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Post by martindn on Mar 5, 2012 9:49:57 GMT
WOW! What can I say. Only a quick post since I'm at work.
Sitting 6 feet from Hayley belting out songs like "Amalia" and "My Heart Belongs to You" was an incredible experience. It just doesn't get any better than that.
No time now! more later.
Martin D
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Martin
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HWI Management Team
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Post by Martin on Mar 5, 2012 11:36:29 GMT
Hi All
To say that last night was a treat would be the understatement of the century. The concert was a Hayley masterclass. The performance was confident and powerful and without doubt the use of the chamber orchestra brought the capability of the recording studio to the stage. The song list was spot on and whilst the Paradiso album took centre stage it also included some oldies and new songs that I had never heard Hayley sing live before. I was also converted to really liking "Amália Por Amor" which I didn't really appreciate on the cd.
As an endorsement, Tim Evans said afterwards to me "it all came together tonight and was the best concert so far in the tour".
It is just a pity that the tour is so short. The audience at Northampton certainly showed that it could be well received anywhere!
Martin
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Jillian
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Post by Jillian on Mar 5, 2012 12:18:07 GMT
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Post by grant on Mar 5, 2012 13:16:16 GMT
The weather has changed completely for my third concert of Hayley's Paradiso Tour – leaving church with Elizabeth around lunchtime, we headed for the motorway in pouring rain. It had eased a little by the time we reached Northampton just over an hour later and parked the car. One ray of sunshine on an otherwise fairly bleak day was the fact that parking is free on Sunday’s. We made our way up past the theatre to find Martin, Gordon, Mike and John huddled in doorways opposite the stage door in a vain attempt to keep dry whilst waiting for Hayley to arrive. Time passed – quite a lot of it actually. By 4pm Peter, Thomas and Steve had joined us, with no sign of Hayley and toes getting colder, we reluctantly decided that we should abandon our vigil and head to Wetherspoon’s for warmth and food. Once settled and with food ordered, various suggestions were put forward as to why we hadn’t seen Hayley arrive – the answer turned out to be quite obvious but more about that later. We also pondered much on the meaning behind Hayley’s cryptic “Ooops” tweet. The answer to that one has already been revealed! We remained in the pub until an hour before the concert, then almost got lost twice on the way back to the venue which is already buzzing with excitement and quite full to boot. The auditorium doors didn’t open until around 7.10pm and it always seems to take an age to get everyone seated at the Derngate. For a change, I’m back on L row having given Elizabeth my front row seat and the chance for a really close view of Hayley. Surprisingly, it doesn’t feel so far back and at least I can see the entire stage now! Not sure that I can add much to what I’ve already said about the concert itself – I think Martin’s recent post says it all quite succinctly and Tim is certainly better placed than any of us to know how things are coming together on a tour. I’m still enjoying Hayley's performance immensely and am already dreading next Friday! What I did notice last night that I hadn’t noticed before was the way the audience received each song. Often, the applause would start after Hayley had finished singing but whilst the music was still being played but, sometimes, it didn’t start until the last note had died away and the theatre had fallen completely silent. That tells me that those were the songs that had most impact and will probably be remembered for a very long time. This was also the first concert that Hayley mentioned that she had become engaged, which is when she revealed that she had left her ring at home. We also got all three encores again and still there were shouts of “more!” My third concert over and I’m already looking forward to Southend on Wednesday. I really can’t get enough of this tour. Each song last night seemed as fresh and as new as they did at The Sage last week but now there’s a signing session to attend to! There is already a long queue formed by Hayley's table by the time I arrived – well, they say it’s a long queue but the end is out of sight. Steve is already positioned and we are soon put to good use by theatre staff providing a human barrier protecting Hayley's table from the large number of people just waiting to see the lady herself close up and maybe grab a photo before heading home. Hayley, accompanied by Ash, appeared a little after 10pm to cheers and applause, and the marathon signing session began. I took the opportunity to ask Ash what time they had arrived and was quite surprised to hear him say 1.30 – so we had stood out in the cold and wet for 2 hours waiting for Hayley and she had been inside all the time. I pointed this out to Hayley with a grin who replied with an “Oh No!” Think she was amused really though LOL! Well, you have to see the funny side don’t you? Hayley also mentioned Valerie and said she was still unwell but from what Hayley was saying she sounds really nice so I shall look forward to meeting her. Anyway, back to the signing …… I’ve said before that it’s all credit to Hayley that she will happily spend time with fans after a show when she must be tired after a busy day and a demanding two hour concert but I realised last night, as Monday morning drew ever closer that it is also a huge credit to her that fans will queue for what is now looking like an hour and a half for some, for those few special minutes with a very special young lady. There were even a small number of quite young children privileged even to be up at this hour. Hayley waiting patiently with one little girl who methodically spelled out her name for Hayley to write down. Little wonder she is held with such affection by so many. It’s all credit too, to the theatre staff who managed the signing efficiently but without being intrusive. I wonder if they realised how late they would be in their beds but many of them tagged on to the back of the queue for their own special memento. The session over and Ash anxious to be away there is just time for me to quickly thank Hayley for her sweet comment on my poster and to seek confirmation that, yes, Hayley does back up her laptop! Once again HWI and associates are last out of the building. It’s 11.45 and according to my camera I took my first photograph at 10.07 and the last at 11,43. Thank you Hayley and everyone, you were amazing and your precious time much appreciated! Now to work on some pictures i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif |
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Post by stuart on Mar 5, 2012 13:29:01 GMT
Yes, Spring is back with March winds and sunshine! Nice to meet the forum admin. Thanks for taking my photo. Got home in time.
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Post by John H on Mar 5, 2012 14:24:56 GMT
I was also converted to really liking "Amália Por Amor" which I didn't really appreciate on the cd. Glad to hear that, Martin. I was beginning to think I was the only one  I look forward to being converted at Bournemouth  |
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Post by Richard on Mar 5, 2012 14:25:55 GMT
Hello folks!  Thanks for the reports and photographs so far. Could I request that no more of the songs are revealed until after the tour finishes on Thursday. Some of us who have yet to see the show would like a few surprises. Many thanks, Richard  |
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Post by grant on Mar 5, 2012 14:51:20 GMT
Actually Richard, the tour doesn't finish until Thursday!  Best wishes Grant |
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Post by Richard on Mar 5, 2012 14:58:30 GMT
Oops!  I'm seeing Hayley on Wednesday, but I forgot about Thursday, so I've corrected my previous post. Richard |
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Post by grant on Mar 5, 2012 15:20:22 GMT
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Post by Paddy on Mar 5, 2012 15:42:35 GMT
Hello folks! Thanks for the reports and photographs so far. Could I request that no more of the songs are revealed until after the tour finishes on Thursday. Some of us who have yet to see the show would like a few surprises. Many thanks, Richard Hi Richard, Try to forgive their enthusiasm. But all is not lost. Many surprises are guaranteed for you.  Even after three outstanding concerts, I'm still looking forward to many wonderful surprises from Hayley tonight. It's the singer - more than the song that sends a listener to Paradiso .... Paddy (in Manchester)
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Steve H
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HWI Management Team / Official Site Photographer & Videographer
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Post by Steve H on Mar 5, 2012 18:58:48 GMT
Hello fellow Hayliens, I finally arrived home at 2:30 in the morning - not much sleep because I was still Haleywowed then up for work at 6:30. What an eventful day, I left in good time only to get a puncture on the A14 dual carriageway, not too much of a setback thanks to the AA who arrived and had me on my way within 20 minutes of my initial call. Following a bout of hypothermia and a hot meal at Wetherspoons we made our way to the Ropyal & Derngate. Once seated in the second row all was well and three songs into Hayley's opening section when disaster struck - the gentleman next to me reached for his coat - took out his camera and yes you guessed it he took a photo of Hayley mid song using a red focus assist light, full flash and an illuminated 3" screen. It was like being on Blackpool beach! - the camera police were on to him like a shot with wagging fingers and searching torch-lights. The outcome was that I decided to put my camera away and enjoy the concert only getting it out again during the encore in the second half. Well considering that I am more than happy with the photo's I did manage to get - the lesson here I think is that you need to know when to quit and in this case thank goodness I was ahead at that point! During the middle section the light illuminated Hayley's hair wonderfully but alas I did not catch it on film, that's my goal on Wednesday at Southend. Pictures to follow after my dinner Steve H |
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Post by grant on Mar 5, 2012 19:07:10 GMT
Hello everyone PostscriptI got to thinking after posting my report on the Northampton concert this morning – I feel very privileged! I was re-reading what I had written – specifically about Hayley's mammoth signing session. Whilst everyone was queuing for their few moments with her, I was taking photographs and spent over an hour and a half in her presence. Three and a half hours if you count the two previous concerts. In doing so, I was seeing a side of Hayley that most never do – her dedication to her fans. There were three specific examples of this that stood out last night and I thought then, who but Hayley would have the patience or the inclination. There was a gentleman who leaned over the table and whispered something I didn’t catch to Hayley; she giggled and stood – he gave her a gentle hug. On another occasion she left her table to go and see a lady in a wheelchair away from the queue which she could not have joined because of the steps. Her husband had queued to ask this of Hayley and she happily obliged. But the one that I loved the most was the little girl I’ve mentioned already – Lauren was her name I think. She was dressed beautifully and Hayley commented on it. When Hayley asked how her name was spelled, the little girl said each letter, very precisely and clearly, and waited for Hayley to write it down before saying the next. How sweet is that? I remember Peter (Postscript) writing some years ago now, and I don’t remember the exact words, but it was something like that he was happy simply to be in Hayley's presence. I think I’ve always agreed with his sentiment but I’ve never felt it more powerfully than I did last night. Anyway, here are some more pics i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifBest wishes Grant |
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Steve H
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Post by Steve H on Mar 5, 2012 19:41:59 GMT
Here we go then!Steve H
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Post by martindn on Mar 5, 2012 19:54:20 GMT
Thanks for the pics Grant and Steve, I have yet to even start looking at mine, since I've been to work today. And I agree with everything you say about Hayley's devotion to her fans. Last night it was just wonderful to be there, seeing all those people enjoying thier few moments with Hayley.
But, to my own review.
Like Grant, I set off after church. Sue my wife would be with me at the concert, but since she didn't fancy standing about in the rain for hours, and in any case our dog currently is recovering from an operation, she decided to come along later with some friends who had tickets for the show, and reduce the time for our dog sitter.
I arrived just before 2pm. Parked and walked up to the Derngate, and three quarters of the way round it looking for hayliens before I spotted two (John and Billy) in the doorway of the Gym opposite the stage door, sheltering from the rain and cold. I joined them, and soon more began arriving, Grant and Elisabeth, Gordon, Mike, Steve, Thomas until eventually there were about 10 of us waiting to greet Hayley on her arrival. We normally expect Hayley to arrive at round about 3pm, but 3pm came and went, and then 3.30. I remember remarking at one point that since Hayley had sent an early morning tweet, it might mean that she had set off early and was already inside, but nobody took it seriously. But in fact that is exactly what had happened.
At 4pm we gave up and went for our meal. Then on to the theatre, where we waited in the foyer for a while. During this time Dave arrived and Karsten arrived, but I was waiting for Sue. We then went into the auditorium, and I took up my front row seat with Sue on my right. in the nearest seat to Hayley's microphone, and Martin to my left. To Sue's right was Elizabeth, who Grant had entrusted to our care, having given her his front row seat and occupying one further back himself.
I won't say too much about the show, except that it was fabulous. When Hayley walked onto the stage, the first thing I noticed was the lack of an engagement ring. She quickly explained that she had taken it off to do the washing up, and forgotten to put it back on again afterwards, so it was still on er draining board at home, even repeating the word "oops" to make it clear that that was what her earlier tweet had been about. . A pity I would like to have seen it, and that also means she won't have it at Manchester tonight.
The singing with the orchestra worked well, and the live performance really brought those Paradiso songs to life, and she also included several surprises. I did attempt a video during one of the encores, which I might eventually upload if it is any good.
After the show, Steve, Martin and I had a brief chat with Tim, before we headed out of the auditorium for the signing, and I said goodbye to Sue who was heading back to pick up the dog.
I spotted Arnaud at the back of the auditorium by the sound desk, and made my way up there with Elizabeth, Steve and one or two others, to shake his hand and congratulate him on his engagement. He really does come across as a very nice guy, and I would expect no less since Hayley has agreed to marry him.
And so to the signing. The queue, we were told, extended halfway to Daventry, and soon Hayley appeared and started signing autographs and being photographed with people. Steve, Grant and I were busily snapping away, with several other HWI members hanging around away from the queue, helping out people who wanted photographs when we could.
At one point I noticed that Gianluca, Hayley's duet partner and supporting singer, was also at a table signing, but there were few takers, so I was able to get my programme signed by him straight away. He seemed genuinely pleased when I complimented him on his performance.
I had to wait much longer to meet Hayley, joining the end of the queue once Hayley had finally worked her way through it.
I congratulated Hayley on her engagement and told her that I would have liked to see her ring. But I told her I would be in Bournemouth, and she agreed to show it to me then. I also told her that I loved the show, and she signed my programme.
By this time it was approaching midnight, and once Hayley had spoken to the rest of our group, it was time to depart.
This was a fabulous show, and is a strong candidate for my favourite concert of all time. Those Paradiso songs really did sound fabulous live, better than on the record I thought. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, in great company, and I'm looking forward to Bournemouth on Thursday.
Martin D
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