MG's Visit to the TG Studios 29th October 2008

[Doofey]

Where? I can't see it! You look great.

I should join you on trying to lose some weight. It's just so hard.

[lymaze]

Looking forward to your report Maygrail. HOpe things improve soon.

[ulstermayniac]

I never understood why they wear make-up on TV, does it actually make a difference to anything?

Not being a tv creating buff I can't think of why it would have an impact.

This summer past, I met Eammon Holmes in my local town centre, he was filming for a local tv show or something, when a historical event was taking place, and he was caked in so much make-up that it looked like a layer of plaster.

[TheDaisy]

Oct 31, 2008 14:21:13 GMT ulstermayniac said:

I never understood why they wear make-up on TV, does it actually make a difference to anything?

It's because all the lights in the studio would make 'em look all washed out and pale, otherwise.
When I did am dram some years back, I used my 'normal' make up for exactly one show, and then was told to get to a chemist and get stuff about four shades darker than normal. It does work, believe me. In the first show (which was filmed) I looked like a weeny ghost on stage compared to the others that were there.

[ulstermayniac]

Oh, thanks for the info!

[TheDaisy]

No probs ^^
I'm going to assume that James was already made-up in the picture above. Going on the principle that the camera flashed, you'll see his face is quite brown, comparing it to Becks, who will have just had 'normal' make up on (if you wear it Becks ;D)

[ulstermayniac]

Yeah, I see what you mean now. Seems obvious when it is pointed out, if that isn't a dumb thing to say, everything is abvious when it is pointed out.

[emmap]

How long is the waiting time for tickets?

[jacqui]

have to say am loving his hair in this photo, looks very..........very..............."runfingersthroughable" ;D

New word! ;D

[ulstermayniac]

Windswept and interesting.

[jacqui]

and gorgeous!

[Vixen]

And shorter....

[ulstermayniac]

Not too short though. I think he knows the ladies like a bit of length.

[emmap]

We most certainly do ;D

[Deleted]

Bashing out a report in a mo ;D

[beckstar]

Bashing one out, MG???

*whistles innocently*

[Deleted]

Becks I'm shocked

[beckstar]

*grins*

[Deleted]

Where to begin. I met up with the HHers in the Sun Inn in Dunsfold which is a lovely pub full of character, where I also saw Becks *waves* . After waiting for the last member we headed to Dunsfold, it's not as big as you think. I got my wristband and quiz and headed to the car park, it was funny to be one of the smallest cars there I filled in my quiz, handed it in and bought a Seriously Uncool t-shirt. I did say I wasn't going to buy anything but that failed.

We gather around waiting for Mathew to do his infamous talk. I heckled him, naturally. I didn't take me bag (which I could have done) but every pocket was filled. Then the walk (route march) over to the hangar really was long but I spotted Michael Parkinson's car (he has a personalised number plate) and then round to the doors. They opened and ta daaaaah the hallowed TG studio!, which is smaller than I expected. I rushed (tripped) in and got into position by the stage by RMV6R. I looked around and the cool wall is very cool, the Rocket Mini is full of crap (Red Bull cans and other junk) the Hilux is battered and the stage is small. Whilst waiting a couple of men with hammers attached bit of wood to the stage in preparation for the chairs. They had music blaring out surprisingly not Led Zep. I was looking around, still couldn't believe I was there.

When everyone was in mark the floor manager gave the audience a pep talk and then Brian the Director came out in a machine knitted cardigan with little soliders on the cuffs and around the waist. This was an 80s creation. He gave a talk about when doing a retake to laugh/cheer in the same way and then we were shown outtakes of TG. Genius and the swearing it was fab ;D Then Brian welcomed JEREMY onto the stage and he came out said something about James thinking he was having a heart attack. He was wearing a shirt that James wouldn't have said no to . Jeremy introduced Richard and James. They were all on fine form especially when Richard looked at the shirts James and Jeremy were wearing and started laughing. James was wearing his new Blue flowery shirt (You've seen the pictures).
Richard and James (who was jokingly helped off the stage) to leave to let Jeremy do his intro.

The Lambo and Porsche film is a classic TG film however there are some interesting twists at the end of the film. Whilst filming the fillers Jeremy got distracted by a girl's midriff and told Richard not to look.

The news was brilliant, this was what I was looking forward to and the make up lady fiddled with Richard's hair some more and sprayed and fiddled and sprayed a bit more after Jeremy did some creative hairdressing for Richard. James, meanwhile, was busy checking his pulse, thumping his chest and generally making sure he was still going. The news was very funny and the Dacia Sandero is mentioned and instantly forgotten. The lorryist challenge was introduced and I sat on the stage and watched the first half. It is one of the most mad challenges set by the producers and you'll enjoy it, a lot!

RMV6R and myself headed to the back of the crowd before the SIARPC was introduced and we saw Parky come in. He came in the studio the same way I did, and he is exactly like he is on the TV. His interview was very interesting and will be interesting what the editors decide to keep in. He told a story about how he met his wife and it was really sweet. Parky is a legend! Andy was hovering about checking stuff out as the interview was going on. RMV6R was a star at letting me have a great view of James.

The tea break was manic! Tea from a polystyrene cup is an experience but one I'd endure again. Jeremy had disappeared to chat with Parky, no doubt, Richard was no where to be seen and James was opening polystyrene cups, signing stuff and having pictures taken. I (why I did this I have no idea other than it was a good idea at the time) picked up a sugar packet and waited and asked James to sign it. He did (I handed it to him with my very purple gloves on), and he was using a pen which he was quite taken with. James was a star and has the patience of a saint! Sadly no picture was taken due to me being shy, but maybe next time James is just a true gentleman and was taking everything in his stride.

I wandered back into the hanger (this time I hung around by the Lambo and just took it all in) Jeremy and Richard did the second intro for the concluding part of the lorryists challenge and to my utter surprise Jeremy came over to where I was standing and started to watch the monitors. James slipped by too. The second half of the challenge is, well, you'll see soon enough. I had my hands over my eyes at one point and squeaked (I didn't mind who was watching as this would have been my reaction at home).

During a bit more moving of stuff Richard came over, I walked over and I asked him to sign a Top Gear Top trump card for me, which he did. And a very kind lady supplied me with a pen after I had mislaid mine in one of my many pockets. Richard was particularly generous to do so and he was incredibly charming considering he was just watching at the side.

At one point I saw the make up lady spraying James with Elnette and taking the shine off of his make up. Throughout he was pulling faces.

The end of the challenge came and the doors opened and points were awarded for each part of the challenges completed. Then the 3 of them signed off.

All in all, I had a fabulous time and wouldn't hesitate going again. I would have loved to have spoken to Jeremy and to James and Richard a little longer. There were lots of other things which happened but I can't remember them but it was the details which made it special.

A huge thank you Smiler from HH for the ticket and RMV6R for putting up with me being very excited.

NB the stills that are usually in the gallery are actually taken by a chap with a camera with a huge lense.

[lymaze]

Brilliant review MG. I loved the tea experience. So, those two vanished leaving James to be sociable. Richard did the same when we went. Sounds a great episode and I'm glad you had a lovely day there.

[lindenchase]

Great report, Maygrail! Can't wait for Sunday's episode.

[Deleted]

I think Richard was mobbed by HHers so I couldn't see him. But to be honest it was James I was more interested in at that point ;D

[Deleted]

I forgot we find out why and how Jeremy has injured himself in the series trailer

[adco]

Thanks! I enjoyed your report very much MG. So glad you had a good time.

[maureen]

Thank you, MG, for the wonderful report. I'm so glad you had a great time. It's one of those experiences of a lifetime. You are so lucky. I'm glad you got to meet James and Richard. That's a true blessing right there. I can't wait to see them Sunday night.

[Deleted]

I'm glad you enjoyed my waffling I hope that one day you all get to visit TG too. It's something I thought I'd never get a chance to do.

[stigalicious]

Oct 30, 2008 17:19:42 GMT lindenchase said:

"James spotted me and there was a definite twinge of recognition in his eyes, which made me blush furiously…"

Key question Becks: did James blush as well? ;D

As long as it wasn't a look of 'oh God I know I should know you from somewhere... AHA, the girl who'd rather have a pie'! (lmao, classic moment)

Well done the pair of you; it looks like you had a lovely time.

[Puss]

Great stuff, MG! Sounds awesome. ;D

[emmap]

Squeeeee! Parky
great report MG

[Wyvern]

Thanks for a fantastic report MG. Sounds like it was a brilliant day

*notejealousnotjealousnotjealousnotjealous*