Malaprop

I thought Barrowman was a poor actor, famous only for being a media whore, openly admitting to kicking his own excrement over the front row of his audience, and for walking around the set of Torchwood with his meat and two veg hanging out of his trousers. As for never underestimating the power of children and their parents, no responsible parent would let their child within 100ft of Barrowman. And don't underestimate just how many people in this country detest him.

I quite clearly was. The success of the event is entirely dependent on the number of people it attracts. Ergo, low attendance due to a poor guest lineup = unsuccessful event. The general public are familiar with established and famous actors. Apart from Leslie Phillips and June Whitfield, who else will the general public be familiar with on the guest list? Despite what you may think, the world doesn't begin and end with Torchwood. Entirely irrelevant as people knowing about the event has no relation to them going to or spending money at the event. Stars? Where are they? The only stars at that event will be the ones showing themselves long after everyone's gone home for the night. I hope you're bringing your telescope.

Really? I think that's a totally different thing actually. If we're talking about what would appeal to the 'general public' then I can't see how they're not covered by Torchwood, Heroes, Harry Potter, Doctor Who etc .. some of the most popular mainstream things. The naivety of those two sentences in relation to the event being successful in terms of money taken from autograph sales is quite astounding. What makes you think that passing members of the public who, as a rule have no interest in what Collectormania offers, are going to part with £15 or more for the signature of some bit part actor who they MIGHT vaguely recognise from a show they might watch once a week?

Have to agree with the OP. A very weak lineup. Was just about solid before all the cancellations but not even having one headliner is poor. The weakest MK event for years. When the economy's in trouble and people have far less money to spend, you have to give them a good reason to come to things like this and spend what money they can afford. There's very little here for the general public.

If I were Patrick Stewart, I know what perspective I'd be getting on my photo being used to advertise an event I wasn't attending or had anything to do with. A nice legal one. Well I'm sure SM are eternally grateful that you're not Patrick Stewart then! You never know, perhaps he already is taking legal action. he might have reunited the cast of LA Law to handle the case for him, Arnie Becker could be rubbing his hands with glee at the case fee as we speak. Honestly, I can see this one going right to the heart of Government. Gordon Brown probably has MI5, MI6, the SAS, the SBS, not to mention Section 31. For God's sake, run, all of you, while you still can, save yourselves, no ones safe while Patrick Stewart's photograph is still on the front page of Showmasters website. We're all doomed...dooooooooooooooooooooooooomed Fraser, you stupid boy! I've read things about Stewart that gave the impression he's very touchy about advertising for things he's involved with, or in this case not. Apparently he's got an ego you don't want to mess with.

If I were Patrick Stewart, I know what perspective I'd be getting on my photo being used to advertise an event I wasn't attending or had anything to do with. A nice legal one.

I always assumed the only reason he was at Manchester was to attract all the Heroes groupies, and not due to any of his far better and much more well known body of work. After experiencing Star Trek fans for years, he should've known what he was in for. The same will happen if he appears at LFCC. He might get a few Clockwork Orange or other film related pieces to sign out of every one hundred items given to him. It's a bit of shame.

Oh no!

As if Showmasters would ever advertise a guest they didn't have.