Audience Reviews - please email me with yours plus any photos you might have!!

New Audience reviews page of 2008 - (reviews from 2007 found here)

Brenda went on the 28th June with her daughter Stefanie, Suex and Steph's friend Sam

We got the 7am train from Wigan to London so that we could make the most the the day and so my daughter Stephanie and her friend Sam could go shopping before the show.

We arrived in London at 10am, went to Oxford Circus where we left the girls and arranged to meet at 2.30 (if not before at the stage door!). . Suex and I went to Café Nero for breakfast – it was already sunny and warm and we sat outside.  Sue had her technicoloured umbrella with her just in case!! We did a spot of shopping before setting off to Covent Garden for a wander and a coffee.  Sue suggested instead that we go to Royal Opera House Terrace, to have a glass of champagne, not quite the mornin’ though.  I said ok as long as we can drink it slowly! So we went to the Terrace, where we had our photo taken – and I suddenly said “come on Sue, drink up, we need to get to the stage door” – so no sipping afterall, but LEEitis had set in – didn’t want to have been in London since 10am then miss him.

                                                                           Suex                   Brenda

 So off we went to the stage door – where we met a few people including Pipz, Jules, Kazzer, Diane and Hezzy.  There were some other people waiting, lovelees I think, and some over the road. This was 1pm, and it was really hot. Florida Hippy had been there since 11am.  We chatted to everyone, and moved nearer to the stage door to get out of the sun.  Sue was checking one way and I, the other so that we didn’t miss Lee approaching. Then Stephanie and Sam turned up around 1.45 -  I was trying to get a photo out for them to get signed and all of a sudden, without warning, Lee was beside us.  Sue was holding her Perspex photo holder with photo on top when Lee said “Hi do you want me to sign that?”  She held it out to him and moved out of the crowd once he signed it.  LEEitis set in with Sue as she was supposed to pass the Perspex holder to me for Lee to lean on to sign my photo – mine was one taken of him autographing my Anniversary card from 9^th – anyway he just had to sign it leaning on my hand (aah) – it was all very busy so don’t think he recognised what he was signing and I didn’t speak to him about it as I was aware Pipz wanted to show him her class project and other had been waiting there much longer than we had.  So I took a few photos and in no time at all he had gone.  Noticed on a thread that Sarah said she was there with her daughter, but I didn’t see her  -  I was in the Lee zone – LEEitis struck again – one minute I was speaking a load of rubbish, and telling Sue to ignore everything I was saying until we left the stage door, and the next minute couldn’t talk to anyone, and not aware who was around until I saw the photos!!

 We waited for a while longer,  to see if we could see Dean with his new hairdo - Stephanie and Sam went and sat on the kerb opposite the stage door.  We chatted to Tom – he was in and out, having a smoke, the last time wearing his wig and head gear!  We were also pleased to see Abs turn up then, and managed a brief chat. Stephanie and Sam said someone was leaning out of a window – didn’t take much notice of this at the time, but once they had seen the show, they realised it was Dean. He must have sneaked in another way as we waited until 2.45 then left – leaving Pipz and Jules to wait.  

 Anyway the show was lively – lot of clapping at the start while the band was playing. Also clapping from the audience during some of the numbers in the show.  And some “whooping” from a few members of the audience at key moments!!!

 Felt Lee’s voice was really strong,  the best I had heard for a while. He was stunning during CED and I’ve never seen as much sweat on one body – front and back!!   Dean was outstanding and Jenna also was belting her songs out.  During the part where Joseph shouts “No No No” when the brothers are leaving Egypt, Jenna was louder than usual, she seemed louder than Lee here.  Caanan days was brilliant, the brothers seemed to put their all into it.  They were really lively.   So really enjoyed the show.  And too soon, as usual, it was all over.

 Managed to get the prime spot in the scrum, we were all in a line, me, Steph, Sam and Suex.  We weren’t allowed to stand at the bottom of the step, the rope was a few feet back, and when Lee was nearly ready to come out, Del let the children come under it which was really good as they weren’t too tall!! But there was one lady who lit a cigarette in the scrum and pushed in front of Sue instead of letting the children through – until she shamed her into it.  Sue managed to tell a few people in the scrum about the LMAS site so we might see a few newbies soon.  We saw Abs in the scrum and Kazzer and Hezzy – didn’t manage to speak to them as my only focus was to watch that door for Lee to appear.  Then there he was.  Sam had decided that she would say to him “You’re hot, sign this” but all of a sudden instead of just his eyes looking up as he moved along signing, he actually put his head up, saw the two girls and said “hello girls, did you enjoy the show” – they were both really shocked and I think Sam forgot what she was going to say – but they both got their pics signed. I told them he was happy to see girls over 10 years old and under 40!  He really tried to sign for all the kids then they moved away and it was our turn!  He signed Sue’s fan then signed a picture for me as I said “Lee, you were fabulous tonight”, he said “thanks” then I said “have you had chance to have a good look at the scrapbook yet” and he said “yes”, he moved on then looked back (with slight recognition!!) and said “yes, it’s amazing, thank you”. I held out my cd of Three and Out which he signed – then I moved out of the way to let others in. I bottled out of telling him that it was Steph’s 18^th birthday present (decided I didn’t want him to feel obliged to make any comment or expect him to give her a kiss or a hug!!)

Check out all my scrum photos in latest news!!

The girls were really chuffed that he had spoken to them.  They thought the show was brilliant, they loved Lee in it and loved Dean as pharaoh.  However, sadly we are still minus 2 loppies  - they think Sue and I are just sad middle aged women – especially when we were talking of when our next “fix” would be.  Steph had known about the THUDS but when we pinned the LMAS badges on she just said “not badges as well” – at least they walked alongside us and weren’t ashamed to be seen with us!!

We rushed off then to get the 6.25 train from St Pancras, which we just managed to do with 2 minutes to spare.  Steph and Sam tried to sleep and Sue and I just relived the day for the next 3 hours, and checked our photos every half hour!!! 

                                                   Stephanie                                      Sam

Then here we are again, Sunday – and it all seems like a very nice dream.

Thank you Suex for coming with us – it was a brilliant day.

Kerry's Up Close and Personal (and an over the moon mum!!)

Note to self : Wednesday, 2^nd July, 2008 , Mission to try and satisfy Kerry’s obsession to have her picture taken with Lee Mead.  3 Failed attempts so far, must not get her hopes up and will try hard not to think about it myself!!

Cloud9, that’s where Kerry currently is!  After a 2 and a half hour trip up from Devon, a 30 minute taxi ride to stage door in maiden lane, a further wait at stage door of 1 hour and 45 minutes, THE TIME HAD COME!!

 Lee turned the corner and it was just like we were on a starting block, Kerry was off down the road, beaming!!!  Why are children more relaxed than us, I was a nervous wreck!!  I told him how long she had waited to see him, he said ‘how sweet’ and gave her one of those smiles, he told her he liked her t-shirt and asked where she had come from and was she coming to the show?  She answered all his questions and then asked for a picture, which being the lovely man he is, his arm was straight around her, saying look at mum’s camera then!

A very excited Kerry sat adoringly through the show and as soon as the curtains went down, I just heard “Mum, run quickly, scrum”. We took up position by some lovely loppies we had met earlier.  The best was yet to come!  He signed her programme, then came back to talk to her, her new loppy friends said ‘ Ahh, give her a kiss Lee, he asked her first if she wanted one, to which she replied, yes, so he leant down and kissed her,  no photographic evidence, as I was stood mouth open, catching flies at that moment. (Also, one of the loppies who asked, who was stood beside Kerry got one as well!!!  Two very lucky ladies).

Kay went to the show on June 17th - a belated review!

Was in London that day and due to be meeting a friend in the evening - but she had to cancel - so...nothing for it but to hotfoot it to the Adelphi and see if there were any decent seats left - D19 - wow, what a seat!  (question for some of the regulars - am I right in thinking that there are now plenty of seats available at the last minute, at least from Mon to Thurs? - the theatre was almost, but certainly not completely, full).
 
First thing I did was to look out for Thud t-shirts, LMAS badges or familiar faces - didn't see any so have to assume there were no Loppies there that night?  Although the girl next to me was breathing quite heavily in places......!
 
It was a fantastic audience - the best I've ever been part of - they made noise in all the right places, were quiet in all the right places and were up on their feet (me included obviously) for the whole of the Mega Mix.  I see now what the rest of you mean about how the audience inspires the cast - they WERE completely inspired.  Dean was as always hilarious - the new cast members seem to me to be as good if not better than the ones who have left - and there seemed to be extra bits in Lee's acting - especially in the Mrs Potiphar scene.  Lee acted his socks off and was hilarious.  And as for his singing.....words almost fail me.  He is just fantastic.  He starts well and ends absolutely brilliantly.  A bit like a good dinner party - nice starter, very nice main course and absolutely amazing dessert!  I remember him being the same in ADWD - always a measured start and a brilliant finish.  My favourites were, as always, the first Close Every Door and the second Any Dream Will Do - singing to Jacob.  He really does them both superbly.  No point in saying to all of you - the converted - that he looked TOTALLY gorgeous and reacted to the enthusiastic audience with equal enthusiasm - as the curtains closed for the final time, he did a little kick with his foot and put his hands up in delight at the reaction - so sweet.
 
During the interval I got talking to an American lady in the queue for the loo - she was loving it and I asked her what she thought of Lee.  She said he was "wonderful".  Only then did I tell her how he'd got the part - she was really interested - and said "well no wonder he's getting this sort of reaction - but he deserves it" Felt proud on his behalf!! 
 
Everyone was buzzing as we left and I headed for the scrum.  I've already been lucky enough to be at the front of the scrum on another occasion and have had that moment (which probably many of you have had) when I told Lee the show was brilliant and he heard me and looked straight at me and said "Yes?  You enjoyed it?" and WAITED for my reply whilst looking straight at me.  You feel for those couple of seconds that your answer is really important to him - mine was of course incoherent but I still thud at the memory.  So - this time I thought I'd just watch from the back.  I took several photos but only one was any good - I've sent it to Kirsten (check out June photos!).  He was slightly subdued in the scrum as things were getting a bit out of hand and Howard and co had to shout a bit to keep it under control.  But of course he handled it brilliantly, talked to people and signed as much as he possibly could. 
 
So - drifted home on Cloud 9 as usual - hope you enjoyed the review and I didn't go on too much.  It's hard not to get carried away once you start, isn't it?!
 
Kay 

Karen C had two visits to see Jo and West End Live! 

Joseph Thursday 19^th June 08 and West End Live 21 June 08

I had a day off from work on Thursday for a bit of retail therapy with my mum combined with a trip to Jo in the evening. Walked the length and breadth of Oxford street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester square and the only thing a got was a T - shirt! and sore feet.

However my day was made on the way back, as we headed towards Charing Cross who should be striding up the road towards us? ….LEE!!  I looked at my mum who was oblivious to him, so I had a THUD moment to myself while he walked past very fast. When I told her that Lee had just gone past she was really annoyed with me for not having told her sooner, as she would have liked to have said hello and tell him we were going to the show. Mum, for the second time and me for the millionth! Slight exaggeration, can you imagine how embarrassing that would have been? Glad I kept quiet. Sorry mum!!  I think Lee was trying to be incognito wearing his beanie hat and his shades, but it didn’t work because I clocked him. He looked like he was in a hurry and it wasn’t fair want to bother him.

Then on to the show which was as good as always. The only differences to normal being: 2 of the brothers played tennis with the goats’ legs during the ‘Poor Poor Joseph’ scene and Lee managed to break the golden cup …again. I got a fit of the giggles as it was the first time I had witnessed that. This time the stem broke and lee pulled a few funny faces while holding the two halves and the audience laughed.

Didn’t do the scrum, as it had been a long day and limbs were aching.

 On to Saturday………

Dragged myself out of bed at 6:00am, looked at the rain and wondered if I was mad to be traipsing up to London in the wet.  I got to Leicester square at 9:00am and was surprised that a queue had already formed. Met up with Anne, Trish, Danni and RoRo (apologies if I have missed anyone out) People that had been there since 4:00am (not Loppies but Wicked fans), that’s dedication for you.  The atmosphere was really friendly and when they let the audience into the park area we managed to get a good spot close to the front of the stage near the middle.

 Christopher Biggins introduced the Acts beginning with The jersey Boys who were really good. We waited patiently through the other Acts, some were good some not so good, until 1:45 when Lee appeared in his coat of many colours with the Joseph Choir. He was given a tremendous welcome by the whole audience. The loudest so far!

When he sang 'Any Dream will do' he asked the audience to join in if they knew the words. So there I was having a good sing-along when Lee looked straight at me and smiled. For a moment he was singing to me and I to him LOL Then a thud moment while we stood and watched him remove his coat so that he was wearing his white t- shirt and white jeans. Phwoar! He finished with ‘Close Every Door’ and got a rapturous applause at the end! He asked the audience to thank the choir and said that he thought they had been a bit nervous.

After Lee's performance we hot footed it back to the Adelphi in time for the matinee performance. Brilliant as usual, the couple sitting along side me thought Lee was wonderful and said it was a fantastic show!

 Scrum was manic but saw a few familiar faces including Angela and her daughter.

All in all I had a great two days. Thank you Lee!!

 Emma and her mum had a fab day on 4th June!

Me and my mum set off bright and early to catch the train to London Euston from Crewe in Cheshire .

As we approached the theatre crowds of people were waiting to get in and inside you couldn’t move for people . I decided I wanted a souvenir so bought one of the big brochures with some really nice photos in it. The lights went down and they announced that Fiona Reyes was the narrator and I was praying that Lee was in the show. the show was amazing I had already seen it but with Lewis Bradley in it.

Lee's voice was a bit quiet in places think he was suffering with a cold .. also Dean's Collison’s voice wasn’t as good as the last time I saw him , although maybe being a matinee they weren’t going to strain their voices.

Waited outside for Lee afterwards and sure enough he came outside. Something that did make me laugh was one of the men acting as a body guard joked with us asking if we wanted Lee in his loin cloth ! We screamed yes please but he didn’t ! He did look lovely though. He handed some signed pics and also signed my brochure which made my day Both me and my mum enjoyed it I cant wait now for October 18th to have a Lee filled weekend!!!

Ruth*** and Laura only just made it to the show on the 27th!! but then got a bonus Lee sighting!! Read all about it here....

Ok, so here is a brief summary of mine and Laura's long awaited trip to the Adelphi on 27 May 2008!

Early start for me as I was travelling from Manchester to Sheffield to meet up with Laura and go down to London together.  We booked our tickets for 27 May way way back (he he) in December so as you can imagine, we were looking forward to it!

 Met Laura at Sheffield station and after a coffee, we got on our train and were due to arrive in London at 1:45pm giving us plenty of time to get ready and go for a wonder and something to eat before the show.  After getting a seat we settled down for the journey and inevitably the conversation was largely dominated by a certain curly haired bloke by the name of Lee Mead.  As we approached Derby station, disaster struck!!!!!!!  A signal failure meant all trains to and from London were cancelled and we were told we would have to get a coach to Leicester where we would continue the journey.  So we waited at the front of Derby station for 1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES!!!!!  What a nightmare - all our free time was ebbing away!  After much chaos, a few slices of cold pizza and a crammed train at Leicester, we arrived in London at 5pm!!!!  Cue the manic rush to the hotel, the fastest ever change of clothes and application of make up - we arrived at the Adelphi at 6:45pm!!!!  So much for a few pre-show drinks and something to eat!

 The show was incredible.  As everyone who has been this week has said, the entire cast are something else at the moment.  The energy coming from those guys was incredible.  Loads and loads of ad-libs, general hilarity and Lee was perfect vocally.  Having seen the show a few times I can honestly say I think it was the best I have seen, no one put a foot wrong.  The man sitting next to us said before the show started 'I apologise if you can hear my children singing along' to which we replied with a great deal of laughter, 'no need to worry about that, we will also be singing along and probably dancing a bit too!' to which the guy started laughing, clearly not realising just how serious we were!

 We were the first on our feet for the mega-mix despite it being ridiculously hot in the theatre we sang and danced our way through the mega mix (by which time the guy next to us was beginning to understand that we are 2 hysterical 20-odd year old women who know all the words to the entire show!) and the cast got a full standing ovation which was thoroughly deserved.  Incredible show and the atmosphere that will take some beating. 

Made our way outside for the scrum and got near the front which was great.  Lee signed our album covers for us and asked the usual questions like where did you come from, did you enjoy the show etc.  I was in charge of photos and Laura was in charge of autographs and we did pretty well between us!  Laura got a great video but in the excitement afterwards, it appears we have deleted it!  Oooops!  Whilst Lee was talking to us, Laura said 'wish Denise a happy birthday from all the loppies' to which Lee replied 'Yep I will' and gave us a wink!  Swoon!

 After the excitement we decided to go to the tequila bar on Maiden Lane for some cocktails as we hadn't had time to do anything before the show.  Whilst sipping our way through the menu, we saw Denise arrive at the stage door with a friend and go inside.  Much later, must have been about 11:45ish we had moved to another bar up Maiden Lane to sample its selection of cocktails (can you see a theme here!) and just as we were chatting, we saw Lee and Denise arrive back at the stage door, nip inside and them came out with loads of bags of shopping and head off in taxi!  Awww so sweet!  Both looking very gorgeous despite the rain as the heavens had opened by this time. 

 Funnily enough, we had a problem free journey home yesterday (just our luck) but we managed to have an awesome time despite East Midlands Rail's best attempts to stop our fun!   Well worth the wait and a great time was had by all and we have added some photos to share with you guys. 

 Ruth*** & Laura

I (Kirsten!) went to the evening show on May 17th and it turned out to be VERY different!!!!!

I took my friend Mandy to this performance. She had never been before but she doesn’t meet any of the criteria for a Loppy, so only mild excitment coming from her!!

I have sat both in the Upper Circle and the stalls (Row A,  L and even Row R) before; these seats were dress circle Row D and probably I would say that they were the best. Ok, you are not right close to the boy, but the view is perfect for everything, especially the cherry picker.

The show started normally (not writing about my emotions here, been there done that!) and when Lee appeared, he floated down and just as he was about to sing the first line of ADWD somebody in the audience gave an almighty wolf-whistle! This made the audience laugh and Lee grinned madly before singing “I closed my eyes....”! Good start!!

We reached the scene where the brothers have just told Jacob that Joseph is dead and they have sung “one more angel in heaven”, and Jacob is led out through the door at the back of the set. At this point, normally, a brother lifts Jacob’s chair on to the revolve and it moves away to allow the brothers to “hee ha” and start the dance routine with the wives. I noticed the chair didn’t move and I guess the cast all realised as they held the positions before the” hee ha”, and just stayed there. The curtain came down, the lights came on and the announcement was made that the show had to be stopped due to a technical problem.

I texted Brenda and Karen P at this point.

10 minutes and another announcement was made, saying that the technical problem still hadn’t been resolved. This time the girl announcer was obviously trying to stifle a laugh as she made the announcement, so it came out very strangely, but this made the audience laugh.

Another 10 minutes and another announcement to say the show was re-starting. Everyone cheered and clapped.

The curtain came up to see all the brothers an wives in the positions we left them, the brother “hee hahed” and we were off!!

Everything seemed fine until that song ended and the next scene is Joseph being dragged to Egypt, but not by a singing camel with a singing snake behind him!!! Lee walked in tied to an Ishmaelite (who I think was a woman but had her face covered by a scarf). When this Ishmaelite sang the camels line (same voice as the camel) Lee dropped to his knees and the Ishmaelite took on a mocking role. She still burped in the face of Jenna! The Ismaelite walked all around Lee and then sang the snakes’ line,” poor poor Joseph.......” etc. Lee then stood up and made it appear that he was being dragged through the set doorway.

No laughs at all in this scene like there usually is.

Next we get to the Potiphar scene. When Mrs Potiphar and co showed up on the bed at the back of the stage all seemed ok, but then the bed did not move forward at all!! They all got off it and walked/slinked/danced to the front of the stage.

No bed for Lee to be chased round, so they were all just running round the empty stage and then Lee was literally pushed to the floor in the middle and all the ladies and men fell around him, pawing at him.

When Potiphar shouted “Joseph, you can rot in hell....” Lee jumped up on to his knees and pulled a shock/horror face. This was even funnier than when it’s done on the bed as everybody else was at floor level, laying down and Lee popped up suddenly like a Meerkat.The audience laughed at this.

Lee was pushed to the side of the stage for the start of CED, and Potiphar, wife and tribe all walked/slinked/danced back to the bed at the back of the stage and waited for the scenery to close in front of them.

 Everything after that was then normal but obviously I started thinking by the interval that if the bed couldn’t move forward, then maybe the chariot won’t in the second half. However, they had mended everything in the interval and the second half was ‘all present and correct’.

Just a few things to note in the second half:

Dean wasn’t limping but he didn’t climb the stairs with Joseph as he normally does.

Even more new ad-libbing from Dean that wasn’t there in the previous show I had been to, which was only 3 weeks before. He called Joseph a “devil in disguise”.

And Lee missed his cue slightly in the song he sings when the brothers come looking for food and he’s saying that they could be spies. The line he sings he had to sing fast to catch up with where he should have been in the song.

 The scrum was the best I have been to and for once I made the right decision to film instead of take photos!!! Lots of kisses asked for and given out and I managed to catch a lovely moment when a lady tells Lee that she was proposed to that night, in the Adelphi, by her boyfriend who was also there, but the other end of the scrum to her. Lee’s reaction is just priceless, and I captured it all!!! Yay!! Look for the link on ‘latest news’ , if you haven’t seen it yet!!

 Kirsten xxx

Chantale and her friend Carole went to see the show on 13th May and met Abs, Ringer and Carys!!

We arrived my friend Carole and I at about 6.30 at the theatre, took our seats and looked for loppies that I knew would be there and Carys was sitting 2 seats away from us on the next row back. We talked Lee until the show started also gave me a little present for me to treasure.

 Well at last my long awaited return arrived. Jenna came on and I took to her straight away; much more communicative I found than Preeya. then my magical journey started all over again ! HE came on and oh boy, I still have tears in my eyes, silly as I am. He was brilliant. I know that in CED he had a bit of a strain but he was still magical. The whole cast were terrific I loved Nathalien in the role of Judah and the megamix, oh boy oh boy! it was electric. I think it was the best of the 3 I have seen. My hands are still hurting. Lee had an ovation , then it all came to an end sadly. We went out, met other loppies, stage loppies, and Diana, and waited for GO to come out.  He did look when I asked him if how he was. He said much better thank you. I hope he gets back to his 100% self soon he must have had a very bad chest and throat infection this time and probably needed a few more days, but Lee is such a trouper that he would hate to let his public down.

Abs

                                             Abs2512           Ringer              Chantale                   Carys

The next day as we stayed in the same hotel as Carys she joined us for breakfast then we met again with Ringer we went our separate ways to meet up again at lunchtime , which alas we missed as my friend was anxious not to miss the train back to Cornwall so I never got to meet Shirley. Hey great excuse to go again!

                                                         Chantale       Carole                      Carys

We came back on cloud nine. Carole phoned me this evening missing the show already as she phoned I could hear Lee's dulcet tones in the background...!!!!

Another fan created hooray

 My only regret is that I did not take more photos of GO when he came out.

 xxx Chantale

Kazzer and her son met Lee at the stage door twice in early April; wow!!! two truly special moments!

5^th and 9^th April 2008

Down south with Alex for the Easter holidays, so got to go to see Joseph twice!

5^TH April 2008

We were waiting at the stage door, with some of the other LoveLees.

Lee arrived really early. I think it was just before 12.00. I was chatting and had my back to him. Rachey said "There's Lee" and I turned round and he was standing right beside me. He was looking gorgeous in his beanie hat and black coat. "LEEEEEEE!!!!!!" I exclaimed..... It was all I could think up at the time.

"Hi girls" he said grinning......"are you seeing the show today?" "OH YES" we all exclaimed!

"Er....Lee, We've got you a little present I said" handing it to him still a bit incapable of coherent speach. I'd meant to give it to Alex to give him, but I got a bit flustered. "Awwww thanks" he said. "It's a sheep" I said. "Ahhhhh" he said "is that from you" he said to Alex. Alex nodded, as he also seemed to be unable to speak, bless!!!. "I like your T-shirts" Lee said to Alex and looking at me. "Thanks" I said. “I’ve done matching team LoveLee t-shirts today" and I gave him a bit of a flash of mine! "Actually would you be kind enough to sign them for us and could we possibly have a photo? "Sure" he said. (I'd made white t-shirts with black LoveLee/Jr. LoveLee lettering and a pic of Lee singing PIB from SCD).

So yeah!!! We've got Lee Mead signed T-shirts. Signed while we were wearing them...Oh My!!!!. And I got a loveLee snuggLee hug with him to have our photo taken. I did have to apologise to him for giving him a bit of a squeeze, but he didn't seem to mind and laughed and squeezed me to him a bit harder in return.  No wonder I’m grinning like an idiot!

Thanks to Rachey for capturing the moment for me on my camera!

9^th April 2008
Back down to London for the Matinee with Alex.
I was on a bit of a mission to try and get a Birthday card signed for one of the LoveLee’s.

Janet H was at the Adelphi with her daughter and husband on the 29th April; and there was a kiss!!! Read all about it here............

After what seemed an endless countdown, the day finally arrived and we made our trip from the Isle of Wight to the Adelphi to see the show for the second time. We had row D stalls and I couldn't believe how close we were. Last time we had seen Preeya as the narrator, but tonight it was Jenna and we thought she was fantastic. Unfortunately Dean was not playing Pharoah which was a shame as I think he is fabulous, but I must admit that Paul Basleigh was great and had a superb voice. I love all of the brothers but was really impressed by Craig Scott and James Bisp. As for the man himself....WOW.. he was incredible, even better than I had remembered and the megawatt smile, it just makes you melt. CED was so powerful and during the reunion scene with Jacob you could have heard a pin drop, it was perfection. The show whizzed by and you just wish it would go on forever.

Thanks to Abs and Tricia, we managed to get a great spot in the scrum and my daughter Anna got right to the front. It was very civilised and we managed to have a chat with Abs and Tricia and a bit of banter with the security guard whilst we waited. Then when Lee appeared I was amazed how gorgeous he is close up. I managed to get my CD cover signed and think I managed to smile and say hello. Then he worked further along the line towards Anna, who had made a card for Lee and as she handed it to him, he said thank you and bent down and gave her a kiss!!!! I was utterly amazed and as those of you who saw the picture that Abs posted on the forum could tell, I couldn't believe that she had been so lucky. He then proceeded to tell everyone that she had given him a love letter ! She hasn't stopped talking about it yet (neither have I) and it made our trip so special. He was so lovely with the crowd and seemed to have a smile for everyone. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.

We stayed in a hotel overnight and Wednesday turned out to be very wet and cold, so in my opinion there is only one place you should be in those circumstances.... the Adelphi! OH was surprisingly keen too as he had really enjoyed the show and we managed to get good seats again for the matinee. Won't review that show as well, all I can say is that it was superb and you would never have guessed that he was infact suffering from bronchitis and a leg injury. Lee you are a superstar !!!!!!

Karen saw the show on Thursday 24th April; seems like there was an extra special atmosphere that evening!

Very excited about seeing Lee and show again!! Met up with abs, Smittenbylee and Karen C, decided to grab something to eat before show!!
As we walked into the theatre we were all feeling excited, hearts 'thudding' !! When we got through the stalls doors and realised just how close (even in row E) we'd be I think we were all shaking!!
 
Took our seats and waited for those notes.....
 
Fiona was narrator and was brilliant. Then, the dry ice......
 
LEE!!!! Huge cheers, whoops, clapping greeted him, he gave that lovely, delicious smile and looked so pleased at the response!
 
I shan't go into detail over all the scenes etc. they were all faultless!
 
As previously posted - the show and Lee were PHENOMENAL!!!! Yes, I know we're biased but abs (that well known veteran (not in age! LOL!) of the show!) said she felt that it was the best she'd been to!!!
The interaction was amazing and the atmosphere - words fail me.
The Pharoah scene - Dean extraordinary -abs has already mentioned the adlibbing re: 'teddy bear', it was all Lee could do not to burst out laughing! From where we (I anyway!) sat, tighty whities in evidence! Glimpses of them throughout!
 
CED - beautiful. As people have said before, you could see the sweat rolling down his chest - v.v. nice!!(understatement) 
 
I'm not going to make this a long review as the experience was so wonderful that I can't think of words to describe it! That kinda speaks for itself I guess!
Megamix - fantastic! Most of the stalls were up and joining in and the cast and Lee were really enjoying themselves.
 
All in all a truly memorable performance and night out!!!

The Giggle Sisters' (SueX and Lin) London Adventure 9^th to 13^th April (settle down with a cup of tea for a good long read!!)

 Lin and I arrived in sunny London at midday on Wednesday 9^th April. Lin  (Scotty Lin) travelling from Edinburgh; me from Liverpool. We started planning this trip in December after arranging a ticket transfer when Lee was ill with bronchitis.  Bookings being such, April was the earliest they could offer, so we decided to make the most of it; stay a few days, and cram in as much as we could! Swift check in at our hotel and we were off!  We had discussed the issue of stage dooring long and often and after much deliberation we decided to take the plunge to ask Lee to sign my thud shirt. We agreed that we wouldn’t wait if there were lots of people there. Got there just in time to see a large group of girls walking away from the stage door, we missed him! Oh well, decided it was not meant to be. We spent a few minutes chatting to Pipz and a couple of LoveLees who were waiting for other cast members to arrive. They told us that Lee had spent quite some time with everyone and seemed really happy signing and posing for pictures …….  Aaarrrggghhhh ! if only I  hadn’t started the shall-we-shan’t-we debate again as we unpacked, we would have been there. So off we trotted for a leisurely lunch and headed for the afternoon scrum where I had arranged to meet up with SarahG and her Mum. Sarah bounded out of the theatre with BIG smiles and was Buzzing from yet another fantastic show. We had a great time catching up while waiting for the GO. We had our :thud: shirts on and lots of ladies approached us to tell us they lurk on LMAS and love it but they are not the sort to post! Met lovely Ann who had come on her own and described herself as more of a lurker Loppy than a poster. And, was that you Baloo? I know I spoke to you at some point but we did 3 scrums and it’s all rather hazy. Anyway, it was nice to meet you. Lee emerged from the theatre to loud cheers and screaming girls. (I took a video, will put it on YouTube - turn down the volume if you listen to it though, it’s quite ear piercing!). Must get some lessons on screen caps as Lee looked directly into my camera and said Hello…..thud…thud….thud…..I lost the power of speech mid sentence oh help! So, with a smile and a wave he was gone and the five of us headed off to Café Nero to swoon together!

 So, to the Main Event of the day.

We had great seats in the stalls row D for the eve show. It began. How can I describe this moment? It’s a mixture of relief- Lee is performing, tension – don’t really believe I’m here and a jelly like wobblyness that starts in the toes and takes over the whole body! The show was Brilliant as usual, too much dry ice at start although no swimming required! Lee’s voice was not quite as strong as I’ve heard before but still very beautiful and emotive. I think he was protecting it, thought he may have had a bit of a throat problem.

John Alistair played Jacob and Mark Oxtoby Ruben. I really liked the way Mark delivered One More Angel – he played the it like a naughty boy, fiddling with his belt and looking all guilty as he told Jacob he now only had 11 sons.

There were a few moments that cracked up the cast. First was at the pit, something happened, I don’t know what, but giggling was evident and some of the brothers struggled for a few seconds to keep from cracking up. Second was Nat Morrison (Napthali) at the end of One more Angel when he got his foot tangled in the coat as he took it off to give to Jacob. He shook his foot, one of the wives tried to untangle it but it wouldn’t budge. Much foot shaking ensued and he had to pull his boot off a bit before it was released. He coped admirably. We were treated to a MEGA THUD moment during the prison scene. The candle flickered as Jenna passed it through the bars and it went out completely while it was sitting on the floor beside Lee. As Jenna sang “a candle was his only light” Lee looked straight out and RAISED those eyebrows to the audience. The expression on his face was priceless. I don’t know whether the laughter was louder than the gasps and thudding but it was a great moment. Interval time and we had a glass of red and a chat with Ro in the bar.  All too soon we were at the belting megamix with most of the stalls on their feet by the end. Off we headed to the scrum, it was crazy and I thought I was going to fall over at one point. I think we collapsed into our hotel that night – happy tired loppies.

We went to the Dr Who exhibition at Earls Court on Thursday morning – had a good laugh, stroked Captain Jacks Hero coat and ran away from the scary mannequins! We walked our little legs off along the embankment on Thursday afternoon and went to the Royal Opera House for the ballet in the evening dahling - Sleeping Beauty. Very nice but no LEE! Couldn’t quite get the thought that we could have seen Jo again out of my mind! Champagne Bar was delightful and we took advantage of it.

 Friday am .Vanity Fair exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery – fab photos. Met up with fellow Stage Loppies Carol and Shirley and had a wonderful time over lunch. Lin persuaded me (didn’t take much) to try to see Lee at the stage door again. So off we set and met up with Hazel (Frandlec). Again, we agreed that we wouldn’t stay if there were lots of people. Got there and it was very quiet, just two people, so we stood by the stage door and waited. Not surprisingly, we got quite giggly and increasingly excited as time went on.

And then HE appeared; striding down the road, looking very relaxed, big smile when he got closer. I stood rooted to the ground! Lin, hurriedly took my camera from me – we hadn’t discussed this bit!  A few more girls appeared from nowhere and stopped him for pics. Hazel asked him to sign a picture her grandson had drawn and he asked about it, how old was her grandson? what was his name?….. Lin by this time was giving me The Look and nudging me coz I still hadn’t moved an inch and she was waiting to take photos.  I stood clutching the shirt in one hand, pen in the other when Lee turned to me and said “Oh Hi!”  I know I said that I didn’t want to intrude on his time and that I had designed it and organised the printing and distribution and would love him to autograph it if he didn’t mind but quite what order it all came out I’m not sure.   He was delightful, smiling, he said something but I’ve no idea what it was……..….those eyes….…thud…. he tried to autograph it but the pen wouldn’t work very well and OMG he looked at me with apologetic eyes and said oh no! it won’t work very well…. Think I said that’s ok and took it back and then he asked if I wanted a picture. I, (swooning) said; are you sure you don’t mind? or maybe it was “sqkiggsle” ? :THUD: (sorry  that was me just now, not then, re-living it!!!)  “course not” said Lee and as we posed for Lin to take the pic (which she took while we were still talking – as any little sister would) he gave me a little hug! (well I thought I was imagining it but Hazel and Lin saw it and did the OMG you got a hug thing afterwards) .

All of three photos were taken during this time because for some reason – Leeitis? Lin decided to turn the camera off after each shot??? Well, we know Brain = mush in the presence of the GO, so I let her off coz I luv her dearly and she’s my bestest friend.

Now, my sister likes Lee, very occasionally posts on here, of course she voted for him but has never quite ‘got’ the total loppiness, she joins in with me etc but didn’t want a picture and was only there to………..but, wait a minute………...she suddenly thrust the camera at me and leapt to Lee’s side for a picture too.  Glazed but beaming expression on her face…..yes, she has crossed over. Being in the presence of the GO was just too much !  

Much questioning from Lee during all this.  Are you girls seeing the show tonight? (he could see we were under 27, all loppies are for those of you who don’t know) Where are you from? Are you enjoying yourselves? Bye………..nice to see you, enjoy the show…..

And in a breath he was gone! He disappeared into the backstage world of the Adelphi. We were left; shaking and staring at each other in disbelief.To say we were buzzing would be the understatement of the year! And we hadn’t even seen the show yet nor been to the scrum!!!!

Lin was unbelievable – OMG, OMG…. He’s so gorgeous. Now I know what you mean!!! Yes Ladies, this is where she crossed the line. (well who wouldn’t) Hazel was so excited too, he recognised you ! No, he couldn’t have, they agreed, yes he did – there was real recognition there. He recognised you from the scrum. And you got a hug!!! You mean I didn’t imagine it?  Rewind back to the Wednesday scrum  - I asked him if it was ok to video and he said hello to my camera. Well me behind it really …..Surely not?

 Next stop the Porterhouse for coffee and had wine, we were confused!  Then off we floated to the front of the Adelphi for our much awaited VIP transfer from December.  Knowing there would be lots of Champagne on tap as part of the package, we had invited Hazel, Anne (Abs) and Amanda (Millie Mollie) to join us as they were at the show too.  The three of us were high as kites by the time Anne and Amanda joined us. They thought we had downed a fair bit of champers already! Strangely enough we hadn’t; it was Lee love that had us floating!

Lin, Anne and I were shown to our seats in row A of the Dress Circle and I was immediately aware of the young man next to me munching away on sweeties. We’ll call him Munching Minstrel Man (MMM) Hazel and Amanda were in the stalls , we gave them a wave, they didn’t look. Think they were distracted by something?? – MMM frowned- was not impressed!

 And so it began……tension as the announcements were made,,………….., ooooh, there’s all that jelly and stuff again!………phew!  The orchestra struck up, then a big shout as the children ran into the auditorium and onto the stage……...considering this was the eighth time I had seen the show, I was still apprehensive….will he perform? Yes I’d just seen him arrive but you never know.  For me, the intensity has deepened with each show.  Butterflies …..….focus on Jenna and the children, strong performance from her, great voice……….….oh dear! Can’t keep eyes from that spot……..…there was a tangible air of anticipation all around and then HE appeared. Serene. Beautiful. Joseph.

Oh my.! Deep breaths, deep breaths….the theatre erupted with whoops and applause. Big, big smile right from the start tonight but Lee still seemed to be protecting his voice. Nevertheless, he sounded wonderful and gave a fabulous performance throughout. The whole cast was just as enthusiastic and committed to the performance. Mark played Ruben just as comically as he did on Wednesday. MMM was really bugging me and I made some obvious glances in his direction to hopefully give him the message that he was disturbing me, all amounted to nothing so when he reached for the bag as the prison bars were lowering down for CED I shifted my weight toward him and without looking at him (coz couldn’t take them off the GO)  and said “please don’t rustle your packet during this”. He passed the packet to his girlfriend without a sound. GOOD!

 We had an excellent view of the whole stage form the Dress Circle and I can report that Mrs Potiphar’s handmaidens were VERY frisky hence I am applying for a role of handmaiden.  OH! Darn it!!!! Just been told I’ve got to be able to sing, dance and drop 30 years. May have a bit of a problem there! (as I’m only 27 in Loppy years). Although there are benefits from the Dress Circle I would much rather be in the front stalls where you feel a real connection with the performers.

All too soon the megamix began and we were clapping along. To say the D/C audience was sedate would be an enormous understatement. Some were positively comatose! I didn’t feel we could stand as it would have been rude as no one behind us was up. Then what do you know? MMM turned to me and asked me to stop waving my hand in his face! Hmmmmm maybe I was clapping rather enthusiastically!!! I felt like telling him to get a life but resisted and changed the direction. We stood as the cherry picker descended and stayed on our feet for the curtain calls, slowly some people stood with us but everyone was clapping and looked happy.

Lin (baby loppy – full of new found enthusiasm) kicked into lighting mode and secured us a good spot at the front of the scrum.  There wasn’t as much pushing and shoving as we had at the wed show and it didn’t seem very long before Lee appeared looking drop dead gorgeous. Lee remembered us from the stage door and said I could send my thud to him for a ‘proper’ autograph, I went all soppy and forgot everything brain = mush? Yes that was me! Lin told him she had travelled from Edinburgh and his eyes widened “I’ve been there!” he exclaimed and went on to chat to her about the festival. Bless him; he was surprised that she had travelled so far to see him!  I moved to the back to let others in – not an easy task when everyone is pushing forward.

 We all had a night cap back at our hotel and spent ages looking at our pics and going over the night’s events. Not a wink of sleep was had!

We met my gorgeous Son and his Fiancée for lunch on Saturday and went to the Peter Doig Exhibition at the Tate in the afternoon. Brenda and Kirsten had gone to the matinee show and joined us for coffee at our hotel afterwards. I had planned to join them in the scrum but decided against it. Lee had recognised me the previous day – wouldn’t want him to think I was a stalker!

Last item on our itinerary  - the Old Vic to see Kevin Spacey and Jeff Goldbloom in Speed the Plow. I must say, KS blew my socks off with a magnificent performance!

Well, we rounded off our adventure standing in the pouring rain watching the London Marathon on Sunday morning and planning our next trip in June!

Wednesday 23rd April - Vicki S and her OH had an amazing time!

Saw the Wednesday matinee show with our replacement tickets which were the best I've had and quite near the front in the stalls from which we were able to see all Lee's expressions.

This is my third visit and I can't believe it but Lee gets better and better. My husband hadn't seen the show since the opening night so I was keen for him to love it as much as I do. He thought it was even better than that night because the whole cast were obviously more relaxed and gave a wonderful performance. Lee sang beautifully and his performance is gaining strength all the time. Considering how good he was on the first night, that is saying something. We have been to several other shows recently, all of which were in some way disappointing - but not Joseph.

My husband is very critical but he couldn't fault it. This show has the best sound system, the best performances from the whole cast and the show is so enjoyable because although highly professional, it is such unpretentious fun.I was disappointed that the rather elderly audience in the stalls stayed in their seats for the megamix; I was therefore forced to remain seated myself but even they were drawn into the standing ovation at the end.I was at the front of the scrum with a group of LoveLees and it was great to have a chat and share our enthusiasm. Lee 
signed my album cover and I asked "How did he manage to be better and better every time I saw him? He smiled his wonderful smile and said Thank you and gave me a wink.

He stayed out quite a long time and my husband was watching and agreed that he is so lovely with the crowd and tries his absolute best to sign as many things as possible.I had left a copy of that lovely review I posted on the forum at the stage door explaining that it was so special I thought they should all see it and do hope he received it. I also added a note, explaining how Scott originally came to call people Loppies. You will remember that Lee asked about this on his most recent Q & A on the Joseph site. He obviously knows what it means but didn't seem to know how it came about.

I am on cloud nine again. We have some pics and attach the best. I wish I could keep my hands steady, but it is hard when Lee is so gorgeous and charming.

Wednesday 9th April - Jane was left speechless after her encounter with the GO!

I didn’t think April the 9th would ever come after buying our tickets way back last summer but from New Years Day I have been driving everyone crazy counting down the days!!. Then at last the great day arrived and we set off for London bright and early. As we were relying on public transport I was worried that we would be lost in the city but I needn’t have worried, every other vehicle was a taxi and we were at our hotel before our room was ready so we dumped our cases and went shopping ending up in Hamleys toy shop!!

Once back at the hotel and settled into our room we prepared for pre theatre dinner and by this time I was more than a little excited. The staff had got us a taxi which was waiting by the time I had got my coat and after checking that I had got our precious tickets it was destination Adelphi Theatre. Once there I took photos and then bought my goodies in the gift shop before ordering champagne for the interval. After being assured that it was indeed the lovely Lee performing and relieved that our tickets were not fake we took our seats- 22 and 23 in row B and then the orchestra struck up but I still couldn’t relax until the God appeared and he was gorgeous, curls everywhere and wow!! can he sing! I didn’t really take any notice of anyone else as I couldn’t take my eyes off him. My poor long suffering husband who was adamant that he was going to hate every minute was soon tapping his feet to the music and really loved Dean who was excellent and Jenna, but the best was yet to come......

As I was making my out to join the scrum again my fears proved unfounded, it wasn’t raining and Lee was coming out shortly when I was stopped by a really nice lady who asked me if I wanted to meet Lee? I think my face said more than words as she told me to fetch my husband who had disappeared outside and bring him back in as people in wheelchairs would be put at the front. As we waited for what seemed like an eternity a security guard pushed him out with me trotting behind and then Lee was there saying 'hello' to me and I was so shocked that I couldn’t get any words out - my husband has never known me to be speechless and has teased me ever since but I got my poster signed and the camera was working and I walked away from the Adelphi on cloud nine repeatedly telling hubby that the wonderful one had spoken to me and I haven’t come off my cloud yet!! I am proud to be a Loppy forever.....

Monday 7th April - Sunny Mead's account of a fab outing!

As I posted a while ago my OH booked tickets for us last month, so we could go to see the show while we are on a caravanning holiday to London, he hasn’t see the show, so I think he wanted to find out what all the fuss is about.

We arrived a lovely caravan site at Chertsey, right by the side of the Thames. Had a shock when we woke up Sunday morning to an inch of snow. Oh what if this lasted till Monday and we couldn’t get there, OH said we did not need to worry.

Monday came and we caught the underground into London at Lunch time, spent the afternoon at the War Museum for other OH. Then at 5.30pm headed of to Covent Garden for something to eat.     7pm we arrived at the theatre stalls row E 32 & 33. So much closer than last time in the DC.

I really enjoyed the show from this seat felt so close to the stage Lee seem to spend a lot of time just in font of me.

As the show started there was a lot of dry ice could hardly see him a first but it soon cleared, and  I could see him smiling. As he began to sing I just melted, he just got better and CED bought tears to my eyes, and from this seat I could see every expression on his face.

Last time I saw the show Preeya was the narrator but I think I like Jenna better. The Brothers were so funny as was Dean and the rest of the cast.

It’s just over all to fast but what a happy feeling you go away with.

I haven’t  converted OH  But he did say that he enjoyed the show much better than he thought he would, and how good the whole cast were.

After the show we went out the front, I had bought the album OH got me for Xmas and wanted to get it signed.

We stood on the left side by the posters, and I noticed a lady in front of me with a large photo of the GO. I asked if she was a Loppy and she said yes, Abs it was nice to meet another Loppy and have a chat. When the Go came out to a big cheer Abs got her photo signed and I got my CD signed. We walked back to the underground with Abs and said our goodbyes, and I was Humming all the way back.

Abs See you in June when I go again can’t wait.

Louisa shares her excitement with us too!

It's not easy being a Loppy based in Scotland so many hundreds of miles away from all the Joe action. Thank goodness for all the squees on this site.

Somehow, though, I managed to persuade my hubby that we should spend a week in the Big Smoke with our two wee girls and, "while we were there anyway", fit in a visit (or two) to the Adelphi.

So, finally, on 29 March, I found myself back in the Adelphi accompanied by my 5-year-old daughter, Sioned. It was my third time and Sioned's second. Don't know which one of us was the more excited!

The fact that we had flown down that morning in time for the matinee meant that every possible scenario of things that could go wrong had entered my mind, from us having a puncture on the way to the airport, to Lee eating another dodgy pizza. I don't think I relaxed until the heavenly sight of Lee finally descending on his platform, and even then I forgot to breathe for a moment or two. I just love the anticipation from the first few notes of the orchestra to the opening number from the narrator, topped only by Lee's beaming smile.

One of the first reviews of Joseph referred to the "dusky mellifluousness" of Lee's voice and, to me, that's a wonderful way of summing up what makes listening to him so wonderful. I'm a translator so I'm always on the look-out for the perfect word – one dictionary definition of "mellifluousness" is "flowing with sweetness or honey". How apt is that!

Lee is great throughout the show but CED was just sensational - don’t know how he manages to sum up so much emotion performance after performance. I don't know much about the technical side of singing but he did seem to chop up the final few lines to help with his breathing, and he did something different with "promised" at the end – both times I saw the show, in fact. This isn't a criticism, it just sounded different from how I remember it.

I wasn't sure if I would take to Jenna, as I really liked Preeya. I just loved her sparkly stage presence, which for me made up for any dodgy high notes. Jenna, though, was great and you certainly never felt like she was going to struggle to hit her notes. She gives her eyebrows a good workout too with lots of raising at the end of each line!

I wasn't too keen on her outfits in the second half. I didn't think that they did much for her great figure and every time she goes for the big money notes she tends to bend her knees and outstretch her arms, making her already tiny skirt all the tinier. Don't suppose the men in the audience were averting their eyes, though!!

This time we were in row J in the stalls, which was the furthest forward I'd been. I had hoped to be close enough for the facial expressions, but didn't expect to be close enough to see spit (sorry, if that's tmi) and makeup stains on the loincloth. You wouldn't think it would take much to put it though the wash between shows, would you? I was also so impressed by how expressive the brothers and wives are in every number.

The bit at the beginning when Lee pretends to yawn and then lies down to sleep always makes me laugh now, as the first time I saw it I was right at the back of the UC and thought he was stifling a cough – cue lots of panicking that he was unwell and might not make it through the show....

 The audience were possibly a little bit muted, but then the last time I saw the show was CiN night, so that had to be a tough act to follow. Sioned and I were both on our feet by the time Lee came out at the end of the Megamix but I wasn't quite brave enough to stand up before then.

I did notice that when Stephen Tate came out carrying the coat in the Megamix he looked a little uncertain about what he should be singing but I don't think he did anything different from normal.

 And so, to the scrum. Well, my mission was to place Sioned near the front and hope she could get the photo we'd brought along signed. When we saw the show in September we saw little more than Lee's arm over our heads in what was a manic scrum. This time, though, we managed to keep our spot at the front to the left of the door. I did notice lots of people – mainly men, it has to be said – coming out of the theatre giving us sympathetic looks as if we were very sad people to be waiting outside. One lady came bounding out and, obviously assuming that we were waiting for the next performance, shouted out "Oh, you'll love it – it's great!" Anyway, Lee appeared looked very bouncy and happy. There were some other young kiddies in the front row and one granny asked Lee if he would give her two granddaughters a kiss as they were big fans. Lee bent down and offered his (stubbly - swoon!) cheek to the wee girls so that they could give him a little peck on the cheek. Sioned stood quietly alongside and at first I was worried she would be forgotten on the end of the line but I shouldn't have worried. Lee signed her photo for her, then asked her what her name was - so far, so good - then asked his usual "Did you enjoy the show?" Now, I've always thought it funny that he asks this. As if anyone would say no! Well, Sioned, bless her, didn't say no but just gazed at him shyly so that he seemed a bit unsure if she had in fact enjoyed it and raised his eyes up to me. I enjoyed my "superior" moment – "Oh, she's just gone shy", I said, and got a knowing grin from the man himself. It's probably just as well he then carried on along the line or I would have been going very shy too!!

 You'll all recognise that "floating" feeling that the two of us had as we made our way back along the Strand to our hotel.

I then felt really guilty when I had to admit to Sioned that I was going again on the Tuesday night and hadn't got her a ticket too. I already felt like a bad mother not taking my three-year-old to the matinee. I had no doubts that she would enjoy it but I did doubt whether she would be able to keep quiet and decided that she was just too little. Anyway, both of them have been promised a visit on 18 October so that's helped lessen my guilt a little bit!

I can't add much about the performance on 1 April, other than it was even better than the Saturday matinee. Lee's voice was even better, and the cast had even more energy.

I was sitting next to a Lovelee (in Row D, near the middle) who said that she'd seen Zoe Tyler in the audience and I also spotted her during the interval signing autographs.

Despite being so close and having such a wonderful view, I do have to confess that I don't notice Lee's disappearing chest hair that's been mentioned on the forum. The fact that I did notice that Jenna's left leg was strapped up, though, is a bit worrying – I don't remember focusing on her legs!

 Funnily, when I saw the show again on the Tuesday night, I thought that Lee seemed to do a Jenna-esque gesture at the end of CED - arms out and knees bent, in what didn't really look like a typical Lee move.

 From Row D I was mesmerised by the look of sheer joy on Lee's face when he was reunited with Benjamin. But I enjoyed seeing all of the facial expressions so close up – particularly noticed the women's faces when they were doing the "thin cows" bit – I loved the sucked-in cheeks.

 The other thing I noticed is just how tiny the platform is when you're sitting right underneath it.

Again, nobody was really up dancing during the Megamix but my Lovelee neighbour and I were among the first on our feet as Lee was raised up on the platform, and there were certainly loads standing in the stalls by the end.

Having enjoyed my prime spot in the scrum on the Saturday, I was happy to let the little ones to the front this time, though wish I could have managed at least one photo. There were actually more children on the Tues night than at the Sat matinee, probably due to the school hols, but I did see at least one wee one being carried out asleep!

The only downside after all that excitement was that I had to cope with another three days in London staying in a hotel just 10 mins walk away from the Adelphi. I would really have loved to have gone to the show every night.

We did decide on Wed though to try the TKTS booth for bargain tickets for something else. Anyway, I was keen to see Les Mis that afternoon, so hubby agreed to take the girls to see Angelina's Star Performance by the English National Ballet. He had the last laugh though. I stayed in Eat on the corner of Maiden Lane to finish my sandwich as he dashed off with the girls to Angelina, only for them to see Lee signing autographs outside the stage door. Sioned's first words when we met up again were "We saw Lee!" - for a moment, I though OH was a closet Loppy after all and they'd all been to see Joseph....

 It all seems a bit of daze now, though I put the CD of the show on and realised I can now block out JD and completely visualise Lee and the cast, so it was all going in even if it felt a bit surreal at the time.

Have tickets booked for 18 October, as I said, but am not sure if I can hold out that long without another visit....

Jazzylou’s wonderful account (sorry it has taken so long for me to get it online!)

I've had a rollercoaster of a week, it started with the dreaded news that Lee was ill and the worry about getting the school of my choice for my son and both of my children have been ill.  I was so pleased on Thursday when someone posted that Lee was back at the theatre, it lifted my spirits no end.  My birthday began today when I woke up with a knot in my stomach.  My first thought was that it might be my daughters tummy bug , nooooo I don't need that, not today!  But no, I was just really excited at the prospect of seeing Lee tonight.

With the children packed off to the neighbours for a sleep over, and a last minute call to the stage door, I was finally on my way!  Hubby and I were a bit late leaving for London so we didn't have time for a proper meal.  Instead we grabbed a pasty at Waterloo and took it to Trafalgar Square to eat  - very romantic, the air of anticipation was all around.  We then made our way along the Strand, as soon a I set eyes on the lit up JOSEPH sign, I became really excited.  We collected our tickets and got a drink at the bar.  I looked around, wondering if there were any Loppies present.  Then we took to our seats, I knew which seat numbers Alex, Claire & Helen were in and I counted along and worked out what they looked like in hope of meeting them later.

Then the show started, Jenna was very good, my OH said that he liked her better than Preeya and I think I agree, lovely voice.  Then Lee came down, I was slightly worried that his voice might show signs of his illness but, OMG, he sang like an angel.  He started very softly at first, then increasing as the song progressed.  I was spellbound, it was so good to see and hear him again even though I only went on Jan 3rd.  His hair was all over the place but this only adds to his charm.  The coat was swishy and the show had so much vibrancy and energy, also the cast seemed happy to have Lee back, the brothers were as funny as before .  Close every door was as awesome as ever, again his voice was so soft and expressive. Noticed a bit more sweat tonight, the theatre did seem quite warm.  Body beautiful and loincloth swishy but firmly fixed!  Act I is my favourite, it has all the bits that I like, especially the last part where Lee wears the garland and gets lifted high.

Dean was on top form in Act II, he gave his scarf as usual and got lots of laughs.  The one thing I noticed much more this time was Lee's transition from boy to man, he really does transform into an older Joseph.  I was waiting for the cup to break as I have heard that it does quite a lot, but I think he had been told to be a bit more careful this time!  As for the bit where he meets up with his father......you could hear a pin drop in the stalls, the whole theatre was silent, only to be broken by Lee's beautifully soft voice (I know I keep saying it but you all know what I mean) singing ADWD again, it brought a tear to my eye, such an emotional scene.  All too quickly we were into the megamix and I was ready to dance!!  I thought Lee did a bit more dancing tonight or maybe I just enjoyed it more.  Everyone puts in so much effort and energy into the dancing.  At that point lots of people were clapping hands in the air, and as Lee came out, I was up!! couldn't hold off any longer, needless to say, I wasn't alone.  He seemed to notice everyone and was clearly delighted.  I always love the hoist bit, he seemed to go even higher this time and fortunately didn't swallow any confetti!  He got a good applause with lots of whistles and cheers and (I think) many people were standing I was so swept away by it all by then I was oblivious to anyone else), his face lights up when he sees everyone enjoying themselves.  A glittering performance tonight!

I got in a good position for the scrum, there didn't seem to be too much pushing tonight, despite the large crowd.  I got talking to a nice lady who was with her young daughter.  I think it was her first time and she didn't even know that Lee had been ill.  I gave her the low down on what happens and we got her daughter to the front.  then I spotted the girls I thought were Claire , Helen and Alex.  I decided to ask them their names and fortunately I was right, it was them!!  What a great feeling to finally meet someone from our site, strangely, it seemed as if we already knew each other.  The lady I had been talking to was amazed that we had only been talking on a forum over the internet. 

Lee came leaping down the stairs out to the front doors.  He reached over me with the pics but I didn't mind because I already have one personally signed that he sent in the post..  Then he started signing.  I got my tux pic ready.  While he signed it, I told him that I was glad he was better and that I hoped he would enjoy his holiday.  He said thank you.  He wasn't as vocal tonight, probably guarding his voice for the last two shows and I don't blame him.  I said a hasty goodbye to the girls and made way for others to get to the front.  I watched from the back until Lee went in and shouted goodbye.

Oh what a night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I hope you have enjoyed reading my story, I'm not as witty as some but I always enjoy reading other reviews so I thought I would do mine for you!Thank you Donna for giving us all this opportunity to make new friends and for us all to share each others experiences.

Jazzylou XX

Emma Jean had a top night with the Meadster too!

My family and I went up to London on the Tuesday to see the show on Thursday. Needless to say, I was very excited and could not wait for Thursday to come. The day finally dawned, and 7:30 pm didn't seem that long away after all!

We turned up outside the theatre at 7:15, and couldn't believe that we were actually going in to see the show we had been waiting 6 months to see...We had excellent seats, row J in the stalls (to be recommended) - you were close enough to the action, but also far back enough to be able to get a great view of the whole stage. Suddenly the show started, and for the next two hours, I had one of the best times of my life.

When Lee appeared through the mist, all the audience started cheering, including me - the atmosphere was amazing!!! The GO had a gorgeous cheeky grin on his face - he was obviously very appreciative of the audience's reaction!

We had Jenna Lee-James as our narrator, and I must say, she really blew me away. Her voice was outstanding, she put everything that she had into the performance, and she connected extremely well with the children's choir (which was magnificent in its own right - well done to all the youngsters!!). Her acting really brought the show alive, and her diction was perfect - she told the story like any narrator should.

Lee's Any Dream Will Do was wonderful - he looked calm, cool, and really worked well with the choir (such a family man!!!). I had a lot of trouble containing myself after he'd finished singing it (sorry to the people behind me if I was waving my hands around a bit too violently!!). The introduction of Jacob and his sons was outstanding - there was so much energy everywhere you looked! Lee stood out as being a true star, the perfect Joseph - he played the beloved son to absolute perfection, his surprise at receiving the coat from his father being a really poignant moment, I felt.

The next part of the story was so well acted and very funny - loved the way Lee came on with his DREAMS book!! The song that the brothers sang before beating Joseph up was probably one of my favourite moments - the sunglasses worked so well, and the rap style of the song was just hilarious! Loved it when the camel came on (I was secretly wishing that it wasn't going to break down - scenes from the Winner's Story kept flashing through my mind!!!). Lee did the 'snake bit' wonderfully - he just knows how to act so well, his 'But I don't speak Egyptian very well' line really bringing Joseph's character to life.

I thought that the Hoedown was brilliant, and the contrast between One More Angel In Heaven and the joyous dancing was great - you didn't know whether to laugh or cry (for Jacob's sake).

Loved the talking snake and camel bit - the confusion and surprise on Jenna and Lee's faces was magic! I also liked the London Eye appearing in the background as Jo was on his way to Egypt - all the sets, props and scenery was amazing, come to that. Well done to the stage manager people!

I really liked the way they did the Potiphar scene - so 'clinical and logical'! The actor who played Jacob and Potiphar was amazing - he changed his character in such a convincing way that it was only afterwards when I looked at the programme in more detail that I realised that it was the same guy playing these two parts! Ultimate respect to you, Stephen Tate! I thought Lee's acting during this scene was exquisite - his little strut and his inquisitive look were wonderfully done, and he really came alive on that stage.

Mrs. Potiphar's seduction of Lee was really well done: she played the temptress to perfection, while Lee's unfailing innocence just fitted the part so well. I felt so sorry for poor Jo - Mrs. Potiphar, leave him alone!!! Their acting was so convincing that it made you want to get up on that stage and stop Mrs. P from doing all of her sly seducing.... Great scene!

Now for the infamous (or famous?!?) Close Every Door (might I just add that the opera glasses came out here....though they were only used for looking at his facial expressions, I promise you....(as if!) ). Lee was superb here - he really put every single bit of emotional energy he had into it, and his voice was so powerful. He blasted out the notes as though it was opening night all over again, and what I especially loved about this song was that he put some 'Lee' magic into it. (I was reminded of the stage director's comment in the Winner's Story about how Lee hadn't quite found the confidence to make Joseph his own character yet - this song really proved that he had come such a long way since those early rehearsal days). The crowd went wild after he'd sung this - it was such a triumph for Lee, and his voice just blew us all away.

The Baker and the Butler scene was just brilliant - the Butler was hilariously funny, his 'But I had to give up'  line sending me into a giggling fit. I also loved the Baker's facial expressions, as well as his flour-covered costume - I don't know how Lee kept a straight face throughout it! (The guards pushed Lee back at one point when the Baker and the Butler came in - I was not a happy bunny!!!).

I really loved Go Go Go Joseph - it was so colourful and energetic! A great end to a great first act!

All of the Pharaoh scenes were wonderful - Dean Collinson was a magnificent Pharaoh, and Lee acted really well during all of the song. Loved his little desperate look as he tried to interpret the dreams - it really made you realise that this was the matchpoint in Joseph's life. His big break is just around the corner - but he's got to get Pharaoh's dream right first... I thought the Pharaoh's song was very touching - I hadn't heard it before, so it was very exciting to hear a fairly newish song. I thought it gave the Pharaoh a chance to show us his calmer, softer side, and it made a nice contrast between the previous, action-packed scene - thought he was a great actor, too.

Those Canaan Days was another one of my favourite bits - the accent was really well done, and I loved the dramatic grief of the brothers. Thought it was brilliant when they decided to 'go, off to Egypt to see brother Jo'. The next few scenes were really exciting - loved the costume, Lee!!! The suspense when Joseph was about to accuse Benjamin was amazing - when Lee walked forward towards Benjamin, holding the cup, the whole auditorium was so quiet, you could have heard a pin drop. It really showed you how capable Lee was of holding an audience's attention - nobody dared breathe before he slammed the cup down on the stage. The next song, Benjamin Calypso, was amazing - loved the way Lee was trying to do the little dance!!! I must put in a special mention here for Neal Wright, the actor who played Judah - he was absolutely stunning! He really pulled the Calypso off, and stood out from the brothers many a time. The bit when Joseph reveals his true identity was pure magic - it brought a tear to my eye. The way Lee whispered 'it's me' was so emotional, and I loved the way he took his Egyptian hat off to reveal his curls and his identity to the brothers. The way the music swells at this point just got me - I always get very upset when Joseph finally greets Benjamin, as it really demonstrates his forgiveness and love towards his family.

The scene after this, when Jo meets his father again, really showed just what a brilliant actor Lee is - there he was, standing proudly at the front of his chariot, but when he notices his father kneeling down in front of him, you see his face change, and he suddenly becomes the beloved son all over again. I found the reprise of Any Dream Will Do extremely touching - the coat was so special to him when he was still with his father in Canaan, but now, having become that son all over again, he finds it is ruined....Even though Joseph has everything now, he still looks at his spoilt coat with great sadness - it is a truly great moment in the show, and a weepy one at that.

The reprise of Close Every Door was just as wonderful as the first time round - the power that Lee has in his voice never ceases to amaze me. The megamix then started, and I could hardly contain myself - it was so boppy and fun! I was jigging about in my seat, desperately looking around to see if anybody was standing up so that I would at least be justified in doing so!!! I stood up and cheered like a mad thing when Lee was lifted up into the air on that podium, his coat streaming out behind him...I can hardly remember the details of that moment, it was so wonderful.

And then it was all over. My hands felt hot and heavy from clapping and waving - the sign of a good show. We rushed outside to try and get prime position in the scrum, which we did, thank goodness, and my sister and I found ourselves at the front of the crowd, talking to some ladies and explaining to them that Lee actually came out the front each night to greet his fans - we mentioned that we were Loppies, so perhaps we'll get a few more newbies soon!!! Lee soon came out, and when he came round to us, I asked him if the he recognised the technicoloured hat I was wearing (we'd met him at the Princes' Trust Awards on the Tuesday, and he said how he'd liked my hat!!!). I think he had a vague recollection of us - we congratulated him on his performance, and he gave us a lovely smile and said something like 'Oh thanks, that's so kind of you.' We got him to sign our programmes, and I asked him if he'd had a nice holiday, I think he said 'yes', but it was all a bit quick and over in a flash, so I'm not quite sure about that bit... We moved to the back of the scrum to let some other people through, and when he was told that he had to go back in, an elderly lady made her way up to Lee, anxious to speak to him. Lee turned round, bent down towards her, listened to what she had to say, then gave her a kiss on the cheek ... It was such a lovely moment - Lee probably had a million and one other things to do, but he still waited and listened to her, the perfect gentleman, as he always is (a girl had asked him for a photo at the beginning of the scrum, and he'd replied 'Well, yeah, but I'm a littlle bit busy at the moment...'. How modest!). Anyway, suffice to say that it was a good scrum, brief, but very exciting too.

All in all, the show was outstanding. Lee particularly impressed me with his dancing and acting, the two sides of his talent that we hadn't really seen that  much of on ADWD. His voice was superb, and you could just tell that he was born to play this role. Thanks to all of you for your advice on where to stand in the scrum (priceless information!), and I hope that I have done justice to what was one of the best nights of my life (looks like I'll be booking some more tickets very soon!!!). :)

What’s on Stage Awards and Concert 24th Feb 2008 from Deanna

With a crash of drums and a flash of light – whoops – wrong theatre! Only joking but the concert was an amazing event made even better by the fact that Lee was in attendance and I and my friends were sitting only about 8 feet or so away from him for the entire evening. Not a lot can top that, apart from sitting next to him of course.

here was chaos when we arrived at the theatre, with loads of fans waiting to see the celebrities arrive along with a number of paparazzi. The regular theatregoers - we who are not so well known - didn’t have to run the gauntlet of the fans. We were directed in through the other entrance doors to the left. It appeared at first that we were being kept apart from the celebrity guests but as we made our way downstairs we found that wasn’t the case, we were all in it together so to speak. Celebrity hospitality was next to the main bar and everyone was milling about together.

We were sitting in the row directly opposite the entrance door and when we sat down we could see everyone coming into the stalls and we appeared to be in a prime position as Dame Diana Rigg sat down in front of us. In the same row was Mark Gatiss (League of Gentleman) wearing the most appalling brightly coloured suit I’ve ever laid my eyes on. (It was certainly nothing like Lee’s technicoloured dreamcoat, which one would consider very tasteful in comparison) I can only presume that he wanted to be noticed in a big way! Then we saw Kevin Spacey walk in and sit down in the second row behind ours.

We were only just recovering from this surprise, when I noticed a familiar mop of dark curly hair in the doorway. Lee walked into looking very dishy in a grey suit, very pale pink shirt and loosely knotted tie. He was holding his ticket in his hand and he wandered back a few rows behind us. It was all eyes left and necks strained at this point (could you have resisted the temptation?) Then blissfully he returned and walked into the row Kevin Spacey was also occupying, sinking down into a seat about three along to my right. (At this point in the proceedings I swear I didn’t know my right hand from my left) All I had to do was twist my head just a little and I could gaze on this vision for as long as I liked. Believe me we all couldn’t get over just how lucky we were. Lee was accompanied by a friend, a shorter guy with straight brownish hair. As soon as Lee sat down off came the jacket and he looked relaxed and happy to be there.

The show started and I did watch it, honestly we all did. But and it is a big BUT, none of us could resist glancing back now and then, just to make sure Lee was enjoying himself of course (Maybe that was a little white lie – perhaps it was a little more often than now and then) The show was compered by James Corden and Sheridan Smith who turned out to be a brilliant double act – both irreverent and funny. I didn’t take a notebook so you’ll have to rely on my memory here – which was being seriously compromised at the time by a mop of dark curly hair!

Lord Lloyd Webber was on first to collect the award for Best Musical Revival, which was of course Joseph. He apologised for his casual clothes and said he'd just come from Oliver auditions and was on his way to the Ian Adams benefit. He talked about the increase in theatre attendance because of ADWD but he never acknowledged Lee or the cast which I though was very remiss of him. After all he must know full well that without Lee the show would never have won. After the Lord left James made a joke about his leather jacket which made everyone laugh (I’m not going to say if a certain person was laughing as ALW is the guy who pays his wages)

Daniel was the first guy to sing. I wasn’t that keen on the song, which was from I Love You Because but he sang it beautifully. He got a hands in the air clap from Lee as did Ben when he sang Who Needs a Dream, not quite so beautifully I’m afraid – I thought it was the wrong song for him. There were lots of other performances, a list of which I’ll include at the end as I’m sure you are all interested in a certain person more than anything else. What I will say at this point is that the general conscientious of opinion among all of us was that it was a pity that Lee didn’t sing because his voice is way, way better than any of the other male performers we saw.

Lee was sitting next to a soap actress, no idea who as I don’t watch them but she looked pretty miserable and never made any effort to speak to him. He was chatting to a couple sitting behind him, as if he knew them well - it might have been Piers but if it was he had far less hair than in his publicity photo. Michael Ball was sitting in a box to the right hand side of the stage and Ben joined him after his song. Also there were any number of directors producers and performers in the audience too numerous to list. In the interval Lee slipped on his jacket and hurried off to meet up with Ben and Daniel who were waiting for him in the bar. Later, on my way back from the ladies, I was walking past Diana Rigg when I felt someone brush against my arm. None other than Kevin Spacey walking alongside me, then directly in front I see Lee just about to disappear into the gents  - no I didn't follow him - I was tempted however! Surreal wasn’t the word for it.

After this I had a brief chat with Leann Jones, who is very sweet and Summer Strallen wandered past us. In the second half the award for ‘London Newcomer of the Year’ was announced. It was won by Daniel Radcliffe and he turned up to collect his award, even though he wasn’t expected to – he is in the middle of filming the latest Harry Potter. After he’d been given it James Corden gave him a long passionate kiss and Daniel responded by twining his arms around James’s neck. It got rousing applause and then Daniel said that he’d just had a Britanny Spears and Madonna moment. (Later James told one of my friends that it was all prearranged and it hadn’t been a proper kiss – no tongues- if you don’t mind me being frank)

Ben also got his award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. He spoke very well, talking about being on ADWD and said that he was not Joseph and held his arms out towards Lee, who seemed delighted that Ben acknowledged him so nicely. Lee was clapping very loudly, hands in the air for Ben and looked so pleased that he'd won. When Michael Ball got his award nothing was mentioned about how close the voting had been which I thought was a pity.

Lee seemed to have enjoyed the evening as much as we had and at the end I stood up to put on my coat facing towards the back of the theatre (only logical I think) and Lee walked along a couple of seats and slid on his jacket practically right in front of me as he chatted to his companion. My friend Pam and I got a long leisurely glimpse of those broad shoulders and that slim waist, emphasised by the cut of his, suit and had another weak-kneed moment – one of many during the evening as Lee passed with a couple of feet of us on a umber of occasions. It will be a long time I think before I’m that lucky again. At the end Lee and his friend head toward the exit quite quickly, and were stopped by a lady wanting an autograph Lee apologetically said that if he stopped to sign one he’d end up signing loads more and so he couldn’t do it and I’m sure she understood why. It was after all a private evening out for him – he was off duty- and that was why neither me or my friends or any other loppies in the audience, as far