Winter has well and truly visited London recently, but there couldn’t have been a better way to warm up than in a room full of 'Game Of Thrones' fans, with an early preview screening of the new series premiere. Here are some thoughts on the evening and 'Valar Dohaeris', minus spoilers.
The queue was stretching out One Marylebone when I arrived as doors were opening, and the crowd outside grew as Charles Dance signed autographs and chatted to fans armed with posters and props. Even Jonathan Ross was keen to be seated as he joined friends in front of me.
After being seated (and treated to popcorn and sweets!), Elaine Pyke, director of Sky Atlantic, gave a short but passionate speech about 'Game Of Thrones' and it’s safe to say that everyone in attendance felt very fortunate to be seeing the first episode of series three before most people - on both sides of the pond.
I will only reveal that 'Valar Dohaeris', is a tour de force of exceptional writing (complete with excellent dialogue and great character development) and although a few main characters don’t feature, it does nothing to detract from the quality of the episode. I’m almost positive that the entire audience let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding after the episode ended. The excited discussion started as soon as the credits rolled, and didn’t stop until the Q+A was announced.
The Q+A after the episode featured Charles Dance (who plays Tywin Lannister), Michelle Fairly (Catelyn Stark), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne) and Isaac Hempstead-Wright (Bran Stark). All of the actors were on top form and entertained the audience with amusing anecdotes and in depth examinations of the complexities of their characters. I couldn’t help but feel envious of their amazing dynamic - the 'Game Of Thrones' set sounds like an incredibly enjoyable place to work.
The after party took place in the suitably atmospheric crypt: the walls decorated with the faces of the main characters, faux fur on the seats and barrels for tables. Food was ample, the wine flowed and the audience and attending actors were in great spirits.
My personal highlight was clinking my bowl with Finn Jones (Loras Tyrell) who was impressed with the quality of the mini fish and chips. Many thanks to Sky Atlantic for giving us the opportunity to see the episode so early and for putting on a great night!
'Game Of Thrones' returns to Sky Atlantic HD from Monday 1 April at 9pm. Seasons 1 and 2 will also be available On Demand. Find Olivia at twitter.com/doloreshaze.
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