I have never felt older than I did when late last year the girls asked if I could buy them tickets to see Dan and Phil as part of their Christmas present, my first question was “Who the hell are Dan and Phil?”. After a short masterclass from the girls I wasn’t much wiser, to me they just seemed to be two grown men messing about in their bedroom trying to be funny on YouTube. I must add here that I definitely missed the boat in terms of ‘getting’ the whole YouTube thing, I’m a bit old, and that may account for part of my initial impression. Having said that I’m no stranger to YouTube events having attended Hello World with no clue whatsoever! Nevertheless, I found myself waiting in the mammoth online queue on the day of release to get the much sought-after tickets for the upcoming Interactive Introverts World Tour.
I must admit I had significantly underpinned the popularity of the pair, despite protests from the girls that the VIP tickets they wanted would sell out quickly. Literally minutes after the online booking opened they were gone for the venue we wanted, however my skin was saved by securing standard tickets in the first few rows, Phew! Later the girls informed me that this would be their last tour and cynical me thought it’s no wonder when they are selling out venue’s worldwide over an 8-month period, they will be able to retire in the lap of luxury with the proceeds!
So here we are months later and despite being able to think of a million other things I would rather be doing other than sitting in a room full of excitable, screaming teenagers, we made the journey to Liverpool last week to see the show. So what did I think I here you say…..
Upon arrival at The Empire Theatre in Liverpool we were greeted by a huge line of excited teens (and parents) waiting to go in. Some were sporting cat whiskers and other were wearing strange floral headgear, which upon asking the girls about it I simply received an eye roll so I’m assuming it’s some sort of ‘in’ joke I’m not privy to!
Once inside I was already starting to regret agreeing to come, the warm up music was pumping with hundreds of teenagers singing along and excitedly chattering, I was in fact wishing I was at home with a cuppa –yes, I am getting old! The crowd went wild and I mean WILD when the ‘ladydoor’ song came on! Now thankfully during my Dan and Phil education I had been shown the lady door video which I actually thought was pretty funny so for the first time I actually felt in the know!
When the music stopped the excitement in the room was palpable, everyone seemed to be holding their breath until the doors opened and the boys arrived in a cloud of smoke accompanied by shrill high-pitched screaming from the audience – there were even a couple of tears shed by some. I had literally turned up knowing nothing about the show and it turns out that a large part of it is dictated by the audience themselves via an online form/questionnaire filled out prior to the show, which I thought was such a clever way to get the audience involved.
During the first half of the show the boys spent a large amount of time being roasted by the audience thanks to the online interactive submissions, a live game of TruthBombs
I must admit at this point in the show I wasn’t sure if I had enjoyed it or not, but the second half changed my mind. Arriving pinned to a circular board and donning a white suit and googles it was clear that Phil had been the loser of the survey and to his delight Dan got to fire multiple items at him with hilarious results! There was an ‘awards ceremony’ which had me giggling especially the award for the parent who least wanted to be there! – I was secretly hoping my face wouldn’t appear on the screen as I wouldn’t put it past my two to have sent in my photo!
The finale of the show though which saw the boys sing, rap and play the piano was the icing on the cake and by this point the screaming was at fever pitch. I spent at least two days after the show with Phil’s Diss Track in my head even though I couldn’t remember half the lyrics!
It’s clear to see that Dan and Phil really know and understand their audience as the show was perfectly pitched for maximum enjoyment. During the first half I spent a lot of time thinking how awkward they seemed on stage and wondering what was going on, however I now realise that this is all part of their appeal. The whole show felt like they were offering their fans a real, honest insight into who they are, showing that as introverts they have so much more to offer than sitting behind their computer screens in their bedroom’s. Their quick-witted humour had everyone in the theatre hooked throughout, even making me laugh along! As a final thought I must also admit leaving the show with a ‘tiny’ crush on Phil thanks to the departure of his emo fringe!- not quite as cougarish as I had initially thought when I discovered that he only a few years younger than me!
Have you been to see the Interactive Introverts Tour? Let me know what you thought in the comments below.
Fraser’s Fun House 
I loved reading this Melanie, it really made me smile! I had no clue who Dan & Phil were until Louise Pentland had lunch with them in her weekly vlog. I still don’t actually know what they do 🙈😂. They seem like nice lads though. Glad you had a good time and well done getting through an evening with tons of screaming girls. You sound like a very cool mum 😘 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
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I’ve never heard of these guys! It sounds like an interesting event though 🙂
http://www.mjw.wales
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my daughter is worried I shall judge her for really wanting this because she is shy and never likes anyone to know what she likes, dislikes or watches on youtube. she says that she is a “shady character” at school, and is very insecure. is it worth letting her go, to make her trust that I won’t judge her? what do you think?
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I’m in the US and I can assure you that I had all these thoughts and apprehension with my daughter. She is an “Emo” style person and that puts her in a very small group of people at a 3,000 or so student high school. So I suspect she and your daughter are probably very similar. Like the mom in this blog I too missed the YouTube bus. I don’t get it and don’t want to honestly. The only thoughts you might have about your daughter for liking these two is that she likes to laugh at two goofy nerds. Since that’s their job, nothing to be ashamed about. Now if I was as excited to see this show as a 42yro mom, I’d be embarrassed and worry what people might think. Since my entertainment $ goes to BONJOVI concerts movies DirectTV subscription & Cubs tickets, that’s not likely.
In fact letting her go will likely boost her self confidence as she is going to be immersed in a crowd of others “just like her.” She’ll probably come away with a few new friends that she’ll stay in contact with via social media. I was in sports in high school and not at all the same kind of personality that my daughter is. It was very hard for me to see her not fitting in with everyone, wearing dark clothes, wanting red, pink, purple & blue hair. I desperately wanted to encourage her to be her tho and to not worry about what other kids thought. The colored hair still is not my style but it wears out and she’s not out there drinking, doing drugs and getting tattoos which are permanent. It’s hard to let go for sure but you’ll see a confident happier daughter surrounding the show. That will make your heart just about burst.
So GO FOR IT! She’s going to love it and you for doing it. Plus you get the added bonus of showing her you love her just the way she is. Even if that’s sometimes a squealing excited teenage girl. 😊💗💗
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I’m so glad that you and your girls had a good time! I’ve grown up watching YouTube but have to say I’ve never really gotten into Dan & Phil, but I’ve heard a lot about them! They’re clearly doing something right!- https://sophiehearts.net x
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This sounds like something my oldestwould enjoy as she is an avid YouTube fan. I also don’t quite get it haha. Iam glad it seems like you were able to have a good time!
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I heard about this tour through one of Louise Pentland’s vlogs and I was quite interested about what the show involved! I found this post super interesting! I don’t really watch Dan and Phil but I know a couple of people that do. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the show in the end. 🙂
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Aww I used to watch these guys a few years back but I can’t say YouTube really interests me any more, Dan was always my favourite though as he reminds me of a friend of mine! They seem like really sweet and funny guys and to be fair I think minus all the screaming children I’d actually enjoy their live show! I’m glad you managed to have a good time despite not really having a clue what was going on for most of it, haha!
Alice Xx
http://www.blacktulipbeauty.co.uk
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I am insanely jealous of you! I am a massive fan of Dan and Phil but due to my anxiety I find events like these really difficult to attend. The thing I love is that they’re all about their fans. The show really is for them and I’ve seen so many glowing reviews.
Louisa | http://www.loubeeloublogs.co.uk
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I hope I am not being rude, my friend, but if you have anxiety about this, my daughter Prudence has anxiety as well, she does not want anyone to know what she likes and watches. could you please give me some advice she can use to develop her confidence? i apologise if I may seem nosy in any way, I just require help, as I am not incredible at talking to others either.
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Hi Gerome, my daughter has major anxiety issues, but has successfully attended 3 Dan and Phil shows including last night. Many of the kids who attend are introverts and my kid found complete strangers extremely sympathetic and helpful. Letting her attend Dan and Phil was one of the best decisions I have made. She made new friends with similar interests and it has helped her anxiety. My advice around your child’s anxiety is to speak to your doctor and get her in front of a psychologist if you haven’t already. Good luck.
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I’ve heard of them but I don’t exactly know who they are or what their content style is either. It’s great that you ended up enjoying it as well as your girls and you all had a good time together. And it sounds like it’s even better that you actually managed to get tickets…x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
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Oh dear, I have never heard of them either! But I guess they’re not pitching to me, I’m not their ideal fanbase 🙂 Luckily Flora is too young to be wanting to go to concerts and such like as yet, but I’m sure my time will come… I’m glad you had a good time though, kudos on being a very cool mummy! x
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
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my daughter also asked for tickets for this tour. They are coming in July to the US..I couldnt get the VIP tickets either but got first row in the first section behind….I’m accompanying my daughter. I expect to be the parent who “least wants to be there”. Thanks for the insight, I was googling online to get SOME idea of what I’ve gotten myself into
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Glad to be able to give you a bit of pre warning! Thank you for your comment I hope you enjoy the show😃 Feel free to come back and let me know you thoughts!
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I can relate to the first part of your post. My daughter got me with the “make memories instead of buying things” for her birthday. I guess she does listen to me sometime. (Last year it was Panic! At the Disco.) We did manage get VIP tickets so have to be at the venue 3 hours early, which is outdoors in mid-July. Thanks for your review.
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Thanks for the great review! I’m 23 and a fan of Dan & Phil. Was supposed to see the show with a friend, but didn’t in the end for personal reasons. I’ll admit that I’d probably have felt like the oldest person there if I had gone. It sounds like it was great fun!
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I can identify with this! I took my 14 year old, we had already been back in 2015 when tickets were £25. When I booked this time £62.50 each!!!! For ordinary tickets! I sat bemused through the whole thing, and yes, the screaming IS very loud! All I kept thinking was that I could have seen a West End show for the same price, I’ve never been to one! But my daughter enjoyed it. And they do seem nice lads, although they are getting on a bit now, so probably have to make the most of it while they can!
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My daughter & I have tickets to see them tomorrow. I googled some reviews to find out how long I’ll have to sit through their show. I was going to insist my husband take our daughter instead but poor thing is coming home from an exhausting 10 day trip tonight. I have a good shot at “the parent who least want to be there” award.
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Hi Eileen. May I ask how long the show was? I’m taking my daughter this weekend…Thanks!
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Hi Trisha thanks for reading! The show was a little over 2hours including interval. I hope this helps
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My daughter and I saw them two days ago here in north Texas (Dallas/Grand Prairie) – it was so much fun! She (age 15) is the big Dan & Phil fan in our family, but I like them too. I totally agree with your review of the show – I was more engaged with the second half of it than the first, but I had a good time throughout. They are such sweet guys – they really care about their fans, and you can see that clearly from the way they relate to their audience. Phil’s diss track and Dan’s piano/song performance at the end were wonderful – I’m glad I was there.
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I have tickets for next weekend – I am wondering what is the youngest age you think should go to the show? This show sounds a bit different than some of their intense videos. I have an 8 year old and 14 year old, they both watch some of the youtube videos, but the 14 year old is much more into them. Thanks!
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Hi Edina thanks for your comment! When we went it was mostly teens 13+ however there wants anything too inappropriate, a little innuendo at times . I hope you enjoy the show
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so not anything, say, a serious parent like me would not react in such an astounded or outraged way…? sorry, I am planning on getting it for my daughter
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I am going to their show this weekend and I was wondering what the appropriate age-range you think would be? I’m bringing my younger sibling and I want to make sure what they’re hearing isn’t to inappropriate; I know the boys can say things that are for an older audience at times. Thank you!!
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Hi Emily, when we went there were a couple of bits that could be deemed inappropriate but nothing major. The majority of the audience were teenagers
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It was nothing but “nosebleed” seats at the venue nearer to us which was last night, so I, playing the awesome dad role bought my daughter and her friend tickets for tonight’s show in Richmond, Virginia. They were the same price, either way ($113 each, yikes, and I bought them six months ago), but it’s in an actual theatre, middle of the balcony’s first row.
It seemed a good idea at the time but now I have a four hour drive, each way, and to my shock it’s a three hour show, so we’ll be home around 3am.
Oh, well, I started going to concerts when I was ten (Elton John’s GYBR tour in 1973 in Sydney) and after a few thousand 45 years later I know how awesome an experience live entertainment is, so it’s all good.
Thank you for the review.
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I hope you enjoyed the show! Thank you for reading 😊
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How long was the show? I went with my daughter to the first tour, but she’s old enough to go with her friend this time. I’m still dropping off and picking up, though.
Thanks!
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I think it was around 2 and a half hours ish
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Thank you!
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Thanks for writing this review, Melanie. My husband and I are taking our 12-year-old daughter to their show in LA next month. This is a first for us all and I was very curious what to expect and a little leery that the show might be too old for her. It sounds like they know their audience. I’m actually looking forward to sharing this experience with my daughter and will be bringing earplugs. 🙂
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Thank you for your comment I hope you enjoy the show 😃
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I thought the content was mature. I’m glad I did not take my 9 year old. I took my 14 year old and was uncomfortable.
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I would agree with this statement. I was not at all encouraging of my daughter watching the show when she first discovered it. Which didn’t make her very happy. She’s 18yro now and just went for the first time. She also didn’t watch until she was a sophomore. I’m still not a fan of them but primarily because I’m not a fan of that kind of comedy. Different tastes. I just don’t see the appeal but I’m also not a fan of Dumb & Dumber, StepBrother, Three Stooges etc. Granted the Three Stooges does not have the language or inappropriate content that the others or this show do.
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HI Melanie – this review is spot on! My daughter asked me to buy tickets last November for the show we saw Sat. night (Aug. 13). So she has been waiting a long time to see Dan & Phil. I agree that as a parent who was not that familiar with them going in, it was an entertaining and eye (and ear) opening experience. But the best part for me was seeing the absolute joy the experience brought to my daughter who has suffered from social anxiety and depression. I said to her, these are your peeps! She said that it was the best night of her life. All in all it was a positive experience and as a parent I feel that the Dan & Phil message (with some mature references) is one of friendship and loving yourself for who you are.
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Just went to the LA show last night with my 16 year old. We also saw the Phil is not on fire show two years ago. My daughter loved both. I thought the previous show was better – more clever – more “hey – it’s fun to find a community on the internet.” Critical show views aside – I sat among 5000 teenagers (mostly girls) last night and I am assured that we are in good hands as they take over the world. Positive, good fun!
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What was the length of the show?
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Just over two hours including interval
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It was amazing! I actually nearly cried at the end + when everyone started singing welcome to the black parade, I was screaming 🙂
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