keithporter23

Had to be one of the best shows yet. The line-up of guests was superb. Thank you to everyone who made it happen. There in one problem; we know the kind of guests you are capable of getting - so our expectations have gone up for even more amazing guests in September!!! Thank you once again for such a great overall weekend. Loved every minute.

I got my photosession photograph signed on the Sunday morning. Mickey was happy to sign it, even asking what colour pen he should use. There was no queue when I was there, so we talked a few mins (mainly with Jan as I think Mickeys hearing isn't too good), and they both shook my hand as I left. Mickey was very nice, didn't stop smiling. I was very pleased about meeting him, and I'm amazed by all the negative comments over him. Maybe it was the Saturday when people had the bad experiences, maybe he was jet-lagged? I met joan about 2 years ago after she did a play in Newcastle. We waited afterwards to meet her, and we were escorted backstage. She was sat in a little office, and signed autographs for everyone who wanted them. She still had the some of the stage make up on, but no wig - and she still looked fantastic. Her hair was tied back (i'm guessing it makes it easier for the wig). I dont really know why she bothers with the wig as her hair looked great naturally!

You mean you only want Mickey Dolenz - what about Davy Jones or the rest of the Monkees ?

I sense Tom has a very eager fan

So many good photoshoots going on all day Saturday that I missed the talks too. I did catch the Helen Sharman talk (I have no real interest in space but thought i'd try something different) and I have to say I loved it. First time i've attended a talk, and would definitely want to try to see more in future.

Jason, the food area you had arranged was excellent - no complaints about that at all , and I hope theres something similar at all future shows. The problem was if you were staying at the hotel, and wanted food later after Showmasters was finished for the day. Suppose it serves me right for not booking the dinner with the great guests on the Saturday night!! I will do next time.

Some great suggestions so far, especially Julie Andrews and Dcik Van Dyke, but can I add just a couple more names (I know most are probably impossible to get, but I know how you like a challenge to get the best guests possible); Jane Russell - (please invite this amazing talent - I know she does signings in the states) Peter Falk Debbie Reynolds Larry Hagman Leslie Nielsen Doris Day Shirley Maclaine Faye Dunaway Sophia Loren Jane Fonda Lauren Bacall Liza Minnelli Jerry Lewis Esther Williams Angie Dickinson Kirk Douglas Ellen Burstyn Edward Woodward Any of Hitchcocks leading ladies Robert Wagner Stephanie Powers Elizabeth Taylor Ann-Margret Leslie Caron Louis Jourdan Angela Lansbury Mitzi Gaynor Jane Powell Cybil Shepherd Also possible some directors; Blake Edwards William Friedkin Norman Jewison Peter Bogdanovich Mike Nichols Is this enough suggestions for now?

He was tired on Saturday, from travelling over. He's an old chap (89 this year), and pretty deaf. A lot of the 'incidents' were his wife having to raise her voice so that he would hear what had to be said. I got the feeling there was a pretty fine line between when this was helpful, and when this left him frustrated. Still, they've been married 35 years! On Saturday, he started off very much tucked away in the corner behind Ernest Bournine's queue, and this (although changed at lunchtime) seemed to set the tone for the day. His son told me he wasn't used to not being the busiest guest. On Sunday, sat with his wife between him and his guest assistant, he seemed much happier. She worked very hard, particularly helping him with personalisations, and things went much better. Thanks Nick I was just curious if everything was ok with him, as I said in earlier post, he was lovely when I met him on the Sunday morning, he was smiling non-stop, and was happy to shake hands and talk.

We paid nearly £9 for 1 glass of wine at the bar. I can't believe I actually bought one! Fish & chips in the 'gastropub' was about £15 - and sandwiches in the bar area were minimum £12. Anyone fancy going halves with me and buying a burger van, parking it in the carpark and we make some serious dosh. We could charge a tenner for a burger - it would still be miles cheaper than inside the hotel

Yes, that was her husband Percy Gibson at Joans table over the weekend. Very nice guy to talk to.

Can anybody enlighten us to the Mickey Rooney 'incidents'/arguments. We past him in the foyer on Saturday night sat by himself, looking rather depressed. I met him on the Sun morning, and he seemed in an excellent mood. Anybody know what went on Saturday night??

Probably one of the best lines ups so far: Ernest Borgnine - can we have this guy back to every single show?? This oscar-winning Hollywood legend has to be the friendliest, happiest most approachable guest I have ever had pleasure to meet. He took the time to talk to everyone, was an absolute hoot during the photoshoot and had one of the best laughs i've heard. Mickey Rooney - I met him on the Sunday morning around 1030. I have to say he was very nice, very friendly, and with prompts from his lovely wife, we chatted a little about their show they tour with, which I saw a little while ago. He even shook my hand as I left and said something like enjoy the rest of the weekend. Maybe he was a little jet-lagged on the Saturday - I saw him after the show in the lobby on Sat, and he look so tired just slouched in an armchair. Joan Collins - I didn't meet her for an autograph ( personally I thought £25 was a little steep for her), but I did have a photoshoot on the Saturday. She was lovely and polite, no problems at all. George Kennedy - what a lovely friendly guy too. Appeared very frail, but was great to chat with. Helen Sharman - Was lovely during the photoshoot and the lecture Q&A was great on the Saturday. Was very informal, we really enjoyed it. David Warner - very friendly and chatty. Lovely during the photoshoots. Sonny Landham - he's a big man with a big personality. Bond girls - what a great idea for the photoshoot - putting all those ladies together. They couldnt behave for a second! Lots of fun. Photos turned out great too. Ok I think i've said enough - someone else can have a turn......

All I Can say is what a great show!!! I cannot believe I was able to meet Mickey Rooney, George Kennedy, Ernest Borgnine, Helen Sharman, George Lazenby, Joan Collins, Ke Huy Quan and David Warner all in the same weekend. It was a great idea combining the 2 shows together. Every single guest I met was friendly and had time to talk with everyone. Borgnine, Kennedy and Rooney were great to talk to, but Borgnine in particular is now an absolute legend in my estimation. He's one of the happiest, friendliest people i've ever met, and has such an infectious personality. Can he seriously be 92 years old?? This is one of the best shows i've attended so far (apart from problems with the hotel - but thats nothing to do with your shows, and i'm sure it'll be addressed in another thread). Many thanks Dave and Jason for such an amazing 2 days, and roll on the next shows!! PS well done and thanks to all the crew - particularly the photoshoot area, I must have p***** them off constantly handing my heavy bag in and out all day!

I think this is just one of those old myths. Fom what i've heard/read there's no truth to it at all. I think they share the same agent/representation.

I met her once after she did a theatre show in Newcastle. She was absolutely lovely and i'd recommend anyone to meet her if they get the opportunity.

Keep working hard!!!!!!

Get well soon George, best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are already looking forward to meeting you safe and well in September.

I think I got about 7 things signed by Tony Curtis and I seem to remember paying either £25 or £30 each. Whichever one it was, it was whatever was advertised.

Jason, do me a favour and don't waste any more precious time posting replies!! You need to concentrate, save your energy and keep working on getting those last minute guests for us!! I reckon you have one or two more up your sleeves

we've had same problem all weekend. Tried telephone and online but neither is working. I finally spoke to someone who said try phoning Tuesday.

Chat shows aren't appearances. There's a good interview with him on Digispy BTW. Thanks for info - i'm gonna try and locate that interview

Ive been trying all day to book rooms at hilton for autographica for 18th april - and having the same problems with the code for that. I think its a problem with Hilton - again they told me to try again on tuesday. Surely there must be some staff there over bank holiday weekend??

Thanks Dave and Jola for your responses - I think a few people were worried about overlapping photoshoot times - so its reassuring to know they will all be taken in one room one after another. It looks as if I will be in that photoshoot room most of the Saturday as there is so many photoshoots i've booked. We are so looking forward to the weekend.

Jola thank you for your swift reply. I can now relax, breathe and stop panicking!

Major problem - I have a ticket booked for helen Sharman at 12.20pm and George Lazenby at 12.35. I also wanted to buy one for Ke Huy Quan at 1pm, but I already have a Mickey Rooney ticket for 1.20pm. What happens if the you have tickets for two different photoshoots happening at the same time? Also, are all Autographica and CM photoshoots happening near to each other, or is it a case of running between the two venues? (I also posted this question in CM - hope thats ok)