John Barrowman at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina, Douglas, Isle of Man...

[fajrdrako]

I just saw the John Barrownman concert on the Isle of Man.

Like me, Barrowman has never been here before.

I almost didn't believe it would happen. I feared Barrowman would fall and hurt his ankle, or I would. I feared the Ferry Captains of Man all go on strike this morning. But the crossing was delightful, and nothing went wrong, and there I was, at a Barrowman concert, enjoying every note.

I have much to say, but no time, and an iffy connection here. Details of the concert later, except to say he sang two of the songs that are among my favourites of his: I Won't Send Roses and I Am What I Am.

Afterwards, I went to the backstage door. There were about 80 people milling around, hoping to see Barrowman and get his autograph. He signed a lot, and was polite and charming to everyone. I told him I'd come from Canada to hear him sing, and that it had been wonderful. "Where in Canada?" he asked.

"Ottawa," said I.

"North of Toronto, right?" he said. "I've been through Ottawa. Did you watch Maria??"

"I even went to a taping in Toronto," I said.

He was finishing the autographs then, but made a point of turning back to sign my postcard. And though he didn't have time to pose for photos, he stopped to pose with two little boys who had been waiting hopefully and patiently. "You understand?" he said apologetically to the crowd. "It's kids." As if he had to explain to us.

I will post more (must more) about the concert when I can. My net access is... has been... erratic: as it is, I tried to send this message yesterday and failed, So: sending it now.