Random Memory #1 – Taking dictation from Sting

Written by Jonathan Pagden

March 16, 2023

A random memory of one of the weirdest things to happen in my many years in events.

I was booked to showcall and announce a star-studded event called ‘Peace One Day’, a 20-year celebration. We’d done a yearly event previously but then it had gone virtual for a few years, so this was a bit of a reunion.

The week before the event the producer rang “Do you know how to work prompting? One of the acts wants their song words on screen in front of them. If we get the kit, could you work it?”

To which I said “Well, I know what prompting kit looks like… OK then. Who’s the act?”

“Sting” she said.

Right. No pressure, then.

Come the day, Mr Sting decides (during rehearsals) to re-write one of his less famous songs. So I find myself:

Sitting with a laptop in the stalls at the Globe Theatre.

Taking dictation from Sting, as he re-writes the song to be:

A duet between himself and Mark Rylance as the Big Friendly Giant.

No, I didn’t dream it, but sadly, none of my co-workers thought to take a picture.