This weekend, everyone's favourite Geordie pair popped to London - bringing with them their Takeaway on Tour.
I was invited to the O2 to be entertained by Ant and Dec, of course, and they really did not disappoint.
Having watched Saturday Night Takaway on the telly since, well, it began, I was a little dubios to how the boys could make it work in an arena setting. It taught me, once again, that if anyone can... They can.
Running through the audience, to the tune of 'The Boys are Back in Town', as they were introduced, Ant and Dec both made sure that every single member of the arena were involved, in some way, and you actually felt part of the show. High fives, handshakes and a few selfies later, the lads were on stage and the size of what they were about to achieve didn't phase them in the slightest. They truly are masters of their craft.
Our side of the arena was Team Dec, which pleased me slightly, as Dec's always been my favourite (sorry, Ant!) and we were certainly the loudest half!
With the guest announcer being Peter Andre, and Joe Swash and Laura Whitmore popping in, too, there were laughs and jokes from the start. Almost every sketch from the telly version of the show was done in the arena, from 'bad behaviour' awards, where an unsuspecting audience member won (three!) trophies for her good bad behaviour, and 'Sing-a-Long Live', where three audience members were chosen to go on stage and take part - while we voted for the best person to win. This was the best and biggest karaoke game, probably, in the world.
Who can say they sang karaoke with Chesney Hawkes? I can!
Having bought my mum along as my plus 1, we were both up on our feet, dancing, singing and crying with laughter throughout.
'Ant vs Dec' was also a big part of the show, with Ashley Roberts, of course, hosting the sketch. Part One was a back to school quiz, involving children from a local primary school and Ant showed that he's not that great Maths (I know how he feels!), while Dec proved that he wasn't up to speed with outer space.
Part Two of Ant vs Dec was where us, the audience, played our starring role, as after the lads ran through the arena, climbing wobbly ladders to retrieve a key - red and blue boulders were released on each side of the arena. We had to help the boulders travel to the stage, and whichever team had three boulders up on stage first won. Sadly Team Dec lost. But I call sabotage as our last one ended up on Team Ant's side, and the cheeky scamps wouldn't give it back!
At the end of the first act, River Dance entertained us, and Ant and Dec joined in... They must've been practising their Irish dancing as they were quick, bouncy and just as good as the rest of the cast!
Twenty minutes later, the boys were back - well, Ant returned while Dec came rushing through the front of the crowd holding two pints and a packet of crisps. What followed was a sketch so simple, passing the pints and scoffing the crisps, but it was quality, old-fashioned laughs. Once again, mum and me were crying with laughter.
After their snack break, the lads introduced The Super Computer. It was time to pick an audience member to 'Win the Ads'. Super Computer chose at random, a block, row and seat number. The lucky lady in question was taken backstage to prepare to win big! Prizes didn't disappoint, with a car, holidays, money, a TV and many more...
When the Super Computer's chosen one returned, she answered the boys' questions and managed to get six questions correct, finally deciding to gamble on a Wayne Rooney based question. As you can see from my pictures - fireworks and an Any and Dec sandwich hug - she had won!
Takeaway on Tour of course wouldn't be the same without two other special guests. Little Ant and Dec! The mini versions of the Geordie duo appeared via web-link, and we watched a VT of them interviewing Little Mix which was cute, cheeky and entertaining!
There was also one last sketch which had us in stitches. But Ant and Dec asked the audience not to mention it on social media as they really like to keep it a surprise - so you'll have to buy the DVD when it's released to check it out!
Ending the show, in the only way they could - in 'The End of the Show Show' - Ant and Dec gathered all of their guests together for Let's Get Ready to Rhumble... Dancing, jumping and singing, we were exhausted by home time!
The 'End of the Show Show' wasn't quite the end, though, as for their reprise the boys returned, Morcambe and Wise style, and sang Bring Me Sunshine. With the words on the big screen, everyone joined in and it was a lovely, lovely end to an amazing show!
If you want to sit down and be a bit of a bore then DO NOT go and see Takeaway on Tour.
But, if you want a fun-filled evening, with lots of laughing, surprises, dancing, singing and audience participation, then do... And if you can't, then buy the DVD on its release!
This show proved why these two lads have won the array of awards that keep their mantlepieces warm.
Well done Ant and Dec! And thankyou for such a great weekend!
