I mentioned this theatre in a post today, and that has reminded me that this venue had 2/3 rows of seats at the back of the stage. Not uncommon, for theatre in the round type shows, but capable of resulting in a more intimate performance for artists and audience.
In the 1980's, for one show, I was a late booker, and was given (with my agreement) one of these seats. To my surprise, when I took my seat, and The Shadows strolled on (in their unique way), I could almost reach out and tap Hank on the shoulder with my programme! I was entranced to have Hank's left profile throughout the performance. As he moved on stage I was able to study in close detail his playing style and where he placed his fingers on the fretboard. About the only thing I missed was when he adjusted his echo unit controls - this was when he used those pair of large echo units, mounted on a rack, at a handy hight.
Hank and Bruce exchanged a bit of stage banter about the situation ("those must be the cheap seats etc") and a couple of times, with wide smiles, after bowing to those out front, they turned and bowed to us in their rear!
Probably this was a time that I had one of the best seats (for me,as I have been known to fumble a bit of guitar playing in my time!) in the house. Only surpassed, at the same venue, another year, when I had a front row seat and because of the viewing angle, enjoyed a close view of the performers, with the exception of their feet!
The behind the stage seats, were not always used, on other times when I saw shows at this theatre complex. I wonder if any other of our forum members ever got to see our favourite group there?
Kindest regards,
Christopher