Until recently, my only experience of attending a TV production was an appearance on the Channel 4 quiz show 15 to 1 back in 1999. After attending an audition in Edinburgh, I received a phone call two days later, asking if I was available to take part at short notice. As it happened, I was free and found myself flying first class to London. As the name suggests, the show began with 15 contestants and a single victor emerged. To survive the first round, you had to correctly answer at least one of two general knowledge questions. My only real goal was to overcome this initial hurdle but unfortunately I was unable to deliver the goods.
Skip forward almost a quarter of a century and I learned BBC Scotland was coming to Dunfermline to film an episode of Debate Night. The topical programme allows audience members to interact with a panel of politicians and other public figures. The production travels around the country and I decided to apply. This process involved completing an online form that asked about my past voting habits and future intentions at the ballot box. I also had to supply general personal details. This would be to ensure a broad spectrum of political views on the night, as well as a healthy demographic spread.
I received an email asking me to suggest a suitable time for a follow-up telephone conversation. After chatting about my application and confirming my availability for the show, I was invited to attend the filming at the drama studio within the Carnegie Hall. I was informed the size of the audience would be around 50. Further instructions were emailed out and guests were requested to bring photo ID and not to wear any clothing or jewellery that displayed political affiliations. I arrived at 6pm on the night. The debate is broadcast at 10.30 on the same evening. After presenting my passport and passing through a security check, I proceeded into the theatre's restaurant where complimentary tea, coffee and snacks were dispensed. Once everyone had checked in, host Stephen Jardine appeared and said a few words to the assembled throng. He has presented Debate Night since its launch in 2019 and he encouraged people to put up their hands during the show if they had something to say. Stephen stressed that the show revolves around audience participation and it's not really about letting politicians argue among themselves.
We filed into the small auditorium which has a bank of seating to the rear. I had previously seen plays and concerts here. An intimate setting for events that don't require the use of the main theatre. The floor manager explained there had been 400 applications for the Dunfermline broadcast. Before the panel appeared, a test question was performed with local high school modern studies students occupying the chairs. Aside from the educational aspect, the purpose of this exercise was to check the sound levels and camera angles. The debate was scheduled to be filmed in one go and the settings had to be right. Stephen Jardine recorded his introduction as the panel sat down and had their microphones clipped on. Left to right on the first photograph above, they were: Lesley Riddoch (journalist), Malcolm Offord (Conservative), Jackie Baillie (Labour), Stephen Jardine (presenter), Alison Thewliss (SNP) and Sarah Davidson (CEO of Carnegie Trust). After a warm-up topic, the debate began in earnest and was recorded straight through. All audience members had been given the opportunity to submit questions beforehand, although only four or five can be selected for discussion on the night. I was out of luck in this resect but eagerly anticipated the proceedings. We kicked off with an analysis of the recent by-election in Lanarkshire, where Labour had experienced a resurgence of support and took the Westminster seat from the SNP. This was followed by debates on the unfolding conflict in Israel, the health service and the state of policing in Scotland. I listened intently but didn't have a particular vocal contribution to make. My face did appear on screen a couple of times as the camera panned across the crowd. It was fascinating to observe the whole process and I'm glad I made the effort to apply. No offer to reimburse travel expenses though. Not really a complaint, as the show comes to the people.
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