THEATRE BLOG: The Day of Open Doors at Wiener Staatsoper (Der Tag der offenen Tür)

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Wiener Staatsoper  

For most people, who visit Vienna, Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) is the first attraction that they are introduced to. It is a prominent landmark, from which the most sightseeing tours around the city start and end. I have met with people numerous times around Opera. I have had an Apfelstrudel in Opera Cafe. I have used Opera as a starting point of my walks in the city, and this is where I always come back.

 

History

 

The structure of the Wiener Staatsoper was planned by the Viennese architect August Sicard von Sicardsburg, while the inside was designed by interior decorator Eduard van der Nüll. Neither of the architects survived to see the opening of the opera house: the sensitive van der Nüll committed suicide, and his friend Sicardsburg died of a stroke soon afterwards. The building was majorly damaged during the WWII. Only the main facade, the grand staircase, and the Schwind Foyer had been spared from the bombs. It was reconstructed after the war, and in 1955, the Vienna State Opera reopened with a new auditorium and modernized technology.

 

Wiener Staatsoper

Wiener Staatsoper is one of the leading opera houses in the world. Each season, the schedule features 350 performances of more than 60 different operas and ballets. It is said to have one of the largest repertoires in the world.

Wiener Staatsoper

 

Open Doors Day

 

Every year, before the official start of the season, Wiener Staatsoper holds the Open Door Day. This event is free of charge, but the tickets have to be picked up beforehand in the theatre’s ticket office (Bundestheaterkassen). I learned about this event only this year, even though it was far from my first (or my second) visit to Vienna. Years ago I was even lucky to score a ticket for the performance. But I didn’t know that the opera house hosted Open Doors Day. This year, it took place on September 3rd, Sunday. I knew that I would be in the city on that day but all the traveling, and scheduling, and meeting my parents and friends, the fact that I had to acquire the tickets beforehand had totally slipped my mind.

Wiener Staatsoper

So, when we were leisurely strolling past Staatsoper after 1pm and saw lines of people in the middle of the day, something clicked in my mind. It was the Open Doors Day. The event took place twice during the day: first session - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm; and second session - 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. We lined up at first for 2pm, but when I rushed into the ticket office, I was informed that they only had four tickets left for 5:30pm session. I couldn’t believe my luck! Of course, I snatched three of those, even though it sort of upset our evening plans.

 

But it was so worth it.

 

Experience

 

The doors of Wiener Staatsoper opened at 5:30pm, and everybody rushed in. We were allowed to walk everywhere, or almost everywhere, including backstage, on stage, up to the rehearsal rooms. Small orchestra was playing on one of the balconies. In one of the halls, the costume department brought out various costumes and hats for the public to try on. On the stage itself, we were introduced to various technical departments and the effects they can produce: foam, smoke, lights - it was so much fun for both adults and kids. The staff were there to explain what parts of the stage equipment was used for what.

 

As a theatre geek, I was in heaven. I couldn’t take enough selfies next to a smoke machine too.

Behind the scenes

At 7:30pm everybody was called to their seats for the Technical Show. (And this is why it is important to keep your ticket till the very end, as those ticket ladies can be very strict.) The Technical show had bits of ballet and opera repertoire, but intercepted with talks and introductions by the technical director of the opera house. Every change of stage was done with curtains up, which allowed the audience to see how it all happens. The decorations went up and down (the stage goes down 11.5 meters!), there was smoke, lights, and fire!

 

Both my parents and I were stunned. It was one of the best technical shows ever. It was fully conducted in German, though, which made it a bit difficult to follow the jokes (as my German is far from good), but it was just a small part of the performance.

 

Trying on costumes

Even if you are not a theatre or opera fan, do not miss out on this opportunity next year. It is a free and fun event for all. Definitely, something that I would love to experience again.

Resources:
My other theatre related posts.

Blog: “Earn It!” by Cinders McLeod - Book Launch @ Queen Books

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You know, you are friend with right people when instead of going out for dinner, your friend invites you to a book launch party. So, this is how yesterday, August 15, I found myself at a new independent bookstore called “Queen Books”, located on (obviously) 914 Queen Street East. I had never heard of this bookstore before and learned that it just opened in April of this year. Their website is still under construction but you can check them out at queenbooks.ca. The book launch party in question was for the picture book “Earn It!”, the book one in a series called “The Moneybunnies”, by Cinders McLeod. This book is about Bun, a little bunny, who wants to be rich and famous (ain’t we all) but doesn’t understand that she needs to work hard for it. This series of books is intended to teach young children financial literacy, about spending and earning money, and why some families have more money than others.

I found the atmosphere at the party very welcoming and relaxing, even though I personally does not know Cinders, it was nice to see so many people come to celebrate the launch. The book was sold out, and everyone who was lucky to get a copy was able to get it signed by the author on spot.

(Unfortunately, I did not purchase a copy for myself, and I don’t have any readers of that age in my life to give it as a gift. Plus, the books were in high demand and I didn’t want to get ahead of someone who really wanted it. However, I do intend to pick it from the public library to read - they already have 32 copies in stock! I checked! But fear not - I did purchase another book from the book store. Just because I have no self-control.)

Here are some of the candid photos I took at the store.

  

  

  

  

“Earn It!” is both written and illustrated by Cinder McLeod and is published by Nancy Paulsen Books, the imprint of Penguin. It has 32 pages and is intended for children of 3-5 years old. It is currently available in hardback and ebook formats.

Cinders McLeod is represented by Samantha Haywood, Transatlantic Agency. Learn more about Cinders McLeod at www.cindersmcleod.com and cindersmcleod.tumblr.com and follow her on Twitter at @cindersmcleod.

Queen Books is scheduled to celebrate their official launch on August 26, Saturday.

Queen Books

queenbooks.ca

info@queenbooks.ca

416-778-5053

914 Queen St East

Toronto, On

Open 7 days a week, 10 am to 6 pm. Buy the book at Indigo:

Earn It!

Happy Canada Day: Book Recommendations

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Happy 150th Birthday, Canada! Have a wonderful maple-syrup-sweet and fun weekend. I put together a list of some of books by Canadian authors that I don't see recommended a lot. Or not at all. So, if you would like to see what I have read by Canadian writers and enjoyed - read on!

This blog post (sadly) does not contain any affiliated links, but I will link to my reviews and GoodReads pages for you to learn more about those books.

 

"Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur

If you are from Canada and haven't seen (or read) this collection of poetry and prose by a Toronto author, Rupi Kaur, you must be living under a rock (or in an igloo). It is a collection about love, abuse, pain and betrayal. So, consider yourself warned.

Personal rating: 4 stars

 

 

Long Story Short: An Anthology of (mostly) Ten-Minute Plays, edited by Rebecca Burton

This is one of my favourite anthologies to date and includes scripts and plays by Canadian playwrights from coast to coast. I have read and reviewed this collection on my blog.

Personal rating: 4.5

 

"Jane, The Fox and Me" by Fanny Britt

It is a cute middle grade picture book/graphic novel. I adored it. (And not only because it has a fox on the cover and in the title.)

Personal rating: 4.5 stars

 

 

"Hark! A Vagrant" by Kate Beaton

You probably have seen Kate's cartoons all over tumblr even if you don't recognize the book title or her name. Go check it out through - it is hilarious and has the best Canadian memes ever.

Personal rating: 4 stars

 

 

 

"The Lady Paranorma" by Vincent Marcone

A creepy and unique graphic novel from a visual artist. Plus, you get a challenge throw in - you need to find cardinal birds throughout the book. I loved it.

Personal rating: 4 stars

 

 

"Through the Woods" by Emily Carroll

Five creepy stories with gorgeous illustrations. If you like Brothers Grimm's like fairytales and graphic novels - it is a must have. I loved it so much, that I gave it to my friend as a gift. (But I still don't own a copy myself, why....) If you are at it - check out another book by Emily Carroll co-authored with Marika McCoola - "Baba Yaga's Assistant" - I liked it slightly less but the art is great!

Personal rating: 4.5 stars

 

"The Liszts" by Kyo Maclear, Julia Sarda (illustrated)

Another graphic novel with gorgeous art (I know, I have a trend here). It is super short but I want my own copy. Because a) the art, and b) I love making lists.

Personal rating: 4.5 stars

 

 

 

And here are 3 books that I haven't read yet but would like still recommend.

 

The Secret Loves of Geek Girls by Hope Nicholson (edited)

I was lucky to be at the panel with some of those lovely lady authors. This is a collection of stories and graphics and illustrations all about geek girls, and insecurities, and loves, etc. One of the stories was even written by Margarett Atwood (I couldn't NOT mention the dame of Canadian literature, eh). I am yet to read it myself but I heard only great things.

 

 

"The World Needs More Canada" by Indigo

It is a coffee table type of picture book that celebrates Canada and the country's 150th anniversary. It definitely looks pretty on my shelf :)

 

 

 

"Now You Know Canada: 150 Years of Fascinating Facts" by Doug Lennox

I picked it up at the library because I want to know more about Canada. Although I have a feeling the book might be 2/3 hockey facts :D

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my list, and Happy Canada Day, eh!

My #LGBTQIAREAD TBR

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Okay, I am not very good with TBRs or read-a-thons or read-a-longs as I am a moody reader and prefer to read what I want to read in a particular moment. But when I watched George’s video on YouTube announcing Queer Read-A-Thon, I just had to sign up! I mean, I read queer lit anyway, and it is Pride Month, so I am going to do it!

I put together a list of books and graphic novels that I would like to read in that week. It is, undoubtedly, a pretty big list, but like I mentioned before - I am a moody reader and I need to have options. I also need to tackle some of my eBooks, as I keep shopping on Kindle and not reading them (does anyone else have the same problem?).

 

My TBR:

 

 

The read-a-thon takes place during one week, June 25 - July 1. #LGBTQIARead is going to be the official hashtag on Twitter, if you would like to join in.

 

I can’t wait to start as I have been meaning to read some of those books for awhile!

 

Sign up here: http://daydreamersthoughts.co.uk/lgbtqiaread-is-back/

George’s video: https://youtu.be/xJBK3pQmo4A

SHERLOCKED 2017 IN LOS ANGELES

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I have been a fan of Sherlock since late 2010. I watched first season in my hotel room in Granada, Spain. I was immediately captivated by the show (and Benedict’s Sherlock, let’s be honest here) and was crushed that there was only three episodes in the season.

Years later I am still a fan, even though the show is pretty much over. And I am going to the very first (and hopefully not last) official Sherlock Convention in North America. I had been waiting for them to do it in my part of the world for a while and once I learned that it would actually happen - I was beyond happy! I purchased my ticket the day it went on say - back in November 2016. Over 6 months ago! Crazy, I know!

I will try to blog/vlog and post on Instagram (@foxcloudsblog) during the convention. Hopefully, will take lots of pictures and will write my experience of the event afterwards (early June). It is going to be a massive event that stretches over 2.5 days, so I expect a lot of fun stuff planned.

I don’t have a particular schedule. I know that I will be going to all night parties (Friday - Sunday) and that I have one photoshoot scheduled on Friday (221B Baker Street set photo), but otherwise I am quite open. My primary objective is to go to many panels that delve into behind the scenes and filming process as it is what I am most interested in. The schedule is enormous and there are a lot of things to do!

I am not going to any of drinks receptions as those got sold out before I even realized that we needed to purchase tickets for them (considering the price of the entrance ticket, it was just too much). But I am happy that I will be going to all three night parties! Each party would have an individual theme (see in the schedule below) but I don’t think you need to specifically dress up for it. Unless you want to, of course.

So, I am going to provide below the information for the ticket that I personally purchased and the whole schedule for the convention (taken from the official website) with those events that I am most interested personally. It is for reference only, mostly for myself, so I can go back and match it with what I actually ended up doing.

Let me know if any of you is going and keep an eye on my Instagram @foxcloudsblog for Stories/Vlogs!

Cheers!

 

Official website: http://www.sherlockedusa.com/

 

DETAILS:

 

Venue

Los Angeles Airport Marriott

5855 West Century Boulevard

Los Angeles

California

90045 USA

 

Dates

Friday 26th May, Saturday 27th May & Sunday 28th May 2017

Opening Times

Friday: Registration from 2pm. Event open 5pm - 8pm - Party till late.

Saturday: 9am to 6pm (Registration open from 8am) - Party till late.

Sunday: 9am to 6pm - Party till late.

MY TICKET INFO:

 

SILVER TICKET DIOGENES CLUB

 

Entry for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

All Talks in main hall

Unreserved seat in main hall (sides/back)

Silver Priority in Queues for Autos & Photos

1 x Friday Night Party Ticket

1 x Saturday Night Party Ticket

1 x Sunday Night Party Ticket

Exclusive Sherlocked USA Button and Lanyard

 

BAKER STREET / DIOGENES CLUB - The Tracks

 

During the weekend visitors will be sorted by two groups – the Baker Street Track and the Diogenes Club Track, this is to enable everybody the chance to attend the talks.

When you purchase your ticket you will have two options for each ticket type – you chose at purchase if you want to be in the Baker Street Track or the Diogenes Club Track by selecting the ticket type with that name associated with it – ie: if you have decided to buy the silver ticket, you chose either Silver Baker Street or Silver Diogenes Club.

 

This is purely to manage numbers sitting down for each talk in the halls – there is no additional benefits to choosing one over the other, visitors will receive the same access and items associated with the ticket type regardless of the track you choose – the only thing to consider is if you are going with friends you may wish to choose the same track ticket so you can sit in the same talks.

 

 

OFFICIAL EVENT SCHEDULE (as of May 24)

 

 

Friday Schedule

Registration Open: 1400 - 2000

 

Workshop Area

1700 - 1900    Ribbon Swap

Join us for a social meet up once you have arrived for a chance to start collecting and swapping your convention ribbons!  Great opportunity to meet your fellow attendees for the weekend.

 

Photo Shoot A

1700 - 1800    Origami for Beginners

Our first session of the weekend for those of you wishing to learn some simple origami skills. See what you can do with just a piece of paper!

1815 - 1900    Cosplay Countdown

Join Abie to discuss your outfits or get last minute advice or late fixes for your cosplay.  Plus it's a great chance to meet fellow cosplayers!

 

Photo Shoot B

1700 - 1900    Drawing Workshop

Ever wanted to learn how to draw your favourite characters from Sherlock, or simply improve your skills?  Try the first of our workshops!

 

221b Set Photo Shoot Open: 1700 - 2000

 

Dealers Room Open: 1700 - 2000

 

Drinks Receptions (location to be confirmed)

1800 - 1900    Drinks Reception A - SOLD OUT

1930 - 2030    Drinks Reception B - SOLD OUT

 

Screening Room

1910 - 2000    Ice Cream Social **

Join Louis Moffat as he hosts the Sherlocked Ice-Cream Social - a place to meet fellow attendees over ice-cream!  Free ice cream available whilst stocks last.

2100 - 2300     Karaoke **

Show off your singing skills with fellow attendees. Take a turn on the mic at the Karaoke!

 

Main Hall

2000 - 0200    Friday Night Party **

The theme is 'Chinese Circus'

 

Saturday Schedule

 

All times listed are in LA local times.

Registration Desk Open - 0800 - 1800

  

Main Hall

0900 - 0945    Opening Ceremony

Hosted by Tony Lee with special guests

1000 - 1045    The Birth of an Episode

Arwel Jones & Sue Vertue talk about the production process. Hosted by Tony Lee.

1100 - 1145    Body Positivity

Join our cosplay host Abie to discuss the importance of body positivity and cosplay.

1215 - 1300    Performance Hub

A chance to see the entries to the Performance Hub competition and see who wins the coveted cash prize!  Hosted by Abie and featuring special guests.

1300 - 1400    Lunch Break

1405 - 1450    The Sign of Three

Arwel Jones, Amanda Abbington and Alistair Petrie discuss all that went into bringing the wedding reception to life.

1505 - 1550    Would You Like A Cup of Tea?

The Kettle is over there... Join Una Stubbs, Wanda Ventham and Timothy Carlton as they discuss their careers and working on Sherlock. Hosted by Tony Lee.

1605 - 1650    Sherlocked Auction

Join the Sherlocked Team as rare items from the TV Show and more go under the hammer!

1705 - 1750    Every Good Fairytale Needs a Villian

Andrew Scott takes to the stage for the last panel of the day.  Hosted by Tony Lee.

 

2000 - 0200    Saturday Night Party**

The theme is 'London Calling'

 

 

Workshop Area

1000 - 1045    Origami for Beginners

Joel Stern will be on hand to teach attendees the art of origami.

1100 - 1145    Meet & Greet - Sue Vertue

Tickets only available via a ballot system - visit the Sales desk on Friday/Saturday morning for more details.

1200 - 1245    Meet & Greet - Andrew Scott

Bids can be made at the Sales Desk for this unique encounter with Moriarty!

1405 - 1450    Chaos Costuming Activity

Who doesn't need a little chaos in their lives?  Fans of cosplay can meet the challenge by attending this workshop. Hosted by Abie and Louis Moffat.

1505 - 1550    Drawing Sherlock

Learn the basics and more when it comes to drawing our favourite consulting detective!

1605 - 1650 - Meet & Greet - Una Stubbs & Louis Moffat

Bids can be made at the Sales Desk for an encounter with the land lady and young Sherlock

1705 - 1750    Production Workshop

Arwel Jones will share some on-set secrets of the prop-master, and how certain looks may be acheived.

 

Photo Shoot A

1000 - 1045    Mark Gatiss - Gold Batches A, B, C, D, E, F & G

1050 - 1135    Amanda Abbington - Gold Batches C, D, E, F, G H & I

1140 - 1225    Una Stubbs - Gold Batches D, B, C, A, E, H & I

1230 - 1300    Wanda Ventham & Timothy Carlton - Gold Batches A, B, C, D, E & F

1405 - 1505    Andrew Scott - Gold Batches A, B, C, D, E, F, G & H

1510 - 1615    Cosplay Photo Shoot

1620 - 1705    Amanda Abbington - Gold Batches J, K, L, A & B

1720 - 1750    Finding the Canon in Sherlock

A fan discussion to look at how much of the canon appears in Sherlock

 

Photo Shoot B

0950 - 1035    Alistair Petrie - Gold Batches C, D, E, F, G, H & I

1040 - 1125    Louis Moffat - Gold Batches A, B, C, D, E, F, G

1130 - 1215    Arwel Jones - Gold Batches A, B, C, D, E & F

1220 - 1250    Steven Moffat & Sue Vertue - Gold Batches - A, B, C, D, E & F

1405 - 1450    Meet & Greet - Steven Moffat

Tickets only available via a ballot system - visit the Sales desk on Friday/Saturday morning for more details.

 

1505 - 1550    Meet & Greet - Alistair Petrie

Place your bids at the Sales Desk for this unique encounter with Alistair.

1605 - 1650    Andrew Scott - Silvers & Standards

1705 - 1750    Cosplay on a Budget

Join Abie to discuss hints and tips to save you money when working on new cosplay outfits!

 

221b Set Photo Shoot

1000 - 1145    Standard Set Photo Shoots

1150 - 1210    Holmes Family on 221b Set Photo shoot

1405 - 1645    Standard Set Photo Shoots

1645 - 1715    Mark Gatiss on Set Photo

1715 - 1800    Standard Set Photo Shoots

 

Dealers Room Open - 1000 - 1750

Screening Room

1000 - 1225    Enjoy your favourite Sherlock episodes

1230 - 1300    Being Major Sholto

Alistair Petrie will view and commentate on his time as Major Sholto as we watch some of his scenes.

1405 - 1435    Mycroft's Movie Night

Mark Gatiss will relive Mycroft's movie night as he views the scenes from the episode and comments on filming the sequence.

1435 - 1600    Enjoy your favourite Sherlock episodes

1605 - 1650    Setlocked

The Baker Street Babes and Arwel Jones discuss being on location and the experiences they have had when production leaves the studio.

 

2045 - 2220    The Great British Sherlocked Quiz **

In the style of a traditional british 'pub' quiz, a time to test your knowledge on different subjects, but mostly Britain and Sherlock.

 

Art Exhibition Area

1735 - 1750    Sherlocked Portrait Winner

The announcement of the winner of Sherlocked USA's Portrait competition.

 

Drinks Receptions (location to be confirmed)

1800 - 1900    Drinks Reception A - SOLD OUT

1930 - 2030    Drinks Reception B - SOLD OUT

 

Sunday Schedule

 

Registration Desk Open - 0900 - 1800

 

Main Hall

 0900 - 0945    Science of Deduction

Exploring common techniques used to make simple deductions and how they apply to Sherlock.  Hosted by Baker Street Babes

1000 - 1045    Get Out of My House You Reptile

Una Stubbs and Mark Gatiss take to the stage to discuss what they really think about Mrs Hudson vs Mycroft. Hosted by Tony Lee.

1100 - 1145    Baker Street Babes Podcast

The Baker Street Babes record their latest podcast, with special guests.

1200 - 1255    Cosplay Masquarade

Join our cosplay host Abie as she presents the Sherlocked USA Cosplay Masquerade with cash prizes for the best costumes!

1300 - 1400    Lunch Break

1405 - 1450    Meet the Makers

Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue discuss all things Sherlock and its continued success.

1505 - 1550    Being a Sherlock Fan

Join the panel to discuss the dedication and commitment needed to be a Sherlock fan.

1600 - 1645    Marvellous Mary Morstan

Amanda Abbington talks about being Mary and joining the cast of Sherlock in season 3.  Hosted by Tony Lee.

1700 - 1800    The Amazing Sherlocked Game Show

Not to be missed! Our guests will be on stage to take part in a very special game show.  Pick your side and enjoy the ride!  Hosted by Tony Lee.

 

Location to be confirmed

2000 - 2300    Sunday Night Party **

The theme is 'Moriarty's Pool Party'

 

Work Shops

0900 - 0945    The Game is On

Learn about board games in development.

1000 - 1045    Meet & Greet - Amanda Abbington

Place your bids at the Registration Desk for this unique encounter with Mary!

1100 - 1200    Origami Workshop

Another chance to perfect your paper folding skills!

1215 - 1255    Drawing Sherlock

Learn the basics and more when it comes to drawing our favourite consulting detective!

1405 - 1450    Meet & Greet - Andrew Scott

Place your bids at the Sales Desk for this unique encounter with Moriarty.

1505 - 1550    Meet & Greet - Mark Gatiss

Place your bids at the Sales Desk for the opportunity for this unique encounter with Mycroft.

1600 - 1645    Meet & Greet - Steven Moffat & Louis Moffat

Tickets only available via a ballot system - visit the Sales desk on Saturday/Sunday for more details.

 

Photo Shoot A

0900 - 0930    Amanda Abbington Aquarium Shoot

0945 - 1035    Andrew Scott - Gold Batches I, J, K, L - Silver & Standards

1045 - 1120    Arwel Jones - Gold Batches J, K, L, G, H & I - Silver & Standards

1125 - 1155    Wanda Ventham & Timothy Carlton 1 - Gold Batches G, H, I, J, K & L

1200 - 1300    Sue Vertue & Steven Moffat - Gold Batches G, H, I, J, K & L - Silver & Standards

1405 - 1435    Cosplay Photo Shoot

1440 - 1500    Wanda Ventham & Timothy Carlton 2 - Silver & Standards

1600 - 1645    Writing Workshop

Get professional tips and advice on perfecting your writing skills.  Hosted by 221 Breakfast Club.

 

 Photo Shoot B

0915 - 1000    Alistair Petrie - Gold Batches J, K, L, A & B - Silver & Standards

1005 - 1050    Louis Moffat - Gold Batches J, K, L, H & I Silver & Standards

1055 - 1140    Una Stubbs - Gold Batches J, K, L, F & G - Silver & Standards

1145 - 1230    Mark Gatiss - Gold Batches J, K, L, H & I - Silver & Standards

1405 - 1450    Chaos Costuming

Join Abie and Alistair Petrie for another challenge.  Are your cosplay skills ready?

1505 - 1550    Production Workshop

Arwel Jones shares more secrets and demonstrates some simple techniques to create some amazing props.

1600 - 1645    Cosplay on a Budget

Our cosplay host Abie shares some more hints and tips for creating amazing cosplay... on a budget.

 

 

221b Set Photo Shoot

0900 - 0930    Production Group Photo Shoot

1045 - 1205    Standard Set Photo Shoots

1215 - 1235    Una Stubbs on 221b Set Photo shoot

1240 - 1300    Cast Group Photo Shoot

1405 - 1550    Standard Set Photo Shoots

1600 - 1645    Andrew Scott on 221b Set Photo Shoot

 

Dealers Room Open - 0900 - 1645

 

 Screening Room

0900 - 0930    Animal Instincts

A closer look at the animals of Sherlock

0930 - 1130    Enjoy your favourite Sherlock episodes

1130 - 1200    Up On the Roof

Andrew Scott relives and comments on those now infamous rooftop scenes between Moriarty and Sherlock just before that fall.

1200 - 1500    Enjoy your favourite Sherlock episodes

1500 - 1530    Mrs Hudson and THAT car chase scene

Una Stubbs and Steven Moffat discuss the most surprising, and thoroughly enjoyable, scene of season 4!

1530 - 1600    Enjoy your favourite Sherlock moments

1600 - 1645    Setlocked

Baker Street Babes and Arwel Jones discuss location filming in public places.

 

**     Evening activity - Only applicable to some ticket types, check the Tickets page for more details.

 Please note that the schedule overrides the days listed on any photo shoot tickets already purchased.  Photo Shoots will be called as VIP/Gold first, then Silvers and then standards.  Your photo will now by called by group and happen on either Saturday or Sunday depending on your assigned group.  You will be notified of your Group Letter in an email prior to the event.

 Groups for Gold Package Holder for autographs and photo shoots will also be made clear on arrival when you collect your pass.   The allocation of group letters is based on when tickets were purchased.

 Autographs are not scheduled, but will happen at times over the weekend when the guest is not busy with a photo shoot, busy with a talk or on a break.

 At this time the separate tracks 'Baker Street' and 'Diogenes Club' are not shown on the schedule as attendee numbers do not require their activation.

 VIP's will be contacted shortly by their VIP Liaison Kelly, who will let them know their additional schedule.

 Schedule is correct at time of published and may be subject to change prior to the event.  Any updates will be amended at the earliest opportunity but please check the schedules at the event to ensure you don't miss out.  This schedule was published as correct on May 15th 2017..

 

Today I wrote on my door in chalk: "Excuse the yelling. Filming in progress."

in ,

The script was ready. It was in my hands. Absolutely perfect. I needed someone to read it though.

Eventually as I was running out of time, I had to resolve to read it as monologue myself.

I ran to the door and yelled: "Freddie!! NOOO!!!" And then stopped short realizing that I was probably making too much noise.

But I needed to film it because the script was so good.

And then I woke up.

And what did you dream of last night?

Bulldog princess

in ,

I met this adorably puppy (okay, so she is three years old, not exactly a puppy but still) last weekend and even managed to snap some photos of her. Even though she was mostly ignoring me. Her name is Stella and she gets extra kudos for enduring our aimless wandering through the park with nothing but a short breath. She is the most chill and calm dog I have ever seen. 

What are your dreams made of?

in ,

 

This night I had lengthy conversations with a certified psychopath, recently released from jail, who was trying to convince me that he was fully reformed and law-abiding now. His bald head and weasel like features filled me with revulsion that I was trying to suppress and be open minded, because miracles do happen and everyone deserves a second chance. However. Our conversations mostly took place in narrow corridors which made me both uncomfortable and also acutely aware of this man's presence.

Some corridors were filled with clothes racks. (Most probably because I spent 3 days browsing Ikea website.) I saw man's boots and a trench-coat peaking from a hollow in a wall. I thought it was a real person, but it turned out to be a mannequin. Everything was different shades of grey and dull. Not a fun place.

At the end of our conversation, the psychopath (I don't know his name, but this is how I was referring to him in my mind) asked me if I trusted his words. It was hard not to laugh.

I answered, "As much as I trust any other man unknown to me".  Which is both true and untrue. I did not trust him, but I didn't want to be offensive either (which is my common modus operandi and quite often puts me into awkward situations).

I did not trust the psychopath to walk behind me. Only ahead of me.

There was also a staged scene in which a couple wakes up to find a dead girl in their bed - right between them. I though that the wife didn't perform the scream exactly how I would have done it. Although I admit that feeling a living person's hand on your buttock is not the same as a dead body's. But this is what is acting for, right?

(I swear, I am not crazy.)

This sounds like a nightmare but it was not, because I was in control. Plus, there was also a lovely image of a bare chested Santiago Cabrera (Aramis from BBC The Musketeers) who certainly did cheer me up a lot. (Thank you, dream gods!) He was glorious to watch with other people too.

There were five of us in the room. (Which quite disturbingly coincides with something that my grandmother told me this morning - although his number 5 is wrong on all accounts.) He was sitting on the floor, crosslegged, and leaning over to some other blond guy for a cigarette. There was someone else in the room, whom I didn't know. The myself and the psychopath.

It could have turned into a murder mysteries - I have had those before - but I forced myself to wake up, because I didn't want to spoil my image of a shirtless Cabrera by anything else.

Now let me return to my cold coffee and other matters of equal importance.

p.s. I updated my blog's layout! It involved some CSS skills - I feel very proud of myself.