The Crew Make Progress in Manchester….

It was a long time coming…. Many many years to be exact! Although we were referring to the time from us buying the tickets back in October 2010 till now (and not the time we waited till the lads were back as a 5 – although fits perfick-ly for both!) However time ticked on and the day finally came. The day that we were going to see Rob, and the boys, together. And not just the boys being together but us being together too. Ya see, we became friends initially through the love of Robbie Williams & his music; found out that we were loving Take That just as much, and developed a fantastic friendship that has blossomed over the years. This, however, was the first time we had seen Rob on stage with many of the Crew being together… so as you can imagine we were a tad excited (think lady wee, but more about that later!!!)


Another Crew do came together, despite pricing problems with the hotel (which got sorted – thanks Mr Marriott!!) and ticket stress till the very end (which eventually got sorted – thanks Mr Ticketmaster!!) We always get there in the end…
The Weekend.
So here’s the deal. Shelley, Hayley and their friends Sue and Kay were travelling up from the Midlands. Myself and Angelaaaahhhhh were flying in from Cork after work. Louise was winging it from Wales (as usual) and there was a spare place available a couple of weeks before which the lovely Jac snapped up and made her way down on the chuff chuff from Glasgow. So 8 of us stopping at the hotel. Cary, Mand and the girls were joining us on Saturday morning. A plan that failed to come off was that Kriss was going to swap her Cardiff ticket for a Manchester one, stop at Cary’s and join the Crew – but it was not meant to be… sob sob… (or so I thought….!) Jonathan was going to join us on Saturday morning also and that was the group complete – 14 of us. Not forgetting Peppa Pig the team mascot.


As Ang & I were flying over in the evening, the rest of the girls met at the hotel, got the supplies in (thanks girls x) and went for some grub at the Printworks. Casually checking out the nekkid bike riders on the way back (as you do) – well anything is possible on a Crew Weekend. Our flight was on time, and my folks were outside the terminal ready to play taxi and drop us into Manchester.
We arrived at the hotel and asked reception for a key so we could let ourselves in… creeping up the corridors we quietly put the key in the door and threw it open! SURPRIIIISE!!! Lots of hugs and chatter, hellos to the new Crew members… nice to see you again to the long standing ones.


And – in the normal fashion we get catching up over a couple of bevvies. The mini bar is stocked full of Bulmers… only for us to realize that we don’t have a bottle opener. Call down to reception and not only do we get a knock on the door with a bottle opener- but a fine young man to open said bottles for us… well that’s the type of hotel it was. “Would it be too much trouble to get some ice, ice baby???!!!” No trouble at all, and quick as a flash he’s back with a bucket of ice. Sweet. We agree a curfew of 2am as of course we want to be up bright and early tomorrow morning. What do you think the chances are of us making it?


Lou puts on some choonage on her lappy and cue the dance moves. Never Forget in your PJs is always a winner!

Cocksucking cowboys are on the go, the new crew girls sample one… at first their arms have to be twisted but soon they’re into the spirit of it and 2 or 3 shots later they’re glad they sampled a bit of cock!


The drinks are flowing, there’s lots of laughs and naughty talk about the lads.


Singing at the top of our voices, however, is not so much a winner, and a call from reception reminds us that it’s getting late. Ooops – sorry team.


Casting our pervy eyes over the DVD we actually can’t believe ITS TOMORROW!!


As the girls head off to bed one by one, it’s just Lou, Jac, Ang and little old me left. We can’t get to sleep, we’re too excited! The 2am curfew has come and gone, and more like 3ish we get our heads down in the vain hope that we will get some rest and kip ready for tomorrow.


TODAY IT’S TODAY!! TODAY IS GIG DAY!!

Awake bright and early we get ready and head down for some brekkie. Ticketmaster agreed to drop the tickets to the hotel so we are waiting anxiously for the man to arrive with “THE ENVELOPE”. Breakfast is lush, esp as its free *wink* and we hear that Cary is en-route with a car full.


Mr Manager from Ticketmaster arrives at reception bang on time and I am so pleased to finally have the tickets in my grubby little paws! In addition, he has a box of wine and fizz for us by way of an apology for the messing. Why thank you, the Crew will accept with pleasure.


Next, we hear that Cary is outside! EEEEK!!! We run outside and wave to Mand and the girls in the back. Cary says they will follow us up and she’s off to park the car – hmmm she’s wanting us out of the way. Suppose she just wants to get in and get sorted. She hands over the t-shirts which have come out very well (if I do say so myself!) and we head back up to our rooms to get ready.


We’re getting changed into our t-shirts when there’s a knock at the door. It’s all quiet so I pop my head out of the bathroom and around the corner and I would cover your ears for the next bit as it went something like this:


“AAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH OH MY GOD!!! SQEEEEALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!” and cue lots of bouncing. Stood, at the door, is Kriss… who after telling us she couldn’t make it to Manchester plotted with Cary & Lou to get herself ooop Norf for the gig. Excited was not the word. Thanks girls for that great surprise!! *bounce bounce*


Getting a couple of messages from Jonathan, we realize that he is already in Manchester, and is early (for a change) so gathering all the bags and supplies we get our groove on and head across town. It’s a gorgeous sunny day in Manchester. We’re in great form as we head across to Piccadilly to find the bus that takes us to the stadium… but first, to find Jonathan.


His message says he’s outside Primark. First of all this causes me some confusing. Bear in mind I’ve lived in Oire-land for 12 years and am thinking what the foof is Primark… (it’s Penneys in Corcaigh – doh!) OK so the girls put me straight. Then comes confusion part two. There are two entrances to Primark and we’re stood outside the “main main” entrance at the front, not realizing that Jonathan is stood outside the “main” entrance around the side. Eventually we meet up and get told off for being late – erm makes a change for it not to be you LOVE!!

Then Jonathan decides he needs a new outfit for the day, as in his mad rush to make the early train he has put on a mismatch of clothes that can only be described as a disaster. Heading into Penneys (I mean Primark) he starts moseying around the store. Well hold on a minute, we need to up the tempo here a small bit. So armed with Louise they head off into the male section. Think Supermarket Sweep vs What Not To Wear mash-up and you will visualize what happened in the next few minutes. Tidy. Joining the queue, that is long even for this time of the morning, Jonathan looks a little bewildered, a tad scared and somewhat alarmed as 13 girls glare at him to get a bloody move on…!!
5 minutes later, a quick change in the changing rooms and he is ready to face the world. So we’re off! (Styled by Pap Pullen, outfit by Primarni... Peppa dressed in pink tutu!!)


Heading across Piccadilly Gardens we find the bus & jump on boardddd.... take a riiiide! As if we’re on a school trip and we are naughty school kids we head straight to the back (the back back its da best) and the camera is out nice and early for some shots. Seeing the stadium outside the window ten mins later we start to get a small bit giddy. Think lady wee. Yes again, I know. Sorry.
It’s now 10am & so the mission begins. We don’t have gates on our tickets so we find the end of the stadium near the stage (Production Entrance sign is always a winner!) and take a pew for what could be a very long time.


There are about 40 people in front of us and we set down camp for the day.

The Lovely Crew Laydees do Lancaster!

When we heard that JK as Robbie was going to be doing a show on May 27th, it was decided that we had to attend. The girls thought it would be a great way to celebrate my birthday! And of course, I agreed *snigger*

With the forthcoming Take That concerts, I knew I was gonna see more of the Crew in the not too distant future, but was delighted when Lou, Cary, Kriss, Anne and Marie said lets make a date! The lovely Anne-Claire was also due to join in the fun, but due to a bad case of the chicken pox that her little 'un had it was not to be. Sob!

Boarding the smallest plane in the world in Cork, (You make me feel, that I'm on the smallest plane in the worrrrrld - to the tune of Rihanna) I set off for Manchester where the lovely Cary had offered to pick me up and take me to meet Munchie for a bit of birthday brekkie... twas fab! Was also great to see Mandy even though it was a flying visit.

Cary and I have a scoot around Runcorn to collect a few supplies and laugh at a few shops - not before heading back to the car and onto the motorway oop norf!

We hear from Kriss who is in the goldmobile and has a full house on board!

Travelling up the M6, Cary and I have a good old sing song; lots of TT and Rob featuring and lots of laughs... and this is before the others arrive. We find the hotel with ease and check in. Staff are really friendly and we like this a lot! Fantastic.

Head down to the bar (just to be sociable) for a swift one before the others arrive... well at those prices it will be just 1 aswell!

Having a natter, we are keeping our eyes on the door and before we know it we spot the gold mobile pulling up outside! Woop Woop let the fun begin!

Lou, Kriss, Anne and Marie pile into the hotel and I get told off as I am there. I don't understand.... as they disappear around the corner I hear a lot of laughs and giggles... I'm not allowed to look... then I get told I can come around but have to close my eyes.

See what they did:

Cue a phone call to my BB Shelley and lots of Happy Birthday singing from the girls... awwww love you lot!

Heading up to the room to chill for a while, we crack a few drinks and order some room service. In between catching up, we get ourselves ready and order a 6 seater cab to take us to the theatre (darrrrrlink!) Peppa Pig is really enjoying herself too!

We order a spot of room service, a couple of bevvies to hit the spot. There are lots of cards and gifts and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed to say the least. Thank you so much for the thoughtful gifts and lovely words in the cards...

So it’s nearly time, we head downstairs as the reception call us and inform us that our taxi is outside. Well it’s really a minibus, seeing as there’s 6 of us… as we hop into the bus, we glance to the right and we see Jim (a’la Rosie and Jim) running towards us and waving… Rosie and Jim stopping at the same hotel as us – how funny! Well best make sure we don’t take any chips back at supper time, wouldn’t want to get chiplash!! Anyhoo, Jim is gesturing to jump in our cab – obviously assuming that we are heading to the same place (we were but he wasn’t to know that… would’ve been funny if we had got him in the cab and taken him on some magical mystery tour to Preston LOL!)

Just as we are thinking what to answer, their taxi pulls up and they wave goodbye. Well goodbye for now, we would be seeing them a bit later…

The taxi driver has some great banter with us, he drops us off at the Grand. It’s an old style theatre, intimate and beautiful inside. Heading to the box office to collect our tickets, the girls head upstairs to the bar for a drink. I suggest to get the orders in for the interval to save time so we double up and head into the theatre.

We have a great view, mind you it would be hard not to have a good view from anywhere in that theatre. Settling down, we glance at our watches and realize that the show has not yet started even though its past 7.30… the theatre manager comes out with an announcement. A slight wardrobe malfunction has occurred; due to a traffic accident on the motorway and the wardrobe manager being stuck in said accident for 3 hours. All will become apparent shortly… We look at each other confused…

Having seen the show before, we knew what was coming next… or so we thought… The band start up, the lights go up… and on to the stage bounds JK – with a slightly different costume than normal. Ey’ Ey Captain!! Loving it!! We’re sailing on this ship tonight!

Although to be fair to him, he pulls it off and like the true pro he is gets stuck right into the show with a rousing rendition of Let Me Entertain You. Fantastic. The theatre is bouncing and as I look around, I know it’s going to be yet another fantastic night’s entertainment.

Moving through the set list, the Crew get busy busting some moves. Well that’s how we roll. Apologising to the ladies sat behind us, we are up, on our feet and doing the moves to every song. If you can’t beat em - join em… and glancing to the row behind us we see that the ladies are now on their feet and bouncing too! Love it!! JK moves through the Knebworth set with ease and we enjoy re-living the best of Robbie Williams. Rock DJ. Millennium. Come Undone. At the back of our minds, we are thinking about a couple of the Crew members who are at the opening night of the Progress tour that night in Sunderland, having their very own Robbie moment… but for now, we have the next best thing that is JK as Robbie. Talk about Supreme!!

True to form the first half flies by and we run to what is the smallest theatre bar in the world to nab our drinks. Super efficient, the staff already have the drinks prepared and all we need to do is collect them to save queuing up – job done!

Settling in for the second half, we know that there’s plenty more Robbie goodness to come. Swing time, and taken from the Albert Hall set, JK graces the stage with his band, in smart sharp suits and cool charisma to boot. Slowing the show down a little we sway to the classics of My Way & Mr Bojangles. Brilliant.

As the stage changes, the superb pianist goes solo at the front of the stage with a blast of Queen on the ivories… JK, complete with costume change, re-appears and starts talking to the audience. Lancaster has a big place in his heart, he says and the Grand Theatre in particular. He then engages the crowd by finding out where we have all come from, with the Crew (as usual) coming from far and wide to make the show…. Then this is where it gets embarrassing. A birthday shoutout to me along with telling the whole theatre it was my 40^th! Thanks JK! Revenge is sweet is all I am saying… ;)

However the sentiment was lovely and cue a few sniffles when “She’s the One” is dedicated to Scrumptious.

The 2^nd half of the show bounds on, with a lively version of Video Killed the Radio Star… it’s so lively that you can feel the balcony (circle) upstairs moving and shaking… JK as Robbie certainly made the ground move that’s for sure! Looking up to the boxes at either side of the stage, we see Jim on the right hand side – leaning out to snap a piccie – and worry for his safety as he looks like one of the hecklers from the Muppet Show ready to topple out and over the top of the box! Thankfully, he didn’t… Phew!

As the show draws to a close, JK brings the house down with Angels (it wasn’t too early to be fair…!) Bringing Robbie’s career up to date, we see the video clip of Take That with Eight Letters as a soundtrack, followed by a fantastic version of The Flood – and the Crew can’t help but get excited as we realize that in a weeks time we will be seeing Robbie and the boys. Another standing ovation at the end of the show, the cast get a well deserved cheer and huge applause and we give extra cheers to Mr JK as Robbie Williams for what was, yet again, an outstanding performance.

The theatre starts to empty as the lights come up, and with the word that it is lashing rain outside, we hang back till the crowds disperse. Having spotted a pub at the end of the road, we make a run for it and eventually arrive at the pub flipping soaked! Not before I end up going skidding down the road and ever-so-nearly end up on my arse! Thankfully I recover and just look like I've thrown some sort of weird shape outside in the rain... random like... Once inside, we bag ourselves a spot upstairs as downstairs was chocker block full – and get a whip going. Couple of rounds of drinks and the rain is forgotten. Lancaster being a University town, we attract the attention of some younger lads and laugh as they make a bee-line for us – erm excuse me lads this ain’t Cougar Town ya know!! The banter was good craic, however the full pint of Bulmers down us was not… oops! Shortly after they make a sharp exit and we get busy taking some snaps for the album… Kriss throws some baby’s dancing moves and lots of laughs follow. Mother and baby are reunited as Cary and Kriss take a pew on the edge of the sofa. Marie is giddy after deciding that she now wants to ditch hubby Michael Buble and now marry Frank Sinatra, who of course is dead! Anne and I are catching up after our last get together in Windsor and its smiles all round as per. Just another normal Crew night out!

We are then joined by Jonathan and Becky for a few cheeky birthday drinks… and not wanting to end the night early as the bar is closing, so we decide to move the party up to the Revolution bar for some more bevvies and a few vodkas. As you do, like…

 Walking for what seems like forever, we finally arrive at the Revolution.  There’s a table and sofas in the bay window – perfect – has our name written all over it. More drinks are purchased and we get busy having more craic… There’s plenty of banter and I come back from the bar with a round of drinks, only to find legs a-kimbo and Marie on the floor, with Kriss and Cary rolling around on the sofa! Yes it is as it sounds – very very funny! Becky heads over to try and lend a hand… Jonathan just comes over for a closer look! Typical bloke! Cue lots and lots of laughs from us and strange looks from those outside – bear in mind we were sat in the bay window on full view… In true Crew style we end up being the entertainment again… LOL!! Paparazzi Pullen manages to bag a few tidy shots for evidence, of course, and the LOL-ing starts again when we review the pics!

After being told several times that it was hone time by the bouncers (well it was past 3am!) we head up the road to get some chips as we are hank marvin; if not slightly concerned about taking them back to the hotel for fear of chiplash injuries… Bagging a couple of taxis and bidding our farewells to Jonathan & Becky, we head back to the hotel, motel, holiday inn for a debrief and the usual post night out post-mortem.

Flicking through the pics and revisiting the giggles from earlier in the evening, we get changed and get our heads down. It’s fairly late – for a change – and as I look around the room I see my friends snoozing, the empty bottles of vino, Peppa Pig, the cards & gifts and the usual trail of clothes, shoes and cases, I can’t help but smile at what was yet another craic-ing crew night out. The best friends in the world manage to wreak havoc on another UK town. No Pigs, Crew Laydees or members of the public were harmed during the making of this night out ;)

Next morning we’re all awake and not in bad shape considering. We agree the plan of attack is to check out and head over to the pub across the road for a mahoosive pub grub lunch. NOMS. Louise is busy drying and straightening her hair, and Cary dives into the shower. Cue steamy windows (well they are hot stuff) and as the bathroom door opens (complete with Cary half dressed with towel on her head) we hear the dulcet tones of the smoke alarm ringing in our ears. OUCH! Thinking that it will stop we decide to do nothing and stay put. The phone in the room goes, and Lou answers it – “are we alright?” “erm yes we are fine” replies Lou… “only the alarm is coming from your room…” WHAT THE FOOF BOARD!! Seems that the over-sensitive fire alarm was triggered by the heat and steam and as a result the whole hotel has to be evacuated. Oops. We trudge downstairs, half dressed, half PJs, and assemble in the car park. Looking across we see Rosie and Jim, and the words “broken biscuits” spring to mind in relation to Rosie. Bless her.

The staff give us the all clear to head back into the hotel, where we are greeted by the lovely chief fireman-person leaving our room with the comment “Good night, was it” being shouted down the corridor. We are not sure what he means, until we re-enter the room and realize there is a shed load of booze, empty bottles, cake and snacks on the desk! LOL – at least he had a sense of humour!

Checking out, we head across the road for a big feast. Lots of nom noms are heard around the table, and also laughs about the craic from the night before. Yet another Crew do comes to a close and as we finish our lunches we are down-hearted that this one seems to have gone too fast. The only thing that can cheer us up is the thought of making PROGRESS next week in Manchester! Woop Woop!

Such a shame though that Kriss couldn’t make it and that Anne is already booked in with Kriss to go to Wembley. Ah well, we make plans to see them at Stoke and as Anne, Marie, Lou and Kriss jump into the GoldMobile, Cary & I wave them off… not before heading back on to the motorway to head towards Liverpool Hairyport for my flight home.

Blackpool gets Well & Truly Crewed!

Back at the hotel it's kinda organised chaos as we get ready. Clothes and shoes everywhere... make up and hair straightners shared... a few voddys on the go to get us in the mood! The bus is collecting us at 6.30 so we're against the clock. As per usual! However it all comes good when the bus arrives and we are all but ready.

Purses - check. Boas - check. Halos - check. Theatre tickets - double check. Couple of extra bottles of fizz for the bus - check. Camera - check. Paperazzi Pullen has her new turbo cam and we are already dreading some of the FB pics!!

So Anne, Kriss, Jac, Allison, Dot, Suzie, Mandy, Cary, Paula, Rena, Marie, Louise, Angela and My good self board the party bus to get the show on the road. Putting on a bit of Robbie Williams to get us in the mood, Leeds is displayed around the bus on all the screens and on the giant plasma at the back of the bus. With the 2 extra bottles of fizz, we have 5 in total and someone comments that we might not get through them all in an hour- thats a challenge if I've ever heard one! We have a right laugh as we go on our cruise and I'm really pleased that the party bus is a hit! Peppa decides to try a bit of piggy pole dancing - she told us she was a quiet little piggy; well what a load of porkies that was!

We arrive at the theatre and outside there are a number of fountains! PMSL @ Paula, well she loves a good fountain! Assembling for our photo call outside the bus, the driver is happy to oblige with a pic or two and we wave him off as we head into the theatre out of the cold. Finding our seats, we are pleased to see that we are really close to the stage and have the whole row to ourselves...! Thanks to our mate JK for sorting out those tickets :) A quick pit stop at the bar takes us into the foyer of the Winter Gardens - they have done an amazing job refurbishing the place and there was really a sense of occasion about the venue. Perfect for the entertainment in store that evening....

Now if you haven't heard about the show, and you want to read the proper review check out HERE for more info.

Let Me Entertain You was everything that One Night of Robbie Williams was last year.... and more! The performances that night in Blackpool were high energy, polished and perfected. The Crew were up on their feet and bouncing through most of the show. Even Paula and her little bump were bouncing! There were a couple of the new Crew who had not seen the show before, and they were completely blown away. Complete with a revised set list and some new tracks we were loving our Robbie-fix. Video Killed the Radio Star was a highlight; not to mention all the old favourites. Peppa got so excited at one part in the show, she jumped right out of Lou's hand and pig-apulted (well she didn't catapult, what do you think she is, a kitty??!!) herself onto the stage... that pig loves JK!

The two and a half hours just flew by. Well three if you add the interval. Bar service was not the best however it did not deter us and we were able to obtain a beverage to be fully refreshed for the second half LOL!!

Upon leaving the theatre, we follow Kriss as she is our (Brendan Coach Trip!) guide whilst in Blackpool and we head to the nearest bar - which turns out to be the bar we were in yesterday. Bagsy-ing a table and mine-sweeping chairs and stools from all around the bar we get comfy for a couple of bevvies and to have a de-brief on the evening so far.

There is a couple sat on the table next to us and we are amusing them with our chatter and chair dancing! We spot the jukebox on the wall and so does our new friend sat next door, so he goes to pick a few tracks and of course he puts a couple of Robbie tunes on for us! Thanks mister! Making friends everywhere we go.... :) Of course whenever we hear Rob we can't help but sing and this was no exception. More drink? Oh if you insist... so we get another whip going. The bottles (not glasses, yes bottles) of Vino are going down a treat. Cue a couple of texts and we decide to change venue. Out of the side door, cross the road and straight into another bar! I won't lie to you, it was already an immense evening!

As we are walking in, a familiar face is at the door... cue lots of hugs and back slapping from JK... as we introduce the newbies it's a challenge to keep up! The pub is heaving and there's a house band on jamming with singers from the audience joining them. Great atmosphere in the bar. Crew are bopping and laughing and singing. It's big smiles all round. With the occasional "what's occurring" we ensure we have enough Welsh pounds for Louise and Marie - who is now nicknamed Marie Newberry-Buble' due to her forthcoming marriage to Mickey Bubbles! She is so smitten she starts smooching a pic of him on the wall - hilarious! Paula is doing a great job keeping up and complete with a non-alcoholic Becks too. God bless her! Kriss volunteers to do the next number and before you can say The Fugeees she's is up on stage belting out Killing Me Softly. The girl can sing - cue Pap Pullen to take some pics and all the Crew joining in to support our bud. Tidy!

A little later, Kriss gets up to do a duet with JK... and for the 2nd time that night we hear "Things". What a laugh... proper banter between the two of them and the Crew are again on their feet, as are most of the bar. At the end of the performance, Kriss gets a resounding "You're Hired" from JK and as she plans to run away with the band I go and get another round in with the help of Anne. Jac and Allison are in great form, Rena & Paula are enjoying the buzz, Angel-aahhh is busy chatting to JK's uncle (the Irish connection LOL) Dot has her feet up at the bar - well after wearing those shoes are you surprised? Cary & Suze are LOLLING at the old duffer that is chatting up Mand. We always attract them, its true! Marie offers to two time Mickey B and in a u-turn decides she wasnt to be with Kriss instead. Oh it's all going on... Anne and I have only turned our back for 2 mins hehe! When the band finish, a DJ plays a few tunes (well a guy with laptop - god must be getting old as there wasn't a record in sight pmsl!) We of course put a few requests in and have a bop and sing along. Yes, we entertain for free ladies and gentlemen!

We acost JK for some pics and Lou wants to give him his pressie - a t-shirt - there's only one word to say about that... SHABBA! You gotta love Robbie for that one! As usual JK is happy to oblige and we gingerly hand over our cameras to some drunken strangers in the pub... There's a mixed bag of pics from them (always the case) and half of the Crew decide its that time to head back to the hotel to recharge their batteries & hit the hay. The rest of us stay put for... yes.... you've guessed it... a lock in! Well it wouldn't be a PV Crew Do without one!

Sat around the table, we are engaged in some right good chat with the occasional pit stop to head to the bar for a refill. However the bar has ran out of lemon AND lime for our Coronas (ma ma ma myyy Corona) so we have to recycle and nick the slice from our last drink. Classy but needs must... Speaking of classy, we continue to take pissed up pics and laugh at the ones from earlier - which include Marie having a drink with Jesus and JK. yes thats right who's in the house... Jesus in the house!

Didn't matter that we didn't make it to the club, we bring the party. The bar was grand - apart from having the loos up the curly wurly staircase is not the best idea when you have peoples that have been drinking for 10 hours. (",) EEK!

Speaking of time, we check our watches and see its 4.30am... another night of epic proportions. Lots of laughs and girlie chat.  Plenty of Robbie-ness as per usual. Bevvies galore. Some singing, some dancing and a lot of pics! With our Halos on and a trail of feathers left behind us, we thank the bar staff for looking after us and thank JK for entertaining us and bid them farewell. Back at the hotel, the sensible people are already in bed, the semi sensible people decide to head to bed and Lou and I decide to have a cocksucking cowboy. At 5am. Disgrace is not the word. Wouldn't want to change a single thing about the night. Bloody loved it and all that were involved in it!

The next morning we head down for brekkie - Angel-aahhh pulls a sicknote for the 2nd day and Cary nicknames her "Angela Power-less!" We get stuck in to the soakage prepared by Kriss' uncle - mega nom noms... If you're ever in Blackpool do stop by the Colris Hotel on the Central Prom. The hospitality is second to none and their breakfast is BANG TIDY!

Back up in the rooms, its the mammoth task of packing and as per usual we end up taking home more than we came with. Dividing out the booze and remaining snacks to make sure they go to a good home, packing up the Crew kits of shot pots, boas and halos... This is the bit that I don't like. And as the girls start to depart one by one, we know that its the end of another crack-ling weekend courtesy of some of the best friends you could want. The PV Crew.

I'm not gonna lie to ya, I was feeling kinda fed up the last few weeks as had PMD (Post-Meet Depression) Having written this it's given me the chance to revisit all the fun we had... All I can say is bring on my Birthday and bring on Take That... Lets 'Ave It!

Runcorn - are you Ready to be Crewed???

The Meet! July 2010

So we have a bacon butty, cuppa tea and Cary gets her lovely girls off to school. After a shower and change, we are feeling fresh a daisy (pffft after a 1 hour power nap!) and we are off and about. 1st stop - Spasda. Booze and bits and bobs for later. Whilst we're on B words we buy Berocca... and randomly throughout the day a chorus of "I'm so tall, I'm so tall, you raise me and then you let me fall" can be heard as we are singing away to the advert in the middle of the supermarket! As you do, like...!!

Next stop - Munchies. Time for a quick brew and to drop off the sleeping bags and blow up bed for later.. 

Next stop - school. Leavers assembly - how cute was the school. Ain't been in a primary school since... well.... since I was actually in primary school. Which was a while ago to say the least! OMG! lovely assembly it was too. 

Next stop - train station. If you have read any of our meets, you will know that the Crew spend a fair bit of time at airports, on the road or at a train station... this meet was no exception! Arriving at the station, we saw Paula, Louise and Shelley all waiting for us... how good was it that all the trains arrived on time - YIPPEEEE! Crew collected we head back to Cary's for a beverage... blessed as usual the sun decides to come out so we convene in the gar-ding for a catch up and a bevvie.

En-route is Kriss and no sooner do we say "where's Kinky?" and there she is, bouncing through the door and looking twice as lively!! So we are all here... nope wait - we are missing Munchie. 20 mins later and she is occurring with Janette who is one of the new Crew members... Cary puts on a fine feast of food... num nummmms... thanks a lot hun - muchos appreciated mate! Lots of laughs already; Paula gets a few pressies seeing as its her burfday (Happy Birthday tooo youuuuu!) but no cake yet... its a surprise... the cat was nearly let out of the bag though! Bottle of champers for Mand - just as a thank you from all us girls for putting us up and putting up with us - its a reet good afternoon!

Packing everything up at Cary's, we give her other half his house back - thanks for the hospitality Mal! Into the mini mini and Kriss's brum brum we scoot over to Munchies where we are no sooner in the door that the drink is flowing, the music is going and we are all discussing the evenings main event - JK as Robbie!

As more of Cary & Mandy's friends arrive, everyone gets to know each other... the great thing about us getting together is no matter who joins the Crew, they are made to feel welcome. Just look at Munchie - shes part of the furniture these days... and Kriss - first time meeting us madheads in Stoke and it was like she was always part of the team! So we welcome with open arms Janette, Susie, Trish and Ashlea - the Runcorn rabble!

Question - how do you make a Strawberry Daquari without a blender or mixer?

Take your strawberries, place em in a pint glass and mash them with a fork; add copious amounts of Bacardi and Strawberry liqueur aswell as a couple of dashes of Cranberry juice and mix... take your ice cubes and bash em like mad with big wooden chopping board, then add to pint glass, cover and shake, shake, shake, shake it baby...

Talk about improvising! Thankfully they tasted deelish and the Rose wine was soon replaced by a cocktail or two ;) With Take That on the telly (on the tellllly!) we get our gladrags on, straighten our hair (thanks to GHD) and arrange a couple of Joe le' Taxis to take us to the Quayside.

With a big balloon all ready to surprise the lovely JK as Robbie, we get a wriggle on and manage to get everyone and said balloon safely into taxis.

In our little convoy, the 3 cabs arrive at the Quayside and we all jump out of the cabs. Slowly and carefully we get the balloon out - its still in one piece and we're doing well. Before we head into the pub we decide on a couple of group photos for the album, the enlarged Crew in all its pink glory assemble for roll call outside and we harrass one of the regulars to take our pics.

See if you can spot the balloon?!?!

After safely getting the balloon to the venue, in and out of the taxi without popping it, Paula takes a little hop, skip and a bump into the window that was open - the POP was sooo loud it gave us all a right fright and the balloon was no more - sob!
We then start a chant of one of Robs classic live moments - "Alcohol - yeahhhh, Drugs - boooo, Alcohol - yeahhhhh, Drugs - boooooo, Alcohol - yeahhhhhh, Drugs - booooo, Alcodrugs - AHHHHHH!" Passers by really do think the entertainment has arrived earlier and have a little chuckle with us (not at us, that would be just rude PMSL!)

We head into the Quayside, but not before we meet the lovely Claire and Norman - part of the staff. They tell us that JK has left the building to go and get some food - so we try and act discreet. (I did say try!) I don't think they realise what they've let themselves in for tonight and with smiles all round we head in and make a bee-line for the bar - well why not!

After getting a whip going and taking a list of drinks (to which the barman says we are sooo organised - I reply that we are professionals, this is the PV Crew after all!!) we get our 1st round of the night and find a table and a couple of stools. As the DJ starts playing some reet good choonage, we ditch the stools and make some serious shapes on the dancefloor. It's not even 9pm and yet you would think we were in a club!

Paula is busting some serious moves and we all get up to join her... good times..

Before JK joins the stage, theres a local band on, they're not bad at all and we get our groove on with them. Time for a few more drinks and a few more pics before the main attraction is on stage. Now... we still hadn't told our favourite Robbie Williams tribute act JK (as Robbie) that we were in the building. We were sure at this point he knew or had seen us - but who knows... The DJ introduces JK and in he bounds.... to the start of Let Me Entertain You... and jumps on top of a table right in front of us.

The next minute went something like this...

"Hell has gone and heavens here, theres nothing left for you to fear, Shake your *puzzled look* *pause**points at us in a line*..... now scream! So come on Let Meeeee Entertain You...!!

*mouths "what are you doing here?"* 

As the gig went on, JK was his normal energetic self, the atmosphere in the place was unreal. Everyone was buzzing and of course us girls in Port Vale Crew were loving it. At this point, Trish and Janette said could not believe how good he was (as they hadn't seen JK before) and Ashlea was up bouncing with us madheads at the front! It was like we had never been away!

Throughout the set, JK worked with the audience - which he always does, giving shout-outs, birthday mentions and generally skitting the blokes that were sat quietly with their pints - reluctantly present, with their other half or family! It is also really nice to say that we got a couple of shout outs too. JK always puts on a good show and we never leave disappointed, but to get a little acknowledgement for travelling to see him is also most appreciated!

Before You Know Me, Cary got a mention about being on Loose Women with her lovely wabbit ears that Rob took a shine to - of course later in the evening a lady came up to Cary and said "were you really on Loose Women?" to which Curvy replied "yes I was" and the response was dismissive "Pffft!"

Actually no love, Cary makes everything up. Tis all lies ya know! You gotta larf!

A bit of Elvis and the older part of the audience are loving it  - as are the Crew... Then a bit of schwinggggg and the Crew are up, schwinggging... good time is being had by all! The audience are lapping it up and everyone is up dancing!

As usual the end of the show comes before we know it and the Crew are disappointed as are the rest of the crowd... we give shouts for more and true Robbie style, we get a little bit more in the encore; before JK disappears off the stage for photos!

We take ourselves over the other side of the room, nearer the door and some comfy sofas.
More drink? Yes please and as th DJ cranks up the choons we create our own dancefloor and start throwing a few shapes! Mixing dance with cheese, we get busy shaking our tail-feathers! Once JK has done the rounds with everyone, he decides to join the Crew for a little catch up and a few piccies! As always he's a complete sweetheart and spends some time getting to know the enlarged Crew and new members! Telling the Runcorn Rowdy Rabble that he'll back in true Arnie style when he visits the Quayside again in December.

A few more rounds of drinks and busting of moves takes place - well the night is still young! It finally gets to kicking out time however the lovely Norman invites us for a lock in at the back back bar... JK nips off to get changed and we head round to the other bar - but not before we say our farewells to a few of the Crew. It's been a big night and a mammoth session - and some of the girls have work tomorrow which is a pity. Raiding the kitty we sort out taxi fares, lots of hugs and snogs too (no tongues mind) and its goodbye from them. Mandy heads home and arranges to leave the keys under the wheel of the car...

So round at the back back bar, we settle in with a few more bevvies. JK joins us with a few of his friends who had been at the gig and we start a huge debate on the pros and cons of the Robbie rejoining Take That which hit the news that week - gawd the House of Commons had nuffink on us. Considering Cary and I had had very little sleep, we are hanging in there and would be giving the young 'uns down boom boom street a right run for their money! Paula, Kriss and Lou are also in high spirits  too and we start a few sing songs... "King of the Bongo Bong" for Den... and "Paula in a Campervan" paying respects to the new wheels that will be occurring in Leeds! JK looking a little confuddled at our title change is given a bit of a hard time in jest "call yourself a tribute mate!!!" PMSL!

Much more chatter... Chiplash.... Welsh Pounds... Gary Barlow..... Trafford Centre Loos... Shizer - you're not German, are you.... Crackin.... Take That tour Bus.... oh too many laughs to mention. Topic of conversation never too far away from the lovely Robbie Williams! Its just after 3 and we say our goodbyes to JK, lots of hugs of course, a cpl more pics and say thanks to the guys in the pub. What a night its been. Surprises, dancing, alcohol (yeah, drugs boooo) feathers, burst balloons, and a good ol helping of the Williams choonage with some great people!

We hop in our taxi / minibus and chattering commences. How we have the energy I will never know. Then, as if by magic, She's the One comes on the radio and we're off on a sing song! Poor taxi driver. Despite the copious amounts of alcohol drunk tonight there is still enough in the kitty for a taxi. Fantastic! We get back to Munchies and head to the car to find the keys... no keys.... hmmm so with phones for torchlight we start crawling around to try and locate the keys - looked like a bunch of pink feathers casing the joint!
Cary has a brainwave to try and look round the back and we are on to a winner!
Having a debrief around the kitchen table and a quick shuftee at the pics, we giggle and talk shizer for another 20minutes before admitting defeat and hitting the hay. Another quality night.

Next morning, Munchie is up and the kettle is on, the bacon is frying and she is the hostess with the mostess... num nums bacon butties and mugs of tea. No sauce for me thou (sauce phobia pmsl!) please Mand! What a night! We hear from the new Crew members that they enjoyed the craic with the Crew and they wanna know when the next one is! Time ticks on, trains home need to be caught and one by one Mandy's house empties... this is the sad bit. Until next time though ladies :)
Paula and I are left - Cary says she will take us uptown for a Subway (official food of the PV Crew) So we head for a munch and more chat.
Theres a sign outside that says "Grants for Workers" but in her post Crew haze, Cary glances and thinks it says "Grants for Wankers" and we start to laugh hysterically. Of course no one can figure out what we are laughing at and of course a few strange looks occur. Par for the course thou, you gotta have a few random laughs to get you through the day! We nip up to the Quayside for a swift half, Claire is working and she is feeling exhausted after the previous night! One of the lads comes through the bar and sees us and mutters something about feathers - oops - apparently he had to do a bit of cleaning that morning... sorry about that.
At the bar we pull up a pew and Claire is catching up on what we thought of the previous nights entertainment. Glancing behind the bar to see what time it is, we notice that the clock is a back to front and with the lack of sleep, throw in alcohol and the giddiness of the last few days we dont need much to make us more confuddled! At that point we all look at our watches to be on the safe side and realise its time to make like a banana and split. Cary's mini mini drives itself back to the train station as we say goodbye to Paula. And then there were 2 of the Crew. Before my flight theres time for dinner back at Cary's and more chatter from last nights schnanigans! Thank you Cary (and family) for looking after me that weekend; dinner from Smilers was lovely and door to door service to the airport was fab! Much appreciated!

So that was the weekend that Runcorn got Crewed. JK was bloody brilliant as usual and no doubt we will be seeing JK again in his One Night of Robbie Williams show in the future. Surprises galore and of course lots and lots of laughs.
Here's to the next one, with some of the new Crew and more music from the lovely Robbie Williams!

Stoke gets Crewed!

I left Cork bound for my flight to Birmingham, looking forward to the weekend. Since meeting Jonny Wilkes after his show in Bristol in October, the girls and I waited patiently for news of Soccer Aid to be released into the public domain and to try and secure tickets… so as soon as I heard they were on sale, we bagged ourselves a couple on the front row. Sweet.

The girls were all en-route. If you’re meeting us for the 1st time – hellllo! We come from all over the place. To give you an idea, we are talking: London, Leeds, Norfolk, Port Talbot, Runcorn, Rutland, Stafford and finally Cork in Ireland. Meets are often difficult to arrange where everyone can go due to travel, timing, kids etc so this one was extra special as everyone would be on board the party train at some point during the weekend. So here I introduce Randy Rena, Dirty Debbss, Kinky Kriss, Lusty Lou, Pervy Paula, Shexy Shelley, Curvy Cary, Minxy Mandy and me, Scrumptious Sam.

The Meet...
Meeting at Stoke train station was a breeze. For once, trains were on time for everyone; and despite my half hour delay (cheers Aer Fungus!) I managed to get the time back somehow. Shelley, Kriss and Paula were already at the station and we said we would wait on for Louise to occur an hour later! Kriss kindly offered to give us a spin in her batmobile to the hotel, where Cary, Mandy and Rena had already landed. The George Hotel is ace. It’s like faulty towers, but it’s our Faulty Towers and we love it. There is always a warm welcome and a brekkie in the morning (juice but no glasses!) and it’s across the road from the Red Lion – a regular haunt of ours when in town.

Popping to Subway to get a sarnie (Subway – the official food of the PV Crew!) and downing a swift half passed the time… Louise was here and with a “Whatssss Occuringggg” shouted across the road we were off and on our way.

At The George, there were hugs a plenty. That’s the thing with the Crew, you wouldn’t think that we had not seen each other for the last 6 months or so. There’s never an awkward silence when the Crew are in town! Sorting the rooms, we headed upstairs to unpack. As per usual the bar was set up 1st, well it wouldn’t be a PV Crew Party without our sponsors!

Swapping gifts, hugs, and t-shirts; whilst having a cheeky drink we got into our Laydee Lympics tops and head for the Red Lion. Home colours of course - Black & Gold seeing as we are in Burslem!

Grapes for Kriss, Cary and Mandy… and Bob’s Bingo was on the cards for everyone where we were playing for the deep fat frierrrr and the sodaaaa stream! (and a few Robbie goodies of course!) Ordering a round in, we were sure to get ice in that duck! The barman thinks we are a little bit nuts! Spooky that “And Through it All” is playing on the telly so we ask the nice barman to replay the DVD and he’s happy to indulge us… I had arranged for a few Port Vale bits and bobs to be sent to the hotel from Port Vale FC (Thanks Andy in the Club Shop!) so the PV Crew could have their very own pens and badges! The whirlwind that are the PV Crew swept through the pub, and getting a few more signings on the banner we headed back to the hotel after an hour so we could get ready for our night at the theatre….! The “minibus” was collecting us at 6.15 so we had to get a move on.

Now when I say minibus that’s what I told the girls. In reality I ordered a platinum limo so we could arrive at the Regent Theatre in style, along with 2 bottles of champers to get us in the party mood! Imagine when Shelley and Kriss went outside the hotel and tried to hop in an actual minibus that was parked over the road… PMSL! Only to then see the limo at the side of the hotel… I could hear them shrieking and laughing upstairs in the room! Classic! All into our dresses, I look at my friends and see we scrubbed up really well.

So we are in the limo and on our way… I’ve Got a Feeling; that tonights gonna be a good night! Arriving at the Regent, a number of heads turned as the limo pulled up. Needless to say as us rabble piled out they realize it’s not the VIPs they thought LOL! Heading into the Regent we take a couple of pics, score a drink at the bar (4.70 for a wine – what are you thinking people?) and head in to take our seats. The place was packed and everyone was in good spirits.

As the band started, we knew we were not going to be in our seats for long… standing up, cheering, clapping, “one hand in the air-ing”, bouncing… all part of the show. Well it was for us. Paula decided to stay in the aisle seat and of course when Rudebox came on, the shoes were OFF and she was busting a move or two! 99% of the people in the theatre were up and participating – sure that’s what Rob’s music is all about! You always get the odd one though who refrains and that’s cool as long as they don’t expect us to refrain with them! If you want to read a full review of the show, check out my last post HERE!

and if you are thinking of going to see it,  DO - becauseyou won’t be disappointed.

Later than scheduled (because JK was staying up on that stage for the whole night!) we head out of the theatre and decide on our plans for the rest of the evening. Well the night was still young…

I spotted a bar across the street, tables outside and a chippy opposite. PERFECT. Chips and alcohol. Just what we needed. Heading across the street and straight for a couple of empty seats, we rested our weary tootsies and took turns to get food. Who would’ve thought a night at the theatre would have been so exhausting!

Inside we pop to get a round of drinks and we settle on a table outside to set up camp! On the table next to us, there’s a friendly looking older guy with glasses. A couple of the Crew are asking each other if it’s Pete Conway, Rob’s dad… We can’t decide and are too shy to ask directly. Yes that’s right, we are shy and retiring types us lot!

As Pete gets up to leave with his friend, who is smartly dressed in a suit, I shout “See ya Pete” down the street – at which point he turns around, looks at us and replies “I’m coming back in a minute!”
So that settles that, it’s either a guy called Pete who looks like Rob’s dad or it’s a guy called Pete who is Rob’s dad… Upon his return we found out he was the latter. And what a gentleman he was. Not wanting to intrude on his social time, we asked was it ok to chat for a while and Pete agreed. Asking us what brought us to town, we told him about the show, and about the Port Vale Crew… How we got together, why we got together, our travels etc. We said that it was his son’s fault and he laughed! Pete is happy to chat about footie, cricket, Britain’s Got Talent, Wales, Stoke and the show we had all just seen. We ask him is he off to Soccer Aid and he replies that he was going to watch it on the telly, but that Rob had been taking it seriously and has been training for 4 weeks. The following day when we saw Rob getting off the coach tanned and in great shape, we knew that Pete was telling the truth!

Pete’s friend, “Herbie” I think his name was, was also a gent. He soon got into the swing of things with the Crew and was a right larf… took a bit of persuading to get him to lend Paula his jacket mind you, but eventually we were on to a winner! Pete is stood in the street at this point, and when we look up, we see JK running towards the pub from the theatre. Pete threw open his arms to gesture to JK and they gave each other a right big bear hug. Now if you hadn’t been aware of the show that night, it was a proper double take moment as from afar it looked like Pete and Rob together!

“My 2nd son” Pete says to JK and everybody laughs. At this point the pub is pretty crowded and a good time is being had by all! It’s been roughly 2 hours since the show, and there’s a great buzz around. Pete is still there chatting away and Herbie is getting to know the crew better too. We stop to chat to a Police Sergeant patrolling the area and nab him for a quick photo… ‘ello ‘ello ‘ello what do we have here?!? Thankfully he didn’t arrest us; well we are good girls, honest!
Pete and Herbie say their goodbyes but not before posing for a couple of pics with us lot. It was really lovely to meet them both and a pair of gents they were… The pub was closing, but in true PV Crew form we scored a lock in and headed inside with JK, the band, and some friends of the group. Sitting round the table, we reviewed the evening’s antics so far, chattering about the show and laughing at what had just happened outside. Lots of cameras around snapping pics, JK settled in for a few snaps too… Rosie and Jim… Hear the Drummer get Wicked… too many laughs to mention.
Calling it a night just after 3, a minibus was ordered to take us back to The George… where upon arrival a couple of us think that Cocksucking Cowboys were in order and carried on with a few shots before hitting the hay. Just another ordinary Saturday night in Stoke for the girls!

JK as Robbie with the PV CREW!

Well what a weekend it was! The PV Crew were in town and what fun we had...
Headed to the Regent Theatre, Stoke on Saturday to see JK as Robbie on Saturday and then to Old Trafford in Manchester on Sunday to see Soccer Aid

FANTASTIC WEEKEND!
Full report to follow, but for now I'd like to share a review I did of the theatre show... One Night of Robbie... If you get a chance to see it you should, the whole evening was a really enjoyable!


Review – One Night of Robbie Williams. Regent Theatre, Stoke. 5th June 2010.

When my friends and I booked “One Night of Robbie Williams” at the Regent Theatre, Stoke were we a little unsure of what to expect. A Robbie tribute… at the theatre? Having seen JK perform at a Christmas Party Night in a hotel last year, we knew that the guy could sing and move – but how was that one man show going to migrate to the big stage?
In the lobby before the show, other patrons were just as curious about what was going to happen during the next 2 hours as we were. After about 45 seconds of the show, our curiosity was quashed as it was blatantly obvious what was going to happen… we were about to have a feast of Robbiness bestowed upon us and be well and truly entertained!

As the band started up with “Let Me Entertain You” and the stage became visible you could clearly see that this was no ordinary “tribute show” and looking down at my ticket I was reminded that this was “An International Stage Show”. This introduction was not selling the show short.

The backdrop had been carefully chosen to reflect the pinnacle of Robbie’s live career – Knebworth – and for JK you could see this night meant as much to him as that did to Rob. With a blast of fireworks, strobe lighting effects and some carefully timed visuals on the big screen above JK and his band; the audience looked in amazement to see that every attention to detail had been covered!

“Good Evening Stoke on Trent!” JK cheered. Around me, I could see that 3 minutes into the show the whole theatre were on their feet. All 1200 of them. Clapping, chanting and bouncing along to Let Me Entertain You as if their lives depended on it! Like Robbie, JK had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand.

Moving through the show, the cream of Robbie’s career had been carefully chosen, to be recreated as a celebration of his music. Old and new hits were belted out, with the charisma and charm that fans of Robbie know and love. From the new album, we were treated to Bodies, Morning Sun and You Know Me… where JK referenced Robbie’s memorable appearance on Loose Women. The opening to “Bodies” was as I remember it; from being in the Roundhouse that night at Electric Proms – the band totally together and the 3 backing singers made sure that the “Bodies” and the “Look good naked-s” were note perfect! However…it wouldn’t be a Robbie gig without the obligatory forgetting the odd word or two, and during “Morning Sun”, the audience were more than happy to help JK out as he fluffed one of the lines! “That’s our Rob!” I heard someone next to me say – showing that even a minor faux pas are all part of an evening with Robbie Williams!

If you have been to a Robbie concert, you will know that Rob loves a bit of audience participation and JK was no different. Reminiscing back to the time when I saw Rob in Leeds, “Strong” was greeted by the audience in the very same way! Looking up at the big screen, we could see the words projected for the theatre to join in this big karaoke session – and they did with gusto!
Judging by the expression on JK’s face throughout, he was enjoying every second and at one point later in the show, he asked staff to throw on the house lights so he could see everybody! A sight for sore eyes; JK beamed with delight as 1200 people smiled back at him! Cheeky banter spattered the show; the “gift of eloquence” is certainly part of JK’s DNA. It was as if he had just kissed the Blarney Stone!

Now I’m no seasoned theatre-goer, but have been lucky enough to see a number of amateur shows locally, musicals in regional theatres and a few massive productions on both the West End & Broadway. Throughout all of these, there is one thing in common… you can always tell how the show is being received by the gossip in the “facilities” in the interval! This show was no different. People of all ages were spilling over to talk about the last hour…

“Amazing! He’s just too good” and “I can’t believe he sounds just like him” could be overheard.
“I only came to bring my mum for her birthday, but I’m so glad I did” chirped another.
“Are you sure he’s just a tribute?” another man questioned as he headed back to his seat.
“I wonder when he’s coming back here?” asked another lady….

So far, all was good at the Regent – but little did we know what was in store for us in the second half…
After the interval, JK rejoined us in a dapper suit and a grand piano was centre stage… you knew it was Swing Time! The screen above beamed out “One Night of Robbie Williams recreating Live at the Albert Hall” and true to form, it was certainly recreated. Classics like Mr Bojangles, Things and My Way were delivered with identical style and character that only Robbie can add to these classic tracks. Joined by one of his female singers (from Stoke of course!) for “Things”, JK took front of stage and told us the same cute and romantic story through the performance of Things; that we saw Rob do with Jane Horrocks at the Albert Hall. As the band started to play the first few bars of My Way, we were graced with shots of the original showman himself, Mr Frank Sinatra, adding to the ambiance and atmosphere that was already in the building at that point.

Other highlights of the show (in no particular order) included a local dance troupe break-dancing to “Rudebox” – a tribute to Rob’s local footie team, they were all dressed in Port Vale FC strip…

“Back for Good” – the moshing version. Some of the audience dressed up for a demure night at the theatre; were bouncing around as if at Glastonbury in a muddy field! Others had glow sticks that were cast aloft high into the air in time with the frantic drum beats.

“Kids” – with not 1 but 3 Kylies! Joined by the girls, the trained eye could see that this was taken from one of Kylie’s live shows… where she is Rob-less! JK certainly has his Kylies with him this night!

“Better Man” – not an easy song to sing; and not often performed in live shows; but delivered perfectly and with true emotion.

And we knew when the screen above displayed the “twinkly-twinkly stars” that “Millennium” was on the cards. All around the theatre, the audience stood up and joined in to show JK their best twinkly twinkly fingers!

Other Robbie favourites like Feel, Come Undone and Rock DJ were not forgotten and the crowd reciprocated the energy of each performance by getting on their feet & clapping every single time! JK said he had waited 5 years to play Stoke-on-Trent and it was obvious that he did not want to end this performance prematurely. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was past the 10pm time slot as stated on the ticket. Other patrons commented that they were having such a good time; they didn’t even notice it passing them by.
As the evening drew to a close (and half an hour later than scheduled), the stage went dark and projected into the theatre was a beautiful and emotional clip, showing children and parents whose lives had been enriched by the Donna Louise Trust Hospice in local Trentham.

“Hello, I’m Robbie Williams” boomed out of the PA, and we were in no doubt that this was actually Rob on the voice over. He was “here” to deliver a powerful message about the charity of which he is a patron. As JK came back onto the stage, he delivered a bit of a shock to all in the crowd – one of which was Pete Conway, Rob’s dad - who was there to see the show that night. “As a tribute to the fantastic work that is carried out at the hospice, JK would like to donate 2000pounds to the charity.” The audience were on their feet, to deliver a well deserved standing ovation. There were shocked gasps and a few watery eyes in the crowd. JK and his band then went on to close with Angels, dedicating it to the charity; at which point there was not a dry eye in the house.

The show was over. As people were leaving the chatter was on top note. Compliments could be heard in the lobby about the costumes, the dancing, the band, the visuals and the fitting ending to the night… but most of all, 2 letters could be heard - JK… Stoke’s new adopted son!
To quote a well known ad campaign, Carlsberg don’t do tribute stage shows… but if they did it would be this one. Bravo.