Opening ceremony just a tad embarrassing !

[cheekypickle]

I just don't get it!

The NHS bit was absurd and struck me as political point-scoring. They might as well have done something about the M25. It's hardly an image of Britain to the world.

PMSL laughing about the M25

Qo agree with a lot of what you said

Loved the Queen being so quick!

She obv knew she couldn't go better than parachuting from a chopper!

Next tracksuits were inspired. Kids everywhere will be in queue to buy something mum and dads can afford to copy whilst taking part in back garden Olympics ( v Sister Sledge) . Bog off Stella M.

Pimp trackuits.

I agree that the trackies were pimped as ... that made me laugh.You are not going to inspire the average Brit kid in tasteful Armani though. They should have been wearing crystal studded high heeled hi- tops.

Hated it all except the Queen and Danny Craig. Oh and the cauldron.
The NHS part was the most cringe-worthy.
My friends from overseas havent got a clue wtf it was about.

From an outsiders' point of view it was good, but full of injokes and obscure references for the rest of the world.

I was disappointed with the flame, though, because it's not going to stay there, so they should have lit it in it's permanent place for the duration.

Still, loved Rowan Atkinson and Elisabeth II Bond. :o

Really you all like gold armpits?!!! (ok some of you)

I don't think I got the in jokes either pls give me an example?

Agree they should light flame in the right spot but the cauldron was good

As someone that's not British and lives on the other side of the world, I think that you all can be very proud of it. Everyone I've spoken to about it today agrees that it was great, and have heard a few comments about how they'd not really appreciated before how much pop culture Great Britain had given the world.

The DCs didn't get the sheep and all that agrarian business but once the baffling industrial revolution bit was over they were glued to the tv and esp Rowan Atkinson, James Bond and HM.

Loved Muhammed Ali.

Don't get this thread. Got up at 5.30 am to watch. Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant. Maybe because I'm a history buff but I'm on the other side of the world and I "got" the whole thing.

I'm only British by marriage and heritage but I was bursting with pride during the whole thing.

Amazing (apart from Paul McCartney).

So often, celebrating Britishness feels tainted by the BNP & suchlike. Tonight, we could celebrate ourselves properly. I loved the James Bond, Rowan Atkinson & Sir Tim bits, and the very understated inclusivity of the whole evening. Some people were white and some weren't. Some people were visibly disabled and some weren't and they were all just mixed in together representing Britain. For DW one of the highlights was when they showed the Windrush. Her DM came over on it & it was being recognised as an important part of British history.

Yes, I do agree about Paul McCartney. He was pretty aweful.

Let the Games begin.

I think they should have had Madness at the end instead.

I liked it but fell asleep at Tonga I think so missed the grand finale. Did we find out what the brass lily things were for were that the chubby children were carrying ?

The brass lilies were for the Olympic torch, and each will be given back to its country's team at the end of the games.

I think Come On Eileen would have been a good finisher upper.

Hi ho silver Lining would have got my vote

Isn't that how all cheesy parties finish

Or Ferry across the mersey, but that could have confused a few people.....

Crap......You'll Never Walk Alone

It's early.

Anyone who found the industrial revolution bit baffling needs to study some history! Was such a shame the doctor who bit was cut to just a vworp vworp. Other than that it was magnificent [grin. - the commentary was in places dreadful though.

People are so negative! I enjoyed it.

I agree people need to learn their history and then it all makes sense.

The pride that some people take in their ignorance is depressing.