”But I don’t even have a pen!”

Here’s the cool story of M-Tribe Community member Elizabeth captain sharing her report and pictures from the BFI Gala Screening of Madonna’s “W.E.” in London.

“Thought I would just share my experience of Sunday’s premiere. I had never been to a premiere before and having seen Madonna walk round the crowds at Venice and Toronto I thought I would take a risk on her doing the same here.

As I don’t live in London I had to book time off work and hotels and trains all before it was ever confirmed that Madonna would actually attend. I thought it was a gamble worth taking and I was proved right!

I met up with my Madonna friend Karl and we arrived at the Empire before 8.30am. There were only a couple of fans there before us and to be honest it never got that busy until much later. A few of the people waiting were not really Madonna fans just general autograph hunters.

I was glad when they eventually put the barriers up and we got our space at the front. We took the advice of another fan there who had experience of premieres and moved down away from the entrance and as it turned out this proved a good move for us. We were told that Madonna was due at 6.30 after the pre screen gathering at Claridges. It was so exciting when they closed the road off and put the red carpet down for our Queen!

As is tradition with M she arrived late, it was about 6.45 I think and the crowds went crazy for her. I was starting to worry that I wouldnt get to see her because even though we had what I thought was a great spot there were so many people surrounding her it was difficult to see much more than the top of her head! The crowds starting pushing and screaming and although I tried to get photos all that came out was a blurr.

She seemed to zig zag accross the red carpet doing some interviews and then occasionally coming accross to the side where the fans were screaming for her. I was desperatly hoping she would come near where we were and like a miracle she did! I couldnt believe how close she was – she looked gorgeous! Her skin was flawless – she reminded me of a doll so exquisite and small but with her fabulous blue eyes.

We were all screaming to her and holding out stuff that we had brought along hoping to get signed. She looked quite overwhelmed and said something like “but I don’t even have a pen” quickly someone shouted “I have a pen” and passed it to her. Then unbelievingly she started to sign! Please sign mine, please! I was saying to myself and she seemed to hesitate for a second before doing just that! I couldnt believe it, I didn’t really think there was a chance of getting her autograph and only took a book on the off chance! Then before I could even begin to take it in she handed Karl the pen, smiled and was gone! We were so excited but then had to find our tickets so we could be let through onto the red carpet to follow her into the cinema.

Once inside we couldnt see her and made our way to our seats which were row N. Looking behind us I could see a row with reserved seating about 5 rows behind us and to the right – it must be where she was going to sit. After about 10 minutes the lights dimmed down and we could see a group of people gathered in the entrance behind us and there she was! The introduction started and then Madonna walked past us down the cinema isle to the front of the stage – she looked so beautiful. It was an amazing experience to be in the cinema with her and listen to her introduce the film and some of the cast.

I enjoyed the film as well but it was surreal to be watching it with my idol just a few rows behind me. As soon as the film finished and the credits rolled, when her name came up on screen the whole place rose to its feet and clapping and cheering gave her a standing ovation! It was great to be a part of something so special. Then we got a Q&A session from her where I managed to get a few photos – even though they were quite distant. Then all too soon it was over and she was leaving! I still cant believe that it actually happened and have to keep looking at my book and the few photos I have to remind myself!

I have attached a couple of photos including one of the signature.”

Thanks to Elizabeth aka captain.