Johnny Depp...and Me!

I had a good feeling about this day...it was Thursday 12th May this year, at the UK Pirates of the Caribbean premiere at Westfield London when it happened. I arrived at Westfield at 6.10am. There, I walked my way round wondering where I was supposed to line up. Suddenly I spot a familiar character pass me by. It's Captain Jack Sparrow!...well...two of them, actually...three, alright perhaps imposters then, in any case I followed them without much speculation. Soon I found myself in line of around 60 pirate fans at the back of the centre waiting to be served, I hoped I was still in good time to get a front place. Luck had it I was, and so I soon got my hand stamped and lead into the Premiere pens. As we entered, to my delight I clearly saw before us a gigantic "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" sign which held a massive skull and crossbones. I struggled to successfully find a front place, feeling as happy as the sun. It was shortly after when I realized what it meant to be waiting for almost 12 hours without moving on the same spot, but it was worth it none the less! More and more people kept crowding up, and it was not long till all was full. I observed the immense preparations being made, the "red" carpet (which was actually blue) being spread, people carrying heavy scenery onto the stage, and mics and cameras being set and tested. It was all in a pretty raw state, far from the awaiting finishing result that would support some of the most famous movie stars in the world. Eventually I couldn't bear standing up no longer and had to sit down. I took out my JD books and poster to re-check I'd brought everything with me. Soon, I began to chat with other JD fans which had come to a Depp premiere for also the first time, and shared our materials. After some long waiting, I glanced at my watch and it was only 9am. I looked over the fence and nothing had changed. I started testing my phone camera, recording the on-goings. After a while this way, we spotted two fully dressed "Jack Sparrows" walking themselves along the lines of people, chatting and taking pictures with the public. They were quite a laugh, and it lifted the weary atmosphere a bit, reminding us of the good ol' pirate spirit. We all took some photographs with them, and stored them on our phones. Then at 11am, the music began! That I must admit was an exciting change. But the day continued pretty much like so, with the set becoming gradually more and more ready. All I did was stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down, so I don't have much more to write about my waiting time. By 5 o'clock everything was set, and presenters had arrived, so had all the press. I promptly put on my pirate hat, and waited. They told us we were going live on Channel 4 at 5.30, and started taking photographs of the public and short shots were we had to jump and scream at the top of our voices. After all the shots were taken, it suddenly all started! The first one to arrive was young Beatrice, the little girl that Depp visited as Captain Jack at her school in Greenwich. Then, after almost 20 minutes, another star, and then another. Then much before we expected the presenter held up his mic and said..."Now, someone you've probably heard of, known as Captain Jack Sparrow...please welcome to the blue carpet ...Johnny Depp!!" The corners of my mouth lifted and my heart raced, as the curtains drew open and out he walked, waving and smiling in all his marvel. Then all of a sudden, he had disappeared. Where did he go? It was not seen. Then the large screen focus on him signing people far along the line. Almost an hour went by and we lost total sight of him. Few important stars came and signed our material, including Penelope Cruz and Jerry Bruckheimer...but I was waiting for Johnny. I was just about to give up....when this happened....

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Thank you so much Johnny!! Bless you too!!

Adelle