The inspired pairing of Brighton and Hove Gay Men’s Chorus with Alan Partridge, to provide some high profile Brighton-themed excitement, proved an ideal combination when he visited Brighton on 23rd November, to sign copies of his autobiography. The crowds were already queuing around the block as we arrived at Waterstones, all of them eager to meet Alan Partridge and get their signed copy of ‘I Partridge, We need to talk about Alan’.
With sound checks over, reporters and film crews in place and eager customers lining the stairs all the way to the second floor, the entertainment commenced with Playgrounds and City Parks. Having not expected to be serenaded by a local recording group, the happy crowd just loved us. It seems strange to look into a crowd and watch people filming us on mobile phones, something I suppose we will just have to get used to. Five tracks later, Heroes proved a fitting track, for the arrival of Alan Partridge as he descended from the next floor and the waiting ended for a thrilled crowd.
As you might expect, Alan’s distinctive humour shone, as he thanked Brighton and Hove Gay Men’s Chorus, and delighted the crowds, with anecdotes about his love of Brighton’s wit, wisdom and tolerance, as well as its many colourful characters. Then after the all important photo opportunity, with pen in hand, it was down to business and the book signing began.
Chris Jessop