[Concord]

(Original post by scielle)
Any idea where the 1:1 venue is? I'm trying to figure out if it's possible to get there from Gatwick airport in <1hr

No chance... even if you took the overpriced Gatwick express and had a good series of connections, it'd be nearing two hours. You need to get to Victoria, and then it's 50 minutes by tube from Victoria station to the Tube nearest the 1:1 venue, and then I'd allow at least 20 minutes for the shuttle bus.

If you have the chance, London City would be by far the best airport to fly into.

But the main thing is that, as a Londoner, I'm so impressed (and slightly amazed) that lots of you are coming from all parts of the UK for every rehearsal. I hope that the Ceremonies team realise just how committed you are!

[scielle]

(Original post by Concord)
No chance... even if you took the overpriced Gatwick express and had a good series of connections, it'd be nearing two hours. You need to get to Victoria, and then it's 50 minutes by tube from Victoria station to the Tube nearest the 1:1 venue, and then I'd allow at least 20 minutes for the shuttle bus.

If you have the chance, London City would be by far the best airport to fly into.

But the main thing is that, as a Londoner, I'm so impressed (and slightly amazed) that lots of you are coming from all parts of the UK for every rehearsal. I hope that the Ceremonies team realise just how committed you are!

Thanks - but what/where IS the 1:1 venue?

(And don't be so impressed I'm a Londoner, just out of the country for work that weekend and trying to get back in time for a Sat AM rehearsal).

[Flakeydom]

Congrats redthunder and well done for joining in. I will get you added to the spreadsheet as soon as I get home tonight.

(Original post by Essex Girl)
!
Has a special role it seems!! !!

How exciting! It is going to be so much fun after the event for us to try to spot each other! "So if you go to 20.12 minutes into the show, I am the dancing banana halfway along the screen next to the green-haired pineapple"

(Original post by scielle)
Any idea where the 1:1 venue is? I'm trying to figure out if it's possible to get there from Gatwick airport in <1hr
(or in other words, from the experience of those of you who are already in rehearsals, how tolerant are they of lateness? I have one instance where I'm landing 1.5hr before a rehearsal and don't want them to count it as a "missed rehearsal" if I show up an hour late...)

It's unlikely as Concord says. You might be faster taking the train to London Bridge and then Jubilee >District from there. Putting in the relevant stations in TFL Journey Planner that comes in at about 90minutes excluding shuttle to 1:1. You might be best to clear with Cast Co-ord since it also depends on flight being bang on time.

[rocks99]

(Original post by scielle)
Thanks - but what/where IS the 1:1 venue?

Check your PM

[helenb84]

(Original post by Redthunder)
YESSSS!

I can see it, it worked. I'll just recall all those emails to The Studen Room helpdesk now and hold my head in shame at being 'of a certain age' that I didn't know how to post on a forum!

So, some details.

15th Feb 1st Audition
23rd Recall
13th April an offer....87B para's opening.

I've read with excitement every single post on here and have to say its helped during the long wait and helped with the excitement levels once I got my offer. Think I'd have gone insane without all you strangers!

Twilightz, I dont know how to like my post to yours yet, as you can tell, its early days for me but I'm travelling from up north and staying in a Hostel in central London if you want to stick together?!

Right, must get back to work. How will I hide my excitement at now being able to post for the rest of the afternoon?!

Thanks
.....Ooh, so nearly put my own name then!

Hi Redthunder, I too am in 87 B, and will be travelling from the north and looking for a hostel to stay in for some of the dates.

[Bignic12]

(Original post by Essex Girl)
Daughter thoroughly enjoyed first rehearsal and wore her lanyard home with pride!
Has a special role it seems!! Got herself so stressed out on the way there that she arrived home with a thumping headache and promptly threw up on getting to the car!
Says she feels a lot calmer now and is pleased to have met some new friends and to find our her role at last!!

EG

awww glad she is ok and can now really enjoy the whole experience

[helenb84]

(Original post by lanza101)
I'm in 87A- I'm not sure on 87B schedules but I think we have an 87A coming in from quite far away- can't give away details but PM me as they may know about transport share/ hostels etc. I know others have posted on this too.
PM me and I will add you to our google group for 87A and 87B once I have completed it - if you like. It's just for sharing info and opinions confidentially.
many congrats!!!! I feel the paras opening will be amazing- have a search there was some good media on it last week. The theme is "enlightenment" wooo!

Hi, I have just sent you a PM, only just seen this message, I would def like to be added to the group please!!
Thank you!

[seadiver]

(Original post by Dancersmum)
Welcome! Bizarre: all your auditions were the same days as mine: 11 Nov (1pm), 27 Nov (2pm - drumming, no previous experience, Reserve) and 26 Feb (3pm - para closing, not heard). Maybe they are so busy with the first 3 ceremonies, particularly the Olympic opening, that they haven't done much about the para closing yet.

I'm still waiting to hear aaagh. All of these offers and good news for the paras has got me on the edge of my seat. Dancersmum if you are out there - have you heard about the paras yet because you were at all of the same auditions as me. In fact has anyone heard from the 26th Feb? brilliant news for the rest of you and it makes me feel so at home that other people (of a certain age) have had issues with joining the forum - hope the younger members don't mind us hijacking your site but you really have been the only place to turn to to keep the hope up and get some information as to what's going on during this long wait.At this rate though I'll still be waiting when you've all handed your costumes back, spent the money on your oyster cards and finally gone on holiday after putting it off for so many months - hope not!! COME ON CASTING

[scielle]

Thanks for the PMs guys.

For those of you who have already started rehearsals - is there some sort of "catch-up" system if you have to miss one?

[cornishscot]

(Original post by OneAndOnlyEmmaW)
well done to everyone who has got their offers.

casting are working hard, i just got a reminder email saying i hadnt accepted yet. Got till friday to do so, but e-mailed my cast co-ordinators re dates and poss reserve or something and waiting for a reply.

Not sure if i should ring up and speak to someone or wait a little longer. it would be the perfect birthday present tomorrow to hear the answer i would love

fingers crossed for everyone waiting

I'd ring them tomorrow if possible just to make sure your query is not overlooked in the interim.

[Ropey1]

(Original post by scielle)
Thanks for the PMs guys.

For those of you who have already started rehearsals - is there some sort of "catch-up" system if you have to miss one?

Not in ours so far - understudies were just thrown in. Perhaps now we've has quite a few rehearsals there will be a short catch up for new joiners. Doubt it of a regular performer just misses one rehearsal. Saying that each week we've gone over most of what we've already learnt and the added to it.

[cornishscot]

(Original post by Redthunder)
YESSSS!

I can see it, it worked. I'll just recall all those emails to The Studen Room helpdesk now and hold my head in shame at being 'of a certain age' that I didn't know how to post on a forum!

So, some details.

15th Feb 1st Audition
23rd Recall
13th April an offer....87B para's opening.

I've read with excitement every single post on here and have to say its helped during the long wait and helped with the excitement levels once I got my offer. Think I'd have gone insane without all you strangers!

Twilightz, I dont know how to like my post to yours yet, as you can tell, its early days for me but I'm travelling from up north and staying in a Hostel in central London if you want to stick together?!

Right, must get back to work. How will I hide my excitement at now being able to post for the rest of the afternoon?!

Thanks
.....Ooh, so nearly put my own name then!

Oh that's so funny and, once again, welcome (oh and I'm another "oldie" non-student myself too) !!!

[cornishscot]

(Original post by scielle)
Any idea where the 1:1 venue is? I'm trying to figure out if it's possible to get there from Gatwick airport in <1hr
(or in other words, from the experience of those of you who are already in rehearsals, how tolerant are they of lateness? I have one instance where I'm landing 1.5hr before a rehearsal and don't want them to count it as a "missed rehearsal" if I show up an hour late...)

10 mins. later than expected they could possibly cope with as a one-off I imagine (but not any later than this) - as others have suggested clear your possible late arrival due to inbound flight back into uk with your Casting Co-ordinator would seem to be the way to go in the circs. - they might just be able to help you if you're up front about it rather than just take a chance as the alternative and hope for the best.

Just a thought ................. is Thameslink service LGW to London Bridge (or Blackfriars) any use to you as a route to District Line and 1:1 venue in far east of London ultimately?

Good luck !

[Redthunder]

(Original post by helenb84)
Hi Redthunder, I too am in 87 B, and will be travelling from the north and looking for a hostel to stay in for some of the dates.

Hi Helenb84! Well done on your offer, how exciting! If you know how to send me a message privately (I believe its called PM? lol) then do so and I can send you the details of where I'm staying for first 3 rehearsals. Haven't quite worked out what to do for 1:1 yet.

Makes me laugh (of a certain age). I'm not sure what age that means and wouldnt be so rude as to ask, but I simply meant I'm not up to scratch with this technology. As it now appears, I think my account was blocked for some reason as I can now certainly see things on the page that I couldnt before so it would seem I am of a certain age! (cringes - whatever that is) You must all think I'm a loon! )

Right, going to spare you all of any more of my ramblings and simply say Thank you all for your welcome messages, I feel liberated as I can now speak to you all. A huge Well done to each and every one of you for your offers and for those still waiting, I feel very, VERY sure you will hear soon

I certainly feel part of something very special

[cornishscot]

As expected folks (in light of the fact that drumming rehearsals are yet to start for ceremonies) no further updates re. casting upgrade from my RESERVE status to report by way of an update to you all as yet.

Going off in a mo. to "be creative" elsewhere tonight whilst I wait for some news (which will surely come imminently now won't it?) - biggest concert of the year coming up for me this Saturday in my preferred role as a brass musician meantime with none other than the elite and internationally known (at least in Brass Band circles if not more widely) as a top flight percussionist/composer/arranger MR PAUL LOVATT-COOPER (whom we will all get to meet for the first time and only rehearsal with him on FRIDAY evening - how cool is that?) - none of this 20+ rehearsals nonsense there, one dress rehearsal and one chance only to get it somewhere near right on the night for us (although admittedly there are only 30 of us to co-ordinate, not 1,000 or whatever) !

Read more here (if you are interested that is!) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Lovatt-Cooper

.......... and here ! http://www.plcmusic.co.uk/biography/

His music is also available to listen to on several clips on YouTube.

[cinnamon]

Congratulations to everyone who has recently received a role.

Just wanted to add that My nephew has received an understudy role for 72A closing ceremony.
My niece also has an understudy role, but dont know her segment yet but will post once I know.
Fingers crossed they both get upgraded once their rehearsals start.
Things are looking up for my family!!

Come on casting how about a role for Eve, Dancersmum, Maid Marion and Galactica????? I am sure all of these have yet to receive an email after their Paralympic audition!

[Bignic12]

(Original post by cinnamon)
Congratulations to everyone who has recently received a role.

Just wanted to add that My nephew has received an understudy role for 72A closing ceremony.
My niece also has an understudy role, but dont know her segment yet but will post once I know.
Fingers crossed they both get upgraded once their rehearsals start.
Things are looking up for my family!!

Come on casting how about a role for Eve, Dancersmum, Maid Marion and Galactica????? I am sure all of these have yet to receive an email after their Paralympic audition!

maybe something for the closing as no mention as of yet!!!

[Dancerwoman]

(Original post by Redthunder)
YESSSS!

I can see it, it worked. I'll just recall all those emails to The Studen Room helpdesk now and hold my head in shame at being 'of a certain age' that I didn't know how to post on a forum!

Good Evening Redthunder and welcome to the TSR fam!

Firstly, congratulations on your Casting Role and congrats to all the "newbies" who've just posted on this Forum as well as the new Cast Members!!

I am a mature full-time student whereby I am old enough to be everybody's mum in my class at college and where they view anyone over 30 as "too old to go to college!" and other ageist and wonderful lack of respect jokes that I have to endure every day as part of my life at college and all for the sake of gaining a qualification for my change of career. Now that REALLY makes me feel old having typed this little nugget of truth out!

So, the main point I'm putting across here is that believe me, a good few of us on this Forum are not your typical College / University students in their teens / early 20s but what unites us all is the excitement / frustration / regular banter and sometimes lighthearted stories that we share on here in order to keep spirits up. Yeah we have a bit of a moan at times (see previous paragraph), but the great thing is the different assortment of characters on this Forum.

I'm sure there are many out there who are reading these postings and maybe too shy or feel nervous to come forward and say "hi". That's OK but hope that we who post on here regularly provide some "sane"(???) comfort to those still awaiting to hear from their auditions knowing that we have all been through what those that are still waiting are going through. As well as sharing advice on issues such as what to do to make sure the agreement to the Cast Offer emails are acknowledged by the Casting Team.

[Pinnerite]

(Original post by scielle)
Any idea where the 1:1 venue is? I'm trying to figure out if it's possible to get there from Gatwick airport in <1hr
(or in other words, from the experience of those of you who are already in rehearsals, how tolerant are they of lateness? I have one instance where I'm landing 1.5hr before a rehearsal and don't want them to count it as a "missed rehearsal" if I show up an hour late...)

I agree with other posters that it would be important to contact the casting team to tell them of your definite late arrival. It is 50 minutes from Victoria on the District Line to the 1:1 station and then the shuttle bus takes 15 min. from there. On the planning schedule on the internet it shows that the actual rehearsal starting times are one hour after the arrival time so you might not miss too much. In one of our rehearsals a a guy left an hour early - clearly with the knowledge of the casting team.

Although they have stressed they want us there on time for the 1:1, in both my 3 Mills rehearsals so far the actual rehearsal has not started for about an hour due to logistics of huge numbers of people arriving together and having to sort out passes etc. Presumably this will become slicker with time. What they do not want is people thinking they can often arrive late but they could well treat you as a special case if you are likely to be there for most of the rehearsal, it is a one-off and they know in time.

The shuttle buses are timed to correspond with the rehearsals but there are often other rehearsals scheduled to give a staggered start but if not you might have to get a taxi I suppose from the station to the 1:1 venue. Hope this helps!

[Pinnerite]

(Original post by cinnamon)
Congratulations to everyone who has recently received a role.

Just wanted to add that My nephew has received an understudy role for 72A closing ceremony.
My niece also has an understudy role, but dont know her segment yet but will post once I know.
Fingers crossed they both get upgraded once their rehearsals start.
Things are looking up for my family!!

Come on casting how about a role for Eve, Dancersmum, Maid Marion and Galactica????? I am sure all of these have yet to receive an email after their Paralympic audition!

Well done to the cinnamon family!