not being under the beady eyes of David’s manager and having had their lunch, the rest of the guests seemed more relaxed, were having fun with each other and had a smile for each and every person.
The question and answer sessions over, it was time for the belated VIP reception where the guests mingled for 50 fans who had paid £149. for a glass of bucks fizz and some posh ‘snacks’. David attended on the Saturday only and was rushed through the bar within about ten minutes. The other guests, however, made it all worth while, taking the time to chat to everyone, still smiling for photo’s and even chatting on mobile phones to fans that couldn’t be there.
Overall the event was a success and those lucky enough to get a photo or fluke a brief meeting with their idol came away happy and with memories to last a life time. However, there seemed to be unreasonable amount of time waiting around with nothing to do, the bars stocks were low and after the first Friday getting anything on tap was an impossibility. It is accepted, and even expected, that there will be delays and queues at these conventions but there appeared to be a severe lack of communication even between the organisers and their stewards. Many people I spoke to had missed out on various things due to lack of sufficient announcements. In Jealous’ defence Glen and Sarah were willing to listen to any constructive (and some non-constructive) criticism and were trying to put things right, by Sunday things seemed to be running better.
The guests themselves certainly made up for any shortcomings and lack of organisation. They were open, friendly, clearly enjoying themselves and did their best to ensure that everybody they came across had a good time. On behalf of Whedon’s World I would like to personally thank David, Nick, Kris, Mark, Kelly and the partners/friends that were with them for making this a brilliant weekend. We hope you all come back soon.
If you have any pix of the event you would like to share please e-mail me with them. Also if you would like to add your review or special memory of the event please e-mail me.
