Top Gear audience review
Discussion
Sorry for another thread on this but I have seen a few threads asking questions about the Top Gear audience so thought I would put a quick review up. Well today was my turn..
I had 2 tickets for today's recording. I've read elsewhere reports of people being turned away so I arrived at 11am. I only live 40 mins away so not a bad journey for me. Anyway at 11am me and Mrs hantsrat were one of the first 10 cars to arrive. I didn't see anyone get turned away and there were people still arriving and being given wrist bands at 13:30 so I wouldn't worry too much about arriving early.
You park up at the other side of the airfield to the studio hanger. There are toilets and a large burger van selling food and hot drinks -- Cash only! The audience staff members gave us all a copy of the latest Top Gear magazine and a quiz to fill out which we handed to staff as we boarded the bus. It was quite windy so most people stayed in there cars until we left the car park.
The buses arrived and start ferrying people across at about 13:30, there was then a small wait of about 15 mins outside the studio before being admitted in group of 15 or so. Once in the studio you can pretty much go and stand where you like. They are very strict on no phones and photos however I managed to snap one sneaky one! The audience warm up guy came out and took the piss out of a few people for about 30 mins then Matt Le Blanc came onto the stage to say hello to a big cheer. He's got a little larger since friends!
The recording then starts. We were in the studio hanger from about 14:00 to 17:30. Most shots went fine, some where re-recorded due to cock ups. There was no break as such but if you needed the toilet you simply went to the hanger door and they let you pop out. Best to do this when they are changing cameras etc. We got to see all the clips that are going to be shown in the episode too. The presenters seemed to enjoy watching them too. it's probably the first time they've seen them fully edited since recording. If you are not one for standing up for ages you can go sit on the podiums around the side.
All in all a great day and really interesting seeing it be put together. Especially for free! My mug will definitely be shown on TV as was right behind the 2 guests - One of the pros of bringing a girl with you is they bring you to the front so it's not all just blokes filling up the screen.
I don't understand the complaints from other threads, yes you are on your feet for the recording but what do you expect? A throne and a nice cold pint?
I would definitely recommend anyone thinking of going.
P.S. I think today's recording was episode 3. The clips were great... Especially Le Blanc assisting landing a spy plane in a Doge Demon! I think this series will be a big improvement.
I had 2 tickets for today's recording. I've read elsewhere reports of people being turned away so I arrived at 11am. I only live 40 mins away so not a bad journey for me. Anyway at 11am me and Mrs hantsrat were one of the first 10 cars to arrive. I didn't see anyone get turned away and there were people still arriving and being given wrist bands at 13:30 so I wouldn't worry too much about arriving early.
You park up at the other side of the airfield to the studio hanger. There are toilets and a large burger van selling food and hot drinks -- Cash only! The audience staff members gave us all a copy of the latest Top Gear magazine and a quiz to fill out which we handed to staff as we boarded the bus. It was quite windy so most people stayed in there cars until we left the car park.
The buses arrived and start ferrying people across at about 13:30, there was then a small wait of about 15 mins outside the studio before being admitted in group of 15 or so. Once in the studio you can pretty much go and stand where you like. They are very strict on no phones and photos however I managed to snap one sneaky one! The audience warm up guy came out and took the piss out of a few people for about 30 mins then Matt Le Blanc came onto the stage to say hello to a big cheer. He's got a little larger since friends!
The recording then starts. We were in the studio hanger from about 14:00 to 17:30. Most shots went fine, some where re-recorded due to cock ups. There was no break as such but if you needed the toilet you simply went to the hanger door and they let you pop out. Best to do this when they are changing cameras etc. We got to see all the clips that are going to be shown in the episode too. The presenters seemed to enjoy watching them too. it's probably the first time they've seen them fully edited since recording. If you are not one for standing up for ages you can go sit on the podiums around the side.
All in all a great day and really interesting seeing it be put together. Especially for free! My mug will definitely be shown on TV as was right behind the 2 guests - One of the pros of bringing a girl with you is they bring you to the front so it's not all just blokes filling up the screen.
I don't understand the complaints from other threads, yes you are on your feet for the recording but what do you expect? A throne and a nice cold pint?
I would definitely recommend anyone thinking of going.
P.S. I think today's recording was episode 3. The clips were great... Especially Le Blanc assisting landing a spy plane in a Doge Demon! I think this series will be a big improvement.
Edited by HantsRat on Tuesday 20th February 20:44
Also attended the filming yeaterday after spotting a thread on here regarding availability of tickets. Was shocked at just how easy it seemed - managed to get 4 tickets.
Travelled down from Bristol so it was a long day! Really enjoyed the experience of being in the studio.
We were enjoying ourselves until the guest part - by the end of that I was pretty fed up, although the sequence after this was hilarious.
I wore a bright yellow polo in order to try and get on the tv but was told to put my coat back on in order not to stand out.
On a side note, do you know which Zonda it was in the studio? It looked like the Oliver Evolution but I didn't manage to walk around the rear.
Travelled down from Bristol so it was a long day! Really enjoyed the experience of being in the studio.
We were enjoying ourselves until the guest part - by the end of that I was pretty fed up, although the sequence after this was hilarious.
I wore a bright yellow polo in order to try and get on the tv but was told to put my coat back on in order not to stand out.
On a side note, do you know which Zonda it was in the studio? It looked like the Oliver Evolution but I didn't manage to walk around the rear.
I was there too - travelled down from Crewe so a 200 mile trip each way!
Having read all the negativity I was contemplating not bothering, but my gf seemed keen to have a day out so off we went.
To echo what was said above, we arrived at 1130 and basically hung around for 90 mins waiting for the bus's to ferry us to the studio (was surprised that Gordon Murray Automotive was a couple of doors down from the studio). So no real need to arrive too early.
Once in the studio I really enjoyed it, as did my gf. I've never been to a studio recording before so it was a real eye opener and very interesting. We decided to keep to the back, although I understand why some people want to get on the box, it's not really our bag!
All in all it was an enjoyable day out and actually the 3+ hours spent in the studio flew by. As mentioned, the film clips are really great and the relationship between the 3 presenters seems to have moved to a more natural level. I think this series will flow much more naturally and be a big step up!
Having read all the negativity I was contemplating not bothering, but my gf seemed keen to have a day out so off we went.
To echo what was said above, we arrived at 1130 and basically hung around for 90 mins waiting for the bus's to ferry us to the studio (was surprised that Gordon Murray Automotive was a couple of doors down from the studio). So no real need to arrive too early.
Once in the studio I really enjoyed it, as did my gf. I've never been to a studio recording before so it was a real eye opener and very interesting. We decided to keep to the back, although I understand why some people want to get on the box, it's not really our bag!
All in all it was an enjoyable day out and actually the 3+ hours spent in the studio flew by. As mentioned, the film clips are really great and the relationship between the 3 presenters seems to have moved to a more natural level. I think this series will flow much more naturally and be a big step up!
I was there as well, and to echo what has beed said, we enjoyed it as well. We didn't have too far to come, don't think I would have bothered coming all the way from Newcastle like one couple did! Legs were aching by the end of the day, but would happily go again.
giltranator said:
On a side note, do you know which Zonda it was in the studio? It looked like the Oliver Evolution but I didn't manage to walk around the rear.
Yes, it was the Oliver Evolution Zonda, I had a look around it at the end of the day, very nice!I was there too, this is turning into a PH meet 
I can only agree with the everyone else that is was a fun day out. I also went to a recording last year which went along similar lines except we had a coffee break at 6PM which seems to be the norm if filming goes over this time.
Also for reference there are two types of ticket, priority and standard. Priority guarantees entry if you arrive by 12.30 saving the need to get there early. However the general consensus talking to a few others is turn up by midday and you are unlikely to be turned away with a standard ticket.
I can only agree with the everyone else that is was a fun day out. I also went to a recording last year which went along similar lines except we had a coffee break at 6PM which seems to be the norm if filming goes over this time.
Also for reference there are two types of ticket, priority and standard. Priority guarantees entry if you arrive by 12.30 saving the need to get there early. However the general consensus talking to a few others is turn up by midday and you are unlikely to be turned away with a standard ticket.
I went today and everyone who turned up got in - there's no real need to get there mega early as once you're in you have to wait for the buses to take you in the studio and once you're in they might shuffle you around the studio a bit such as making a circle around the cars etc.
Waiting in the car park isn't so bad as there's toilets and a hot food truck and you can always sit in your car for a bit if you wanted to. Despite all the standing around it wasn't a bad experience. Matt le Blanc did talk quieter than I expected though and Chris Harris was good on and off Camera. I didn't see much of Rory though.
Waiting in the car park isn't so bad as there's toilets and a hot food truck and you can always sit in your car for a bit if you wanted to. Despite all the standing around it wasn't a bad experience. Matt le Blanc did talk quieter than I expected though and Chris Harris was good on and off Camera. I didn't see much of Rory though.
Went yesterday, long day from Chester bit worth it.
As we were setting off I checked email for address and noticed it was put back from 11:30 to 13:00 for gates opening, no problem ment we could take it easy
Got there 12:30 and cars were queing on the perimeter road.
We have guranteed entrance before a certain time and I'm sure last year we were put in a different que but this year no checks, look liked every one had this guranteed entrance.
Might explain why they said this was the biggest crowd, circa 630 people.
Got the feeling the other days may have fell short of how many they were expecting to turn up, could be poor promotion or filming in Jan.
Again as per most, really enjoyed it.
But as we went last year maybe we are always going to enjoy it
Observations between this and last year.
Time in studio/hanger
This year - seemed a lot lot shorter circa 3 hours. Felt like we saw everything that will be in the final show bar a little cutting here and there.
Last year long 5 hours plus and needed a break half way through. A lot of what was filmed, whole segments, didn't make it to any of the shows.
Conclusion - they are getting slicker and know what they need without trying lots of ideas?
From a audience perspective its great its shorter as less strain on feet and back, but flip side did miss seeing more segments and having a break made it easier to change views for the 2nd session.
SAIRP
This year - was done a dusted quickly, felt like the actual time it will be aired.
Which was fine considering who it was.
Funniest bits was in between the re takes and the un censored lap of the track.
Going to be a lot of bleeps but we got it bleep free
Last year star was filmed for about an hour, also in segments that missed the final show.
Which for us was great as we like Ross Noble and and it went into loads of details on his car/bike/tank expliots, very funny.
Plus a whole section on a concept car with him was cut.
Plus watching Ross and Matt in between takes was great.
Conclusion - Either they do this for all stars now or depends on which one.
Presenters
Matt and Chris really do look like they gel on and off camera. Same from both years. Look fresh and enthusiastic.
Matt you can tell is the anchor but still had time to chat and laugh with audience and Chris just says his lines and chats with audience.
Same as last year.
Rory, apart from hi, goodbye and a little bit on his peice wasn't in the show.
Was obvious from last year he wasn't on the sofa at all and from last year you could tell he didn't quiet gel with the other two.
He made a comment to watch the TG extra, so guess this is now his and he's a bit part on TG.
Stig - lots more stig cameo's in this one and for me really worked well. Laugh out loud even though you could guess the outcome.
Although we preffered the guest last year and enjoyed his extended part off the day. This one was so much better.
The VT pieces were brilliant as usuall
3 were shown. The filming of these is brilliant, so much better than TGT in my opinion.
As we were setting off I checked email for address and noticed it was put back from 11:30 to 13:00 for gates opening, no problem ment we could take it easy
Got there 12:30 and cars were queing on the perimeter road.
We have guranteed entrance before a certain time and I'm sure last year we were put in a different que but this year no checks, look liked every one had this guranteed entrance.
Might explain why they said this was the biggest crowd, circa 630 people.
Got the feeling the other days may have fell short of how many they were expecting to turn up, could be poor promotion or filming in Jan.
Again as per most, really enjoyed it.
But as we went last year maybe we are always going to enjoy it
Observations between this and last year.
Time in studio/hanger
This year - seemed a lot lot shorter circa 3 hours. Felt like we saw everything that will be in the final show bar a little cutting here and there.
Last year long 5 hours plus and needed a break half way through. A lot of what was filmed, whole segments, didn't make it to any of the shows.
Conclusion - they are getting slicker and know what they need without trying lots of ideas?
From a audience perspective its great its shorter as less strain on feet and back, but flip side did miss seeing more segments and having a break made it easier to change views for the 2nd session.
SAIRP
This year - was done a dusted quickly, felt like the actual time it will be aired.
Which was fine considering who it was.
Funniest bits was in between the re takes
and the un censored lap of the track.Going to be a lot of bleeps
but we got it bleep freeLast year star was filmed for about an hour, also in segments that missed the final show.
Which for us was great as we like Ross Noble and and it went into loads of details on his car/bike/tank expliots, very funny.
Plus a whole section on a concept car with him was cut.
Plus watching Ross and Matt in between takes was great.
Conclusion - Either they do this for all stars now or depends on which one.
Presenters
Matt and Chris really do look like they gel on and off camera. Same from both years. Look fresh and enthusiastic.
Matt you can tell is the anchor but still had time to chat and laugh with audience and Chris just says his lines and chats with audience.
Same as last year.
Rory, apart from hi, goodbye and a little bit on his peice wasn't in the show.
Was obvious from last year he wasn't on the sofa at all and from last year you could tell he didn't quiet gel with the other two.
He made a comment to watch the TG extra, so guess this is now his and he's a bit part on TG.
Stig - lots more stig cameo's in this one and for me really worked well. Laugh out loud even though you could guess the outcome.
Although we preffered the guest last year and enjoyed his extended part off the day. This one was so much better.
The VT pieces were brilliant as usuall
3 were shown. The filming of these is brilliant, so much better than TGT in my opinion.
Edited by redlancer on Friday 23 February 14:35
Gassing Station | TV, Film, Video Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff