Hey Presto(n)
On my way up to Blackburn. In a few hours Project Preston will come to fruition. I can’t wait to meet those hardy Preston folk who are climbing aboard a coach to make it happen. On top of that, the sales have improved slightly, no doubt because of the global fame of Project Preston. Though they haven’t improved enough to make the Prestonians irrelevant. So basically, it’s win-win. I will send a report, and hopefully a photo, tomorrow.
Last night at MW Kicks Off there was a serious shortfall of audience members in the studio, because they allocate tickets for free and then hope the ticket-holders turn up. This is a pretty unscientific method and sometimes it works, sometimes not; obviously, with it being free, people aren’t always going to be arsed, even if they applied in the first place. It’s pretty frustrating, though, when the studio’s not full, because the atmosphere suffers and the whole thing isn’t as much fun as it might have been, and you feel there were surely other people out there who would have liked to come.
So if there is anyone else who fancies coming to any of the remaining recordings – one on the 15th, and then two (afternoon and evening) on the 29th – please let me know below and I will arrange tickets. I think people reading this are more likely to definitely turn up than ‘randomers’, as the young people say.
Shit, getting off the train…
Posted by Martin Bellamy on November 10, 2010
I’d like to add my thanks to Kay for all the work she did in organising last night – all 5 of our party had a great time – even watching the bus door opening and closing before we could set off back from Blackburn!
Thanks also to Mark for taking time out to meet us all before the start and for coming out in the cold to wave us off.
A great night out in Blackburn (not words I ever thought I’d say!)
Oh, and an away win for Boro at Scunthorpe – bonus!
Posted by Jonny on November 10, 2010
It was brilliant fun being part of the Preston crew, was a pleasure briefly meeting you backstage.
Massive thanks have to go to Kay for sorting it all out, she did an awesome job about setting the whole thing up.
Posted by Tracey on November 10, 2010
Hi Mark,I’m sure Project Preston will work out brilliantly! Regarding those with tickets for MWKO – their loss. Take care and have fun. Tracey x
Posted by John on November 10, 2010
I really enjoyed the show last night. It was a last minute decision and only booked the tickets with an hour to spare, well worth hearing. I still haven’t mentioned the kangaroo.
Posted by matt phillips on November 10, 2010
Definitely up for going, I’m in london that week for my birthday (the big 23) and would love to go watch it being filmed!
Posted by Tibbs on November 10, 2010
Hope the show went beautifully! Would love to see some photos.
If and when someone invents and grants me access to a functioning teleporter, I will be at every recording of MWKO. Unfortunately, until then… =(
Posted by Ally on November 10, 2010
Can’t wait to hear about the Preston crowd!
Posted by ChrisP on November 10, 2010
15th or 16th?
Posted by Alex on November 9, 2010
I was lying in bed trying to get to sleep and wondering why I didn’t feel quite right. Realised I hadn’t read the blog yet. I’m hoping that this is going to fix the feeling of wrong-ness. I kind of suspect I have forgotten to do something vitally important for my placement tomorrow.
Can’t believe I almost forgot the blog, though.
Posted by Louise Hendy on November 9, 2010
Tonight was absolutely amazing! I keep saying thank you but seriously thank you so much x
Posted by Rachael on November 9, 2010
I have never wished I was in Blackburn until today. Although if I’m honest I have wished I was somewhere really warm alot more times today.
Posted by Noel Martin on November 9, 2010
Saw the show tonight @ King Georges, Blackburn.
Only downer of the evening was on way walking home, I was scared to death by someone suddenly appearing out of the dark shadows near me and the first I knew of them being there was from a fart or burp noise coming from them (not sure which as in the moment I was in a panic and my mind wasn’t focussed on distuinguishing the sound), never been so frightened of person wind in my life! Anyway the person didn’t actually approach me, just went passed round a corner, don’t imagine he was intentionally waiting there to fart or burp at people, and in the moment of relief I thought should I have shouted “NO!” or gone “Boooooo”
Cracking show by the way, and yeah its shit getting off the train in Blackburn.
Posted by MusicalLottie on November 9, 2010
This is why the BBC always over-allocate tickets to recordings (though on occasion it can backfire, such as the recording of Cabin Pressure on Sunday when, according to a reliable source, there were girls hysterical because they couldn’t get in).
It’s a pity to hear the studio wasn’t full
Those who didn’t turn up surely have missed out! I hope the next recordings are better-attended; I’m sure a strong Watsonian presence will lift the atmosphere greatly 
Posted by Anji on November 9, 2010
If I lived closer to London and could get the day off of work I’d come to the 29th, as a day after my birthday celebration.
I wish I could suggest somewhere to Britt to visit – but I’m sure where ever you decide to travel too and see Mark, you’ll have made the most effort compared to the rest of the audience!
Let us know where you decide!
Posted by Britt on November 9, 2010
Hello Mark/Watsonians, I’m not able to come to any of the recordings [due to being on the other side of the world], BUT, I have a query that I would like some help with.
I’m studying a short course in Paris in December – I leave here in less than two weeks! – and then have decided to travel a bit before returning for uni next year. I haven’t planned any of this, but it’s looking like I’ll be in the UK in February [until about the 20th]. This conveniently conincides with Mark’s tour, so, I was wondering, where should I see him? I’ve been to York before, so not there, but all of the other destinations are open for consideration, seeing as I have literally nothing else planned. Any suggestions?
Any other travel suggestions/ideas for not-too-expensive things for me to do would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks.
Posted by Rachel/Pandora on November 9, 2010
Hmm. I can get return tickets to London for £6 on both those days. Very tempting…
Posted by josie on November 9, 2010
I wish I could make it to the recording! Unfortunately being 16 and living over 100 miles from the studio makes it impossible.
GAH life is unfair.
But well done for being down with the kids. “Randomers”, very slick!
Posted by Beth on November 9, 2010
I’m not sure. I’m coming down on the 30th anyway for a university interview could just make a holiday of it : )
Posted by Misha on November 9, 2010
Alas this weeks was the only one I could really have made without missing even more Uni, and I made a pact with myself to hoik my socks up after reading week, so count me out.
(I’m ignoring here, the fact that I couldn’t afford the travel from Cardiff anyway)
Posted by Josh on November 9, 2010
Nice blog title
Anyway, I was wondering, where is Kicks Off filmed?