As everyone might know the Top Gear show includes a live studio audience. These lucky people of the public are allowed into the Top Gear hanger to see what goes on behind the scenes. We were lucky enough to be a part of the Top Gear Audience on the 23rd January 2013 (aired 27th December) for the first episode of Season 19. The good news the tickets are free, the bad news is the picking is random. Try your luck and register yourself at the Applause Store to be eligible to get picked for the show.
The experience all starts off on a snowy ice cold day at the Dunsfold airfield at 1:30. We picked up our Top Gear wristbands and parked the car with all the other fans. A bit after an Applause Store representative came to greet us and explained what will happen throughout the day. PS: Small cameras are allowed, and phones must be switched off during recording.
We were then herded into the warm Top Gear hanger, and what a place! Show lights, cameras, cables, Cool Wall, Peel 50, Pagani Huayra, Bentley Continental GT Speed, Porsche 998, Seat Ibiza and three of the past Top Gear achievements, the Jaguar XJS Sports Train (TGV12), the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust electric car and the indestructible Toyota Hilux.
Top Gear was excited to be back after an absence of 10 months, due to Richard Hammond being unavailable because of a BBC project in Africa. This recording was for Season 19 episode 1. The presenters Jermey Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May came in after a short while and were up to their usual pub talk between them. Even off the camera they will continue to pick on each other and discuss cars, football or whatever subject they get on.
The day continues exactly as you see on TV, a feature will be shown on the various monitors around the studio and after the presenters will go into a discussion and then there will be a break, then the next feature will be played. A chance to get yourself to be shown on TV, will be standing behind the live car in the studio of the car that was just featured, or right behind the presenters while they are sitting for the news.
For Series 19 episode 1, the features are as follows:
- Pagani Huayra review - Richard Hammond
Note: I was really surprised that the it was faster than an Ariel Atom V8, making it the fastest car on the Top Gear track.
- Bentley Continental GT Speed on a rally stage - James May
Note: The Bentely was really impressive, getting airborn and handling those tight corners. The 2 Tonne car even managed achieve second to last from the other specifically built rally cars.
- The News - Jermey tries out a gadget to prevent you from nodding off while James goes on his definition on Torque, the new Ferrari Enzo is shown but they are not sure which side is up ...etc
- Star in a Reasonably Priced Car - Damian Lewis (Homeland)
- Peel 45 - Jeremy Clarkson
Note: Jeremy invents a small car, smaller than the Peel 50 and names it the Peel 45. Very funny stuff to watch Jeremy explain the inboard features, maneuvering around and gets hurt.
Time flew by so fast and all of a sudden it was a few minutes past 6pm and the end of the filming. Hope you find this article useful and enjoy the behind scenes photos below:
Check the video below to see a sneak preview of the Bentley in action.
Important details to consider if you want to go to the Top Gear Audience:
Date: The audience filming is is shot on a Wednesday to air on the following Sunday.
Location: Dunsfold Park Ltd, Dunsfold Park, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8TB
Doors open:13:30 pm
Doors close:14:00 pm
Finish (approx):19:00 pm
Min Age:18+ Photo I.D. required to prove age
Dress code: Relaxed & casual
Important: We ask that you have a have a 50|50 male/female split In the party you are attending the show with. This is so we don't end up with a bunch of ugly male car geeks ruining everyone's Sunday night!
Remember - All of our audience tickets are free, exclusive to Applause Store and not available on any other website, or through any other company.