surrogatemum

Talking to Brian Hill last night there's definately going to be another Big Bands Tour and like Meg said, they're just waiting to confirm dates with Darius. Next time around it's going to be 'bigger and better', because they feel that there's so much they can do to improve on the existing format. Sounds like it's going to be something really special. Sue

Thanks for the photos and links, as I said before, not my favourite Beatles song, but quite liked that interpretation. Sue

Well, after all that worry, it was a brilliant night, the best I've been to. I know it wouldn't be very profitable for them, having had to give seats away, but it was a great atmosphere and the theatre was heaving. Everyone seemed up for a good night out (probably free!) and Darius didn't disappoint, he had the audience eating out of his hands and both he and the orchestra were on top form. His voice was just fantastic and I'm sure that even if you weren't a fan when you went in to the theatre you would be one by the time you left. Avril and Booth, and their party, were in the seats in front of us and they videoed part of the performance and also managed a few pictures, although the staff were on the ball preventing people from doing so. Booth looked really well. Darius also sang 'That's Why The Lady Is a Tramp' last night and said it was a one off special for Manchester, but to be honest he's sung it before hasn't he? The signings afterwards were a bit of a 'free for all' at first. I think the staff hadn't expected so many people would want to meet Darius, so hadn't organised anything. Eventually they got things sorted into some kind of queue and he was his usual charming self. A really enjoyable night and it was good to meet you Gilly if only for a short time. Sue

That would explain it. It has to be something like that.Sue

Have just been on The Opera House website and it's a miracle, they seemed to have sold loads of tickets overnight!!! Have just tried to get back on to double check and they have removed the option to choose your own seats so I can't. I can't believe it! Sue

What sad news. He sounded a lovely man, really dedicated to his profession. Sue

There just hasn't been enough publicity, we've done our best, but not enough people know he's performing. Sue

Looks like a few seats have actually been sold today, if we had another week to go it might have been a different story. Sue

Youth Alive Ghana

Hey Jude was never one of my favourites, so it will be interesting to hear the Darius version. Sue

So unless you're looking for Manchester Opera House you won't know. Wonder if there's a poster outside the theatre with it on or if it's in the local paper. Something tells me it won't be. It's certainly not in our local paper. Sue

Wildlife Trust

After the Manchester fiasco, I must admit I'm not impressed with his PR people either. Sue

I defy anyone who meets Darius, and spends some time getting to know him, not to be impressed by him. Sue

Where are they advertising the £10 ticket deal, is it only on Ticketmaster website? Does anyone apart from us know about it? Going to the seat plan from the History Of The Big Bands website, it doesn't look like anymore seats have been sold today at all. The way the whole Manchester thing has been handled is disgusting, but it gives the critics more bullets to fire at Darius doesn't it? You can see the review now 'half empty theatre etc. etc.' If somebody has been paid to do the publicity for this they want shooting. To be honest, it's taken the pleasure away from going on Friday night. I know it's silly, but I feel so protective towards Darius (it's that mother thing again), the last thing I want him to do is to perform to empty seats. Sue

Great!! The trouble with The Opera House is that it doesn't seem to have a direct telephone number through to the box office, just a line to Ticketmaster, and the box office is only open for two and a half hours prior to each performance so it makes it harder to go and get tickets in person. I could only get through on the phone, by ringing admin at The Palace Theatre, so they don't seem to make it easy. I really hope the cheap tickets work, but I'm not holding my breath because it's so late. I know Darius couldn't because of other commitments, but I'm sure an appearance at The Trafford Centre, like he did at Wimbledon would have helped. Where are the tickets on sale for £10? Have just looked at the Ticketmaster site and they are still full price. Sue

Thalidomide Society

Thanks BT. Sue

Thank goodness for that! The trouble is, it's been so long in coming, is it too little too late? Hardly any seats have been sold so lets hope there will be a sudden rush. Sue

Another lovely dream! Sue

RNLI

Managed to get a mention for the Manchester show on Radio Manchester this morning. Every little helps! Sue

Have been over to have a look and will certainly be having a bid Paul. Sue

Just got back from Darlington.The music just gets stronger and stronger and the show seems to have 'grown into itself' if you know what I mean. The song list was the same and we didn't get the two dancers which was a shame, it must have been a one off for that night. Loved how some of the musicians come forward now to do their solos and especially loved 'the duet' with the trumpet during Feeling Good. The only trouble was, we were on the front row, and it was only feet away from the stage, far too near, and with Darius being so tall and performing right at the front of the stage it was a really painfull position, and by the end of the night, Darius was moving his neck better than I was moving mine. You felt that you were actually sitting at his feet and looking up his nose! We were told no photographs allowed during the performance. A much older audience this time, even more so than Buxton. Lots of positive comments. A long queue for signings afterwards and I felt Darius was being encouraged by the staff, who all had their coats on ready to go home, to move things along. Daughter tried to take photos but they were a bit of a disaster, partly because of were they had him positioned with lots of people around him. Sue

He does look tired. He's packing so much in at the moment. Let's hope he can get a rest before he hits the pantomine season. Sue