Sunday, Sunday..

We awoke on Sunday, with one thing on our minds; the day of the main event! Orange Baftas: The Final Word! The reason why we'd come down here in the first place! After a quick bit of breakfast (toast and a coffee or two) and watching the previous night's 'Take Me Out', we started to make our way back to New Cross Gate Station through the overcast South London sky. We were leaving as that evening we would be staying at our cousin's flat in Islington, so arranged with him to meet near Finsbury Park tube station once we arrived there. By mid morning, we had arrived in North London at our cousins flat. Over lunch, as he had to go for a suit fitting for his upcoming wedding, we (my brother and I, our cousin and his fiancee) to leave at the same time, approximately 2.30 pm, which meant we had some free time in Central London before we had to make our way to Covent Garden later that afternoon. Whilst exploring Central London (the famous Oxford Street to be precise) we came across some buildings that my brother noticed that had been featured on the TV series 'The Apprentice'

"You're fired!"

We had a look in various shops, including a visit to Canarby Street, where Liam Gallagher has a unit there, for his Pretty Green clothing range. He must make absolute mint from this, as a t-shirt had a price of £40 (FORTY!) and a cashmere jumper was about £60.

"Mad ferrit!"

We arrived at the Royal Opera House (the actual place was next door to it) at around 5.00 pm, but the invitation that I'd received stated we'd have to go to the back entrance, to the Linbury Theatre. Eventually we found the entrance, and after giving my name and showing some ID, few went through to the lobby of the theatre. Expecting perhaps, 2 or 3 more winners, instead there was a sea of people, some of whom had probably won the competition I won on Orange, and others who I assume won through a similar competition via the Times (who support it as well)

After putting our coats in the cloakroom, I walked towards one of the servers to grab a glass of champagne. There were quite a few people doing the hospitality there, with canapes, trays of glasses, or even a bottle, offering to “top up your glass” (I took advantage of this a few times, it must be said, I had won a competition after all, plus it was free)

Was tempting, but didn't take one sadly

"Tuck in that shirt, and straighten the tie!"

 We were then ushered into the theatre at approximately 6.00 pm, ready for the main event. Whilst finding a seat, we were greeted with a Times goody bag, containing that Sunday's edition of the newspaper, a bottle of water, a bookmark, a writing notebook and pen and some chocolates all in a nice tote bag:

Bottle of water not shown, drunk it!

As for the main event itself, a few minutes after watching channel E! Channel's footage of the stars on the red carpet, Alex Zane came on stage, followed by the panel for that evening: comedian Humphrey Ker; Arts correspondant for the Times, Ben Hoyle and Fashion director Grace Woodward.

Poor quality, taken on my phone, sorry!

A little better :-p

After these introductions, Film2012 host Claudia Winkleman came on stage, and said a few words, and made her way back to the main event, which was next door.

As for how the event went on through the evening, we'd watch special clips of nominated films (ones where they interview stars on set during filming) Alex would shout “lights up!” and ask for our (the audience) opinion on that particular film, and depending where they were seated on the theatre, one of two guys with a microphone would pass it to the audience member so they could speak and give thier opinion, and the camera would focus on the area where that particular person was sitting. We'd also see footage of the BAFTAS event, for certain awards (where they show you the nominees and the winner would be announced), and Alex would again ask for opinions from both the audience and the panel ("X film right to win Y award?" etc.) Having not seen ANY of the films nominated (oh the shame!) me and my brother, obviously kept our mouths shut, but I tell you what, I definitely want to see some of the nominations, whether at the cinema (if they're still on) or on dvd.

After being given his award for 'Orange Wednesday Rising Star Award', Adam Deacon, came into the theatre to give his thoughts on winning, and after him, radio presenter Edith Bowman who also gave opinions on the winners, and also a bit of a juicy revelation in the fact that George Clooney was, in her words “Wetting Himself” at Stephen Fry's jokes during his job as host for the evening. 

Hysterical George Clooney not included

  Just before the end, however, there was a competition, as inside the goody bag was a unique number, after a few numbers came up on the big screen and no one claimed for them (some people had gone by this point), eventually all prizes were dished out. Just before leaving though, my brother got lucky (not like that!) and grabbed a programme someone had left (I had asked if there were any more, right at the start of the evening, before the event, and despite their promises of “Someone is coming with some more” none were forthcoming; hope someone was sacked for that error on their part!.. joke) he also managed to swipe a unattended media briefing document, just casually left on the side, which to be honest you do not come across in life every day. 

As we hadn't eaten since lunch time, and it was now 10.30 pm, decided to find a Macdonalds before getting the tube back and then a short bus ride, to my cousin's house. I found this quite odd to be honest; it's Sunday night and we can get a Mcdonalds?! Never the less, I ordered Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal (always a fave), and whilst we were there, saw two girls from the theatre earlier who had the same idea as us.

 All that was left to do was to get the tube back to Finsbury Park from Covent Garden. I was quite surprised to see it busy at this time (11.15 PM), but nevertheless managed to get back to Finsbury Park tube station before getting the bus back to the end of the road, and walking a short distance to the flat, to end Sunday and it's events we'd experienced.