Dave Gorman is Genius

Dave Gorman is Genius…

…and I am not. Genius, that is, unlike Nina who having submitted an array of ideas was invited down to appear in the programme. I was allowed to come too. What a brilliant thing. We’re both fans, Nina having got into Gorman’s books a few years ago, and brought me into the fold of his followers. Of all the gigs I go to, I think Gorman’s crowd are the friendliest, which is kudos to him if you go by the theory that the fans of a celebrity reflect upon the celebrity themselves, in the same way that kids are a reflection on their parents.

The filming was happening at the BBC in London. We found the audience gate, outside of which were a motly collection of men and women of various ages, naturally, we joined them, they were Geniuses. Through the security scan, we walked up to the iconic BBC building. I joked that I would ask for a look at the Blue Peter garden, but I felt privileged and a bit awed to see the fountain that Roy Castle danced around, and the large BBC mounted on the outside wall that is often shown on TV. Getting closer though, and certainly inside, the place felt like an old fashioned municipal building that was due to be sold off for redevelopment. I was still excited though, even when the green room was overcrowded and we had to sit on the floor behind a sofa.

I had anticipated that I would be left in the green room with the other hangers on, but I got to sit at the back of the studio. I watched the big cameras working in what seemed a narrow space, and listening to the men who were building the set bickering. They went at it until there was a hush. I wouldn’t have noticed, but Dave Gorman had appeared. Slender, early middle aged, a man in grey with no evidence of star quality. He began to talk politely to the Geniuses in the way of a university professor. Coherent and kind, radiating intelligence and also a kind of tiredness. I had seen him live a couple of times and it came to me that he might be about to have a bad time on set. It was a transitory feeling because we were ushered back for a cheap sandwich buffet and some warm coke (diet coke, not the coke that the stars have to take, allegedly).

I had a good front and centre seat for the show. It was a thrill watching the make-up people go around, and looking at the roughly made set be transformed by the orange lighting. The cameras were huge, and the blackout curtains tall. All of the production assistants were beautiful and outgoing and had celebrity style, they wore black. I’ve never fancied a career in the media, but I did begin to appreciate why someone might want to. The celebrity guests came on (there were two, but no more spoilers here) hugged Gorman, took their seats and then the show started.

Apart from the view being blocked by the cameras, it was like being at a gig. The show went on at a fast pace, keeping the energy high. Dave Gorman was the stage version of the man I had seen before, animated, enthusiastic and funny. I looked up at the screen showing the camera’s eye view. The motley audience were transformed. As though sprinkled with magic dust, they seemed so much more than themselves, perhaps more pure, as though distilled down and intensified. Nina did her bit towards the end. Just a small bit. Maybe it will make the cut. It doesn’t matter because it was a great day anyway.

Only a few of the links were re-shot. That was a bit boring, but one of the guests in particular kept people entertained by asking the Geniuses who hadn’t been involved to talk about their ideas. The come-down was sharp though, and with momentum lost, Gorman became grey Dave again. After the show, he remained kind, staying behind to chat to people, sign stuff and have his photo taken. Nina naughtily kept her prompt card signed by Gorman (she was supposed to hand it back). We went away giggly out into the warm London air to one of the most uncomfortable coach journeys ever.

It was worth it though. Dave Gorman’s show is going to be Genius.