Thursday, 15 March 2018

Review: Meeting Freddie Highmore

Monday night, Lightbox hosted a Fan Exclusive: Meet and Greet Event for Freddie Highmore in Auckland City, which I was very fortunate enough to attend. After finding out Troy and I would be attending this Event last minute, I went into Full Fan-girling mode. I have been a big fan and follower of Freddie's work in his earlier years: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The Spiderwick Chronicles and of course his more recent work in Bates Motel and The Good Doctor. Just knowing I was going to be able to meet someone I had watched on TV and Cinemas screens growing up and someone who had played notable characters who I had come to build an attachment too, was boggling my mind!






We ubered into the City to the Seafarers Building where the event was being held at around 3pm and arrived a little past 3:30 - when we arrived we were greeted by two friendly Lightbox Staff members and Security at the door who gave us directions where to go up. At the door, we were given a VIP lanyard to put on before entering and had our names crossed off the list. Inside there was a little bar set-up where guests could help themselves to complimentary drinks while enjoying overlooking the wharf. Photos were being taken professionally of all the people who had gathered to the event, I got in a few photos of myself and Troy. There was a little table set-up with - and can I just say - some of the most delicious food my mouth has ever devoured. Mini Burgers, Chicken pieces and dip, some odd looking but delectable food on mini spoons. The entire venue setting was very laid back, semi-boujie but in the best possible way without trying too hard to impress.





Clint from The Edge Morning Breakfast was MC for the afternoon - he introduced himself, said a few words about everyone being able to see Freddie soon and to enjoy the food and drinks provided. We made the most of the food and drink while we could, as one does at an event (internal laughing)
 Finally a little after 4:00pm Clint introduced Freddie Highmore! He came walking into the room, waved to everyone before sitting on one of the chairs in front of the "Lightbox" backdrop next to Clint. For 20-minutes Clint asked him a variation of questions from what it feels like to be Nominated for a Golden Globe award, what its like to work with some big stars in Hollywood etc Freddie answered all his questions with such grace and ease - there were a few moments where he didn't quite understand what questions were being asked, due to Clint's Kiwi accent, that had everyone in the room laughing. When asked if he gets a lot of attention on the streets or having people come up and ask for selfies, he surprisingly said he doesn't get that much attention. Especially being situated in Canada where "The Good Doctor" is filmed, which is quite private and secluded.



Once the interview ended, Clint read names off the guest list where you were able to come up and take a photo with Freddie before leaving. I was a little bit nervous, everything seemed surreal and I couldn't actually believe I was actually about to come face-to-face with "Norman Bates", "Shaun Murphy", Freddie Highmore! When our names were called out, we made our way over - I was a bit shy, but I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would have been. We shook hands and he asked if I was from Auckland, we chatted a little about how he's enjoying the city so far and when he flew in. It took two takes to take our photograph, we said our goodbyes and I knew I wasn't going to waste my opportunity and I asked if it was okay if I could have a hug - which he said yes too.





The rest of the afternoon was spent with the guests going up to talk to Freddie and have their photos taken and enjoying what was left of the food. Before we headed back home, we were given a goodie bag courtesy of Lightbox which I thought was really generous considering already been invited to a nice event! I had a great time, so did Troy and I just have to say thank you to everyone who put this special event on and inviting us along. Have a look below at the goodies we received in our bag!



(Lightbox Tote Bag)

 (Lightbox Water Container, VIP Lanyard, Bluetooth/AUX Portable Speaker)

 (Signed Personalized Poster)



(Closer look at the Bluetooth/AUX Portable Speaker)



0 comments:

Post a Comment