Proud Mum

A few days in and I’m finding the heat exhausting .

The thunder and lightning that woke me did little to clear the air.

I’m like a plant planted in the wrong place, wilting, dreaming of air -conditioning.

But there have been some major highlights this week, I’ve had some lovely visits from friends and yesterday evening I was James’s guest at a huge property Charity corporate event in the conference centre at Elland Road.

My son in law was also there with his company at another table, so despite being a bit of an interloper I felt in good hands.

This event has been a massive distraction during our recent difficult times for James. He and a colleague were one of the ten acts on stage and it has taken a great deal of preparation and rehearsal.

I had absolutely no clue, nor did my son in law the huge scale of this event. Property companies from all over Yorkshire booking tables for their staff at premium rates I would image.

All profits for the event going to a homeless charity in Leeds, which some how felt appropriate – giving something back.

When I got off the train I saw at least five men sitting on the pavement begging in different locations in the City. The need is definitely there. Homeless people all have stories this evening was to recognise and support such people The Crypt is a charity that provides food and shelter for those in dire circumstances.

The conference room was massive, more than a hundred tables each accommodating ten guests. We arrived as it was beginning to fill up, the whole area bathed in a violet blue light (with air-con) – it was like landing on another plant compared to the powerful heat outside.

James was already there, and my son in law ‘spotted’ him immediately.

Well he was difficult not to miss, towering above most, and wearing a black and silver shirt that reflected in the spotlights.

Very different from his usual attire.

I was seated with the other lovely performers and their guests, and was also introduced to James’s work colleagues on another table.

Everyone was very excited.

I could tell James and his duet partner were a bit nervous, as the venue filled up I was too, I couldn’t help but think what an act of courage it is for any amateur performer to sing in front of such a huge crowd.

They were the sixth act. The program was very varied, some rock, some musical theatre, pop (Pink Pony Club -sadly I know all the words) all genres.

Some had props and costumes, one had dancing girls; accompanied by the resident band the standard was very good.

Finally James and his partner. Typically not an easy arrangement but a mash up of two songs.

Zombie by the Cranberry’s and Creep by Radiohead.

Challenging song choices.

But then that’s typical.

To those of you who don’t really know, James has two sides.

The kind patient guy, the meticulous planner who is sociable but not pretentious.

On stage he commands an altered ego, owns the stage and has a strong modern voice that makes people stop and listen.

I’ve seen him in action before, and had every once of confidence that he would absolutely ‘smash it’ but to most of his work colleagues it came as a complete surprise.

With his partner they put on a pure and powerful performance, both voices complimented each other perfectly. The audience were on their feet and I was stood on a chair!

Watching the reaction of his peers was incredibly special, the mixture of awe and excitement palpable. They had no idea it was going to be this good.

The stage presence James has doesn’t come from me or his Dad. I think his voice comes down from his Grandad my Dad, known locally for his voice.

Ken would have been so proud, especially seeing James perform in such an iconic venue that meant so much to them both.

It was very clear to all James was relishing every note, hitting the high one to a huge round of applause.

His Boss was literally bursting, so proud the pair represented their architectural firm with such a stunning performance, but in absolutely shock too.

‘You must be so proud!’ She told me.

I explained James’s stage presence started age five as Percy the Park Keeper in the class assembly. I honestly wouldn’t have expected anything less, but at that moment I wanted everyone in the place to know I’m James’s Mum.

I have not felt so elated for a very longtime.

I know James didn’t want the performance to end, it has given him a huge focus over the last difficult six months and the bonds and new friends he has made at the rehearsals have been really supportive.

It’s an annual event.

James says he won’t be doing it again, it’s such a massive commitment, but his wife Mhairi was in America and couldn’t be there – so I’m keeping my fingers crossed he might change his mind.