Well the day has arrived, as this amazing show ends it's current run in London it inevitable that you find your self thinking back over the last 11 years and the phenomenon it became.
When I took my seat in the stalls on May 2005 little did I know that when a certain George Maguire sang those first words 'take me up and hold me gently' that It would take me on journey of 11 years to date.
Those eleven years hold so many memories but five really stand out. Bedsides my first show, the December evening when George Left was the first really special night, meeting in the stage door pub before the show so many forum members for the first time and becoming friends with the families of the originals.
The first birthday show as special event too and to my mind never bettered at the Victoria Palace, it think it was the rotation of the Billy's (as they are doing tonight) and the fact, and it seems hard to comprehend now but the show had actually reached it's first birthday. I remember lots of forum talk about this, but once the ball was rolling the rest as they say is history.
The show took me to the opening night in New York, a true once in a lifetime opportunity. I remember the nerves of Stephen Daldry pacing up and down out side the Imperial looking like death warmed up and praying that reviews came good.
The other really really special event was the Youth Theatre performance, it encapsulated the whole ethos of the show, it gave it a new raw edge that was outstanding.
So today lets celebrate the achievement's of the show, the careers that it launched and the legacy it's leaving. It's taking a break from London - but to my mind Billy will be back in London within the next 20 years absolutely no doubt about it. Just imagine what that opening night is going to be like!, god willing I will see you there.
Sadly I think this is the only 'special' show that I wont be able attend, so I'm relying on you to give it the send off it deserves while it takes a well earned break.
Have a good one everyone!
and thanks Billy!