"Sherlock" mania in NYC

by Dana

A couple of weeks ago, I lucked out—and I mean big time.  There was a drawing to get a pair of tickets to the preview screening and event to celebrate the American premiere of "Sherlock" (Season 2) in New York City.  Like many of my friends, I signed up, fingers crossed.  Alas, I didn't actually win tickets, but Mr. G did, and graciously decided to take me with him.  I don't know what I was expecting, but it surely wasn't what we encountered.

The line was already a block long an hour before the doors opened.  One woman had been waiting for almost twelve hours, on the chance of getting a standby ticket.  There were 150 pairs of tickets:  ten thousand people put their names in the drawing.

A woman ahead of me in line turned and said “Don't take this the wrong way...”

I immediately assumed I had spinach in my teeth, and clamped my mouth shut.

“...but I'm glad I'm not the only one here over thirty.”

I made a mental note to call my colorist as soon as I got home.  But she wasn't wrong; the crowd was overwhelmingly female and young.  A few were obviously dressed in honor of various incarnations of “Dr. Who”—long scarves, bowties, a fez or two.  There were a few sporting a Steampunk-y aesthetic (thigh-high wooly stockings, waistcoats, the occasional corset, deerstalkers), and a few who looked like they shouldn't be out on a school night. 

I found my friend Lady J there, who was there to blog as part of the Sherlockian community.  She's also working to raise awareness for the Undershaw Preservation Trust, an effort to save the home that Arthur Conan Doyle built and lived in.  It's an excellent cause, and you should check it out.

Finally, after a reception, we were ushered into the auditorium.  There were some preliminary words and we watched the first thirty or so minutes of “A Scandal in Belgravia.”  Then Rebeccan Eaton (the Executive Producer of “Masterpiece” and “Masterpiece Mystery," in the photo above) came onstage.  Then Sue Vertue, the producer of “Sherlock” (and “Dr. Who"), then then her husband, Steven Moffat, who writes both for "Sherlock" and "Dr. Who" (I'm having a happy geek moment with them, above).  Then...Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Sherlock Holmes, recent Olivier honoree for his work in the play “Frankenstein,” came on stage. 

The only comparison that seems even remotely apt is the screaming, near-hysterical throngs who greeted the Beatles.  The crowd lost its collective mind. 

It was terrific.  Watching a hit show, with a crowd of like-minded enthusiasts, is heady stuff.  Eventually, came the Q&A, during which I found myself occasionally impatient with questions (statements, really) focusing on a personal fan response to the show, and to Benedict Cumberbatch. 

Hey, I'm the first to admit, I am  susceptible to tall, dark, and brainy.  I screamed myself almost hoarse during the introductions.  It was fun.  But I wanted to hear more of what Steven Moffat had to say about being a fan of the canon and how he (and co-creator Mark Gatiss) made decisions about updating the Holmes stories.  I wanted to hear more about how Sue Vertue and her team worked to bring a really lush-looking world to life.  I wanted to hear Rebecca Eaton talk about “Sherlock” (and “Downton Abbey,” and so much else).  I wanted to hear Benedict Cumberbatch discuss his acting process...  

Hello.  My name is Dana.  I'm a writing and acting geek.

Eventually, I managed to remember that this was a fan event, and not meant to be a seminar or a professional meeting (but wouldn't that have been a hoot!).  I can always dig out the DVD commentary or prowl the Interwebs to hear what the creators and actors think about the show.  It's not like anyone had actually spoiled the plans the panelists and I had made, to go off for whiskeys and discuss deep, writer-y and creative matters.  I mean, there was always the chance, but...fine, whatever. 

More importantly, there are few enough gateway opportunities to get new generations reading crime fiction.  And fewer still that are this good.

Comments

[carolyn haines]

I am sick with envy! Sounds like you had a blast.

[lil Gluckstern]

Lucky you ;) What strikes me is the intelligence of everyone involved. Which is why Masterpiece is a pleasure. It's funny that a man with the unlikely name of Benedict Cumberbatch would excite such a response. Holly wood would never stand for it.

[Dana]

It was a blast, Carolyn! I was so excited, Lil! And yes, the combination of the brains and humor of everyone involved in the production makes it really fascinating (and a little intoxicating)!

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

OH, so wonderful! What a treat..even if you didn't get to talk about deep writer-y things....

I just looked at the photos again. WOW!

[Dana]

Absolutely a treat, Hank! I managed to say something coherent (I hope) and writery when I said hello to all four panelists. More importantly, I had the chance to say "thank you" for bringing such great work to the screen.

[Mary]

LUCK??!! That's not luck, that's a Triple Cross, Hail Mary Curtsying Divine Benedictine Miracle!

When you were right next to him, did he speak? Were you able to remain standing?

So glad you got to go, Dana. That's a definite one-if-a-kind treat. :)

[Toni LP Kelner]

I'm still jealous, but will satisfy myself with living vicariously. Thanks for sharing the evening!

[Marcia Talley]

Mother always did love you best. ;-)

[Dana]

Mary, Toni, and Marcia, regards the luck: I haven't been able to decide whether to run out and buy lottery tickets or be extra careful about crossing the street...

Mary, we shook hands, I introduced myself (as a crime writer), said I admired his work, esp. with Holmes. He said thanks and "the credit as you know, as a writer, must go to Steven for his craft." Swoon!