So I heard Nico was going to be in the take back theatre event in Manchester about a week ago and I knew I had to go! I persuaded my brother and he said yes. I kept it kind of under wraps because I still get nervous that he won’t turn up from past times it’s been said he will.

Anyway, we headed off to central Manchester, found our way to the venue and waited. My brother spotted him before I did (I’m short sighted and can barely see anyone in crowded places) and I felt a little nervous that he was actually here. He had to go upstairs to the stage area because all the actors involved needed to go up. On his way passed, he said hi and stuff and he must’ve recognised me.

The show started and he was only in one play but everyone was brilliant! The plays were fantastic and all the actors were amazing! Anyway, we all made our way downstairs and it was so crowded! I saw him go outside so I gave it a few minutes and went outside after and he was talking to someone else so I didn’t interrupt.

He then finished and he came over to me and my brother and he asked if we enjoyed it and we talked a bit about politics because that’s what it was about. His mum came over as well with two other lovely girls (one who I talk to on twitter) and we all had a good chat together about random stuff. He said he was in London in the morning really early and that he wanted to do more of the plays tonight but couldn’t because of this. We just had a chat and a bit of a laugh and then we got our photos.

After my photo, I said to him that my brother wanted to give me one of my birthday presents today for him to sign and how I was hoping it was Shooting for Socretes on DVD and Nico said ‘was it?’ with a big smile and my brother said yes and he was like ‘aw awesome’ and smiled wide. I asked him if he was going to the Stone Roses gig next year and he said he was and my brother made a joke about not telling me what day and I said ‘we’re going on the Saturday’. I said ‘oh its my birthday present’ and he said ‘what a good birthday present, when is it?’ and I said ‘next week, 21st!’ and his mum said ‘aw 21st’ and he wished me happy birthday which was so sweet of him. We then talked a bit about spike island and independent films and then he had to go in for the second performance so he said bye and thanks for coming and stuff and then left with his mum.

We then left Manchester and as always, he was a delight and so lovely and I just love meeting him for that reason. His performance was brilliant. It was extra special this time for a few reasons. 1. He wished me happy birthday and it was kind of a birthday treat to myself to see him. 2. I got to see him act in real life for the first time and it was amazing and 3. That night when I got home, I tweeted him saying how brilliant the show was and that it was lovely to see him again and about 45 minutes later, he followed me back and I was so shocked (still am really) so it is the best birthday I’ve ever had (it hasn’t even been yet, it’s a week away as I’m writing this on the 7th December).

Overall, it was such an amazing experience, like I said, all the plays were brilliant and I had a great night. Nico and his mum are so so sweet and nice and lovely and it was amazing seeing him again! Love him even more each time.