Duchess I do support the lads is why i shelled out money to go and see them BUT I am critical of the management of them and very much hope they are not seen as a cash cow.

Sunday night reminded me of a very badly put together pop idol /X factor tour ( I have seen both) and the boys are better than that. Nothing will alienate the GBP more than for them to go down the Simon Cowell route of one hit wonders.

A boy band can make it but is this the right climate?. Is there room for another West Life? They all love musical theatre and is why they entered Joseph and personally I think they will have a longer career going down that route certainly at the moment until they are more established

With regard to the boys continuing as a group - if they want to do that, good look to them. I'm sure that with the right support and advice (especially with regard to song choices), they would have a decent chance of success - they already have a good fanbase, so unlike a lot of groups, they're not having to build a fanbase from scratch.

What I would say is that they do need to devote themselves 100% to this - it's no good trying to fit it around their different projects, because that just leads to lack of rehearsal, which in turn leads to less than professional performances.

Another thing, if they continue as a group, they need to drop the 'Craig & Friends' bit - much as I like Craig, he doesn't cut it as a 'lead singer'. Also, the others are bound to feel resentful if Craig is costantly given 'special treatment' (lead vocals, billing ahead of everyone else etc). Personally, I think Chris B, Chris C and Antony have the strongest vocals, which was very apparent on the AT show.

From what I've heard about the concert, it sounds as if BK wanted an informal, fun evening, which is all well and good, but he made the mistake of staging it in a West End theatre and charging WE ticket prices (I believe they were orginally priced at something like £35) - hence the complaints about the warm-up act, amount of time the headline act were on stage etc. At the end of the day, when you you go to a show performed by professionals at a top WE theatre (and the Palladium is world famous), you expect a professionally staged and performed show!

I think everyone was dubious when the "boyband" term started being used. I'm on the fence about it still. They wanted to do MT, and have all proved they're really good at it, so forming a band does seem like a bit of a change of direction. But on the other hand if it means I can see them all at the same time, buy their albums and see them on tv then I'm not complaining . In all honesty I think they'll stick to MT after this album release, going "pop" is such a gamble.

I certainly hope Lewis will not go down that route as he has already been in a boy band.

Twingle I believe you weren't a fan of Lewis' before this show but have been slightly converted.
Last edited by loobyloo11 : 20-02-2008 at 14:06

Where was Lee, Ben, Daniel and Keith?

I saw flashes of brilliance on ADWD but not enough to convert me . However, i thought he was amazing on Sunday although I still don't like the tone of his voice but that is just my preference and I am sure many people do! . His performance of Kiss was fantastic. I did post on his appreciation thread

His mum and Nana Jean are still embarassingly enthusiastic although his nana is a sweetheart

It was about all of them that were there she means...

(I think!)

I thought so as well

Just thought they may be the surprise guests as Dan, Ben and Lee are now West End Stars and wouldn't have been working on a Sunday; I don't know what Keith is up to.

It would have been nice if Ben was there, he was never a favourite of mine, as thought his dancing was 100 times better than his voice, but he is very hot and would have been nice to look at.

I understand that Daniel was asked but his agent said no- perhaps as they share the same agent it was the same. I am speculating here. Perhaps their agent is steering them away from the ADWD connection not that they should be ashamed of it as am sure it helped get them where they are but sometimes you have to break away from the reality show tag if you can of course

Lee, Daniel and Ben are all in West End shows and perhaps couldn't be available for all the rehearsals.
Keith was up in Edinburgh finishing his own album. He also sang at an Edinburgh venue on Valentine's Day, so he wouldn't have been available either.
Don't know if they were all asked.

I know that Daniel's Agent was approached about 'Dream On' as a concept, but I don't know if he had been approached about appearing at this concert.

It would have been very difficult for Ben, Daniel and Lee to perform with no rehearsal and I do know that Daniel says he is always 'shattered' after a week of Avenue Q - particularly his puppet arm!!

Can I just say first before my mini review that Dream On is Craigs album.

The other boys were all asked to contribute and when they sang together for a group number, it was then that Bill's mind starting thinking of the possibility of a group. The concept grew from there and by the time the album was finished, the thought of 'Dream On' being a group was a more attractive idea to Bill than one man alone. Why have one Joseph when he could have lots. I knew he was asking for trouble by still calling it Craig Chalmers and friends, but when you listen to the album it is rightly his. It's not the works of a group. I think its a bloody shame that he wasn't singled out at the Concert and thanked as the one to have kickstarted this whole concept of Dream On in the first place. Bill got the thanks. Craig didn't - even though he's pushed aside a solo shot at fame to make way for the others, and it hurts a bit as a big fan of Craigs. Always knew he was generous, always knew he loved working in a team - remember ALW telling him off for that in ADWD? I am starting to think the same after the concert. Yet his generosity has been interpreted as somehow stealing the thunder from the others. I personally think it's the other way round after Sunday when even TITM had to incude the others.

The reason the London Palladium was chosen (not gospel, just my understanding) because of the last minute dash to get a concert together. I think the venue was perfect and it was full, so others thought so too. What I didn't like was a few things that have been mentioned already. Like the guests appearing and staying for the night (sounds like my house actually ) The band drowning out the vocals in the first few songs and the fact it was all over just as it begun. The lighting was poor and inappropriate at times, the set was boring and I expected dancers around them. I wouldn't moan if the tickets had been cheaper, but I must confess I did expect more.

But the boys!! Oh wow. Seeing them altogether and having a great time was wonderful to see. Craig took my breath away when he bounded onto the stage, I could see he was shaking with excitement as a sudden rush of adrenalin ripped through him phew ! They all looked fantastic and loved the outfits. Fab idea to have their clothes taken off them after the songs, nice little dash of sauciness there which we Josephans love Vocally I thought Craig was fantastic. Especially TITM, which is done in a softer style than the TV version. Beautiful it was.

Chris C's voice has really come on since ADWD. He used to annoy me by overstretching and bending notes in a cheesy american-style way. But working with the pro's in Half a Sixpence has brought him on a long way ! Nice control, mellow as you like and a really skilled singer.

Chris B I have written about in his thread, but he really impressed me with his attitude and presence. He was loving every second of it on that stage and I sensed no fear. I trusted him to deliver every time - and he did. Fantastic dancer ! Loved everything he did.

Lewis you can't help but take a second glance at, he is so striking. He's also a bit orange a the moment so he did stand out in more ways than one He did a backflip and a little bit of dancing and I loved it. Vocally he was good. He got to sing Kiss as a solo and several people neraby were very happy that he did. I found him fascinating to watch and he loves to strut his stuff doesn't he !

Antony was in his element. Whenever he sang there were cheers (one section of the crowd) and it boosted them all when they were applauded. He was the one I was worried about - simply because of Patience ! - but you wouldn't think it was the same guy now. He's got a great voice tbh. He can do big, and he can do mellow and I think he's going to get a bucket load of fans if Dream On is released as a single. He's happy, he's loving it in Joseph The Tour and you can feel it coming from him when he's on the stage. I liked him

Seamus - what a cutie. Another one that was soaking up the crowd and feeling mighty fine on the stage. I liked his voice in ADWD and he can still do it for me. I loved seeing him. Sorrow with Craig was wicked and I loved the four boys in the centre in pairs singing two different harmonies, facing each other - like a danceoff but with a song instead Visually it looked fantastic with some good moves by the guys and I wanted more songs with this kind of choreography.

Johndeep - gorgeous voice just as I remembered, oh and his hairs grown a bit He looked right at home on that stage and I was holding back a tear when he joined Craig for 'Longer' which I just love. Beautiful performance !

Rob - joined the boys last, and he was the least impressive performance wise. I don't know why but he seemed less part of the 'group' than anyone else, but nice to see him in real life. His voice was good but he didn't look as polished as the others. A shave would have been a nice idea

That's the lowdown from me about the boys and I have an opinion on what I'd like them to do in the future, but my fingers are about to fall off. I'll save it for another day and let the thread bun fight continue now

Trixie that was a lovely review and I would agree with the majority of what you have written

Glad you had a fabulous time and got to meet so many people you have been chatting to for ages

It was fantastic twingle All the DS names I know had faces and they were all lovely! It was a wonderful whirlwind of threadgoers and Josephs that night and very much enjoyed.

And me and you finally meeting That was one long awaited hug we shared in the aisle of the London Palladium when we met You're really fabulous !! So good to see you it was.

I agree with Twingle that was a great review Trixie - honest but also a fan - good for you

I don't think Craig should be cricticised for the name - as you say it was his album and the others chipped in and if they do decide to go the boy band route no doubt they will remarket them. Everything I have read about Craig supports what a nice bloke he is.

Personally I think because they are good looking lads with very good voices they could do it but need to let their personalities shine a bit more (I'm basing this on TV interviews only as I didn't go to the concert) - but agree they would need to focus on it and not fit it around other jobs. Whichever way they decide to go I wish them every success

I think that as Daniel and Ben are already starring in the West End, this may have been seen (rightly or wrongly), as a backward step for them....I know that when Daniel has been interviewed he has always said how much he enjoyed ADWD and what a great experience it was. Maybe it makes more sense at the moment to concentrate on MT - this is surely not the same as being ashamed of ADWD.......

Bad wording on my part Italian. I am sure none of the 12 are ashamed but all grateful for the opportunity to raise their profile which it has certainly achieved.

Daniel is the first to admit that ADWD has certainly helped raised his profile, but that he doesn't always want to be associated with it and to be recognised for what he does in it's own right. Both Daniel and Ben achieved their roles on the West End without any direct connection to ADWD, ALW or BK - but by the same token were no doubt seen for the auditions as their profile had risen because of ADWD. Daniel always said that he found it frustrating that he wasn't even being 'seen' for auditions and that ADWD has changed that.

The fact that Ben and Daniel have landed themselves such a brilliant Agent no doubt helps too.

I hope that all the boys achieve what they want to achieve and as is the same with all of these things (Pop Idol, X-Factor, Maria) some will always do better than others, there are no guarantees.

I guess they have to seize all the opportunities that come their way and hope to build a long and successful career on the back of it.

Whilst it is true that their fans were thorougly thrilled with the concert on Sunday - they need to start gaining new fans to continue their momentum. That's true for all of them.

Well put, that woman!

I understand what you mean, twingle, and I agree with you.

I second that italiangirl

I read an interview today with Gavin Barker (Ben and Daniel's agent) where he says he had his eye on both boys and was at the show most weeks and approached them as they left the show.

I think from what I've read on other threads that Lewis has certainly gained some fans from this show.

I do however wish that Anthony had continued with his training at Mountview, especially the fact that he was awarded a bursary and that could have gone to someone else.

Interestingly Gavin Barker mentioned about the training Daniel and Ben had had and how it was important to get that training because it helps with your stamina doing 8 shows a week.

Whether I am a fan or not of certain Jo's I do wish them every success but loads of hard work is needed.

review by REDLADY[

Thought it's about time to add my review of the evening, so here goes. After a minor hiccup on the tube, we all met up outside the Palladium. Siuoxsie had bought a Good Luck card for the boys which she kindly let us all sign. We went round to the stage door and after a while, siouxsie, Mezza and myself went to hand it in. The guy behind the desk gave me a blank look, so I told him what the card was for, this was followed by another blank look, so asked would he see the boys get it? He took it, threw it on a pile and again said nothing, we thought things can only get better.

The others went for a pizza, so I did my own thing and was back at the Palladium when the doors opened. We had to stand in the bar as the guys and/or the band were still rehearsing, and got in about 7.15. The warm up comedian was OK for me, but had noticed quite a lot of kids while I waited, and if I'd had a child with me would have been squirming Who thought him appropriate for a family audience, even cleaned up according to Dotty, I don't know.

Anyway, finally the boys came on with The Boys are back in town, and they were Back in London where the journey began for them and was great to see them. All I have to do is Dream followed, thought lewis and Craig's voices blended beautifully on one of my all time favourite songs

Think No matter What came next, then Kiss. Was so pleased to see this live, having already seen Lewis sing his other final song, Beyond the Sea on his tour. Was not disappointed, and the synchronized spins with Chris, followed by the back flip, just amazing

Then Seamus came on for Sorrow, and to my delight stayed for the rest of the show. Run to Me and I made it through the rain were other highlights. Johdeep and Rob joined at other times, and also stayed. Loved seeing the boys in their coats for Go Go Joseph, and of course This is the moment was another highlight Craig did most of it but the boys joined him at the end, and the final note was held for a VERY long time. Then it was Dream On, and all too soon it was over

Would happily see it again, hope there's a tour Must say that although it was nice to see Johndeep and Rob again, felt they did not add to to the boys. Seamus, however, was a delight, a charasmatic performance and strong vocals, would not mind if the fab five became the super six.

Hope I've not waffled too long

Review written by Mazzagirl and posted with her permission by Siouxsie and taken from the Craig Chalmers Appreciation Thread on the 18th February.

Just wanted to add mine and Siouxsie's thoughts on last night as Siouxsie is now in Bruges for a few days. For those of you who we met last night - you may have guessed that Siouxsie and I are twins and both share the same taste in gorgous blond men !!

Firstly it was so lovely for Siouxsie to meet everyone from the thread who could attend the show last night (ie. Stashy, Red Lady, Trixie, Dotty, Henry, Chalmed, Rogue etc etc) and I was also pleased to meet you all as well as I have heard and read all about you for ages before being brave enough to post. It was great to have a meal before hand and chat about all things Craig and take loads of photos.

Just before we went inside the Palladium we caught glimpses of Jenny Seagrove (Bill Kenwright's partner), Michael Barrymore, Lewis's Mum and Nanna Jean and also Chris B's mum and Dad who were lovely.

When the show finally started at 8.35 pm - the atmosphere was electric. The boys looked stunning in their suits and the set was just out of ADWD. Siouxsie and I were in Row C (we were so close to the stage it was wonderful) and were thrilled that Craig and Lewis came over to our side quite often.

Craig also threw his scarf into the audience - I managed to catch it but then someone behind me grabbed hold of it and it was gone. Never mind at least I can say that I nearly had it to take home with me. It was brilliant seeing Seamus, Johndeep and Bob on stage too and I agree that although Craig was the "lead" on most of the songs he never hogged the stage and his charm wowed all the audience.

The singing and harmonies were superb but Siouxsie and I were determined to give Craig the standing ovation he deserved at the end of TITM. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

It was also lovely when the boys thanked lots of people at the end and Craig got emotional when he spoke about his friend and mentor Bill Kenwright (who also got a standing ovation). I forgot to mention that Connie joined the boys on stage to sing Day dream believer which was great (she was sitting with Siobhan who came third in How do you solve a problem like Maria).

When the show ended - Chris C mum came over to say that she thinks all of the craigettes are fantastic and thank you so much for supporting the boys. I thought that was really nice.

We walked out with Stashy to the stage door and there was such a throng of people. Siouxsie and I managed to get the Dream on CD signed by Chris C, Chris B, Antony, Seamus and then finally Craig. I couldn't believe how long Craig stayed chatting with everyone, signing stuff etc. He was so wonderful. We were standing near him when he did his speech on Stashy's camcorder - it was brilliant.

My husband came to pick Siouxsie and I up and he managed to take some fab pictures of some of the boys as they were signing autographs. Craig even had a word with him which I thought was so lovely.

I am very envious of some of you joining the after show party hope you had a wonderful time and glad everyone got home safe and sound.

I must admit I didn't sleep at all well last night I was on too much of a high and I really didn' want to go back to work today.

Hope I haven't rambled on too long - love from Mazza and also from Siouxsie xxxxxxx

Sunday night at the London Palladium

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Review taken from Craig Chalmer's Appreciation Thread and posted on the 24th February.

Last Sunday night was such a memorable evening for so many reasons.

Firstly, meeting up with the Craigettes and Bartonettes, Stashy, Red Lady, Trixie, Henry and Mrs Hippo, Annabel, Benjamin Bunny, Chalmed, Jolly Jill, Kezzagirl, Rogue Knight and her mum and Dizzy albeit briefly and having a bite to eat with some of them. (Apologies if I have missed anyone off the list) It was so great to meet everyone at last and everyone was just so lovely.

Then waiting outside the theatre and seeing all the crowds waiting to go inside and celebs such as Jenny Seagrove, Michael Barrymore and some of the boy's relations such as Lewis's mum and Nanna Jean and Chris B's mum and dad.

Then we were inside the theatre and the warm up comedian came on and was extremely funny.

I know Mazza and I were thrilled to be in Row C and sitting so near the front. What a fantastic seat, it was brilliant. We were told the boys would come on at 8.30 after a short interval and the anticipation in the theatre was electric.

Once the show started it was fabulous. The set was fantastic and the boys started the show with The Boys are back in town. They looked amazing and it was brilliant that Craig and Lewis came over to our side such a lot. It was such a shame that Mazza had Craig's scarf grabbed out of her hand but maybe next time!!!

It was great to see the songs sung so well from the CD and marvellous to see Jondeep, Rob and Seamus singing on some of the songs too. So many Josephs all together.

Loved seeing Chris B and Lewis dancing to Kiss and Lewis sang this so well.

Fab to see Chris C singing so well to My Girl with Craig.

Anthony and Chris B singing Day Dream Believer was another marvellous moment.

Loved seeing the guys having their Joseph coats put back on during Close Every Door, this was a really nice idea and worked so well.

Of course for the Craigettes, we were waiting for Craig to sing This is the Moment and he didn't disappoint, it was sung purely from the heart and was just sensational. Mazza and I stood up at the end and gave Craig his well deserved standing ovation, what a highlight to the evening.

Dream On was sung at the end of the evening and was a delight from start to finish. Wish it could have been sung through again. What a magical finish to a brilliant evening.

It was also lovely to see Bill Kenwright get a standing ovation too and Craig was extremely emotional when he spoke of his mentor and friend.

Another highlight was when the show finished, Chris C's stepmum coming up to the Craigettes and thanking us all for our support to the boys. That was so lovely.

It was also nice for me when a lady came up to me and it turned out that she had been the lady I sat next to in Row D at The Churchill Theatre in Bromley back in August last year when I gone to see Joseph on my own and she was there with her little granddaughter. She had come to the Dream On concert with her friend and she had spotted me as the show had finished and had remembered me from Bromley. Its a small world isn't it.

Anyway, Mazza, Stashy and I made our way to the Stage Door to see if we could see the boys afterwards and it was marvellous to get to meet Chris C, Anthony and Seamus and ask them to sign my CD. Managed to get a few photos too. Saw Lewis in the distance but didn't get a chance to meet or get CD signed by him. Saw Chris B too but didn't get a chance to get CD signed by him either. Mazza did though lucky thing. Mazza and I were standing near Stashy when she was videoing Craig giving his message to the Craigettes. He looked so relaxed and totally gorgeous.

Then I remember being coaxed forward gently by Trixie and for her tapping Craig on the arm so that he could meet Mazza and I and Red Lady and Stashy. When we introduced ourselves, his face lit up and he said he couldn't believe that so many of us were there tonight. He chatted for ages, we had photos taken and our CD signed and then went off to spend time with others. I am sure he stayed the longest out of all the boys and was just charming and lovely to everyone.

It was the end of a fantastic evening and even a week later the memories still come flooding back. Even though the guys were only on stage for an hour, personally I would have paid to see them for 1/2 hour. They were just so professional, sang brilliantly and were just wonderful to the fans afterwards.

I really hope that this show means that the boys will do a tour as it will do extremely well, they are all so popular so fingers crossed for that as would be so lovely for all the Craigettes who couldn't get to see the boys on this occasion could get to see them sing together as it is a show that should not be missed.

Enough Siouxsie ramblings for now.

Take care,

Love Siouxsie xxx

PS Apologies to Mazza if I have copied anything from her review - Its a twin thing I guess!! Also thanks to Mazza's hubby for taking some fab photos at the stage door, being tall he was able to get some lovely shots for us which we would never have been able to take ourselves and for being a fab chauffeur as I had to get up so early the next morning for my holiday which meant we couldn't hang around too late.

PPS I would also like to add that I agree with all the positive comments on this thread and find it strange that there are any negative comments. Like the others on here, we have to appreciate that all the guys have other jobs in musical theatre that they are doing, (yes I know three of them are in Mobile Joseph but even so) and to get them all in one place rehearsing together songs from the album takes some doing, plus there is the expense in putting on such a show and I guess there just wasn't time for them all to learn any new material. I think they put on a terrific show, like I said, I would have paid to see them for half an hour.

They are fantastic individuals who can sing and perform well which is the reason we all supported them on Any Dream Will Do in the first place. I can't wait to see them all again if they tour.

And it sounds as if they might tour, according to the message that Craig has left on his thread today