matt's 101 in 1001

Ah, London! Such a cultural hub!

Last week, I visited the BBC Radio 2 recording of The Lee Mack Show, a comedy variety show. Hosted by Lee Mack (the guy from The Sketch Show) and accompanied by musical guests Martin Fry (Shoot that poison arrow through my heeaa-aaaaart!) and Mel C (Yes. Sporty.), the recordings were such good fun, I'm going again next Tuesday!

Last Saturday I got all swisho (hi Helen!) in my tux for a black-tie gala musical adaptation of the Broadway production, City of Angels. A très swanky affair what with everyone dressed up to the nines, sipping champaign and attempting vainly to dissect the drama! Loadsa fun!

However, last night, I suited up again in black-tie for the big one.

Two words: Casino Royale.

Two more words: Royal Performance.

Two final words: World Premiere.

Yup, I was lucky enough to grace Leicester Square for the World Premiere Royal Performance of Casino Royale!

The entire square had been taken over for the opening of the film, with a massive stage, red carpets, huge spotlights and the soundtrack blaring from every corner. As I took my place to walk the red carpet, I realised I was standing directly in front of Rick Yune (who played the diamond-encrusted henchman in the last 007 film). Amongst the other celebs there, were all of the film's cast and crew, plus the likes of Elton John, Shirley Bassey, Sean Bean, Sharon Osbourne, Paris Hilton, Lord Richard Attenborough, the Sugababes, Richard Branson (who has a cute blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo in the film) and, of course, the Queen and Prince Phillip.

It's a very formal affair. Three cinemas in the square were linked by CCTV (unfortunately, I wasn't in the same cinema as the main dignitaries), as 4,200 people sat down to watch the movie together. The Queen did the rounds and was introduced to all who worked on the film before Lord Richard Attenborough got up and gave an address prior to the film. Then, the producers formally introduced the cast and crew, before the MGM lion roared and it all began.

Inside, the cinema was alive. Everyone chatted excitedly, clapping and cheering at various points in the film.

Oh, and the film! Excellent! Just excellent! It was so, so different. Like the past 20 films never existed! In fact, the best thing - and what I won't spoil - is just how wildly it varied from what one expects in a Bond film. Structurally, thematically and tonally, it just continued to surprise, neatly leaving enough loose ends and an enticing set-up for the sequel (due 2008). And Daniel Craig turns in probably the best Bond performance ever.

What an amazing night!