That time I had a chat with a drunk Chris Barrie

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

So I suppose this is when I post my Chris Barrie story. I haven't really thrown this around a lot, because, well, stupid as it may sound, I feel it's rather private. Some of you may know how vehemently I dislike the whole celebrity culture thing, and how pointless and slightly embarrassing I feel things like autographs are. At events like DJ, I'll join the queue and whatnot to have a chat, but I dislike photo shoots and coffee lounges and similarly set-up things. It's not a value judgement, mind you; it's entirely personal. I like to treat everyone like - well - everyone else, and that sort of thing is the exact opposite of that.

Anyway, I obviously know I didn't really have a "private" moment with Chris, but it felt like a real one, for whatever ridiculous value thereof. I had a chat with him in as close to a natural setting as I'll ever get, where he was because of choice and not obligation. I'll stop rambling now and actually tell you what happened. (Mostly cut and pasted from my e-mail to roadstergal because I'm lazy.)

We had noticed that Chris was seeming unusually happy and relaxed. I mean, it's obviously hard to tell with the man, but it was noticeable. And lovely; it's rare to see him enjoying himself. We were soon told that he had no other engagements that day, so he wasn't under pressure. I'm sure the series announcement factored in, too. Regardless, everyone was still shocked and pleasantly surprised when he showed up for the disco. Apparently, the last time that happened was 1998(!) He headed straight for the dance floor, and everyone flocked around him. I was among the women (and yes, it was mostly women) actually dancing close to him, and he was there for a good long while. When he left, we assumed he'd gone to his room, but no, he was at the bar, chatting away!

Well, given that he seemed to be there because he wanted to, not just to make an appearance, I decided to head over and have a chat. After a while, I got close enough to engage him - I had held out on my five inch heels long enough to do so, making us closer in height, and that was worth it; we were at eye level! And when I got eye contact, I realized, wow, his guard was actually down. He looked happy, but a little lost and introvert-terrified, so I asked him if he was having a good time.

"Oh yes, quite! And you?"

And then we HAD A CONVERSATION. I asked him his opinion on electric cars, and he told me he's not terribly interested,  but when I mentioned I had a Tesla, he perked up and said he'd quite like to test one.

Then, suddenly, his eyes narrowed. I could tell he was trying to focus. It was then I realized that he was drunk. He had been handed pints and wine glasses throughout the evening, so no wonder, but he was desperately fighting it. He stared at my forehead, then said, with consideration:

"You have an H."

"Yes, I do!" I parted my hair to show it more clearly. "I made it myself. "

"It's good."

"It's too big, I know."

"No! No, it's great. It's got... um... bits. On it."

"Glitter?"

"Yes. It's quite good."

Later on, he gave my friend E his wine and even later still, pointed to her with a determined look as he shambled happily to bed; "You're young!!"

"We're all young tonight Chris," I told him. He smiled and ambled away.

Comments

[lordvalerymimes.livejournal.com]

Aww. This is lovely. I'm thrilled to know that he was genuinely having a good time. These conventions are for the fans, and I always worry that the "stars" find them tiresome, or just do them out of professional obligation. It's lovely to know that Chris was actually enjoying himself.

The "bits on it" comment cracked me up. :)

Several people posted videos of the dancing on the Red Dwarf Facebook groups, and by those alone, I had a feeling that Chris probably had a drink or two, or three, or four. :D

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

Well, you know, that's the really neat thing about DJ; the guests really do seem to genuinely have a good time. And they clearly feel comfortable enough to mingle and just be themselves (to a given value thereof, obviously), which is such a joy to see. Never seen Chris like that though, and it was such a treat, seriously. :)

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

She said 'Tell me, are you a Christian, child?'
And I said, 'Ma'am, I am tonight!'

That last bit made me think of that song, LOL. I'm still going to growl at you just because I can, but when I went I had a grand time with Rebecca Blackstone and Danny was at the party, and I got to hear Craig play piano, and a whole slew of other experiences, so I'm glad to see others have a good time as well. :-D

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

The song that came to my mind was 'We are Young." :)

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

The f.u.n. song? I was trying to stick to something that doesn't feature domestic abuse, but I guess the chorus is good. ;-)

[missflibble.livejournal.com]

Fantastic! I didn't get to hear that story :) Didn't realise he gave E his drink either!

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I was so sorry to have missed you at breakfast! I wanted to get a workout in, and it just seemed like such a good idea to let janamelie have my breakfast slot in terms of timing and all. Never occurred to me that you'd obviously be there - d'oh!

I wanted to congratulate you on an absolutely fabulous weekend - I was really impressed by the organizing; much, much improved from last time I was there (all your work, I'm sure ;) ). All the little touches; the signs, the posters; I was taking pictures of them all weekend. Everything seemed to run so smoothly, and you lot seemed to enjoy yourselves too. I know what it takes to organize an event of that size, so all the kudos to you, seriously! :D

[missflibble.livejournal.com]

Sorry that I didn't get to spend more time with you. But you know just as well how frantic you are! :-)

Since the TORDFC team was reinvented with the majority from 2011 leaving and us lot joining, we've all been breathing new life into it. We're now onto new email and registration systems, an AMAZING art department, and some real talent in audio visual. We all worked ourselves into the ground putting on that DJ, but our group email is already buzzing with ideas for DJXIX!

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

Well it shows! Really amazing work, all of you. I'm so glad to hear it's in such capable hands!

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear about this in more detail as I couldn't catch most of the conversation. Awww, Chris. *Hugs him* :)

I should have said more about how well DJ was run, but I only have 2013 to compare it to so I guess it stood out less to me. ;) But seriously, well done. The posters etc really add to the atmosphere. :)

[hazeltea.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you got to meet Chris. Sounds like you had a great time! :D

[laurenthemself]

That's fucking adorable.