Well, I got in... but – as those of you who listened will already know – my question was not selected. I guess it was not considered topical enough. For the record, the question I submitted was:

"Does the panel think that acoustic music in pubs should need a licence while "incidental" loud recorded music and television do not?"

Richard, I hope you feel I didn't lose the essence of your question, but I figured if I didn't make it as "short & sweet" as possible, my chances of it being selected would be miniscule.

Thanks to everyone who responded. Shambles, wish I'd been able to see your post before I had to leave; tying it in with the spot you mentioned might have made the difference. I guess I should have posted something earlier this week – but I wasn't at all sure of my chances of actually getting a ticket.

For anyone who might be in a similar position in the future, you might find it useful to know that, while I was told I was on a "waiting list" for tickets in case of returns, I have concluded that this list was notional (at best). Basically, even if they are sold out (as of at least two weeks ago, when I first heard AQ was coming to Sheffield), if you just go there on the night in question, your chances of getting in are pretty good (it looked to me like there were about 20-30 empty seats); there didn't seem to be many (if any) other folks showing up on spec. Also useful to know: they set out a box for questions; it is removed at 7.30 (to give Richard Dimbleby & the producer time to read through all the questions and select which ones to use) – which is why I had to leave earlier than I'd anticipated.