Ceremony was embarrassment
ALONG with friends at my bowling club, we waited in excited anticipation on Friday night for the opening celebrations for the 2012 Olympics.
It began. We watched in silence, amid the odd comment like, "What on earth? What is this all about? I can't believe this."
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BANGING: But the London Olympic Games 2012 Opening Ceremony, including Paul McCartney, inset, didn't impress reader Suzanne Morgan.
How are the rest of the world supposed to interpret this?
Initially, I was afraid to say that I hated it. I was relieved to hear the comments of my compatriots.
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I found it disjointed, lacking fluency, flashing from one subject to another, telling a story which, I believe, many would not understand around the world.
Some of the content astounded me. Mr Bean, demeaning Sir Simon Rattle. Dancing nurses, which I was embarrassed by and thought hideous. The NHS is hardly at a point in its history which benefits from being showcased.
With the greatest respect, I have felt for a while now that Sir Paul McCartney should retire gracefully, and not do a Frank Sinatra, carrying on trying to sing long after the best of his voice had gone.
His performance was cringe-making.
As a group, we were incredulous that this mish-mash was supposed to be representative of our wonderful country.
I saw it as a one-man indulgence at the expense of the British people. His own folly.
I am very much aware that some folk liked it.
Indeed, they have said, "Didn't you understand the theme of it?"
Of course I did. I just feel, with the amount of wonderful pageantry we have at our disposal, representative of Great Britain and its people, this whole episode was a travesty, and in many quarters we may appear a laughing stock.
The amount of time, expense and human effort could, I am sure, have better represented us as a very proud nation.
It will soon be forgotten in the Press, whose reports so far are mixed, as well as in pubs and private homes.
I just know that the athletes' performances will outweigh any opinions, and for that I am grateful.
Sadly there will not be another opportunity to shine for Britain in my lifetime, and for that I am very disappointed, along with many folk, I fear. It will be interesting to read of other opinions in The Sentinel.
SUZANNE MORGAN
Cotes Heath
Comments
by PotterBelfast
Friday, August 03 2012, 8:54PM
“very good Warren, but i'd cut the water out and increase the alcohol. I DO agree with Suzanne about Sir Paul though”
by Warren_Lloyd
Friday, August 03 2012, 6:17PM
“Just think about it, Team GB walking out to David Bowie knocking out Heroes live, only trick we missed in fact.”
by Warren_Lloyd
Thursday, August 02 2012, 11:32PM
“Well, if you are wanting to read others opinions, hears mine, your are talking utter rubbish, it presented what it is like to be British in the 21st century and frankly, whatever you are drinking, I'd take more water with it.
Mole10....David Bowie.”
by wolagnub
Thursday, August 02 2012, 5:32PM
“Dear SUZANNE MORGAN,
My friends in Virginia(in the USA) saw it and loved and understood it. My friends in Canada saw it loved it and understood it. An Indian acquaintance understood it and "LOVED" Even a Belgian relation said that he thought it was great.
All that can say is I thought it was wonderful.
How sad that you you did not enjoy the spectacle.”
by brinsleymaclagan
Wednesday, August 01 2012, 9:56PM
“Cotes Heath, that cultural backwater!
Stick to TOWIE and Lloyd-Webbers latest moneyspinner!”
by wineguzzler
Wednesday, August 01 2012, 4:52PM
“It was absolutely fantastic! When it first came on I thought "3 hours, bit long, I'll just watch the first bit" instead I was completely riveted throughout till midnight, way after my bedtime! Do agree about McCartney though, he should retire gracefully and take Sir Cliff with him who was just as embarrassing at the Jubilee concert :)”
by mole10
Wednesday, August 01 2012, 10:25AM
“I thought it was thrilling.
The one point of British history known throughout the world is the expanse of the industrial revolution.
Brunel may not be known in Cotes Heath, but he is certainly known throughout the developed and undeveloped world.
Even the undeveloped world has a massive commitment to his designs of travel.
The NHS is the envy of the world and even the global superpowers are trying to copy it.
Mary Poppins is known everywhere and so is Harry Potter.
The Queen of Hearts made an appearance and one just as famous donned a parachute.
Who doesn't know James Bond?
If there is a bigger musical prodigy alive today more famous around the world than the former Beatle, Paul McCartney, then who is it?
It was nothing short of spectacular and I guess that many children watching understood their part very well.
Fantastic.”