The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel World Premiere! James Meets The Cast! Tom Wilkinson! Lillete Dubey! And More!
It’s been so long since we’ve heard from James!
I missed this recap from when he headed down to The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel World Premiere in London!
He did a great job and met a lot of people from the cast! It’s pretty impressive!
Check out James’ recap below!
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Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – World Premiere
Ever since it was announced that there would be a sequel to the amazing Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, I was excited. The first film is one of my all time favourites; if I am ever feeling down or whatever, that’s always guaranteed to cheer me up. So, ever since it was announced that there would be a premiere for the sequel, I had been counting down the days. I genuinely think I was more excited for this premiere than any other I’ve been to (ok, maybe Jennifer Lawrence last November was a little more exciting). But let’s just say, as premiere day arrived, I did not expect it to turn out into the day it did.
Armed with my DVD sleeve of the first film I arrived in Leicester Square and met up with a few friends on the red (well orange actually) carpet. It turned out sadly Richard Gere, Dev Patel, Penelope Wilton and Bill Nighy would be at the premiere, but that the rest of the cast were due to attend. We were treated to Indian belly dancing, magic tricks and even all got given marigolds to go round our neck. For sure this was one of the more fun waits I have had in the build up to arrivals at a premiere!
First to come over was Tom Wilkinson, who played Graham in the first film and Academy Award nominated for Michael Clayton and In The Bedroom. Tom signed my DVD sleeve back in July 2013 at the premiere of the Lone Ranger, so I got an index card signed by him. He also posed for a photo with me. Off to a good start!
Tom was followed by Lillete Dubey, who plays Mrs Kapoor in both films. Lillete was more than happy to sign my DVD sleeve, as well as an index card. She also posed for a photo with me too. If nothing else I had met a new cast member, so I would be going home happy!
Celia Imrie aka Madge was next to come over. I’ve met Celia a few times in the past, but have never had my DVD sleeve with me. She signed it for me, and posed for a photo too. I never understand why she always looks away from the camera when posing for photos. Always!
David Suchet, known best for his role as TV detective Poirot was a surprise guest, but still signed an index card and posed for a photo with me.
Screenwriter Ol Parker had arrived, and when I called him over was happy to sign my DVD sleeve. I didn’t ask for a photo though. He was soon followed by the film’s director, John Madden, perhaps best known for also directing Shakespeare in Love. John also signed by DVD sleeve as well as an index card, and posed for a photo too.
Both Judi Dench and Maggie Smith also arrived, but neither signed any autographs. Maggie didn’t even do any press interviews, which was a bit of a shame but I wasn’t totally surprised. I’ve met both before though, but would love to get Maggie to sign my DVD sleeve one day. I also missed out on meeting Ronald Pickup and Tina Desae, who didn’t sign where I was. Just as it looked like the evening was done, I got a very big surprise. A group of people going along the red carpet came over to say they had a spare ticket, and asked if anyone wanted to go in to see the film. I absolutely jumped at this opportunity! Getting to see my most anticipated film of the year at its world premiere? Doesn’t get better than that.
So five minutes later I found myself sitting in the front row of the Odeon Leicester Square waiting for Prince Charles to arrive and for the film to be introduced by the cast. Totally surreal! Watching a fanfare and singing the national anthem whilst the future King of England took his seat was something else.
David Suchet started by giving a speech before introducing director John Madden, who in turn introduced the cast onto the stage.
Seeing Maggie Smith and Judi Dench talk on stage together, let alone the majority of the cast of one of my favourite films, something I never expected to see.
The film was AWESOME (if you’ve not seen it, go and see it!); I won’t post anything more about it to avoid spoilers, but I had big expectations, and it exceeded them.
Once everything was done I was going to head home, but decided there was no harm in heading to the afterparty venue to see if I could get a couple more autographs, especially since everyone in the cinema got given a special commemorative book for the premiere. I was surprised to find only three other people waiting at the party! First to arrive was Tom Wilkinson and his wife Diana Hardcastle, who plays Madge in the films. She signed my DVD sleeve and the premiere book, and posed for a photo with me.
She was followed by Judi Dench, who signed my premiere book. I didn’t ask for a photo as I’ve got a couple in the past. Celia Imrie soon followed, and she signed the book too. Celia was followed by Ronald Pickup, who plays Norman. I was quite gutted to miss Ronald on the red carpet, so this was definitely a nice bonus! He signed my DVD sleeve and the premiere book, and posed for a photo with me too.
Tamsin Greig, who has joined the cast for the second film arrived, having been on stage in the West End that evening. She signed the book, and posed for a photo too.
John Madden arrived next, and signed the book too, as did the film’s writer Ol Parker. Tina Desae, who plays Sunaina arrived next. She signed my DVD sleeve before being rushed inside.
and that was that! Definitely one of my favourite evenings in Leicester Square!!
For more adventures on the other side of the pond, check out James’ site here!
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I’m SO JEALOUS! I have been working on a cast piece, but have only been able to get two signatures. You’re very lucky!