>>>Scroll down for Video Clips/Captures

We arrived at the TV studios around 7 PM. Standing by one of the doors we spotted Maria and (we assume) a member of Charlotte's management. Unfortunately we didn't catch the man's name. We walked over and said hello and started chatting with them. We talked about the website, how the new CD was doing in the US and UK, how they had been checking out the website forums only recently, and about the Showtime concert the previous Saturday. We asked if there would be an opportunity to say hello to Charlotte after the show. They said it would hopefully be OK and they would let Charlotte know we were here. They said their goodbyes and went inside to get ready for the show. This was already a great start to the evening, but things were going to get even better.

At about 7:15 PM, a young lady came out of the studio building with a clip board, listing the names of all the audience members for the evenings show. She approached us and asked if we were "Mark and Mark?". Fame at last! "So you must be Gabby?". She said "Yes" and we all said something about it being nice to meet each other after the recent emails and phone calls. Gabby then checked the details with the rest of the audience now gathering outside.

The start of the show was going to be delayed slightly (whilst they rehearsed a sequence with some children for another item later in the show) so Gabby took everyone to a reception area upstairs for refreshments. While we were waiting a girl called Shirley (from the audience) sang a song to entertain everyone. She had a very nice voice and also a very good memory as we found out after the show. Gabby came by to collect things for Charlotte to sign. We had our booklets from the Enchantment CD with us so we handed these over to her. Gabby returned shortly afterwards with everyone's CDs, books etc. all signed by Charlotte. Most of the audience seemed to be there for Charlotte, judging by the number of people seeking autographs.

A few moments later we were asked to go down to the studio. In the studio we spotted our seat on the front row. Gabby had made "reservations". On one seat was a sign saying "Reserved for Mark", and on the other "Reserved for the other Mark"! We had at good laugh about this, as did Gabby when she saw us looking at our seats.

Steve, the studio manager introduced himself to the audience. He explained the safety regulations and where the emergency exits were. We were also asked not to talk during the show as the over-head microphones would pick this up. It is was OK though to applaud and cheer as loudly as we wanted (on cue!).

A guy came on to warm up the audience. We had to "practice" applauding and cheering and he cracked several jokes.

Just before the show started Gloria came out and introduced herself. She asked how many of us had been before. There were a number of regulars in the audience.

First guest on the show was memory expert Dominic O'Brien. He was asked to memorise the TV listings for tomorrow's (Saturday) programs on channels 1 through to 5, including the names and times of the programs. He was to have about 20 minutes to prepare for this whilst Gloria interviewed Charlotte.

Finally the moment arrived when Charlotte appeared on stage, looking as lovely as ever. We won't say too much about the interview here as there will be a transcript. Charlotte looked relaxed and sat with perfect posture for the entire interview. Gloria and Charlotte talked about the Carrickfergus video, about how she had grown up, the Christmas show for Spielberg, a new soundtrack recording, a potential acting career, the value of money, her involvement in her own career and combining school with work.

After Charlotte, Dominic, the memory expert appeared again. Gloria had a deck of cards on the table and she was going to test his memory using these cards. To be sure that there was no "foul play", the deck was brand new and still wrapped in cellophane. Gloria had trouble removing the cellophane so Steve helped her out. The deck was shuffled and Gloria picked about 15 cards at random. Dominic had a couple of seconds to remember them and then Gloria asked him about the order of the cards. He was 100% correct even when he was asked questions like "which card came before the 4 of clubs".

For the third section of the show there were some children making Halloween masks using paper, leaves and glue. The lady accompanying them demonstrated how to make pumpkin lanterns. Gloria's attempts at talking to the children led to the expected shy replies - they were very young, after all.

The fourth part started with Gloria's regular TV / Film critic, discussing the latest releases.

Last, but certainly not least, Charlotte appeared again and performed a perfect rendition of "Papa Can You Hear Me". Her voice was really excellent tonight.
Hopefully you will get the chance to view the performance for yourselves.

Because of the late start, it seemed that the guests weren't going to be given the opportunity to come and say goodnight to the audience. Charlotte and Gloria were making their way back-stage. Steve, the floor manager, thanked the audience for being such a good one and asked us to leave as the show was over. The man we had met earlier with Charlotte's mum came across to speak to us. We were pleasantly surprised (as you can imagine!) when he asked if we would like to go and say hello to Charlotte! Naturally, we gratefully accepted his offer.

Charlotte smiled as we approached her, we shook hands and introduced ourselves and commented on our names (what with us both being called Mark, and of course 'the Mark' in the USA). We said how nice it was to finally meet her and how much we had enjoyed her performance at the Millennium Stadium. DutchMark said how he really liked "Don't Rain On My Parade". Charlotte agreed it was quite different, wasn't it. We asked if we could have our pictures taken with her and you can see the results below. After thanking Charlotte for taking the time to meet us we shook hands again and said goodbye. She was really lovely and seemed genuinely happy to meet us.

"UKMark and DutchMark realise they are not as photogenic as Charlotte!"

Before we made our way out of the studio, we thanked Gabby for a fantastic evening. Outside we saw Shirley and her family again. She recited some extracts from Shakespeare to us and asked if we could take her picture for showing on the website. Shirley, if you're reading this, we wanted to let you know we think you are really talented and hope your dreams will come true some day soon. 



Gabby appeared outside and we took the opportunity to have a brief chat with her before thanking her again and saying our goodbyes.

Thanks to Charlotte, her family and team for another great evening. This is certainly one we'll never forget.

Mark & Mark (UKMark & DutchMark)