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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2016 17:15:51 GMT
Great programme on TV last night showing the auditions and rehearsals for the London 2012 Olympics... Fascinating viewing behind the scenes of one of the Great Theatrical Events of our time.
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Post by stefy69 on Jul 19, 2016 5:49:54 GMT
Agreed, a night that did us proud.
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Post by jek on Jul 19, 2016 10:00:11 GMT
Watched this with my 18 yr old son who, as a then 14 year old, played trombone with the London Symphony Orchestra at the event. Impossible to hear Elgar's Nimrod without feeling very choked up. The youngsters involved had all been sworn to secrecy and so we went off to a dress rehearsal at the stadium with little knowledge of what was about to unfold. Our son had muttered something about being in the world's biggest scene change - the LSO On Track Orchestra played all through the change from pastoral scene to industrial revolution - but the scale came as a wonderful shock.
What was brilliant was the outreach done by the arts organisations involved. I still remember getting a phone call from our local authority music services in the February before the event with the word's 'Will your son be available on July 27th for a special event and for a series of rehearsals leading up to then?' and I am so glad that I was able to say 'Yes'. I know that lots of kids living locally to the stadium were involved in choirs, dancing etc. The 80 kids who played with the LSO were so well looked after - chaperoned back and forwards to rehearsals, fed and watered, taken through all the procedures in such a way that they knew exactly where they were meant to be. On the actual evening of the performance all the families of the young musicians were invited to a party at the LSO's education base St Lukes. There we watched a live relay and part way through the evening there was a sudden fanfare of trumpeters from the Guildhall School of Music up in the balcony of St Lukes. As they played the kids and their conductor all processed in to mad cheering and each child was presented with a bound copy of the music. We got the tube back to Stratford where we were greeted with assorted NHS nurses and the like, still in costume, all drunk on the evening's proceedings. A year later there was a reunion concert at St Luke's at which it was conclusively proved that most of the youngsters could no longer fit into the brightly coloured converse style shoes they had been given for the event. Our son has a lovely collection of memorabilia from that 'one night in 2012' and memories of furiously listening in to click tracks. They recorded the music (they played as live but what you heard was a recording) at Abbey Road studios - another great memory for them.
We still live in Stratford and so pass the stadium most days. Memories of that evening are such a great legacy and the park is a real thing of beauty.
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Post by Nelly on Jul 19, 2016 10:25:55 GMT
Having been part of the technical team that put it all together, I really enjoyed watching this programme. It was the most incredible event I've ever been involved with and will never forget it. The whole of London 2012 was just magical. Wish I could re-live it every year!
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Post by maggiem on Jul 19, 2016 11:45:19 GMT
Having been part of the technical team that put it all together, I really enjoyed watching this programme. It was the most incredible event I've ever been involved with and will never forget it. The whole of London 2012 was just magical. Wish I could re-live it every year! I watched it at home on TV and thought the whole thing was utterly brilliant! I got the CD of all the music as soon as it came out, and still play ""And I Will Kiss" (the pandemonium sequence) more than any other track from it. a few days later I went to London for a weekend and had a £10 ticket to be in the Olympic Park. there was a magical buzz in the whole city that I just wish was still there. Jek - what did your son make of Mr. Bean in the "Chariots of Fire" performance?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2016 12:03:00 GMT
Watched this with my 18 yr old son who, as a then 14 year old, played trombone with the London Symphony Orchestra at the event. Impossible to hear Elgar's Nimrod without feeling very choked up. The youngsters involved had all been sworn to secrecy and so we went off to a dress rehearsal at the stadium with little knowledge of what was about to unfold. Our son had muttered something about being in the world's biggest scene change - the LSO On Track Orchestra played all through the change from pastoral scene to industrial revolution - but the scale came as a wonderful shock. What was brilliant was the outreach done by the arts organisations involved. I still remember getting a phone call from our local authority music services in the February before the event with the word's 'Will your son be available on July 27th for a special event and for a series of rehearsals leading up to then?' and I am so glad that I was able to say 'Yes'. I know that lots of kids living locally to the stadium were involved in choirs, dancing etc. The 80 kids who played with the LSO were so well looked after - chaperoned back and forwards to rehearsals, fed and watered, taken through all the procedures in such a way that they knew exactly where they were meant to be. On the actual evening of the performance all the families of the young musicians were invited to a party at the LSO's education base St Lukes. There we watched a live relay and part way through the evening there was a sudden fanfare of trumpeters from the Guildhall School of Music up in the balcony of St Lukes. As they played the kids and their conductor all processed in to mad cheering and each child was presented with a bound copy of the music. We got the tube back to Stratford where we were greeted with assorted NHS nurses and the like, still in costume, all drunk on the evening's proceedings. A year later there was a reunion concert at St Luke's at which it was conclusively proved that most of the youngsters could no longer fit into the brightly coloured converse style shoes they had been given for the event. Our son has a lovely collection of memorabilia from that 'one night in 2012' and memories of furiously listening in to click tracks. They recorded the music (they played as live but what you heard was a recording) at Abbey Road studios - another great memory for them. We still live in Stratford and so pass the stadium most days. Memories of that evening are such a great legacy and the park is a real thing of beauty. What a wonderful story... I can clearly remember sitting in front of the TV to watch the whole event. We'd made an evening of it, with champagne and little union flags on the coffee-table, and then those youngsters played Nimrod, in their black suits and wearing trainers, and as a lump formed in my throat, I thought, "This is going to be completely wacky, completely British!" And it was. Yes, pride doesn't cover it really...
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 19, 2016 12:31:46 GMT
I watched it and loved seeng how it was all put together. The scale of it was incredible, and getting an insight into the organisation was fascinating. I was there on Super Saturday but not in the athletics stadium unfortunately. Even so it was brilliant to feel part of it in some way.
I suppose the "Britain is a load of crap" crowd from the Brexit thread would disagree.
I'm looking forward to the Rio opening ceremony.
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Post by stefy69 on Jul 19, 2016 12:39:17 GMT
I watched it and loved seeng how it was all put together. The scale of it was incredible, and getting an insight into the organisation was fascinating. I was there on Super Saturday but not in the athletics stadium unfortunately. Even so it was brilliant to feel part of it in some way. I suppose the "Britain is a load of crap" crowd from the Brexit thread would disagree. I'm looking forward to the Rio opening ceremony. Yes it only seems like yesterday- there was a tremendous feeling of pride in how we organised the games let only how well we did at the various sports, it certainly proved all the nay-sayers wrong !
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Post by Flim Flam on Jul 19, 2016 13:22:13 GMT
It certainly was a magical time. I was a volunteer (Games Maker), and it was the most amazing experience. Would do it all again at the drop of a hat!
Apart from the spectacle of it all, it was the human interactions that hold the most precious memories for me. People from all over the world coming together, the sheer joy of the people wandering around the Olympic Park, wrapped in their national flags, wearing their national colours, the festive atmosphere along the South Bank, etc, etc. Everyone so happy to just be in London, and a London in full party mode.
Absolutely loved the Opening Ceremony too,(watching it from Victoria Park) but still find it hard to listen to the music without becoming a sobbing mess.. Don't think the withdrawal symptoms are ever going to go away.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 19, 2016 14:04:05 GMT
This though.... 5:50 onwards. Gets me every time.
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Jul 19, 2016 15:19:39 GMT
Just watched this, a really wonderful reminder of a magical night. So many theatre people involved and great to see them at work. It showed what an inclusive, creative and positive nation we can be.
(I was one of the lucky 80,000 or so who was in the Athletics stadium for Super Saturday and, to this day, I consider it and, probably until my last breath, will consider it to be the most incredible experience I've ever had).
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Post by The Matthew on Jul 19, 2016 16:03:29 GMT
I never saw the ceremony but I did go to see the Rhythmic Gymnastics. They'd seated me right next to the press stand and I couldn't see half the floor so they moved me into the section reserved for friends and relatives of the competitors. It was quite something to be sitting with other people who really understood the sport. (One thing I'll always remember about RSG is the way half the audience quietly whispers "catch" in unison as a competitor reaches for the apparatus, willing her to make it.)
Happy days. We did a grand job there.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2016 21:58:29 GMT
What a joy to watch and see the total dedication of everyone involved. This programme brought back the emotion that the people taking part must have felt at the time. Thanks to Caiaphas for mentioning this otherwise I might have missed it.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 19, 2016 22:10:50 GMT
Having been part of the technical team that put it all together, I really enjoyed watching this programme. It was the most incredible event I've ever been involved with and will never forget it. The whole of London 2012 was just magical. Wish I could re-live it every year! I watched it at home on TV and thought the whole thing was utterly brilliant! I got the CD of all the music as soon as it came out, and still play ""And I Will Kiss" (the pandemonium sequence) more than any other track from it. a few days later I went to London for a weekend and had a £10 ticket to be in the Olympic Park. there was a magical buzz in the whole city that I just wish was still there. Jek - what did your son make of Mr. Bean in the "Chariots of Fire" performance? Probably hated it. Can't abide Mr Bean, makes my teeth itch.
The rest of the show was immense. Great to hear the inner circle teams thought, especially Danny Boyle. And that wonderful Underworld soundtrack
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Post by steve10086 on Jul 20, 2016 6:59:44 GMT
I was in the stadium for the Opening Ceremony and it was the most spectacular thing I've ever seen (and also for the Closing Ceremony, which was like a huge party).
Will always be very grateful to those who volunteered in the ceremonies (real hard work and dedication) and as games makers.
I work (for a few more weeks anyway) in Stratford, and swim at the Aquatics Centre regularly. I recently rode the Orbit Slide, and visit the park often. It is one of my favourite places, and I feel very lucky to have it so close.
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Post by jek on Jul 20, 2016 10:27:23 GMT
Having been part of the technical team that put it all together, I really enjoyed watching this programme. It was the most incredible event I've ever been involved with and will never forget it. The whole of London 2012 was just magical. Wish I could re-live it every year! I watched it at home on TV and thought the whole thing was utterly brilliant! I got the CD of all the music as soon as it came out, and still play ""And I Will Kiss" (the pandemonium sequence) more than any other track from it. a few days later I went to London for a weekend and had a £10 ticket to be in the Olympic Park. there was a magical buzz in the whole city that I just wish was still there. Jek - what did your son make of Mr. Bean in the "Chariots of Fire" performance? Not huge fans of Mr Bean in this household but my son enjoyed seeing the musicians he had spent a lot of time working with getting a bit of the limelight and having a bit of fun. I seem to remember reading somewhere that Mr Bean is huge internationally. One of those puzzling things - like Norman Wisdom in Albania!
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Post by littlesally on Jul 20, 2016 22:48:59 GMT
Watched it tonight sobbing with pride at the hope it promised. Perplexed how Britain could descend from those highs to the current lows in just four years?
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Post by CG on the loose on Jul 20, 2016 23:11:54 GMT
Watched it tonight sobbing with pride at the hope it promised. Perplexed how Britain could descend from those highs to the current lows in just four years? This. Absolutely.
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Post by vdcni on Jul 21, 2016 20:51:06 GMT
Yes it's depressing how quickly we've fallen since 2012 when we looked organised, tolerant, modern and good humoured which isn't the case anymore.
I was lucky enough to be in the stadium for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as Super Saturday, an unforgettable two weeks.
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Post by Flim Flam on Jul 21, 2016 21:54:34 GMT
Happened to be in the Museum of London today. The 2012 Olympic cauldron is there on display. Didn't realise that until I came across it. Interesting display showing how it was made, video of it being lit etc.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2016 6:19:00 GMT
Happened to be in the Museum of London today. The 2012 Olympic cauldron is there on display. Didn't realise that until I came across it. Interesting display showing how it was made, video of it being lit etc. Yes, I saw that a while back, but assumed it was a temporary display. Good to hear it's still there; it makes perfect sense that it lives there, I suppose. I love the way you can get really close to it. Some great photo opportunities... (I also managed to take a photo of Tom Daley's speedos, which were in another part of the same museum. ) (Alas he was not in them, but I used my imagination...) (Just reminded myself that we visited the Olympic Park with my young nephew two years ago. Went inside the rather stunning looking pool, and were allowed in the spectators area to take photographs. Who was up on the diving board? Yup, Little Tom in his Little Speedos... Presumably not the same ones though. )
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Post by aliwag on Jul 22, 2016 11:49:58 GMT
I've yet to watch the programme but, after reading your comments, I can't wait. It truly was a wonderful evening. Although I didn't get into the stadium, I was fortunate enough to have tickets for the hockey which was held within the park, so got to take in the whole Olympic feeling - something I will never forget
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Post by steve10086 on Jul 27, 2022 13:29:19 GMT
Reliving this day 10 years ago by watching the Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Park right now.
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Post by mkb on Jul 27, 2022 14:07:41 GMT
I was there too in 2012. Probably my favourite ever theatrical event.
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Post by steve10086 on Jul 27, 2022 14:09:17 GMT
I was there too in 2012. Probably my favourite ever theatrical event. The opening sequence is the best piece of theatre I have ever seen.
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Post by alece10 on Jul 27, 2022 16:51:59 GMT
And i discovered yesterday on Amazon photos all my photos from the opening ceremony and a couple of videos. I thought they had been lost forever when my phone was stolen 3 years ago. I really don't know how they got there as I didn't have Amazon Prime then so it's a total mystery but a lovely surprise. As for the event, I spent the whole night either with my mouth open as I couldn't believe what I was seeing or crying with pride. I've got the DVD so a good time to relive it now.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jul 27, 2022 18:07:14 GMT
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Post by mkb on Jul 29, 2022 8:51:21 GMT
I was there too in 2012. Probably my favourite ever theatrical event. I will add that I was also at the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, which, while less spectacular, was a great deal of fun. Which makes it all the more disappointing that, in Perry Barr last night, I witnessed a lacklustre affair that made me a little embarrassed to be a Midlander. Was that really the best we could muster? Presumably there were explanations on tv, but, in the stadium, the sightlines were terrible, the events baffling, and everything seemed decidedly amateurish and low rent. The only spectacle came from the Red Arrows fly-past and a mere ten minutes of Duran Duran who we could only see on the screens. The bull was probably impressive up close, but from our remote perspective, it might as well have been a mouse. Two stars for last night.
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Post by alece10 on Jul 29, 2022 10:50:06 GMT
It was spectacular to watch on TV but extremely weird. Ginny Lemon in a hot air balloon miming was the most bizarre bit. And the presenters who introduced each section of the athletes entrance exaggerating their "brummie" accents. One woman (sorry no idea who she was, possibly a comedian) whose jokes about samosas and moustache waxing were so slow in her delivery that you could have driven a truck between each word. And why was she shouting? Was her mic not working? Loved the athletes entering though and the baton arrival.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Jul 29, 2022 11:14:19 GMT
Without the TV commentators telling us what it was supposed to be, you would have been very lost.
It really was very poor in terms of narrative clarity. The sound was also very poor.
It was GCSE level of theatre making with a big budget.
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