Rufus at Zen Q & A in London 22 November!

[numbat]

Fantastic reports and photos everyone - and more to come i hope.

What a glorious case of serendipity that it was Rai's birthday the week before BAFTA. If Rufus hadn't spoken to her, the girls might have missed out on the chat and photos (and the kissing - i AM jealous about the kissing ;D)

[dippyponge]

Sounds like you all had a fantastic time (He said you were his friends!!!! ) and I am so happy for you Next time I'm coming!! Oh and Ge2 I'm so glad you got there for the important bit (meeting the girls and HIM).

[anniem]

Yes. Many thanks to you Rai. The password you gave us got me that kiss I'm sure, so I kind of feel those kisses were for you too Rai !

[kygal]

Thank you all so much for sharing your special night. Loved hearing the details and seeing the pics. Cant wait for more.

Did the movie go along with the book for the most part...just curious.

[GreenEyesToo]

Nov 23, 2010 11:21:16 GMT dippyponge said:

Oh and Ge2 I'm so glad you got there for the important bit (meeting the girls and HIM).

So am I!!!

[ruthie2910]

Nov 23, 2010 10:58:28 GMT GreenEyesToo said:

Thank you, Manuela and Annie for your reports - nice to have the gaps filled!

I know I went on a bit, but just wanted the rest of the Rooftoppers who couldn't make it to experience some of the evening through my report ;D

Gutted that I missed out on a kiss though

[GreenEyesToo]

Me, too! And you didn't "go on a bit" - we all want the details! Heck, I can't even remember half of what happened, and I was there!

Lovely to finally meet you!

[judypatooty]

Of course, the first thing I did this morning was log in here to see what was written in this thread while I slept.

It's so thrilling to read all the accounts that simply prove once again what a wonderful human being Rufus is. Not simply a sexy and talented actor.

(I especially loved hearing that Umberto got his picture taken with Caterina! Will he be starting up a fan message board soon, Manuela? )

[rueful]

I know I went on a bit,

Believe me, we are thrilled to hear every second--no one will complain if this thread becomes 50 pages!

Thank you so much, all of you, for telling us your stories! I'm so happy for you all, especially GE2, since you spent a couple of weeks worried you'd miss it.

I would love to hear more about Zen itself and the Q&A, if anyone can remember specific questions.

[joyceinva]

No need to apologize for "gong on a bit." I think we'd all be disappointed if you didn't! It was wonderful to read all of your reports. It sounds like you had a wonderful, wonderful time.

Thanks to all of you who went for posting your pics and your accounts of the Zen screening, the Q&A and your meeting with Rufus.

[adina]

! I feel myself as if I read a Zen book! There is an interesting and thrilling story where every character adds something new to the picture. Of course in the middle is Zen, who pulls the strings, but we get to know not him but the others through him. But it's better than Dibdin's because of the cute photos! ;D
I'm happy you liked the film!
And I'm happy for you!


PS: Rufus is beautiful!

[numbat]

What a fantastic way to look at it adina!!! And you're completely right!

We want all of you to tell us every detail you can think of - we want you all to "go on" to your hearts content.

Speaking of which we haven't heard nell's full story yet. I'm sure she'll be going on for several pages at least!!!

And then we want to read lassie's of course!

;D

[VictoryGirl]

Thanks for those very nice pics and the stories. He looks so good.

[lassie]

I'll try to remember exactly what happened, but it's so odd - I think you are that excited your brain can't take it all in.

Before I start I must say what a wonderful person Rai is for mentioning us to Roof - it certainly made our night. THANKS.

Nell, Mr Nell, Germanlady, Maz, Annie and myself met up at a cafe near to BAFTA. Then we decided to go in 'on-mass'. We had to have our names ticked off. We were told to go upstairs and then we saw the auditorium. We all rushed in and on to the front row ;D We then sat down and realised it was quite early, so we left our coats on the chairs and went for a drink in the bar. We could see the lovely Rufus at the other end of the bar. There were lots of people there, but I have no idea who they were - I was just trying to look at Roof.

We then sat down in the Auditorium and the screening of Vendetta began. I thought it was absolutely brilliant. Rufus was exceptional in it - he really is very talented. I can't wait to see it on TV, DVD etc.

After the screening 4 chairs were placed on the stage and Rufus, Caterina, Andy (sorry can't remember his name - look at Ruthie's post for details) and an interviewer. We were all so close at the front. It is difficult to remember the questions as my attention was elsewhere . The director said he had seen Rufus in Rock n Roll and decided he was the man to play Zen. I think there was some mention of Italian politics, why they wanted an Italian actress, mentioning also they decided UK actors were not to use accents as it would not really add anything to the production and might distract viewers from the story. I think there was a mention of if the chemistry was "right" between Rufus and Caterina and the director said it was. Can't remember much more - perhaps someone else can! The audience was then asked for questions. Ruthie was right it was cringey when a lady said to Rufus something like do you think you are Handsome, Romantic and something else, but again can't remember. It just seemed inappropriate somehow. There were a couple of other questions about location, are any more shows in the pipeline? A lady commented on one scene (won't spoil it for you) and asked how it was filmed and commended Roof on his comic timing - spot on she said. Perhaps the others can fill in any gaps here.

When the Q & A had finished people started leaving the auditorium. Rufus was by the door and lots of people were talking to him and congratulating him on the way out. We were all unsure what to do. We did not know where we should wait for Rufus. I saw that Nell, Ruthie and Maz had gone out of the auditorium, but I didn't know what to do - he was so close and more and more people were leaving. I decided to be confident and go up to him with the intention of finding out, from the horse's mouth so to speak, where and when he would like us to wait for him.

I said his name and I think touched his elbow ;D I said the password and he replied with a bit of laugh " yes I thought you all were" I asked where he would like us to go when we could see him and he replied well here and now. It was such a shock. So I think we rummaged about for camera's etc. I remember him greeting Germanlady with a kiss and saying he recognised her. I can remember going up to him and I had a kiss on both cheeks from him - so unexpected, but soooo lovely. I remember Mr Nell taking a couple of photo's. He kindly took one for me. As I was standing next to Rufus - I cheekily said any chance I could go in for a cuddle - he said something like yeah go for it, but only up to a point! I know he was talking to Mr Nell and Mr Manuela, but there was no sign of the others. I looked in the bar, but couldn't see them. Then went back in the auditorium, Rufus was still there and he asked if I had enjoyed the episode. I said I really had enjoyed, much more than I thought I would. I said something like I liked Zen much more than when I had started reading the books. It took a long time for me to warm to Zen, but had liked Zen from the start in the episode. It was the way Rufus played him - brilliantly. Can't remember specific details - but Annie if you can remember any more of my conversation with him please TELL ME (my mind's a bit blank). In the background was the BAFTA man and he kept saying to Rufus sorry to interrupt but we need to go. I was panicking that the others would miss their opportunity - so I ran out into the bar and then found the toilets. I am sure I flung open the door rushing in. I scanned the loos, saw Maz in the queue and instructed (sorry for being bossy!)her to go to the Auditorium I then in a very lady-like fashion shouted Helen are you in here? Quick, you must come quick. I'm not sure what the other ladies thought. Then I went to run out back to the auditorum to see if he was still there and bumped into GE2 - I think I instructed her to go to the auditorium too ;D. Helen came out of the loo and I told her to RUN, RUN to the auditorium and then Manuela was there too. When I returned to the Auditorium they were with him - phew.

I know I needed a drink after all that. It was so lovely to chat and meet up with everyone. What a great night. I must admit I was surprised at myself, my bravery and I even caught the tube and a train back to Birmingham all by myself too!! It's funny what Rufus can make you do. I've run out of steam a bit now - sorry for the ramblings.

I have a couple of photos, but will have to wait for hubbie to put them on computer.

I feel so lucky to have been there. It was just fantastic - I didn't get any sleep either. Thanks ladies for making it just perfect and thank-you Rufus.

Lassie xxxx

[rufluvr]

So fun to hear reports! Thanks to all for sharing. Makes us feel a bit like we were there too GE2, I think Maz and Nell might forgive you for attracting Ruf's gaze in some pics because you managed to snap a picture with big beautiful smile from him. Nice! Someone mentioned a lift scene in Zen that lingers? Oooh, the kissing scene? I think Rufus specializes in sexy lift scenes now. ;D I know, I know, what doesn't he specialize in? (Okay, maybe not accents. Yes, I said it. But it's true. And it's adorable.)
Manuela thinks Rufus was just being polite about remembering her from the Vinyan Q & A. Fret not Manuela, he does remember you. (Manuela's a pretty lady and our Rufus doesn't miss that sort of thing. He doesn't!)
That comment about the husbands that came along not "rolling their eyes" once was really funny, what troopers they were. I know you know you are lucky to have them as your honeys. Glad to hear someone asked Rufus about the Zen books. Looking forward to (hopefully) hearing what his comments were concerning that. How sweet that some of you recieved kisses from Rufus. (However, refusing to wash your face now is just silly! ;D) Did anyone brave a birthday kiss TO Rufus? Just wondering.
Oh, Lassie just chimed in while I was writing the above. Thanks for your story and let me just say good going! for looking out for your fellow Rooftoppers. Who cares if you were "bossy" while being so thoughtful! Hee, hee.