UK GTG 2012

[Sundae]

In the row ahead of us, at the very left hand end was Scott Gill, John's partner!
I was very excited to see him, least of all because he is also very yummy.

This shot shows our position in the auditorium.

[Trilby]

that looks like such a fun outing! good for you gals!

so sorry about the tummy upset, sundae. I hope you feel better/more yourself very soon.

[Sundae]

I won't go through the panto in detail.
But they do get better every year.

John only had two changes of costume this year, but the dancers had many, and very extravagent ones too. John's only change was for the wedding scene at the very end, and it was worth it - sparkly white and tight.

Oh I lie - he changed into a kilt to sneak into the Giant's Castle.
As I mentioned in another thread, he wore a different sort of tighty-whities under his kilt, which is not really authentic. But given the couple of times I saw them flashed I think it was a sensible move for a family show.

My favourite part was probably his entrance (ooh Matron) which was via jetpack - visual, exciting, obviously fake and yet with the whole show still to go. Second had to be the Scottish Twelve Days of Christmas. Wasn't sure about the singalong at the end. Felt odd to be singing the praises of Scottish medal winners exclusively. I forgot, we weren't in GB any more...

The souvenir programme. My fourth

[Sundae]

Then off to Mother India.
The short way round this time.

They called us as soon as Limey switched her phone back on.
We'd booked for 21.30, but the panto went on til 22.00.
I found that quite reassuring, that our custom was valued.

We all like Indian food, and found it hard to make our choices. I was limited to a starter simply because I knew I couldn't eat. Dani was to have either a starter or a main course, not both. Limey was tempted by the idea of a main and a dessert. We all had plenty to choose from.

And the place was lovely inside. Well decorated, complimented by the well-chosen Christmas decorations. The staff were attentive, smiling and happy to please. They were generally slim-hipped with a dark complexion, so I had them pegged as Southern Indian - I might be wrong. Hard to tell as the menu is an eclectic mix.

I ordered a garlic naan with the idea we could all share. It was HUGE. And I'm pleased to say possibly the best garlic naan I've had in my life. I then had the starter size Ginger and Green Chilli Fish Pakora, which is haddock marinated in a ginger and green chilli puree and deep fried with vegetables.

[Sundae]

Dani had the Butter Chicken - a dish I also adore. This is chicken cooked in a buttery sauce with cloves and green cardamon. It was supposed to be topped with nuts but there was no problem when she asked for it without.
We agreed that the serving that came just for her could easily have fed the whole table!
There was also some confusion about the rice. I think we ended up with three different portions - plain, jasmine and pilau? Might be wrong there. But there was plenty rice. Something I never eat anyway, so I was absolved from responsibility there.

Limey had Baked Halibut with Chick Peas, Fennel and Tomatoes. Which doesn't need a further description.

[Sundae]

The girls ready for dinner.
And Dani taking a photo of me taking a photo. Or vice versa.

[Sundae]

We ploughed our way through as much as we could. Even Limey left some.
I managed a couple of pakoras, but really just picked at the bread. We took some of the leftovers away and I admit I woke up about 03.00 and finished off the naan in bed. Perhaps that's the way to do it.

Anyway, we realised we were the last people in the restaurant so abandoned hope of any more comestibles.

Bit more of Mother; Limey at the bar, snowflake in the window.

[Sundae]

And back to the B&B.
Photo call for all three of us. Which is when I broke Mum's camera.
The good news is, Dad has used this as an excuse to buy himself one in the sales (he's gone compact digital, so it's not too much of an extravagance, and Mum gets his old one. All worked out quite well, phew.

See previous posts for Limey's pic - this is the last photo taken with my camera. Only words from now on - unless we talk Dani into posting some of her pics. Which she faithfully promised to do.

[Sundae]

Our typical Glasgow evening ends with talking late into the night, but quite honestly I was shattered. I was sleeping in the extra bedroom and I retired there quite gratefully, despite it being only just past the witching hour. I knew I was being a party pooper (and would continue to be) but I really did feel quite rotten.

So off to thrash about in a strange bed with strange waking-dreams that there were people looking in at the window or that I'd left the door open. I even woke and tried to turn on my bedside light, groping for the chord I knew was there. Only it wasn't - that's my bedside light at home, this one was in a different place.

Restless night, woke early.
Read a bit in bed, discovered there is nothing on TV on Sunday mornings, waited until I thought the girls would be up and ready.

Knocked on their door and they were sensibly still in bed, curtains drawn. As it was 08.00 and therefore breakfast time, I thought I'd show willing and go and get some, to find I could only manage a glass of orange juice, and even that went down with hooks on. I threw it all up later in the shower room anyway.

So I let the ladies get ready in their own time and busied myself packing and generally getting ready to leave. I did join them at breakfast, but daren't eat or drink even if I'd wanted to - I had a long journey ahead and an empty stomach seemed both right and natural. This is when Steve brought out the potent eggnog! I refused so much as a sip, although I'd like some now

And then kiss-kiss, goodbye to Steve for another year, off to Queen Street station in a taxi.
Oh dear. The further we travelled the worse I felt. Danai (having barely seen me) was trying to make conversation and I couldn't even get any words out of my deadlocked mouth. I just felt hotter and hotter and more and more grim.

By the time we got out at the station I couldn't even tell her what book I was reading (rereading Confederates in the Attic, thanks Bri). One last rising flush of heat and there I was, heaving and retching in an alleyway, the dry boak as Limey said. Absolutely nothing came out and apart from shaking uncontrollably for a minute I was fine.

The girls were lovely and didn't run off in shame or disgust, but stayed with me being sympathetic. They also hung about until I decided which train to get on and saw me through the gate. Far better than I deserved.

Didn't even thank either of them properly for my Christmas presents.

So that's the end of that part.
And the end of the sickiness.
Just a few notes from the journey home to share.

[Trilby]

Sundae-I"m worried about you. see PM

[Sundae]

I'm okay, honestly.
Or at least getting there. This is a report of what happened last week remember.

[limey]

For someone as ill as described Sundae was surprisingly good company!


Sent by thought transference

[DanaC]

Oh no!

The dangers of Pantomime:

Actor John Barrowman has been injured during a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at a Glasgow theatre.

The Doctor Who and Torchwood star was taken to hospital from the SECC Clyde Auditorium as a precaution. His injuries were not serious.

Barrowman had fallen off a live horse during the matinee show, which also stars the Krankies.

Janette Tough, "Wee Jimmy" Krankie, was almost killed in an on-stage accident in the city in 2004.

She suffered a fractured skull after falling from a mechanical beanstalk at the Pavilion Theatre.

An SECC spokeswoman said: "During today's matinee performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, John Barrowman suffered an injury on stage and has been taken to hospital as a precaution.

"His understudy, Greg Barrowman, has already stepped in to finish the rest of the show."

She added: "John Barrowman is completely fine. He is just a little bit bruised."

It is hoped the Glasgow-born actor will return to the show on Saturday afternoon.

Jack and the Beanstalk is due to end its run on Sunday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...-west-20915946

[limey]

Glad he's OK.


Sent by thought transference

[Sundae]

Poor wee lad!
No more live horses in panto.