As much this is a review of my personal experience, it's also an idea of what to expect for anyone who's going to be visiting STV HQ. I visited recently to play on the Riverside Show with my band and, above all, my final thought was, 'gosh, those STV folks are lovely!'
So if you're headed to STV to appear on the Riverside Show, or in any capacity...don't worry. If you're anything like me you'll be thinking that you're going to forget everything you thought you knew and your head will be filling rapidly with thoughts of 'AHHH', 'GAAAH' and primarily, 'EEEK, LIVE TV.' But, alas, the Riverside Show is kitted out like a flat; with a kitchen, a living room and a chill-out party kind of room where the band performs. Now if you forget the flashy cameras and the show lights and you breathe calmly and deeply, you will almost feel like you're at a friend's flat. With the addition of commercial breaks.
If you're a band going on The Riverside Show, here's what will happen. - You will be asked to arrive at 4. You will sound check and run through all 3 songs to be timed. You will be asked to stand in various positions to ensure the lighting is spot on. (That's showbiz, darling!) You will be provided with refreshments but the canteen is closed. Note to self: In future, refreshments does not mean dinner; refreshments is cookies and tea. Cookies and tea for dinner means sugar rush and, consequently, one very giddy Nicola C. You will sit in the green room with the other guests and you will watch the show. You will feel nervous. You will feel excited. It will be okay.
In short, everyone was so professional and welcoming. The runners who assisted us from the green room to the set were lovely and made us feel so at ease. The sound production people had us sounding great and we couldn't have been happier with the monitor mix. And dinner...That came in the form of the Spanish omelette that was cooked up during the show by the terrific Alexis of La Bodega.
It's a HQ with heart, with STV moments throughout the years framed and adorning the reception wall. And you just know that everyone loves what they do; from the receptionists to the presenters to the producers. The result is a really great energy which we were delighted to have been a part of. We were so grateful to have been given this opportunity by STV. - The beautiful view of the city from the green room was the cherry on the cake! read more