The Pink Lady

All very good suggestions of how the organisers might offer better value! (I bags Yasmine Akram for the evening, by the way. She's very, very funny.) Let's hope someone in charge drops by to read this discussion!

e As I said, Pia, my rant wasn't against you in any way - it's just I'm hearing so much criticism across other social media and in the press that I am frustrated by people railing against the organisers because they've paid lots of money to see BC and he won't be there, and rags like the Mail are painting all of us as rabid Cumberbatch fans who've paid massive sums of money and are terribly, angrily disappointed that he's not attending. All of us on these forums are clearly big fans of Sherlock and that's why we're going again this year, and we understood that unless and until a guest is announced, we shouldn't expect them to be there. That doesn't seem to have been the case everywhere. I do agree that the Platinum ticket doesn't look like such good value this year - there's nothing exclusive to our package, like there was last time (autos with BC were restricted to Platinum and VIPs) and at the moment it looks like what we are paying for in good part is the priority placing in queues. That matters to me, as I missed enough of the talks last year anyway that I don't want to miss more by standing in photo and auto queues. I've taken the decision to go for the more expensive ticket, but it would be nice to see Showmasters/ME recognise that at the moment we don't seem to be getting anything much extra for the sum we've paid, and perhaps give us a last-minute boost to make us think it will be worth buying a package again next time, and guaranteeing them the initial income that brings.

I'm sure there are some people who are disappointed, but there is so much I want to say to the Daily Fail and all the rest. I wil put it here instead. This convention is not The Cumberbatch Show, The Freeman Show, or anything like it. It is a convention for fans of Sherlock - a tv show. Of course it would be fun if the leads were there each time - but no-one ever promised that. Even if either had been announced, they might have had to pull out due to illness or other commitments - your choice to purchase an entry ticket or package in no way guaranteed you access to any individual. As is evident from the discussions on this forum, fans of the show are queuing up to attend, to hear more about the production as a whole - where else do the set designers and the sfx people have such a following? What is more interesting to fans of the show than to be able to hear Sue Vertue, Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss talk about how the films are created? What an amazing opportunity to see behind the scenes on the sets, and to hear how the costume and hair and makeup artists create the look which makes the show so popular! Frankly I would consider the cost of my ticket well worthwhile just to see all the production people talk and have the chance to ask them questions. Having some or all of the onscreen talent there is a bonus. If you're determined to see Benedict, then go to the red carpet for the premiere of Dr Strange, or queue at stage door outside his next theatre production. You can do that for nothing, and hopefully won't then be disappointed if he doesn't turn up to meet you. He might! But choosing to pay to attend a convention where he hasn't been announced as a guest is not the way to do it. If you love the show and want to find out more about it, meet lots of other fans and have a good time seeing just some of the people you admire who make it so special, then this weekend is for you. If not, then you shouldn't have booked. Rant over. Edit: By the way this isn't intended as criticism of Pia, or any individual - just at the mess or reports I'm seeing across social media and in the press. I am just frustrated and annoyed that there seems to be wilful misunderstanding of what the convention is about,

It's so close now! I need to spend some time planning tomorrow as I have a busy rest of the week. It's always the same!

She was standing off to the side by the rear of the second stage as I just happened to be sorting my bag out on one of the chairs. I couldn't resist the opportunity to say hello!

Great to have confirmation of the production people! I'm sure Sarah was there last time, I think she's in my production team photo, but I still in bed so I can't check right now! I spoke very briefly to Beryl last time: she was clearly delighted to be there, and it was really a privilege to meet someone who's been so significant in tv here.

Exactly the same situation here! Mine rolled his eyes indulgently first, laughed, then said "Do whatever makes you happy." It turns out that doesn't include running away with Benedict Cumberbatch. Honestly, he's no fun. I did buy that shoot, though.

Brilliant, thanks for posting this - I've been checking for them all day!

I'll still be doing the Platnum A schedule for myself so I'm more than happy to PM it to you via Facebook now were linked up there. And I will bring an extra hard copy too. Can i be cheeky and request one as well? I've just replied to your post on the facebook intro page. My profile pic if the stuffed dinosaur in front of a keyboard. Of course!

If I can help let me know? I can print it off on Monday and mail it to you where you are staying. Thanks much! But I'm in a bunch of different hotels until right before the convention. I really appreciate the offer though I'll still be doing the Platnum A schedule for myself so I'm more than happy to PM it to you via Facebook now were linked up there. And I will bring an extra hard copy too. That would be brilliant! Thanks. Is it okay if facebook PM you my email address? Of course! If you can't do it without adding me as a friend, just send me a request and I'll accept right away.

Same. I've just said to my husband that next year I'm going to ignore the photos and autos and just go to all the talks!

I'll still be doing the Platnum A schedule for myself so I'm more than happy to PM it to you via Facebook now were linked up there. And I will bring an extra hard copy too.

I think I might hold off and go for Mark on set tomorrow. Decisions, decisions... So excited now!

....aaaaaaand the email with all the information in it has just arrived!

I'm toying with both the Holmes family and the Rupert/Loo one. I guess we know now who that final talk slot will feature!

I just went to the tickets page and found not only tickets for the talks, but also for the parties - right at the bottom of the page. They sound more organised than last time. I'll still probably be ready for dinner and bed, though! And weirdly, there is a photo shoot for Sunday on offer with Louise Brealey. Did I miss an announcement? Or is this an error which is going to disappoint a lot of people?

I just saw someone tweet that the talks schedule was up on the website - I just went and checked, and lo and behold, it is, with no announcement from the organisers! But go check it out. Lots to see, and more good stuff on the second stage. Looks good! (And for those of us still wishing for a last minute guest announcement, there is still one talk slot on the main stage listed as "to be announced". The game is never over, boys and girls)

Yep, sounds good! Just bear in mind, as I said, that there will likely be a queue for registration right outside our hall, so we might need to look out for each other.

That sounds sensible. Last time there was quite a queue for registration so perhaps we should aim more for the nearest area of seating to avoid getting mixed up in it. How about 5:45? I'm getting there earlier in the day so will probably register in the afternoon, then pop off for a bit to do something else, and come back to ExCel for the evening opening; but I suspect others will only arrive after work.

Try searching for "Sherlocked - The Event : Introductions". It's a group which was set up for the first event but has been kept going intermittently since.

I've replied!

I'll make sure to print an extra one just in case anyone needs it. I am not known as the Office Mummy for nothing! I'll also have tissues, sticking plaster, headache tablets, hand sanitiser and anything else we might need in my capacious, Mary-Poppins-esque massive bag. I'm on Facebook, in the Sherlocked: Introductions group; you'll spot me as my avatar here is the same as my current profile picture.

I'll be doing a Platinum A schedule for myself, so if worst comes to worst I can always email you a copy to tweak to your own preferences - at least it would save you some work! Oooooo! If you would do that, I would love you forever! Hopefully the schedule will be out before I leave home, though. Does anyone remember when it came out last time? The first schedule, at least, before they had to re-work everything. Wasn't it about a week and a half out? We should definitely do an official Plat A group meet up! We're going to all be in the same queues all weekend, we should actually meet each other. Well, if the schedule's not out in time, I'll definitely be happy to help! Can one send PMs via this forum? If not we can work something out. And yes, an initial Plat A meet, however brief, would be great!

We should try and have a bit of a forum meet up, perhaps on Friday night - I'm not sure I actually met any of you last time!

I'll be doing a Platinum A schedule for myself, so if worst comes to worst I can always email you a copy to tweak to your own preferences - at least it would save you some work!