Been back at home for a few days and it's good to be back...family stuff has been driving me absolutely mad. Home to enjoy lots of long baths to reflect on everything, and to work out a proper action plan for next year. So many projects already - mostly comedy (because the band stuff looks after itself), just need to work out which ones are achievable. I reckon all of them...
Novel is finished, completely done and dusted. Will now just leave it for 4 months before looking at it again, and then Helen is going to proofread it.
Gif tonight with Steve. A bit shambolic, understatement.
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Monday, 28 December 2015
Sunday 27th December 2015
Took a few days out for Christmas, as you do, for family stuff. But then realised I don't *really* have the ability to switch off so on Christmas Day I got Dad's old laptop out and did some work on the novel whilst Mum and Angela were asleep.
Worked on it pretty much for three days solid, in between dog walking, eating too much and sleeping. It's been an exhausting year, I fully intend to get as much sleep in before things go crazy again.
I expected this to be the most depressing Christmas ever, but it hasn't. True, there's a huge Dad-shaped-hole here, but we got through it. Maybe we're stronger than we think? Managed to catch up with a few mates too - Matt (twice), Michael and tonight Fiona - a girl (woman) who just gets it all completely.
The novel is done as a first draft now, but still needs a lot of work. I'm not due in to freelance for another week so I have time to create something wonderful, I think, if I can actually escape from the family home for a bit.
Worked on it pretty much for three days solid, in between dog walking, eating too much and sleeping. It's been an exhausting year, I fully intend to get as much sleep in before things go crazy again.
I expected this to be the most depressing Christmas ever, but it hasn't. True, there's a huge Dad-shaped-hole here, but we got through it. Maybe we're stronger than we think? Managed to catch up with a few mates too - Matt (twice), Michael and tonight Fiona - a girl (woman) who just gets it all completely.
The novel is done as a first draft now, but still needs a lot of work. I'm not due in to freelance for another week so I have time to create something wonderful, I think, if I can actually escape from the family home for a bit.
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Wednesday 23rd December 2015
For obvious reasons, I just don't feel festive right now. Will try and turn it around in time.
So many diary clashes for 2016 already, that's a bit concerning...yet so much I want to do.
Spent the day shopping with Mum as she tries to get her head around the festive season, whilst making notes in the car about how to achieve megastardom next year...basically just a massive to-do list of exciting things.
So many diary clashes for 2016 already, that's a bit concerning...yet so much I want to do.
Spent the day shopping with Mum as she tries to get her head around the festive season, whilst making notes in the car about how to achieve megastardom next year...basically just a massive to-do list of exciting things.
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Tuesday 22nd December 2015
Long drive back from Devon; we're all a little emotionally drained.
Got back in time to watch my Britpop panto be performed in Cambridge. So nice to 'just' be the writer...just sat there with Anna watch a bunch of brilliant actors bring my words to life...such life, they were amazing! Flattered by it all, to be honest, I want to work with them all again.
Got back in time to watch my Britpop panto be performed in Cambridge. So nice to 'just' be the writer...just sat there with Anna watch a bunch of brilliant actors bring my words to life...such life, they were amazing! Flattered by it all, to be honest, I want to work with them all again.
Monday 21st December 2015
Dad's funeral. Tough day, beautiful ceremony, I don't think he knew just how popular he was. Listened to a lot of stories about him; he was such a worker, so loyal, always with an amazing sense of humour even during the dark times. I will strive to be at least half the man he was.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Sunday 20th December 2015
Barely slept last night, which wasn't ideal. And then up early, picked up G+V and off to Northampton for an afternoon gig. Odd show, very odd. We didn't get on with the support act, an odd American lady who performed (in this small pub to about 7 people) her gig as a live webcast thing...but nobody was tuning in to watch. She made us hold the camera and then got annoyed when we didn't give a shit, constantly apologising to her online 'audience' for the fact that we 'abandoned' them.
And then midway through our set, a drunk Polish man randomly gave us £60 as a tip and spent the whole show waving at us. Later on I could see him buy everyone shots and then he started smashing things...as soon as our set was done we made a quick exit.
Now at mum's ahead of the horrible long day tomorrow.
And then midway through our set, a drunk Polish man randomly gave us £60 as a tip and spent the whole show waving at us. Later on I could see him buy everyone shots and then he started smashing things...as soon as our set was done we made a quick exit.
Now at mum's ahead of the horrible long day tomorrow.
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Saturday 19th December 2015
Up early and took Mum to the hairdressers as she wanted to look nice for dad's funeral on Monday. Spent 3 hours waiting in the car, made notes for the 4th Lab musical for next year that I'm writing for them, and also jotted down a few other ideas. It was time well spent.
Got back, dozed off for a bit, listened to the football, and then worked on my speech for the funeral. Trying to be optimistic with it, but how can you be optimistic when your dad has just died?
Need good things to happen. I know that's what everyone wants, and I don't mean to whinge or anything, but just a break, a little break, please. This feeling is possibly fuelled by the fact that everyone in the industry is rejecting '50 Ways...' - mostly with polite rejection, I didn't like today's one, someone said that it "doesn't feel like it's quite there, just yet." It's not a work in progress, pal. I get it, that's how the industry works, Fawlty Towers was rejected by everyone, Dad's Army almost didn't happen. I'm not saying this is in the same league as that (it isn't), but it has charm, and I just want somebody who isn't in it, or isn't a friend of mine, to like it. Please.
Evening played a covers gig with G+V, we were tired and not in the mood, but it turned into a really nice gig, despite the two dogs fighting in the corner. Nice that Claudia and Marcel popped down, audience seemed up for it and venue paid us a little extra. I played with quite a lot of enthusiasm, but yawned quite a lot. Easy money, isn't it, playing covers? AND THAT'S THE TRAP. THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. NOBODY WILL LIKE MY FILM, I'LL END UP BEING 'SATISFIED' PLAYING ED SHEERAN SONGS FOR A LIVING. THIS WILL BE MY LIFE SOON.
Bollocks.
Got back, dozed off for a bit, listened to the football, and then worked on my speech for the funeral. Trying to be optimistic with it, but how can you be optimistic when your dad has just died?
Need good things to happen. I know that's what everyone wants, and I don't mean to whinge or anything, but just a break, a little break, please. This feeling is possibly fuelled by the fact that everyone in the industry is rejecting '50 Ways...' - mostly with polite rejection, I didn't like today's one, someone said that it "doesn't feel like it's quite there, just yet." It's not a work in progress, pal. I get it, that's how the industry works, Fawlty Towers was rejected by everyone, Dad's Army almost didn't happen. I'm not saying this is in the same league as that (it isn't), but it has charm, and I just want somebody who isn't in it, or isn't a friend of mine, to like it. Please.
Evening played a covers gig with G+V, we were tired and not in the mood, but it turned into a really nice gig, despite the two dogs fighting in the corner. Nice that Claudia and Marcel popped down, audience seemed up for it and venue paid us a little extra. I played with quite a lot of enthusiasm, but yawned quite a lot. Easy money, isn't it, playing covers? AND THAT'S THE TRAP. THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. NOBODY WILL LIKE MY FILM, I'LL END UP BEING 'SATISFIED' PLAYING ED SHEERAN SONGS FOR A LIVING. THIS WILL BE MY LIFE SOON.
Bollocks.
Friday 18th December 2015
Last night was good, I think, I just didn't really take it all in properly at the time. Got back late though, and needed to freelance for the final time in the office this year as it was our little Christmas celebration...pub grub and a fancy bottle of whiskey, which is very kind of the boss.
Got home, switched kits over from the Tama to the Gretsch (smaller stage for the evening gig) and then back on the road again to play a function gig with FH. After the buzz of last night, we were all a bit knackered. Long gig - first half all originals, second half was our covers set. Thought the second half was poor, it lacked energy, a bit sloppy in places (me in particular) but the audience didn't notice.
Tired. 2 more gigs this weekend, then Dad's funeral. Harsh times.
Got home, switched kits over from the Tama to the Gretsch (smaller stage for the evening gig) and then back on the road again to play a function gig with FH. After the buzz of last night, we were all a bit knackered. Long gig - first half all originals, second half was our covers set. Thought the second half was poor, it lacked energy, a bit sloppy in places (me in particular) but the audience didn't notice.
Tired. 2 more gigs this weekend, then Dad's funeral. Harsh times.
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Thursday 17th December 2015
I assumed I wasn't needed in the office today given that they ran out of work for us mere freelancer types yesterday, but then got a text this morning saying some stuff had come in if I fancied it, which I did because Christmas is expensive. Anyway, it was fine, was in till about 3-ish, which was long enough really.
Mum seems better today, yesterday she was so understandably upset. This will be a horrible Christmas.
Had an interesting chat with a contact about performing comedy down in Cornwall, and also a festival in Manchester are "happy for me to perform" at theirs, which is cool, I think.
Got my first diary clash of 2016, the first of many, I imagine. It's annoying as there are still plenty of free days in 2016, trust two of my projects to clash.
Early soundcheck for the FH Christmas gig in Cambridge, a 4.30pm start, but with a stage time of 9.20pm, purely because we wanted this to be special. I think it was - okay, I know technically it was, it was a complete sellout, uncomfortably busy, our audience are dedicated and loyal to everything we do. The set was slightly different for us - kind of went top-heavy with some of the songs normally reserved for later in the evening going in at the start, with a bunch of Christmas covers thrown in at the end and our friends (and tonight's support act) Said the Maiden joining us for the last couple of numbers. So I think it was all great, but you know - my head isn't quite there at the moment, I'm doing very well as acting as the 'mad, crazy drummer' but I just can't bring myself to feel happy right now, this may be a while off yet. In the meantime, FH continue to get bigger and if we keep playing like this, we'll be more than fine on the big tour next year.
Set: Christmas at Home, Shut Up and Dance, Fire, Bluebird, Goodbye Sweet City, Fine Life, Face in the Water, Nevermind, Earthquake, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, California for a Girl, Last Christmas (cover), All I Want for Christmas is You (cover), This Little Boy, Beautiful You; ENCORE: Silent Night (cover, with Said the Maiden), Fairytale of New York (cover, with Said the Maiden).
Mum seems better today, yesterday she was so understandably upset. This will be a horrible Christmas.
Had an interesting chat with a contact about performing comedy down in Cornwall, and also a festival in Manchester are "happy for me to perform" at theirs, which is cool, I think.
Got my first diary clash of 2016, the first of many, I imagine. It's annoying as there are still plenty of free days in 2016, trust two of my projects to clash.
Early soundcheck for the FH Christmas gig in Cambridge, a 4.30pm start, but with a stage time of 9.20pm, purely because we wanted this to be special. I think it was - okay, I know technically it was, it was a complete sellout, uncomfortably busy, our audience are dedicated and loyal to everything we do. The set was slightly different for us - kind of went top-heavy with some of the songs normally reserved for later in the evening going in at the start, with a bunch of Christmas covers thrown in at the end and our friends (and tonight's support act) Said the Maiden joining us for the last couple of numbers. So I think it was all great, but you know - my head isn't quite there at the moment, I'm doing very well as acting as the 'mad, crazy drummer' but I just can't bring myself to feel happy right now, this may be a while off yet. In the meantime, FH continue to get bigger and if we keep playing like this, we'll be more than fine on the big tour next year.
Set: Christmas at Home, Shut Up and Dance, Fire, Bluebird, Goodbye Sweet City, Fine Life, Face in the Water, Nevermind, Earthquake, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, California for a Girl, Last Christmas (cover), All I Want for Christmas is You (cover), This Little Boy, Beautiful You; ENCORE: Silent Night (cover, with Said the Maiden), Fairytale of New York (cover, with Said the Maiden).
Wednesday 16th December 2015
Up early for a quick local TV appearance promoting the panto. I know the station and the team well, and the host, Sophie, was utterly lovely but I wasn't on great form. Just a little tired, the subject matter (the stuff I'm doing for charity) was nice but a little close to the bone...talking about why I'm doing so much for charity just 2 weeks after dad passed on is fine, but perhaps not on the telly.
Still, the station are keen on producing 6 episodes of the music quiz, so will get onto that for January. Next year is starting to fill up nicely, but it does seem like there's a real tussle for my time at the moment...it should be a good thing, all of these bands/venues needing me, but it's not, it just means I have to apologise a lot.
Went to the office for a bit but they sent me home after 2 hours because we literally had nothing to do. That's not a great sign.
Got back, had a cat nap and then started sending short stories to loads of magazines...could be the future?
Evening recording with the Dowsing band...long session in great company, complex and slightly unrehearsed material, but everything nailed as a full band within 4 takes. I don't feel great at the moment - Mum is getting really upset a lot (mostly because the hospital called asking to speak to my dad) and in return I'm getting very down about stuff, but I'm still drumming like a fucking legend.
Still, the station are keen on producing 6 episodes of the music quiz, so will get onto that for January. Next year is starting to fill up nicely, but it does seem like there's a real tussle for my time at the moment...it should be a good thing, all of these bands/venues needing me, but it's not, it just means I have to apologise a lot.
Went to the office for a bit but they sent me home after 2 hours because we literally had nothing to do. That's not a great sign.
Got back, had a cat nap and then started sending short stories to loads of magazines...could be the future?
Evening recording with the Dowsing band...long session in great company, complex and slightly unrehearsed material, but everything nailed as a full band within 4 takes. I don't feel great at the moment - Mum is getting really upset a lot (mostly because the hospital called asking to speak to my dad) and in return I'm getting very down about stuff, but I'm still drumming like a fucking legend.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Tuesday 15th December 2015
Did a few hours in the office; the other guy didn't show up but I updated their Twitter and stuff and kind of kept things moving for them.
Spent a few hours helping Mum with her shopping, and confirmed the first of the tour shows for the June run of the '50 Ways...' stage show. A promoter praised my 'brilliant sales pitch' ... he clearly doesn't get many sales pitches, then. Confirmed a local TV appearance for tomorrow but still not sure what I'm supposed to be promoting.
FH rehearsal was just what I needed...came into it feeling flat and down about family stuff, but we rocked it, Thursday's gig should be the best gig of the year on paper: it's our best set, it's all party stuff, there's a bunch of surprises in there. Knackered me out big style though, that was a long session.
Spent a few hours helping Mum with her shopping, and confirmed the first of the tour shows for the June run of the '50 Ways...' stage show. A promoter praised my 'brilliant sales pitch' ... he clearly doesn't get many sales pitches, then. Confirmed a local TV appearance for tomorrow but still not sure what I'm supposed to be promoting.
FH rehearsal was just what I needed...came into it feeling flat and down about family stuff, but we rocked it, Thursday's gig should be the best gig of the year on paper: it's our best set, it's all party stuff, there's a bunch of surprises in there. Knackered me out big style though, that was a long session.
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Monday 14th December 2015
Yeah, yesterday was totally amazing - just what I needed. One of those days where I'm just flattered to be around musicians this good, yet also they happen to be the loveliest people ever. Felt it a bit today, though; I was the only one out of four of us who made it into a workplace. Only did 4 hours, it dragged big style. All of me aches.
Random observation: this is the first year I've not got excited by the Christmas Radio Times. Got myself a copy, but just couldn't bring myself to read it, doesn't feel right without having to compete with Dad to see who got it first.
Had a really productive evening booking up stuff for next year - applied for pretty much every fringe festival (apart from Brighton because their website is confusing me), every music festival to see if they want comedy, various other bits and bobs.
Released the Christmas singles, a few people bought it I think.
Random observation: this is the first year I've not got excited by the Christmas Radio Times. Got myself a copy, but just couldn't bring myself to read it, doesn't feel right without having to compete with Dad to see who got it first.
Had a really productive evening booking up stuff for next year - applied for pretty much every fringe festival (apart from Brighton because their website is confusing me), every music festival to see if they want comedy, various other bits and bobs.
Released the Christmas singles, a few people bought it I think.
Monday, 14 December 2015
Sunday 13th December 2015
A long but brilliant day. The day of our '10 gigs in 1 day' event in which Claudia, Marcel, Edd and I played...well, 10 gigs, all in Cambridge. Planned meticulously, promoted terribly, but we did it - 12 hours of gigs, a lot of amazing people met along the way. Full credit to Phill for coming to all 10 gigs, whilst Rob came to most of them as well, as did Bryan and Kate...I've got incredible friends.
The gigs started out in a small cafe, before eventually moving up to proper pub venues. In one of the cafes the staff even donated their tips for the day to the cause, in one of the venues we were given brandy and pizza, in another we were just handed beer continually. Everyone is just so lovely; I started the day feeling really down about everything - hence why I wore a Santa hat and beard the whole time, to cover my depressing expression, but by the end I was actually smiling again, because we were doing a great thing for a very fitting charity, it all felt poignant by the end, I was nearly getting emotional.
Throughout the day my fellow musicians worked so hard, having to play 10 gigs is just ridiculous, and get that enthusiasm up each time, which they did. We were so tight, every gig, every performance was fun. And we raised £502 for the cause, too, which was fantastic.
It's gonna hurt tomorrow, but that was a victory, a real proper victory. A special day in the company of some of my favourite people. Amazing work.
The gigs started out in a small cafe, before eventually moving up to proper pub venues. In one of the cafes the staff even donated their tips for the day to the cause, in one of the venues we were given brandy and pizza, in another we were just handed beer continually. Everyone is just so lovely; I started the day feeling really down about everything - hence why I wore a Santa hat and beard the whole time, to cover my depressing expression, but by the end I was actually smiling again, because we were doing a great thing for a very fitting charity, it all felt poignant by the end, I was nearly getting emotional.
Throughout the day my fellow musicians worked so hard, having to play 10 gigs is just ridiculous, and get that enthusiasm up each time, which they did. We were so tight, every gig, every performance was fun. And we raised £502 for the cause, too, which was fantastic.
It's gonna hurt tomorrow, but that was a victory, a real proper victory. A special day in the company of some of my favourite people. Amazing work.
Saturday 12th December 2015
Spent the day with mum, she's coping admirably. The dog attacked Santa in Waitrose car park.
Evening went to the Dowsing 5 year bash but realised then that socially I just wasn't ready for such a big event...it was fine last night, a few mates in a little pub, but this was stressful - basically just loads and loads of people asking how I am. I'm sad, I'm down, it's natural, it's nothing to worry about.
Left early before I dragged the whole party down with me.
Evening went to the Dowsing 5 year bash but realised then that socially I just wasn't ready for such a big event...it was fine last night, a few mates in a little pub, but this was stressful - basically just loads and loads of people asking how I am. I'm sad, I'm down, it's natural, it's nothing to worry about.
Left early before I dragged the whole party down with me.
Friday 11th December 2015
Did a couple uninspiring hours in the office.
A few offers are starting to trickle in for next year - a show in Totnes, which looks really nice, and a few other little bits and bobs. And a few venue rejections, which is to be expected.
Evening met up with friends Alister, Marcus, Chris and Richard for quiet beers and reflection, it was exactly what I needed.
Thursday 10th December 2015
Back in the office for some freelance work...too soon, as dad died exactly a week or so? I don't think so, because he was a worker and would have approved, I reckon, he liked the fact that I was so active.
It was slightly draining, though - I mean, the work itself is piss easy, but my brain is struggling to focus. Apparently that's all natural. I hope I get a grip soon.
Got back and made massive dents in my to-do list...booked the biggest venue I can possibly find for a huge charity fundraiser, applied for next year's fringe already, touted the covers project around to lots of hotels online, made attempts to add shows to the February tour. A busy, but worthwhile evening of admin.
It was slightly draining, though - I mean, the work itself is piss easy, but my brain is struggling to focus. Apparently that's all natural. I hope I get a grip soon.
Got back and made massive dents in my to-do list...booked the biggest venue I can possibly find for a huge charity fundraiser, applied for next year's fringe already, touted the covers project around to lots of hotels online, made attempts to add shows to the February tour. A busy, but worthwhile evening of admin.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
Wednesday 9th December 2015
Good to be back home, time to myself. Cleaned my car for the first time in six years, slept for many hours, that sort of thing.
Sent a big scary email to the biggest venue I know asking if I can hire it for a charity fundraiser, I shall wait nervously for their reply.
Spoke to GP in great detail about my dad, it was emotional but lovely.
Started making plans for next year - booked a little tour for February, and then panicked at just how many shows I have already...2016 is going to be crazy busy. Probably a good thing.
Made a whopping to-do list, if I can get everything done by the end of the next week then I'll have the next 12 months set-up nicely.
Sent a big scary email to the biggest venue I know asking if I can hire it for a charity fundraiser, I shall wait nervously for their reply.
Spoke to GP in great detail about my dad, it was emotional but lovely.
Started making plans for next year - booked a little tour for February, and then panicked at just how many shows I have already...2016 is going to be crazy busy. Probably a good thing.
Made a whopping to-do list, if I can get everything done by the end of the next week then I'll have the next 12 months set-up nicely.
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Tuesday 8th December 2015
Needed to get out of the family home for a bit. I miss Dad dearly; I'm not confused by this, I get this has to happen to all of us at some point and I feel privileged that I got to hold him as he drew his final breath, that I got to say everything I wanted to say (several times, just in case). I'm just really, really sad and down about it all.
After 9 days back home, I decided to go back to mine and try to get things moving again, whilst constantly calling Mum to make sure she's okay...they were together for 42 years, that's going to take some adjustment.
Played a last-minute, unadvertised, covers gig with G+V tonight. I appreciate their friendship a lot, they're tiptoeing around me a little I sense, which is understandable, but they are amazing. Gig was fine, I'm not exactly oozing with enthusiasm at the moment but got through it comfortably enough.
After 9 days back home, I decided to go back to mine and try to get things moving again, whilst constantly calling Mum to make sure she's okay...they were together for 42 years, that's going to take some adjustment.
Played a last-minute, unadvertised, covers gig with G+V tonight. I appreciate their friendship a lot, they're tiptoeing around me a little I sense, which is understandable, but they are amazing. Gig was fine, I'm not exactly oozing with enthusiasm at the moment but got through it comfortably enough.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
Thursday 3rd December 2015
Father passed away peacefully this morning at 5am. We were holding him as he drew his final breath. I am heartbroken.
Wednesday 2nd December 2015
I mean, what can you do when you're just waiting around all day as someone you love is really struggling? Nothing I could do today. It's just horrible.
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Tuesday 1st December 2015
Spent the whole day by dad's bedside. A long, exhausting, emotional day.
Despite irregular breathing, which is a typical 'final' sign, he got through the night.
I haven't slept for a long time.
Despite irregular breathing, which is a typical 'final' sign, he got through the night.
I haven't slept for a long time.
Monday 30th November 2015
Writing this retrospectively, on Wednesday, as currently sat around in the family home looking for distractions.
Monday started well enough; I was getting the hang of my lines for the show, starting to feel vaguely optimistic. Did a couple hours in the office...and then I had the call that I'd been dreading. Dad has taken a turn, the kind of turn that according to the nice nurse I spoke to meant that he had between 3 hours and 3 days to live.
Cancelled my tour, obviously. All of the promoters were so lovely about everything.
He survived the night; I'm camping out in the family home (on the most uncomfortable sofa you could possibly imagine) until further notice.
Monday started well enough; I was getting the hang of my lines for the show, starting to feel vaguely optimistic. Did a couple hours in the office...and then I had the call that I'd been dreading. Dad has taken a turn, the kind of turn that according to the nice nurse I spoke to meant that he had between 3 hours and 3 days to live.
Cancelled my tour, obviously. All of the promoters were so lovely about everything.
He survived the night; I'm camping out in the family home (on the most uncomfortable sofa you could possibly imagine) until further notice.
Monday, 30 November 2015
Sunday 29th November 2015
Not really myself, thinking too much about everything. Which is concerning, because things are about to go really...ridiculous; with dad, with the Christmas show, with the single, with the panto. I need to be better prepared than this, but instead I moped around the house all morning and then listened to the Spurs match which is 90 minutes I won't get back.
Rehearsed at home for a bit and it was a reminder to myself how difficult this show is going to be to pull off on many levels - not only the lines, but the logistics of it, and just how big my private area is, especially when in this costume. So much can go wrong, and ticket sales are going really well, which is the last thing I need right now.
First proper, genuine business inquiry for our PR firm.
Popped back to see Mum, and Dad. Dad didn't know who I was, or what I why I was there. It's utterly destroying me.
Then off to play a gig with Aidy and Dave. It's gigs like this where it's very much a 'job' - ignored by the audience, but it's a bar gig on a Sunday night. No pressure on that one, though. Met up with old school friends Rachel and Ben afterwards for a quick catchup; Ben is a paramedic these days, Rachel is a psychiatric nurse. Both of them have such stressful jobs, I realised me getting stressed about people potentially not laughing is not stress at all, really, is it?
Rehearsed at home for a bit and it was a reminder to myself how difficult this show is going to be to pull off on many levels - not only the lines, but the logistics of it, and just how big my private area is, especially when in this costume. So much can go wrong, and ticket sales are going really well, which is the last thing I need right now.
First proper, genuine business inquiry for our PR firm.
Popped back to see Mum, and Dad. Dad didn't know who I was, or what I why I was there. It's utterly destroying me.
Then off to play a gig with Aidy and Dave. It's gigs like this where it's very much a 'job' - ignored by the audience, but it's a bar gig on a Sunday night. No pressure on that one, though. Met up with old school friends Rachel and Ben afterwards for a quick catchup; Ben is a paramedic these days, Rachel is a psychiatric nurse. Both of them have such stressful jobs, I realised me getting stressed about people potentially not laughing is not stress at all, really, is it?
Sunday, 29 November 2015
Saturday 28th November 2015
Having not been around for a few days, I wasn't aware just how bad dad has got. It was shocking today, the rapid decline over the last week is heartbreaking. He's not chatting anymore; he didn't even know I was in the room - he's just on his hospital bed, motionless, dry-mouthed, a pale zombie waiting to go. It's an image I can't get out of my head.
Got back, sat around for a bit reflecting, and then off to preview the Christmas show around Izzy's. Did it script-in-hand, and it's clear this show will take some learning which is a worry because I need to learn it by Monday night. It's also clear, though, that this show can work - it's a fun piece, with plenty of scope for nice audience interaction if I get it right. Nice social afterwards, nice to chill out and get a few things off my chest.
Got back, sat around for a bit reflecting, and then off to preview the Christmas show around Izzy's. Did it script-in-hand, and it's clear this show will take some learning which is a worry because I need to learn it by Monday night. It's also clear, though, that this show can work - it's a fun piece, with plenty of scope for nice audience interaction if I get it right. Nice social afterwards, nice to chill out and get a few things off my chest.
Friday 27th November 2015
Did a few hours in the office and started making tentative plans for next year's fringe. Got a bit concerned about the show in Wales, which is selling well but pretty sure they're expecting a panto.
Spent quite a lot of the day stuck in traffic.
Evening rehearsed, ran the show twice - not convinced by some of it, still.
Spent quite a lot of the day stuck in traffic.
Evening rehearsed, ran the show twice - not convinced by some of it, still.
Friday, 27 November 2015
Thursday 26th November 2015
On moving the hospital bed into the spare room (my old bedroom), they realised that they didn't have enough space - so Mum sold my bed! Charming. It's not a bed I need any more, obviously, as I have a double in the current place but still...odd times.
Did a bit of work in the office, most of it wasn't needed but still, it went quickly enough.
Casting issues for the panto. AS EXPECTED. Seriously, next year, with live shows, I am not going to work with anyone else at all - completely solo all the way.
Intense rehearsal for the Christmas show; after the second full run-through it really started to feel like a proper show, which was exciting. Some of it is really, really good, you know. Some of it drags. But hopefully the good will cover the bad? It's not that those draggy bits are actually bad, they're just not funny - the story just needs simplifying at these points. It's overwritten, and over-running, so I can afford to trim a few bits. Still working from the script, so many words to learn...they're not quite going in, yet.
Did a bit of work in the office, most of it wasn't needed but still, it went quickly enough.
Casting issues for the panto. AS EXPECTED. Seriously, next year, with live shows, I am not going to work with anyone else at all - completely solo all the way.
Intense rehearsal for the Christmas show; after the second full run-through it really started to feel like a proper show, which was exciting. Some of it is really, really good, you know. Some of it drags. But hopefully the good will cover the bad? It's not that those draggy bits are actually bad, they're just not funny - the story just needs simplifying at these points. It's overwritten, and over-running, so I can afford to trim a few bits. Still working from the script, so many words to learn...they're not quite going in, yet.
Thursday, 26 November 2015
Wednesday 25th November 2015
They're getting a hospital bed put in the spare room for dad...a horrible, but inevitable step. It's getting closer.
Did some work on PR website - quite pleased with it, we'll launch it properly soon, but it's time to up my game with that one as it could make a few quid.
Confirmed the final 2 venues for the '10 gigs in one day' thing, and managed to slot them in nicely - that's going to be an exhausting day.
The venue in Wales are getting a bit overexcited about my show there next week. I haven't learnt it yet. And they seem to think it's a lot longer than it is...it's a real worry, could be horrible.
No chance to rehearse it tonight as I was finishing writing the panto, which is great - not being arrogant, but it works in quite a few levels. Probably funnier than the solo show, to be honest. Bugger. Should be touring that instead.
Meeting with Paul M about it was productive, but as usual when I work with other people they start talking about 'rehearsals' and timescales....if anything it felt a little negative. Come on, it's Christmas, let's get excited and put on a show!
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
Tuesday 24th November 2015
Mostly misery, today, with good bits at the end.
Dad's just given up completely; refusing to eat, acting like a child. Mum is clearly on the verge of a breakdown. I'm doing my best to help but getting in the way a bit. The dog is both a bastard but also a bit of light relief.
Car had serious issues, turns out the water tank thingy actually burst. Got it fixed, got stung quite a bit for that. It only had it's service a few months back, this feels unfair.
But then cracking rehearsal with the band, really hard work but we're on great form - just working out the set for the Christmas gig. I love those guys, we're so strong as a unit.
Got back and made brilliant progress on the Britpop panto. Meeting the director about that tomorrow night.
Christmas show is selling well. Line-learning not going quite as well.
Dad's just given up completely; refusing to eat, acting like a child. Mum is clearly on the verge of a breakdown. I'm doing my best to help but getting in the way a bit. The dog is both a bastard but also a bit of light relief.
Car had serious issues, turns out the water tank thingy actually burst. Got it fixed, got stung quite a bit for that. It only had it's service a few months back, this feels unfair.
But then cracking rehearsal with the band, really hard work but we're on great form - just working out the set for the Christmas gig. I love those guys, we're so strong as a unit.
Got back and made brilliant progress on the Britpop panto. Meeting the director about that tomorrow night.
Christmas show is selling well. Line-learning not going quite as well.
Monday, 23 November 2015
Monday 23rd November 2015
I was quite hoping that the stress of last week would be over now the film is being deemed by everybody as being a MASSIVE SUCCESS but if anything today it's just got a bit worse due to all the other stuff piling up.
There was this little series of events over an hour or so that got me tensed up again; as I was driving back from the freelance job I was speaking to Dad on loud speaker and he just sounded so bad today, worst day yet perhaps - so poorly, so despondent, so "waiting to go" but I had to cut him off because my car was overheating and about to explode. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but certainly on the verge of dying. Pulled into a layby, gave it a breather and got home safely but still...two horrible things in a row. Then got back to find out my freelance post is coming to an end - not entirely unexpected, but still annoying, as that little bit of cash has been bailing me out when the gigs haven't paid, which, let's be honest, is quite often still.
Been offered a couple days proper acting work for a short film, which really excites me because it's been years since I've worked with the director Emily and she was awesome then so I imagine she still is now.
Did a few hours freelancing today and genuinely did a lot of good, I think. Got home after my disastrous few hours of car/dad/job stuff, did an hours training on the exercise bike for the show, spent 2 hours rehearsing for the show and have really grown to like the script - it needs a lot of rehearsing, but it's so different to anything I've ever done before. It's mostly physical comedy, yet I recorded just the dialogue alone tonight and there's 38 minutes of that to learn alongside all the choreography. Yep, it's a bastard. Made a promo video for it tonight briefly too, which my housemate kindly filmed as he wanted to use the dining room (where I was rehearsing) to eat his dinner and I was kind of in his way.
Still need to write the panto. Meeting the director on Wednesday night and I think he wants to see a script. Why am I always one show behind?
There was this little series of events over an hour or so that got me tensed up again; as I was driving back from the freelance job I was speaking to Dad on loud speaker and he just sounded so bad today, worst day yet perhaps - so poorly, so despondent, so "waiting to go" but I had to cut him off because my car was overheating and about to explode. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but certainly on the verge of dying. Pulled into a layby, gave it a breather and got home safely but still...two horrible things in a row. Then got back to find out my freelance post is coming to an end - not entirely unexpected, but still annoying, as that little bit of cash has been bailing me out when the gigs haven't paid, which, let's be honest, is quite often still.
Been offered a couple days proper acting work for a short film, which really excites me because it's been years since I've worked with the director Emily and she was awesome then so I imagine she still is now.
Did a few hours freelancing today and genuinely did a lot of good, I think. Got home after my disastrous few hours of car/dad/job stuff, did an hours training on the exercise bike for the show, spent 2 hours rehearsing for the show and have really grown to like the script - it needs a lot of rehearsing, but it's so different to anything I've ever done before. It's mostly physical comedy, yet I recorded just the dialogue alone tonight and there's 38 minutes of that to learn alongside all the choreography. Yep, it's a bastard. Made a promo video for it tonight briefly too, which my housemate kindly filmed as he wanted to use the dining room (where I was rehearsing) to eat his dinner and I was kind of in his way.
Still need to write the panto. Meeting the director on Wednesday night and I think he wants to see a script. Why am I always one show behind?
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Sunday 22nd November 2015
My Christmas show opens next weekend. That's a worry, isn't it?
Was up till late last night reading the script for it, and also this morning. Then off to rehearsals with the choir - as a band we were on it today, very controlled, professional. Choir were needing a bit of work, so we were allowed to go early.
Did 2 hours on the exercise bike to 'train' for the show, which knackered me out. Looked at the script again and panicked. Can I really get away with this? It's an intense show...
Was up till late last night reading the script for it, and also this morning. Then off to rehearsals with the choir - as a band we were on it today, very controlled, professional. Choir were needing a bit of work, so we were allowed to go early.
Did 2 hours on the exercise bike to 'train' for the show, which knackered me out. Looked at the script again and panicked. Can I really get away with this? It's an intense show...
Saturday 21st November 2015
Woke up with a predictably sore head, but I think after all the work and stress with the film it was worth it. What a night!
Met up with Matt for lunch and a catch up to chat about women, and then plodded around for a bit, aware that at 34 years old, staying out till 4am is not something my body will recover from easily...
Evening gig with the band in a village in the middle of nowhere. A lot of waiting around, but we were great tonight - really on it. A fun, sweaty, fast gig, with 2 encores, a standing ovation (bit like the film got last night), we're on good form.
I'm winning this weekend, aren't I?
Met up with Matt for lunch and a catch up to chat about women, and then plodded around for a bit, aware that at 34 years old, staying out till 4am is not something my body will recover from easily...
Evening gig with the band in a village in the middle of nowhere. A lot of waiting around, but we were great tonight - really on it. A fun, sweaty, fast gig, with 2 encores, a standing ovation (bit like the film got last night), we're on good form.
I'm winning this weekend, aren't I?
Friday 20th November 2015
Found two new actresses for the musical, but it opens soon...and with the bloke then pulling out too I know deep down this show probably can't happen this year. Which is a shame, because a lot of great songwriters have put a lot of hours into it, but we'll do it next year - with a committed team. My 'not going to work with them again' list is quite big...
Spent the morning in the office, mostly panicking about the film.
Off to Mum and Dads for a bit, they're both having a really tough day. Mum is struggling a lot with this. It's just draining. They both talk very proudly of my film, though.
Then off to meet friends for drinks and food ahead of the première. At 10pm I popped over to the cinema, with my entourage, and confused the cinema manager by asking for 42 comps, which he reluctantly agreed to. As the evening progressed, it was clear I'd forgotten to write down a load of the guests onto my lists so the comps just went up and up...in all fairness to the cinema for letting them all in.
I've never experienced such a buzz in a cinema before - I am flattered, and honoured, to have so many friends there. Many of them travelled far...I was baffled and happy by this.
The film itself was fine, more than fine - it went down a storm. There was a sense that everyone was going to enjoy it anyway because friends support me, but at the same time - yeah, it works, this could be the start of something amazing. If not this film, the next one. It's starting, in a good way.
Exhausted by happiness and with the pressure off my shoulders, we drank till 4am. Happy Paul.
Spent the morning in the office, mostly panicking about the film.
Off to Mum and Dads for a bit, they're both having a really tough day. Mum is struggling a lot with this. It's just draining. They both talk very proudly of my film, though.
Then off to meet friends for drinks and food ahead of the première. At 10pm I popped over to the cinema, with my entourage, and confused the cinema manager by asking for 42 comps, which he reluctantly agreed to. As the evening progressed, it was clear I'd forgotten to write down a load of the guests onto my lists so the comps just went up and up...in all fairness to the cinema for letting them all in.
I've never experienced such a buzz in a cinema before - I am flattered, and honoured, to have so many friends there. Many of them travelled far...I was baffled and happy by this.
The film itself was fine, more than fine - it went down a storm. There was a sense that everyone was going to enjoy it anyway because friends support me, but at the same time - yeah, it works, this could be the start of something amazing. If not this film, the next one. It's starting, in a good way.
Exhausted by happiness and with the pressure off my shoulders, we drank till 4am. Happy Paul.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Thursday 19th November 2015
Actors, a majority of them, aren't really actors, are they? They're just people who want to tell other people that they are, but ultimately they're just time wasters. Seriously, most of them. Pretending to be actors, but never actually do anything, apart from sign up to musicals and then change their fucking minds.
Lost 3 actors today. 3! From a cast of 4. If we can find two actresses by 10am tomorrow morning, I'll learn to sing and take the male role. I can say these things because we won't find 2 actresses, and if we do they'll probably waste my time as well. Why are people so useless? I just don't get it. Solo projects all the way in the future. With the exception of Emma (who moves to New York tomorrow until March) and Izzy, I'm done with the rest of them. Idiots.
Heard our Christmas singles today. Amazing! So good, so proud.
Did a couple hours in the office, nice to chat to the dude there, and then spent a long time nailing the solo show. And boy I have...it's not the show I wanted it to be (I wanted it to be a jolly, laugh a lot, festive family romp) but it's turned into something rather marvellous (a frantic, messy, stressful hour with too many costume changes and lots characters, even though it's a solo show). If I nail this, it'll be the best thing I've done. If I don't, it'll be horrible.
Movie première tomorrow. People are still too excited.
Lost 3 actors today. 3! From a cast of 4. If we can find two actresses by 10am tomorrow morning, I'll learn to sing and take the male role. I can say these things because we won't find 2 actresses, and if we do they'll probably waste my time as well. Why are people so useless? I just don't get it. Solo projects all the way in the future. With the exception of Emma (who moves to New York tomorrow until March) and Izzy, I'm done with the rest of them. Idiots.
Heard our Christmas singles today. Amazing! So good, so proud.
Did a couple hours in the office, nice to chat to the dude there, and then spent a long time nailing the solo show. And boy I have...it's not the show I wanted it to be (I wanted it to be a jolly, laugh a lot, festive family romp) but it's turned into something rather marvellous (a frantic, messy, stressful hour with too many costume changes and lots characters, even though it's a solo show). If I nail this, it'll be the best thing I've done. If I don't, it'll be horrible.
Movie première tomorrow. People are still too excited.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Wednesday 18th November 2015
People I got angry with today:
Hunts District Council: for sending me a 'second reminder' for a printing bill, even though I'd not got the original invoice or the first 'reminder'. I paid the bill straight away, of course, before emailing them asking why they still do everything by post when it's 2015.
Bloke in Waitrose car park: who thought I cut him up, and he seemed quite angry. I was annoyed because I had my mother (and dog) in the car with me and didn't appreciate this, so wound down my window and told him to "shhhh." Which he did, luckily.
Anyone else? Richards is in the mood for a tussle.
Not been a bad day, though, really. Radio interview about the film in the morning was pretty good; quite long, relaxed, I was in full control of it.
Dad is weary and not really himself but hanging in there, and helped Mum with shopping and other good son duties.
Went to watch '50 Ways...' in the cinema being tested and much to my relief it doesn't look shit. I'm happy enough.
Hunts District Council: for sending me a 'second reminder' for a printing bill, even though I'd not got the original invoice or the first 'reminder'. I paid the bill straight away, of course, before emailing them asking why they still do everything by post when it's 2015.
Bloke in Waitrose car park: who thought I cut him up, and he seemed quite angry. I was annoyed because I had my mother (and dog) in the car with me and didn't appreciate this, so wound down my window and told him to "shhhh." Which he did, luckily.
Anyone else? Richards is in the mood for a tussle.
Not been a bad day, though, really. Radio interview about the film in the morning was pretty good; quite long, relaxed, I was in full control of it.
Dad is weary and not really himself but hanging in there, and helped Mum with shopping and other good son duties.
Went to watch '50 Ways...' in the cinema being tested and much to my relief it doesn't look shit. I'm happy enough.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Tuesday 17th November 2015
Having lost Katie, leading actress for the musical, the other day due to travel issues, I managed to replace her with the equally brilliant Pip today, who has a decent CV. It's all cutting it a bit fine, isn't it? Although not anywhere near as fine as my solo Christmas show, which has it's first preview next week around Izzy's house.
Did a few hours in the office, got stroppy with a client, that sort of thing. Managed to confirm some more bits for the '10 gigs in 1 day' event, that's nearly sorted.
Really need to hear those Christmas singles we recorded soon, and get them released.
Dad's struggling a bit.
Evening played a covers gig with G+V to absolutely nobody whatsoever. It's fine - I mean, it's dosh, but nobody at all, apart from the barmaid, who was pretty but disinterested. Posted on Facebook afterwards that we'd had the best gig ever, just to test the power of social media.
Got back and did some more work on the Christmas show. It's gone a bit dark. That was never the intention.
Did a few hours in the office, got stroppy with a client, that sort of thing. Managed to confirm some more bits for the '10 gigs in 1 day' event, that's nearly sorted.
Really need to hear those Christmas singles we recorded soon, and get them released.
Dad's struggling a bit.
Evening played a covers gig with G+V to absolutely nobody whatsoever. It's fine - I mean, it's dosh, but nobody at all, apart from the barmaid, who was pretty but disinterested. Posted on Facebook afterwards that we'd had the best gig ever, just to test the power of social media.
Got back and did some more work on the Christmas show. It's gone a bit dark. That was never the intention.
Monday, 16 November 2015
Monday 16th November 2015
Did a few hours in the office, which was a good excuse for me to moan about everything. The other guy in the office has just stared going to the gym, so he wanted to moan too.
With the cinema not getting back to my final email, I just walked down there and stormed in, attempting to make a scene...of course it wasn't like that, it was all very friendly, they were apologetic, I was too (I've done nothing wrong but that's just what I do) and we sorted out the comps issue...in short they told me everything I wanted to hear. I felt pretty good about that. The main concern is that it now will probably have to move back to screen 1 - which is huge, due to the ticket demand. I don't want this to happen. It was made on my phone. It can't work on a screen that big. There's just a few tickets left for screen 2, when they go, it gets moved up to the bigger screen. I'm actually considering asking people not to come. What a bizarre situation.
Was the MC for a charity comedy show tonight; big billing of proper comedians. In my mate Jack's words: "I've never seen you connect with an audience so badly." He was quick to point out after that it wasn't my fault - I did my thing, I did it well, they just weren't going to like me. Not in aggressive, Colchester sort of way, but just in a 'we don't find him funny' way. I opened the whole show with a Katy Perry song (vocal and cajon version) which didn't work at all, my joke about fire escapes rescued it for a bit, but then even my trademark, fall-back piece, 'Grace' died on it's arse. And the tricky thing about being the MC? When the audience don't like you, they have to sit through you six different times. Tough show, but for a good cause.
With the cinema not getting back to my final email, I just walked down there and stormed in, attempting to make a scene...of course it wasn't like that, it was all very friendly, they were apologetic, I was too (I've done nothing wrong but that's just what I do) and we sorted out the comps issue...in short they told me everything I wanted to hear. I felt pretty good about that. The main concern is that it now will probably have to move back to screen 1 - which is huge, due to the ticket demand. I don't want this to happen. It was made on my phone. It can't work on a screen that big. There's just a few tickets left for screen 2, when they go, it gets moved up to the bigger screen. I'm actually considering asking people not to come. What a bizarre situation.
Was the MC for a charity comedy show tonight; big billing of proper comedians. In my mate Jack's words: "I've never seen you connect with an audience so badly." He was quick to point out after that it wasn't my fault - I did my thing, I did it well, they just weren't going to like me. Not in aggressive, Colchester sort of way, but just in a 'we don't find him funny' way. I opened the whole show with a Katy Perry song (vocal and cajon version) which didn't work at all, my joke about fire escapes rescued it for a bit, but then even my trademark, fall-back piece, 'Grace' died on it's arse. And the tricky thing about being the MC? When the audience don't like you, they have to sit through you six different times. Tough show, but for a good cause.
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Sunday 15th November 2015
After a tiring few weeks, this was my first day off in a while. Didn't set my alarm, just slept. Last night when I got in I was in a strange mood...I was buzzing from the gig, I enjoyed my deep chat with Vix on the way back about the band, my dad, the film and all that, I wasn't really ready to sleep, so found myself having a bath at 3am with a beer. I am actually rock n roll, I think.
Woke up at 2pm. Blimey. That's a first. I probably needed it.
Spent the whole day writing - just solidly (with the odd interruption from my housemate, in the politest of ways because Edd is the nicest person in the world). Christmas show is pretty much there, it's a bit dark, it's not as joke-based as I wanted, but structurally it's great.
Next week it's the première. How the fuck am I going to get away with this? I'm going to the cinema tomorrow morning to kick off.
Woke up at 2pm. Blimey. That's a first. I probably needed it.
Spent the whole day writing - just solidly (with the odd interruption from my housemate, in the politest of ways because Edd is the nicest person in the world). Christmas show is pretty much there, it's a bit dark, it's not as joke-based as I wanted, but structurally it's great.
Next week it's the première. How the fuck am I going to get away with this? I'm going to the cinema tomorrow morning to kick off.
Saturday 14th November 2015
The cracks in FH were starting to show last night.
Meanwhile, I was up super early to be in the studio for 9am with Andy, Edd, Ali, Trev and Geoff, to record 2 Christmas singles. Both will raise money for MacMillan, who have been amazing to Dad, and both songs are from the musical, which hopefully will help ticket sales for that.
Worked really hard - 5 and a half hours later and both singles were done, thanks to the tenacity of all involved to get these recorded in good time without sacrificing the quality of the musicianship. They both sound great; quirky, festive, tick all the boxes.
Then dashed up to meet the rest of FH, and then over to somewhere quite near Stratford upon Avon for the biggest gig of our career. A showcase gig, in front of lots of big festivals...the sort of gig that can make 2016 very good for us. A showcase we've been tying to get for years, but finally got. Travelled with V to this one and spoke to her solid for the whole 3 hours, trying to work out what was upsetting her last night and it's all rather simple; we're working hard as a band, we're so close to actually achieving something brilliant here but haven't done yet, we're all knackered. Words are said sometimes that shouldn't be, but we all do it but are fighting for the same thing...the recognition we think this band deserves. I enjoyed our chat. Got there in good time, early soundcheck, and then 4 hours sat in a dressing room going slightly mad. Food was nice, though. Eventually got on stage for our 5-song showcase, with a full house and cameras in our faces, a tough gig but we absolutely stormed it. Set: Fine Life, Shut Up & Dance, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, Beautiful You.
The drive home with V was a lot easier. You can just feel the relief; it was a big night and we completely and utterly got it right.
Back by 3am, knackered beyond belief.
Meanwhile, I was up super early to be in the studio for 9am with Andy, Edd, Ali, Trev and Geoff, to record 2 Christmas singles. Both will raise money for MacMillan, who have been amazing to Dad, and both songs are from the musical, which hopefully will help ticket sales for that.
Worked really hard - 5 and a half hours later and both singles were done, thanks to the tenacity of all involved to get these recorded in good time without sacrificing the quality of the musicianship. They both sound great; quirky, festive, tick all the boxes.
Then dashed up to meet the rest of FH, and then over to somewhere quite near Stratford upon Avon for the biggest gig of our career. A showcase gig, in front of lots of big festivals...the sort of gig that can make 2016 very good for us. A showcase we've been tying to get for years, but finally got. Travelled with V to this one and spoke to her solid for the whole 3 hours, trying to work out what was upsetting her last night and it's all rather simple; we're working hard as a band, we're so close to actually achieving something brilliant here but haven't done yet, we're all knackered. Words are said sometimes that shouldn't be, but we all do it but are fighting for the same thing...the recognition we think this band deserves. I enjoyed our chat. Got there in good time, early soundcheck, and then 4 hours sat in a dressing room going slightly mad. Food was nice, though. Eventually got on stage for our 5-song showcase, with a full house and cameras in our faces, a tough gig but we absolutely stormed it. Set: Fine Life, Shut Up & Dance, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, Beautiful You.
The drive home with V was a lot easier. You can just feel the relief; it was a big night and we completely and utterly got it right.
Back by 3am, knackered beyond belief.
Friday 13th November 2015
Still nothing back from the cinema. Seriously.
Spent the day feeling agitated. Did some writing, none of it will go anywhere.
Evening gig in Essex with the band. Great venue, great sound, 2 support acts we know well. A lot of waiting around, quite a lot of tension in the dressing room but I'm not sure why. V cried a bit before the gig, still not sure what the issue was. Performance was okay; sold-out, seated audience, I cocked-up the ending of Take a Ride, but that aside it was 'generic' gig. I think we were expecting more from tonight - lovely town hall, a new audience for us but people who were aware of our music, it should have been spectacular, but was a little flat. Set: Fine Life, Face in the Water, Bluebird, Goodbye Sweet City, Take a Ride, California for a Girl, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, Earthquake, Gotta Get a Message to You (cover), Beautiful You; Somebody to Love (encore, cover).
Long drive back, most roads shut. Early start tomorrow. Totally drained.
I drove back by myself so put on Radio 5, they were just breaking the news about the killings in Paris. Unexplainable madness. My problems don't matter; this is horrible.
Spent the day feeling agitated. Did some writing, none of it will go anywhere.
Evening gig in Essex with the band. Great venue, great sound, 2 support acts we know well. A lot of waiting around, quite a lot of tension in the dressing room but I'm not sure why. V cried a bit before the gig, still not sure what the issue was. Performance was okay; sold-out, seated audience, I cocked-up the ending of Take a Ride, but that aside it was 'generic' gig. I think we were expecting more from tonight - lovely town hall, a new audience for us but people who were aware of our music, it should have been spectacular, but was a little flat. Set: Fine Life, Face in the Water, Bluebird, Goodbye Sweet City, Take a Ride, California for a Girl, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, Earthquake, Gotta Get a Message to You (cover), Beautiful You; Somebody to Love (encore, cover).
Long drive back, most roads shut. Early start tomorrow. Totally drained.
I drove back by myself so put on Radio 5, they were just breaking the news about the killings in Paris. Unexplainable madness. My problems don't matter; this is horrible.
Thursday 12th November 2015
Hassled the cinema again. Nothing back. Can my guests actually get in? Will they move it back to the bigger screen? Can they convert my file in time?
It's just stress I don't need...can't a man just book up a cinema and put on a film without all this shit? People just don't reply to anything these days.
Edd's taking charge of the '10 gigs' thing for a bit, being logical and all that.
Dad's had a better day.
Did a few hours in the office, flew by nicely enough.
Evening BBC session with the guys - was a pre-record for Saturday, went on a bit and we argued about what songs to play, but it was good, and the interview was polished. So much I need to do (ie; write the Christmas show) but still went for dinner with the band post-show, just because I wanted to - we're mates, it's what we do. Nice evening.
It's just stress I don't need...can't a man just book up a cinema and put on a film without all this shit? People just don't reply to anything these days.
Edd's taking charge of the '10 gigs' thing for a bit, being logical and all that.
Dad's had a better day.
Did a few hours in the office, flew by nicely enough.
Evening BBC session with the guys - was a pre-record for Saturday, went on a bit and we argued about what songs to play, but it was good, and the interview was polished. So much I need to do (ie; write the Christmas show) but still went for dinner with the band post-show, just because I wanted to - we're mates, it's what we do. Nice evening.
Wednesday, 11 November 2015
Wednesday 11th November 2015
Really enjoyed performing last night, actually can't wait to tour the new show. Need to write it first. Got an email from the venue in Wales earlier telling me that tickets are going really, really quickly.
I've decided to release a book of poetry.
Still haven't sorted stuff with the cinema for next week...how can a big organisation be so difficult to communicate with?
Spent the whole day with mum and dad; mostly shopping for mum, and then sitting next to dad not saying too much. They're struggling. We all are.
Evening band rehearsal with Dowsing. I just wasn't really on it tonight, great (new) band, but I just couldn't get in the swing of things. Probably need sleep.
I've decided to release a book of poetry.
Still haven't sorted stuff with the cinema for next week...how can a big organisation be so difficult to communicate with?
Spent the whole day with mum and dad; mostly shopping for mum, and then sitting next to dad not saying too much. They're struggling. We all are.
Evening band rehearsal with Dowsing. I just wasn't really on it tonight, great (new) band, but I just couldn't get in the swing of things. Probably need sleep.
Tuesday, 10 November 2015
Tuesday 10th November 2015
Yeah, she was so nice last night. Really want to see her again. I appreciate I get excited a lot, but this one is a notch or two up.
Everything's a bit stressful, isn't it? I don't think I was great company in the office today, the other guy pointed out how tense I've been acting.
Still haven't written the Christmas show, or the panto. Nice phone meeting with Claire, the musical is in good hands. Well, very enthusiastic hands at least, which is all that matters.
Still haven't sorted out the cinema stuff - comps and all that. Bit worrying. Press article came out about the film, got everyone a bit excited. I'm not excited. I'm a bit worried. It shouldn't have got this far. Seriously; the expectation is so high. People just need to calm the fuck down.
Performed my Inadequate Man show for the final time, in my mate Ollie's pub in Cambridge. Not being arrogant or anything, but I was quite good tonight. The audience were mostly up for it (apart from a table of idiots at the back, but we got rid of them fairly early on), quite enjoyed myself. I've missed this...shouting on stage. I've got too admin-ee the last few weeks.
Everything's a bit stressful, isn't it? I don't think I was great company in the office today, the other guy pointed out how tense I've been acting.
Still haven't written the Christmas show, or the panto. Nice phone meeting with Claire, the musical is in good hands. Well, very enthusiastic hands at least, which is all that matters.
Still haven't sorted out the cinema stuff - comps and all that. Bit worrying. Press article came out about the film, got everyone a bit excited. I'm not excited. I'm a bit worried. It shouldn't have got this far. Seriously; the expectation is so high. People just need to calm the fuck down.
Performed my Inadequate Man show for the final time, in my mate Ollie's pub in Cambridge. Not being arrogant or anything, but I was quite good tonight. The audience were mostly up for it (apart from a table of idiots at the back, but we got rid of them fairly early on), quite enjoyed myself. I've missed this...shouting on stage. I've got too admin-ee the last few weeks.
Monday 9th November 2015
I love the whole idea of '10 gigs in 1 day' but Edd is continually pointing out "we can't physically get to that venue in time" when looking at the schedule. He's got a point, so I'm guessing it's just going to be a long day full of struggles, then?
Still haven't written the solo Christmas show. Claire seems really switched on with the musical, I like working with Claire (only met her once, 5 years ago).
Lost my favourite Christmas CD.
Did a long interview with the local paper about the film. I get the impression he (journo) doesn't like drummers.
Few hours in the office, the other guy gets stressed a lot. I keep calm and get paid for it.
There's a real issue about the premiere next week, mostly regarding how many comps I want to give out. The cinema aren't happy with that. And for some reason it's now on a smaller screen. It's a mess.
Evening - date with a beautiful young lady. Mid-date I panicked because it was going so well and nearly lost the plot, but I think I recovered it. She's lovely, I'd like to see her again. Not entirely sure if that's a mutual feeling.
Sunday, 8 November 2015
Sunday 8th November 2015
Had a missed call tonight during the gig from dad's mobile. Naturally, during the interval I called back, a panicky mess - it was fine, he'd called me by mistake, sat on his phone or something, but it did make me think...one day, quite soon, I will get 'that' call. I hope I'm not too far away.
Slept in a bit today, and then did 3 hours admin; replied to all emails, sent out a press release for the film, and emailed a bunch of venues about the '10 gigs in 1 day' idea that Claudia agreed to last night. Quite excited by it, and it'll raise a lot for charity. Had 7 offers for it already.
That comes after the film premiere, solo tour and musical - all of which need my attention still.
Long afternoon/night with the band, off to a place near Coventry for a photoshoot (excellent) and then gig (a struggle). The gig was a struggle because not only did the soundman refuse to mic up the cajon, he insisted everyone else was really loud. The result? Richards doesn't give a shit for the first half because he can't be heard, and then in the second he hurts his hands by trying to play loud enough. That gig really hurt...it's just not natural, is it, to hit a wooden box for 2 hours solid? In all fairness to my bandmates they shared my frustration - we're a team. Standing ovation, went down a storm, I don't think the audience were aware of our issues tonight. Home by 1.30am.
Slept in a bit today, and then did 3 hours admin; replied to all emails, sent out a press release for the film, and emailed a bunch of venues about the '10 gigs in 1 day' idea that Claudia agreed to last night. Quite excited by it, and it'll raise a lot for charity. Had 7 offers for it already.
That comes after the film premiere, solo tour and musical - all of which need my attention still.
Long afternoon/night with the band, off to a place near Coventry for a photoshoot (excellent) and then gig (a struggle). The gig was a struggle because not only did the soundman refuse to mic up the cajon, he insisted everyone else was really loud. The result? Richards doesn't give a shit for the first half because he can't be heard, and then in the second he hurts his hands by trying to play loud enough. That gig really hurt...it's just not natural, is it, to hit a wooden box for 2 hours solid? In all fairness to my bandmates they shared my frustration - we're a team. Standing ovation, went down a storm, I don't think the audience were aware of our issues tonight. Home by 1.30am.
Saturday, 7 November 2015
Saturday 7th November 2015
Crashed out at Gaf's last night, got woken up this morning by his charming but very loud kids. After breakfast with him and them, I went home with the intention of getting stuff done, but such was my hangover I went back to bed.
Spent 6 hours helping mum and dad today. Dad seems a little more alert today, whilst totally being bedbound and weak. He sat me down and explained that for his funeral he'd like the song 'Father and Son' by Cat Stevens played...that's some flattering statement (as I'm his only son), it'll break me totally, as much as I'm moved by it. Everyone is a bit stressed with this, I was a little relieved I had a gig to go to.
There's a huge comedy gig coming up that I was going to go and watch, rather happy that I've been asked to MC it. If a bit worried, but it's a few weeks off yet.
The gig tonight was a last minute charity thing with Claudia and co. Unconventional venue and small audience, but we were great tonight - so much better than Thursday. But then again I always do play better when I have an ex-girlfriend in the audience. Set: The Love I Give, No Strings, Happy, Envy, Staying In Tonight, Love Cats (cover).
Was planning to head home to rest but ended up catching up with Guilliuame as it's been a while - ended up making plans for a tour of France for next year.
Friday 6th November 2015
Did a few hours in the office, mostly chasing up outstanding invoices from clients - amazingly we got a few of them sorted. Bit like being a debt collector. A really awkward debt collector.
Updated all of my sites to at least give the impression that I'm in control of everything.
Dad was struggling to breathe today, horrible to hear.
Got the go ahead from everyone to release the Christmas single; we'll do it as a charity thing. Now need to find a studio.
Did a little work on the solo Christmas script, but still nowhere near enough.
We all went out for Bunners' 30th. A mostly sophisticated evening of drinking, mostly in a wine bar. We're getting old.
Updated all of my sites to at least give the impression that I'm in control of everything.
Dad was struggling to breathe today, horrible to hear.
Got the go ahead from everyone to release the Christmas single; we'll do it as a charity thing. Now need to find a studio.
Did a little work on the solo Christmas script, but still nowhere near enough.
We all went out for Bunners' 30th. A mostly sophisticated evening of drinking, mostly in a wine bar. We're getting old.
Thursday, 5 November 2015
Thursday 5th November 2015
I'm stood in the hallway, post-gig, chatting to Edd - my landlord and housemate. It's typical post-gig chat (we've both played the same show tonight), and then I play him a song that Trevor sent me for the musical. A song he'd written around my lyrics, a bouncy, lively, pop song. "It's a Christmas hit," Edd tells me, looking scarily excited. Within ten minutes of enthusiastic corridor chat, I've agreed to book a studio, and a backing band, and we'll record it and get it out there in time. It's dangerous living with Edd sometimes...
I'm knackered. On the verge of burnout I think. Still haven't written the solo show. But have confirmed a superb cast for the musical - seriously, we're talking ex-footlights members here and everything, and a really experienced director. I've actually fallen on my feet with this lot. And they all love the script. Not being arrogant, but rightly so - it was a bastard to write, but I'm really proud of it.
Did 7 hours in the office today, including a meeting with a client that suggests although I know nothing at all, I am brilliant at bullshitting. She was so happy with it all. Amazing.
Managed to upload the film to YouTube (took all 7 hours to do that - huge file), set as a private link so I can send it to all the cinemas in the world who want to see it before screening, and also enter it into film competitions.
Tough call home. Just tough.
Evening gig with Claudia in Cambridge was tired, the rest of the band were really on it though which covered me. I was tight enough, but hardly on top-form. Set: The Love I Give, No Strings, Caramel, Glory Box, Happy, Some Days, No Peace in Dreams, Zombie, Are We There Yet, Love Cats. Rule the World (Marcel solo), Pretty Coloured Faces (Marcel solo), Wonderful Song (Marcel solo), Sleeping on the Sidewalk (Claudia solo), Big Bad Handsome Man, Envy, She, Fever, Under the Boardwalk, Hit the Road Jack, Staying in Tonight.
I reckon if I get some sleep, and get some energy drinks inside me, I can be back on top form soon. It's all here for the taking if I just get a grip.
I'm knackered. On the verge of burnout I think. Still haven't written the solo show. But have confirmed a superb cast for the musical - seriously, we're talking ex-footlights members here and everything, and a really experienced director. I've actually fallen on my feet with this lot. And they all love the script. Not being arrogant, but rightly so - it was a bastard to write, but I'm really proud of it.
Did 7 hours in the office today, including a meeting with a client that suggests although I know nothing at all, I am brilliant at bullshitting. She was so happy with it all. Amazing.
Managed to upload the film to YouTube (took all 7 hours to do that - huge file), set as a private link so I can send it to all the cinemas in the world who want to see it before screening, and also enter it into film competitions.
Tough call home. Just tough.
Evening gig with Claudia in Cambridge was tired, the rest of the band were really on it though which covered me. I was tight enough, but hardly on top-form. Set: The Love I Give, No Strings, Caramel, Glory Box, Happy, Some Days, No Peace in Dreams, Zombie, Are We There Yet, Love Cats. Rule the World (Marcel solo), Pretty Coloured Faces (Marcel solo), Wonderful Song (Marcel solo), Sleeping on the Sidewalk (Claudia solo), Big Bad Handsome Man, Envy, She, Fever, Under the Boardwalk, Hit the Road Jack, Staying in Tonight.
I reckon if I get some sleep, and get some energy drinks inside me, I can be back on top form soon. It's all here for the taking if I just get a grip.
Wednesday, 4 November 2015
Wednesday 4th November 2015
Back in the office today after a long day of family stuff yesterday. I don't think any other office would tolerate grumpy, tired, stressed Richards as much as this one does - if anything they are constantly paying me compliments. Worked quite hard today, in a ploddy sort of way.
I've had so many offers for this musical now that I'm actually going to have to turn people down. I've emailed my first choice cast members the script, nobody has replied yet but then again, people just don't, do they?
London gig with the band tonight, we're all a little tired but the spirits were high. Small venue, headline show as part of some festival or something. Great food. Got piri-piri sauce in my eye. We were excellent tonight - fast, sweaty, pulled it out of the bag, plenty of our regular fans there. Home by 1am, not bad at all.
I've had so many offers for this musical now that I'm actually going to have to turn people down. I've emailed my first choice cast members the script, nobody has replied yet but then again, people just don't, do they?
London gig with the band tonight, we're all a little tired but the spirits were high. Small venue, headline show as part of some festival or something. Great food. Got piri-piri sauce in my eye. We were excellent tonight - fast, sweaty, pulled it out of the bag, plenty of our regular fans there. Home by 1am, not bad at all.
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Tuesday 3rd November 2015
So...how did I manage to lose a second director for the Christmas musical? Well, the thing is, she agreed to direct it last week, but when I asked her this morning if there's anything I can do to help regarding casting it, she said she hadn't had time to even read the script yet. And that she probably doesn't have time to direct it anyway. She's a close friend, but I was a bit rude to her. I shouldn't have been. No, actually, I should have been. I'm glad I was. I don't need this shit, right now.
Anyway, so I'm gonna direct it myself. I haven't got a cast and it opens in five weeks. I don't really have much time because I've got the solo tour, a bunch of band gigs, the film première, a panto, freelance work, 6 adverts and a dying father to get my head around. But it will happen, purely out of childish spite to those who suggest otherwise.
Spent the day with dad. An emotional rollercoaster; he talked fondly of the days he used to spend plodding around the garden, and in the garage, and then he got really upset about his lack of independence. We spoke to the nurse on the phone, when she was told that his left side had gone (from the waste down) she simply paused for a long while and said, "oh dear." I don't like it when nurses do that, but we all know what she meant. It's happening, it's happening quickly, it's awful. And then I read over Dad's shoulder as he sent an email to his (I guess, former) assistant manager, telling her simply that he's still the boss, and that he's just "off sick at the moment." Legend.
It's a bit draining, isn't it? Yet I'm really angry about the musical - people are just rubbish. Izzy's always great, and Emma was awesome at the weekend, but apart from that I struggle to think of anyone I like working on shows with. Got back and put out an appeal on Facebook for actors. My old mate Henry is up for it - so keen. He's never acted in his life but is a lovely bloke, I can see him have good comic timing, and he's so willing to put the hours in, I might just have to risk it.
Now I'm going to drink beer and write the solo show. I've just put on a Christmas playlist and my mood has improved considerably.
Anyway, so I'm gonna direct it myself. I haven't got a cast and it opens in five weeks. I don't really have much time because I've got the solo tour, a bunch of band gigs, the film première, a panto, freelance work, 6 adverts and a dying father to get my head around. But it will happen, purely out of childish spite to those who suggest otherwise.
Spent the day with dad. An emotional rollercoaster; he talked fondly of the days he used to spend plodding around the garden, and in the garage, and then he got really upset about his lack of independence. We spoke to the nurse on the phone, when she was told that his left side had gone (from the waste down) she simply paused for a long while and said, "oh dear." I don't like it when nurses do that, but we all know what she meant. It's happening, it's happening quickly, it's awful. And then I read over Dad's shoulder as he sent an email to his (I guess, former) assistant manager, telling her simply that he's still the boss, and that he's just "off sick at the moment." Legend.
It's a bit draining, isn't it? Yet I'm really angry about the musical - people are just rubbish. Izzy's always great, and Emma was awesome at the weekend, but apart from that I struggle to think of anyone I like working on shows with. Got back and put out an appeal on Facebook for actors. My old mate Henry is up for it - so keen. He's never acted in his life but is a lovely bloke, I can see him have good comic timing, and he's so willing to put the hours in, I might just have to risk it.
Now I'm going to drink beer and write the solo show. I've just put on a Christmas playlist and my mood has improved considerably.
Monday, 2 November 2015
Monday 2nd November 2015
It's November 2nd already; I still need to write the solo Christmas show, I still need to cast the musical, I still need to write and cast the panto. And promote all of these, plus the film as the première is getting dangerously close, and even as I type this I'm getting emails from the US about screening the movie in an another independent cinema over there which should be exciting, yes? But no, it's not, because I am so far behind on everything. But what do I do when I find myself with a spare hour? I start writing a DIFFERENT show, an act, called DrummerSlut, which won't go anywhere, probably, who knows, but I just had to write it all in one go because I've had caffeine and my body keeps doing weird things (today's weirdness: my chest, all of it, is really bright red). Yesterday the whole 'really twitchy left foot' thing came back.
Accepted a nice 2 night run in London for 'Make or Break...' - January performances, venue paying for it all. This is progress.
I'm not sleeping well. Trying to work out how life will be without dad. I mustn't think like this, but just try, somehow, to appreciate these last few times we have together. Heavy shit.
Went into the office for a bit and now that the other guy is back I actually have proper work to do, as a result the day went quickly enough and the work was mildly interesting. Uuugh. A year ago last week I quit the office job, didn't realise I'd be back in one, albeit for freelance stuff where I chose the hours. All of these projects I do should have been making me more money, really.
Listened back to the audio from last night's show that Paul M kindly sent over. We were on cracking form, you know. Paul mentioned that he couldn't tell later on when we were all having drinks if Emma and I were still in character or not, just bouncing off each other. Good signs for a future show, perhaps.
After stressing about Christmas dialogue, and after a typically tough call home, I popped out to watch Izzy completely storm it at a big, really big, comedy night. She's suddenly got a bit good at this. Nice line-up, the host was someone who I saw at the fringe a few years back and thought was the worst act I'd ever seen then, but a few years down the line he seems suddenly to be a proper pro. Just shows, doesn't it?
Accepted a nice 2 night run in London for 'Make or Break...' - January performances, venue paying for it all. This is progress.
I'm not sleeping well. Trying to work out how life will be without dad. I mustn't think like this, but just try, somehow, to appreciate these last few times we have together. Heavy shit.
Went into the office for a bit and now that the other guy is back I actually have proper work to do, as a result the day went quickly enough and the work was mildly interesting. Uuugh. A year ago last week I quit the office job, didn't realise I'd be back in one, albeit for freelance stuff where I chose the hours. All of these projects I do should have been making me more money, really.
Listened back to the audio from last night's show that Paul M kindly sent over. We were on cracking form, you know. Paul mentioned that he couldn't tell later on when we were all having drinks if Emma and I were still in character or not, just bouncing off each other. Good signs for a future show, perhaps.
After stressing about Christmas dialogue, and after a typically tough call home, I popped out to watch Izzy completely storm it at a big, really big, comedy night. She's suddenly got a bit good at this. Nice line-up, the host was someone who I saw at the fringe a few years back and thought was the worst act I'd ever seen then, but a few years down the line he seems suddenly to be a proper pro. Just shows, doesn't it?
Sunday 1st November 2015
Up early to go over the scripts again, correct them, print them, put the soundtrack together.
Met up with Emma for lunch and to go over the scripts at 3pm, we rehearsed a bit, went for a walk, rehearsed a bit more and got the tempo and feel right for the dialogue. Met up with our techies, Paul and Alan at 7, and then let the 'intimate' audience of 10 in at 7.30, and recorded the whole series 'live' in 2 hours before enjoying a little drink after to celebrate. Great recording tonight - lovely audience, scripts felt sharp, we were on cracking form and the results are great. I wrote these four episodes specifically for Emma and her 'young' ways and she was so on it...so much energy, fast dialogue, we had a real Pappy's vibe at times. A few people said after this was the best thing I've written...I agree entirely. It's just so easy when you find that formula. Em is off to the US for many months soon, but we're both very keen to do more when she's back next year, and probably a live show or something.
So, that's all good then. Nice to have a little radio/podcast series done. All my other projects are falling by the wayside, but I can worry about those another day, yeah?
Met up with Emma for lunch and to go over the scripts at 3pm, we rehearsed a bit, went for a walk, rehearsed a bit more and got the tempo and feel right for the dialogue. Met up with our techies, Paul and Alan at 7, and then let the 'intimate' audience of 10 in at 7.30, and recorded the whole series 'live' in 2 hours before enjoying a little drink after to celebrate. Great recording tonight - lovely audience, scripts felt sharp, we were on cracking form and the results are great. I wrote these four episodes specifically for Emma and her 'young' ways and she was so on it...so much energy, fast dialogue, we had a real Pappy's vibe at times. A few people said after this was the best thing I've written...I agree entirely. It's just so easy when you find that formula. Em is off to the US for many months soon, but we're both very keen to do more when she's back next year, and probably a live show or something.
So, that's all good then. Nice to have a little radio/podcast series done. All my other projects are falling by the wayside, but I can worry about those another day, yeah?
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Saturday 31st October 2015
Up early, wrote episodes 3 and 4 of the sitcom - they seem quite good. Booked up a rehearsal with Emma for tomorrow afternoon, and confirmed a soundguy. That's that one all in shape, then.
Dad is now completely bed bound, and mum is completely losing the plot.
Picked up nice and early for the FJ gig; great to see and work with Louise and Di again, it's been too long. Big arts centre gig, supporting Big Country. On early but rammed audience, all seated, quite a lot of pressure for this one considering we haven't rehearsed this year. Nailed it; good musicians, was never in doubt. Set: Rejoice, Stop the Ride, Freedoms Fairytale for Girls, The Devilling Kind, Little Love in a Cruel World, Wednesdays and Weekends, Dopamine Oxytocin, In Pursuit of Happiness.
And home in time for March of the Day. Perfect.
Dad is now completely bed bound, and mum is completely losing the plot.
Picked up nice and early for the FJ gig; great to see and work with Louise and Di again, it's been too long. Big arts centre gig, supporting Big Country. On early but rammed audience, all seated, quite a lot of pressure for this one considering we haven't rehearsed this year. Nailed it; good musicians, was never in doubt. Set: Rejoice, Stop the Ride, Freedoms Fairytale for Girls, The Devilling Kind, Little Love in a Cruel World, Wednesdays and Weekends, Dopamine Oxytocin, In Pursuit of Happiness.
And home in time for March of the Day. Perfect.
Friday 30th October 2015
A nice thing happened today; a friend of mine, who was in the film, was playing a gig in New Orleans the other day. After the show he got chatting to an enthusiastic Englishman in the audience...turns out it was J.O. who is in the movie too. Small world, and all that.
How is it Friday already?
Did some actual proper work at work. Left at 2.30pm, home by 3.30 to get writing the sitcom. Completely nailed episode 2 and also the structure for 3 and 4.
Evening went to Phill's party. Good fun, as much as I feel a little stressed about the dad stuff, I just don't feel like I'm great company at the moment so I left early.
Thursday 29th October 2015
Did a few hours in the office, didn't achieve much but keeps the rent paid.
Off in the afternoon to see dad, who seems more and more distant. And mum seems more and more stressed. He isn't making much sense at the moment, it's all a bit distressing. I took mum to the shops, looked after the dog, did my best to do my bit.
Still need to write the solo Christmas show, and the sitcom for Sunday.
Catch-up meeting with Jon to discuss the adverts I'm acting in for him, that's all coming together nicely.
Evening gig with the band up in Redbourn, which is, it turns out, bloody miles away. Especially the route we took; we only made it to the gig with 15 minutes to spare. Tiny venue, sold out show - relaxed, charming, long gig. We're on good form, we have been for a while.
Long night, home late.
Thursday, 29 October 2015
Wednesday 28th October 2015
The intensity of last night got to me a bit, it was real heavy stuff. Full credit to Esther for talking till the early hours about it all.
Dad refused to talk on the phone today; he's given up. Sadly I don't blame him...why would you want to live when you're in this much pain?
Knackered, the other guy was back in the office and to be honest, it was nice not to be sat down here in this little disused art gallery by myself. Nice banter, got some stuff done.
Looks like Grace is up for saving the Christmas musical by directing it - just hope she likes the script. We spoke for quite a while tonight about the logistics of it all and she's seems happy with the arrangement.
Odd gig with Claudia tonight - people at that venue just don't understand personal space; the audience are so in your face they're practically touching your drums. We were good though - all very tired, but very tight still.
Got back and tried to write the second episode of the sitcom for Emma but fell asleep instead. My body needed it.
Dad refused to talk on the phone today; he's given up. Sadly I don't blame him...why would you want to live when you're in this much pain?
Knackered, the other guy was back in the office and to be honest, it was nice not to be sat down here in this little disused art gallery by myself. Nice banter, got some stuff done.
Looks like Grace is up for saving the Christmas musical by directing it - just hope she likes the script. We spoke for quite a while tonight about the logistics of it all and she's seems happy with the arrangement.
Odd gig with Claudia tonight - people at that venue just don't understand personal space; the audience are so in your face they're practically touching your drums. We were good though - all very tired, but very tight still.
Got back and tried to write the second episode of the sitcom for Emma but fell asleep instead. My body needed it.
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Tuesday 27th October 2015
As my dad sat at the top of the stairs, we knew we couldn't move him - his legs had gone, and between my very small mother and I, we knew we couldn't lift him. As mum dashed next door to seek help, my dad burst into tears and told me that he wanted to die now, he's had enough of this pain. A strong man, degraded. It was a new low. There's been a series of lows. Just at that very moment I get a message from the cinema telling me that tickets for my début movie are now on sale, and how amazingly exciting it all is.
This is pretty much my life at the moment; some career-defining moments that should be celebrated, some life-changing moments of great sadness.
It hasn't been a great day, despite some nice touches. Took a day out to do family stuff today, dad wanted some fresh air so we took him in the car to the shops. It was a bad idea; he's supposed to bed-bound by now, he should be nowhere near leaving the house, but I like the fact that he wanted to. He clearly used up all his energy doing so, though. When we got back, he had a fall - I could see it happening so jumped behind him to cushion him, make the fall less painful. Hurt me as he's bloody heavy still, but I'll be fine soon once the bruising goes down. That lost him a lot of confidence, though.
Before then, in the car, I finally plucked up the courage to tell him that GP was in my film. GP and him were bandmates back in the day, before they parted ways badly. Now GP is working with me in this project, unaware who my dad is. Dad smiled and said, "Ah, bless him. I was gonna suggest him anyway. Say hi from me next time you speak to him...don't you dare tell him I'm ill, though." I don't know why I worried so much about that. Showed Dad the film later on - he's the first person besides me and Karen (editor) to see the final, final cut. I think he liked it, not sure, he's just so tired, though.
It was a tough day, today, the harsh reminder that, whilst dad will have good days, there is no miracle at the end, and the end is dawning closer.
In the meantime, Sarah - when confirming that she can't direct the musical due to time issues, said how great the script was, really great, and how she laughed outloud at lots of it. She's asked that we do it next Christmas, and she'll direct it then. She clearly doesn't know me well enough. It will happen this year and it will be awesome.
Everyone's getting excited about the film, I just hope it meets their expectations. I still need to write 3 more episodes of the sitcom for Emma, the panto, and the solo show, plus launch our own PR firm. Ever get the feeling you've taken on too much?
This is pretty much my life at the moment; some career-defining moments that should be celebrated, some life-changing moments of great sadness.
It hasn't been a great day, despite some nice touches. Took a day out to do family stuff today, dad wanted some fresh air so we took him in the car to the shops. It was a bad idea; he's supposed to bed-bound by now, he should be nowhere near leaving the house, but I like the fact that he wanted to. He clearly used up all his energy doing so, though. When we got back, he had a fall - I could see it happening so jumped behind him to cushion him, make the fall less painful. Hurt me as he's bloody heavy still, but I'll be fine soon once the bruising goes down. That lost him a lot of confidence, though.
Before then, in the car, I finally plucked up the courage to tell him that GP was in my film. GP and him were bandmates back in the day, before they parted ways badly. Now GP is working with me in this project, unaware who my dad is. Dad smiled and said, "Ah, bless him. I was gonna suggest him anyway. Say hi from me next time you speak to him...don't you dare tell him I'm ill, though." I don't know why I worried so much about that. Showed Dad the film later on - he's the first person besides me and Karen (editor) to see the final, final cut. I think he liked it, not sure, he's just so tired, though.
It was a tough day, today, the harsh reminder that, whilst dad will have good days, there is no miracle at the end, and the end is dawning closer.
In the meantime, Sarah - when confirming that she can't direct the musical due to time issues, said how great the script was, really great, and how she laughed outloud at lots of it. She's asked that we do it next Christmas, and she'll direct it then. She clearly doesn't know me well enough. It will happen this year and it will be awesome.
Everyone's getting excited about the film, I just hope it meets their expectations. I still need to write 3 more episodes of the sitcom for Emma, the panto, and the solo show, plus launch our own PR firm. Ever get the feeling you've taken on too much?
Monday, 26 October 2015
Monday 26th October 2015
With my lifestyle, in this industry, there shouldn't really be 'typical Mondays' as I don't work to a 'typical' weekly structure. But that was a typical Monday.
Lost Sarah (again) to direct the Christmas musical.
Lost Hind for the other Christmas show as she's just got promotion at work and now can't make it.
And people ask why I do so many solo things. It's because most people are fucking rubbish.
Got offered a radio sitcom, agreed to it - Emma and I will perform it this Sunday and get it recorded, but then the radio station moved the goalposts and wanted exclusivity over it, which I'm not going to allow because they hardly have a big listener-ship and I would better just sticking it on iTunes myself. But that annoyed me a lot. Still, wrote episode 1 tonight and it's bloody brilliant.
Lost Sarah (again) to direct the Christmas musical.
Lost Hind for the other Christmas show as she's just got promotion at work and now can't make it.
And people ask why I do so many solo things. It's because most people are fucking rubbish.
Got offered a radio sitcom, agreed to it - Emma and I will perform it this Sunday and get it recorded, but then the radio station moved the goalposts and wanted exclusivity over it, which I'm not going to allow because they hardly have a big listener-ship and I would better just sticking it on iTunes myself. But that annoyed me a lot. Still, wrote episode 1 tonight and it's bloody brilliant.
Sunday, 25 October 2015
Sunday 25th October 2015
So hungover. I don't think we drank that much, but we're just too old for this now - I'm all stressed out with my dad stuff and the projects, Andy himself is a dad now so doesn't sleep (his baby is so scared of me - sees me, points, bursts into tears, it's just weird) so we were both pretty hammered after 4 pints last night. Back in the old days we could do at least six.
Got back to mine, scrubbed up, sent invoices for a few bits of work, and then off to Cambridge for a long day of WriteOn. That's the reason why I don't do WriteOn so much these days; they're all day sessions, with a performance in the evening, meaning you're there for about 8 hours. But I loved it, all the same - productions aside, I have so many friends there, and during the long periods of waiting around it's so nice to hang out with these people. I think I must have spent about 3 hours chatting to Emma today in-between rehearsals, and somewhere along the line we agreed to make a film/sitcom/something before she goes to America at the end of November. Tried and failed to recruit a cast for the musical, but got a director for the panto out of it. Lovely to hang out with Izzy, Paul, Alasdair, Anna, Kate, Richard - everyone is so nice.
Performance was good, nice play that, we did it well I think. I enjoyed being loud and sarcastic.
Dad's had a much better day.
Film stuff gets even scarier - I'm now being set-up as a distributor/supplier for the movie, so it's all legal. Have to go along with it, but I'm well out of my depth.
Got back to mine, scrubbed up, sent invoices for a few bits of work, and then off to Cambridge for a long day of WriteOn. That's the reason why I don't do WriteOn so much these days; they're all day sessions, with a performance in the evening, meaning you're there for about 8 hours. But I loved it, all the same - productions aside, I have so many friends there, and during the long periods of waiting around it's so nice to hang out with these people. I think I must have spent about 3 hours chatting to Emma today in-between rehearsals, and somewhere along the line we agreed to make a film/sitcom/something before she goes to America at the end of November. Tried and failed to recruit a cast for the musical, but got a director for the panto out of it. Lovely to hang out with Izzy, Paul, Alasdair, Anna, Kate, Richard - everyone is so nice.
Performance was good, nice play that, we did it well I think. I enjoyed being loud and sarcastic.
Dad's had a much better day.
Film stuff gets even scarier - I'm now being set-up as a distributor/supplier for the movie, so it's all legal. Have to go along with it, but I'm well out of my depth.
Saturday 24th October 2015
Long day yesterday, wasn't it? And up 4 hours later to head over to Cambridge to rehearse a play for WriteOn. Nice to be acting in something that I've not actually written myself - takes the pressure off a bit. Really good director and nice cast, rehearsal drifted by quickly enough.
Got back, had a cat nap, woke up at 5pm incredibly confused - that's why I don't sleep, it really threw me.
Dad's having a really, really bad couple of days, it's horrible to hear him like this - we can't even talk properly on the phone because it seems like his voice is the next thing that's going.
Went out to Gamlingay to get drunk with my old mate Andy. I wasn't the best of company tonight.
Got back, had a cat nap, woke up at 5pm incredibly confused - that's why I don't sleep, it really threw me.
Dad's having a really, really bad couple of days, it's horrible to hear him like this - we can't even talk properly on the phone because it seems like his voice is the next thing that's going.
Went out to Gamlingay to get drunk with my old mate Andy. I wasn't the best of company tonight.
Saturday, 24 October 2015
Friday 23rd October 2015
Mum's birthday, all with a tinge of sadness as we know this is very likely to be the last one that dad can be here for. He still did well - despite being pretty much unable to move he managed to order her a load of nice presents online. Dad's been doing his research - the legs swelling, the cough...it's all part of 'Endgame' - he's reaching the end, it's getting quicker, we can all see that. Mum is just exhausted.
After taking her into town to pick up Dad's medication, I had to dash, missing her birthday lunch, which made me sad, but I'm a professional musician and that's the nature of the work, I guess.
The drive to Wigan for Lucy's gig was long; 7 hours. I was 2 hours late for soundcheck due to the M6 being crap. Unprofessional? Maybe, but the rest of the band were just as late, having also been sat in the same traffic. Because of the delays, we barely had a soundcheck, so not only was this the first time I'd met the band but I'd not even had time to run through the tracks.
The band themselves, especially Lucy, were lovely - so grateful that I'd stepped in, I was dubbed "our saviour" several times during the show. Sam the bassist was great at prompting me, the gig flew by without any issues at all. I'm quite good at this drumming thing, you know.
4 hour drive back; was going swimmingly well until they closed the M6. That fucking road. I found myself driving around Wolverhampton at 1am feeling more than a bit angry. Home by 4am. Long day.
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Thursday 22nd October 2015
A funny thing happened this evening; I listened to the folk songs I have to learn for tomorrow by choice. I'm quite into it now, I get it all of a sudden, I get why it's so popular. Some of it is really nice. Some of it is slightly more complex than I thought; you know - it's all half-tempo for about 4 verses and 2 choruses but then suddenly there's a stop or a time signature change that is likely to throw me completely. I get why I'm getting paid for this now. Should have learn't it better. It's getting late now and the gig is tomorrow. Will listen to it on repeat on the way there. Wigan is quite far, that's a few listens.
Before that, another strange thing happened. I was in Tescos, buying last minute birthday presents for my mum (I've actually spent loads on her but it's not arrived on time so had to buy something else...chocolates, flowers, card with a funny dog on it etc) and the till assistant was genuinely the loveliest person I'd ever met...so nice, I told her so and she took it well. So why was this strange? Because I've written two shows about fancying till assistants at my local supermarket but this is the first time it's happened in real life. I'll go back, shopping is very different to stalking.
'Work' was okay; they've transferred the company phone to my mobile but nobody called it anyway.
Invited all the celebs to film, the ones I didn't get a chance to speak to yesterday. And all the other people that are in it, who are all getting a bit too excited for my liking. Let's just pretend this isn't happening for a bit, yeah?
Lovely pep-talk from my housemate/landlord, Edd, who reminded me that in the year I've been living here I've achieved quite a lot - the film, the shows, nearly nailing the novel, it's all very positive and apparently I'm on the verge of great things. What a legend he is.
Before that, another strange thing happened. I was in Tescos, buying last minute birthday presents for my mum (I've actually spent loads on her but it's not arrived on time so had to buy something else...chocolates, flowers, card with a funny dog on it etc) and the till assistant was genuinely the loveliest person I'd ever met...so nice, I told her so and she took it well. So why was this strange? Because I've written two shows about fancying till assistants at my local supermarket but this is the first time it's happened in real life. I'll go back, shopping is very different to stalking.
'Work' was okay; they've transferred the company phone to my mobile but nobody called it anyway.
Invited all the celebs to film, the ones I didn't get a chance to speak to yesterday. And all the other people that are in it, who are all getting a bit too excited for my liking. Let's just pretend this isn't happening for a bit, yeah?
Lovely pep-talk from my housemate/landlord, Edd, who reminded me that in the year I've been living here I've achieved quite a lot - the film, the shows, nearly nailing the novel, it's all very positive and apparently I'm on the verge of great things. What a legend he is.
Wednesday, 21 October 2015
Wednesday 21st October 2015
'Work' was fine; was a bit late in (I'm the only one there, nobody knew/cares), kept some customers at bay. I see they've directed the company phone number to my mobile now; bit weird, will worry about that in the morning.
Dad's had a 'mediocre day' - I quite like that, he's been so up and down recently, having a nothing day is good for him I think.
The enormity of the cinema release of the film is bugging me a bit. LOT.
Trying to learn the set for Friday's gig, it's folk music, though, I just struggle to get excited by it. 11 songs, that's all it is Paul, 11 songs (and another 7 sat there doing nothing but looking interested). Really good money. 11 songs, she's a big artist - really big, really established, career-wise this could be good for me. But it's folk. There's no drums for like 4 minutes and then there's a lone hi-hat, tapping away.
Long chat with Izzy on the phone, agreed to be in a play that she's producing on Sunday night at the ADC, I'm playing the role of 'David 2'. Sounds cool. She's promised that there will be 'pretty young ladies' there - that's all it takes, really, isn't it? Sadly.
Spent a bit of the afternoon filming with a random American called Tom, who had seen me do stand-up recently and wanted to screen test me for his new comedy creation. The lead character was Clive - a gormless looking man; he thought I'd be ideal. Bit insulted. Fucking nailed the part though. I was awesome.
Got back and invited all of the 'celebs' from the film to the première. LS seem up for it - they're based in Brighton, this could be a waste of their time because they're in it for about 30 seconds (but they're still my favourite band at the moment). GP says he's in France, but is going to plug it on Facebook once I have a ticket link. GP is a world star - I'm so happy, yet a bit scared, by all this.
Sat down and finally watched the final cut of the film, after much re-formatting memory stick madness. I'll be honest; I was so nervous watching the 'final' cut I drank 3 cans of Stella during it...it's only 70 minutes long. So I don't really know if it's any good or not. I mean, I know it's okay - it bobs along nicely enough. Karen is a great editor and she's done amazing things with this footage; it's snappy, it's fun, it's a bit tragic at times, which I like. Is it any good? I DON'T KNOW. I've lost the ability to know if it's funny. Not sure if it's suitable for a massive cinema but I have no choice in the matter, do I? It feels underwhelming, but then again - I was never a good judge of these things.
Losing the plot, just slightly.
Dad's had a 'mediocre day' - I quite like that, he's been so up and down recently, having a nothing day is good for him I think.
The enormity of the cinema release of the film is bugging me a bit. LOT.
Trying to learn the set for Friday's gig, it's folk music, though, I just struggle to get excited by it. 11 songs, that's all it is Paul, 11 songs (and another 7 sat there doing nothing but looking interested). Really good money. 11 songs, she's a big artist - really big, really established, career-wise this could be good for me. But it's folk. There's no drums for like 4 minutes and then there's a lone hi-hat, tapping away.
Long chat with Izzy on the phone, agreed to be in a play that she's producing on Sunday night at the ADC, I'm playing the role of 'David 2'. Sounds cool. She's promised that there will be 'pretty young ladies' there - that's all it takes, really, isn't it? Sadly.
Spent a bit of the afternoon filming with a random American called Tom, who had seen me do stand-up recently and wanted to screen test me for his new comedy creation. The lead character was Clive - a gormless looking man; he thought I'd be ideal. Bit insulted. Fucking nailed the part though. I was awesome.
Got back and invited all of the 'celebs' from the film to the première. LS seem up for it - they're based in Brighton, this could be a waste of their time because they're in it for about 30 seconds (but they're still my favourite band at the moment). GP says he's in France, but is going to plug it on Facebook once I have a ticket link. GP is a world star - I'm so happy, yet a bit scared, by all this.
Sat down and finally watched the final cut of the film, after much re-formatting memory stick madness. I'll be honest; I was so nervous watching the 'final' cut I drank 3 cans of Stella during it...it's only 70 minutes long. So I don't really know if it's any good or not. I mean, I know it's okay - it bobs along nicely enough. Karen is a great editor and she's done amazing things with this footage; it's snappy, it's fun, it's a bit tragic at times, which I like. Is it any good? I DON'T KNOW. I've lost the ability to know if it's funny. Not sure if it's suitable for a massive cinema but I have no choice in the matter, do I? It feels underwhelming, but then again - I was never a good judge of these things.
Losing the plot, just slightly.
Tuesday, 20 October 2015
Tuesday 20th October 2015
As I write this, there's a fly in my room that's really annoying me, so I've opened the window to try and usher him out. He's not getting the hang of it - they don't work in the same way as a, say, dog, or cat, they just do what they bloody want. So now I'm now I'm sat here in my pyjamas as the room is freezing hoping the fly will go because I won't sleep comfortably with him hitting my face constantly. Maybe the fly doesn't like the cold? And the reason why I'm writing this? Just because one day I'll look back on it and laugh at my current misfortune.
I feel a bit stressed right now. Film stuff, mostly.
Went to 'work' for 3 hours, achieved nothing. Spent the day with Mum and Dad, a bit grumpy but Dad's had a better day. It's like that at the moment; so up and down, quite dramatically. Sounds like yesterday was really bad.
Agreed to audition for a sitcom thing tomorrow afternoon, not quite sure what it is.
The fly has just gone, by the way. I can be warm again.
Confirmed the cinema for the premiere. They insist it's on screen 1, which is the biggest screen. It was made on my phone. How can this possibly be a good idea? Everyone is getting really excited about it.
Met up with my old mate Vicky and ranted at her a lot.
I feel a bit stressed right now. Film stuff, mostly.
Went to 'work' for 3 hours, achieved nothing. Spent the day with Mum and Dad, a bit grumpy but Dad's had a better day. It's like that at the moment; so up and down, quite dramatically. Sounds like yesterday was really bad.
Agreed to audition for a sitcom thing tomorrow afternoon, not quite sure what it is.
The fly has just gone, by the way. I can be warm again.
Confirmed the cinema for the premiere. They insist it's on screen 1, which is the biggest screen. It was made on my phone. How can this possibly be a good idea? Everyone is getting really excited about it.
Met up with my old mate Vicky and ranted at her a lot.
Monday, 19 October 2015
Monday 19th October 2015
Back into the office to spend a few hours apologising to clients whilst eating chicken satay. Continued promotion for the solo show, which I've not written yet, and spent a while convincing Sarah that she should still direct the musical. She's agreed to read the script, at least, fingers crossed she likes it...could go either way. It's now late and she hasn't replied, which is never a good sign. Saying that, it is incredibly long, so she's possibly still trying to get her around it.
Tried to get things moving with the cinema - you know, get a ticket link and all that, but still getting the out of office reply from the cinema manager (even though his out of office says he's back today). It's all rather frustrating and the premiere is supposed to be a month away.
Dad's had a really bad day today, the kind of day that signifies progress, and not in a good way. I really hope he makes it to Christmas, I'd really, really like it if that happens.
Spent hours working on the Rudolph show tonight. It's a tricky beast to write - I kind of need to forget that I'm doing it all from an exercise bike and just stick to the plot for now. The notes I've made are extensive - there's so much I want to say with this one, but as a result it's really random and messy at the moment. Needs to be simplified, I think, and then I can add in the extra bits later on. Yep, that's what I'll do. Either way, it's going to be hard work, this show.
Tried to get things moving with the cinema - you know, get a ticket link and all that, but still getting the out of office reply from the cinema manager (even though his out of office says he's back today). It's all rather frustrating and the premiere is supposed to be a month away.
Dad's had a really bad day today, the kind of day that signifies progress, and not in a good way. I really hope he makes it to Christmas, I'd really, really like it if that happens.
Spent hours working on the Rudolph show tonight. It's a tricky beast to write - I kind of need to forget that I'm doing it all from an exercise bike and just stick to the plot for now. The notes I've made are extensive - there's so much I want to say with this one, but as a result it's really random and messy at the moment. Needs to be simplified, I think, and then I can add in the extra bits later on. Yep, that's what I'll do. Either way, it's going to be hard work, this show.
Sunday 18th October 2015
See, I started the day quite optimistically. Bit of a lie-in, and then down to Histon to film the final bits for yesterday's video; everyone seems quite tired but in good spirits. That took just over an hour, so grabbed some food, got back, wrote intensively for three hours, nailing the Christmas musical dialogue.
Dad's had a better day today, had a lovely roast dinner with Edd and his girlfriend. All nice.
Then Sarah pulls out of directing the musical (without even seeing the script) due to other commitments, and a well-paid gig for Saturday gets cancelled...that was an annoying few minutes.
And then I go to watch the final cut of '50 Ways...' but the memory stick doesn't work.
Not sure what to do about the musical now, I haven't got a cast or director. But it has to happen; there's a load of great songs and a very willing venue. It'll be the best thing ever, that'll show Sarah.
I'm very snotty and irritable now.
Dad's had a better day today, had a lovely roast dinner with Edd and his girlfriend. All nice.
Then Sarah pulls out of directing the musical (without even seeing the script) due to other commitments, and a well-paid gig for Saturday gets cancelled...that was an annoying few minutes.
And then I go to watch the final cut of '50 Ways...' but the memory stick doesn't work.
Not sure what to do about the musical now, I haven't got a cast or director. But it has to happen; there's a load of great songs and a very willing venue. It'll be the best thing ever, that'll show Sarah.
I'm very snotty and irritable now.
Sunday, 18 October 2015
Saturday 17th October 2015
Up early, off to pick up a memory stick with the final, final cut of the movie from Karen - won't have a chance to watch it for a day or so, but I'm glad it's done.
Over to Hinchingbrooke House for the filming of the promo video for our new single. A long, long day, and a testament to how great we are as friends are that we all kept smiling throughout. We had a huge cast for this one - it's a zombie-themed movie so much fun was had with all the costumes in such a stunning building. The video itself is so ambitious, costing over a grand to make, but in the capable hands of Sam and Marta (who we work with a lot) you can just feel it coming together so well.
I wasn't allowed to see the storyboard beforehand, and I now know why they were keeping it from me - part of the video involves me being tied up by a bunch of sexy young ladies, and stroked (etc) by them, before I'm rescued. It was one of those moments that made me both incredibly happy yet also so awkward! They all enjoyed themselves, probably because how uncomfortable I was, in particular Emily (a close friend of the band) - she got a bit carried away and her hands lurked in places that are known as 'private parts' for a reason. The other awkward scene is when they 'kidnap' me so have to carry me across the room - being carried by 5 nice girls, quite high up, was scary enough as it was a solid wooden floor and they didn't seem like they could really lift me, and then they had to run with me. Very tricky when we couldn't fit through the door...we worked it out eventually.
We filmed for 9 and a half hours. Naturally, as with these things, that involved a lot of waiting around. Feeling restless; I started making another film whilst there, on my phone - a plot came to me straight away for 'My First Day at Work' and it seemed like a perfect idea considering we had a fully dressed cast of ghosts and zombies at our disposal. Marcel, Claudia, Edd, Sue, Emily and Jess all acted brilliantly in that, I'll edit it together tomorrow and get it out there.
At 10pm we finally left the venue, not quite finished (but all the venue shots were), all a bit snotty as it was pissing it down for exterior shots. Went to a pub and toasted our good work.
Over to Hinchingbrooke House for the filming of the promo video for our new single. A long, long day, and a testament to how great we are as friends are that we all kept smiling throughout. We had a huge cast for this one - it's a zombie-themed movie so much fun was had with all the costumes in such a stunning building. The video itself is so ambitious, costing over a grand to make, but in the capable hands of Sam and Marta (who we work with a lot) you can just feel it coming together so well.
I wasn't allowed to see the storyboard beforehand, and I now know why they were keeping it from me - part of the video involves me being tied up by a bunch of sexy young ladies, and stroked (etc) by them, before I'm rescued. It was one of those moments that made me both incredibly happy yet also so awkward! They all enjoyed themselves, probably because how uncomfortable I was, in particular Emily (a close friend of the band) - she got a bit carried away and her hands lurked in places that are known as 'private parts' for a reason. The other awkward scene is when they 'kidnap' me so have to carry me across the room - being carried by 5 nice girls, quite high up, was scary enough as it was a solid wooden floor and they didn't seem like they could really lift me, and then they had to run with me. Very tricky when we couldn't fit through the door...we worked it out eventually.
We filmed for 9 and a half hours. Naturally, as with these things, that involved a lot of waiting around. Feeling restless; I started making another film whilst there, on my phone - a plot came to me straight away for 'My First Day at Work' and it seemed like a perfect idea considering we had a fully dressed cast of ghosts and zombies at our disposal. Marcel, Claudia, Edd, Sue, Emily and Jess all acted brilliantly in that, I'll edit it together tomorrow and get it out there.
At 10pm we finally left the venue, not quite finished (but all the venue shots were), all a bit snotty as it was pissing it down for exterior shots. Went to a pub and toasted our good work.
Friday 16th October 2015
Up early to reply to a couple of 'work' emails from home, mostly apologies to customers, the usual.
Then off to London for an early soundcheck ahead of our big gig in St Pancras. Gaf and I travelled down by car with all the gear as Griff, Vix and Ali all got the train in. Such an incredible venue; big and boomy but also with a reasonable capacity (about 80-ish) so not daunting. In theory, the snare should have bounced all over that room but the soundguy was excellent and knew the space so well - the sound was excellent. The whole set-up was just so easy; Gary is a promoter we know well and like, the soundcheck was long and relaxed. Our rider was extensive, and we somehow managed to eat £79 worth of Nandos before the gig. Both support acts were great.
Lovely gig, too - our fans packed the place out, we were in good form, standing ovation at the end. Our first headline gig in London (we actively avoid playing the capital as we just don't enjoy it there) but it was near perfection. Set: Fine Life, Face in the Water, California for a Girl, Take a Ride, She Says, Hold On, Goodbye Sweet City, Fire, Bluebird, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, Earthquake, Gotta Get a Message to You (cover), Shut Up & Dance, Beautiful You; Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Home by 1.30am. Managed to squeeze Vix into the car for the journey home so we can chat more about the music PR firm we're setting up. We never seem to switch off as a band...that suits me perfectly.
Then off to London for an early soundcheck ahead of our big gig in St Pancras. Gaf and I travelled down by car with all the gear as Griff, Vix and Ali all got the train in. Such an incredible venue; big and boomy but also with a reasonable capacity (about 80-ish) so not daunting. In theory, the snare should have bounced all over that room but the soundguy was excellent and knew the space so well - the sound was excellent. The whole set-up was just so easy; Gary is a promoter we know well and like, the soundcheck was long and relaxed. Our rider was extensive, and we somehow managed to eat £79 worth of Nandos before the gig. Both support acts were great.
Lovely gig, too - our fans packed the place out, we were in good form, standing ovation at the end. Our first headline gig in London (we actively avoid playing the capital as we just don't enjoy it there) but it was near perfection. Set: Fine Life, Face in the Water, California for a Girl, Take a Ride, She Says, Hold On, Goodbye Sweet City, Fire, Bluebird, Standing Next to Me, Ghost Town, Earthquake, Gotta Get a Message to You (cover), Shut Up & Dance, Beautiful You; Somebody to Love (encore, cover)
Home by 1.30am. Managed to squeeze Vix into the car for the journey home so we can chat more about the music PR firm we're setting up. We never seem to switch off as a band...that suits me perfectly.
Friday, 16 October 2015
Thursday 15th October 2015
Work stuff settled down again, I was praised for my positive nature in these times of stress. I'll be honest, I'm not stressed about it all.
Started the PR campaign for the Rudolph show - all of the venues are so very positive about it all, and the blurb looks great. Need to write it at some point; the notes I've made suggest it's going to be very exciting, and it's so much easier now that Hind is involved as it means I can write in the nice fight scene between Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman that I've wanted to put in a show for a while.
Really relieved that the venue situation for the musical is sorted; took a few emails and we were cutting it fine but it's such a good deal now, in such a great venue. 200 seats need filling, but we can do that, yeah? And then Trevor sent over a song for it, which was superb, and the other songwriters are still writing to me with such enthusiasm.
Evening met up with Sarah who is directing it and she's so switched on - she knows completely what the deal is with a Richards show and seems excited by it. She loves the plot, the way I intend it to work and is good to take it off my hands as soon as the casting is complete, leaving me to focus on the solo show, film, novel and panto stuff. Great meeting that, enjoyed it a lot - all creative meetings should be as simple as that one.
Got back, watched my Christmas show from 2013 as my housemate wanted to see it (the whole thing is on YouTube) and sat there thinking...that was a great show, that one, and how well I work together with Hind (despite the arguments), looking forward to working with her again soon. Also, that script was bloody brilliant - might have to drag that one out again at some point. Maybe this year? Have it running with the Rudolph show? NO, CALM DOWN, PAUL. Although there is a gap in my diary...
And then did some more work on the musical; it's turned a bit dark but really getting into these characters, their flaws, their intricacies, and so much is being revealed about them. Doesn't quit with the jolly nature of a musical, but I'll work it out, somehow.
Started the PR campaign for the Rudolph show - all of the venues are so very positive about it all, and the blurb looks great. Need to write it at some point; the notes I've made suggest it's going to be very exciting, and it's so much easier now that Hind is involved as it means I can write in the nice fight scene between Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman that I've wanted to put in a show for a while.
Really relieved that the venue situation for the musical is sorted; took a few emails and we were cutting it fine but it's such a good deal now, in such a great venue. 200 seats need filling, but we can do that, yeah? And then Trevor sent over a song for it, which was superb, and the other songwriters are still writing to me with such enthusiasm.
Evening met up with Sarah who is directing it and she's so switched on - she knows completely what the deal is with a Richards show and seems excited by it. She loves the plot, the way I intend it to work and is good to take it off my hands as soon as the casting is complete, leaving me to focus on the solo show, film, novel and panto stuff. Great meeting that, enjoyed it a lot - all creative meetings should be as simple as that one.
Got back, watched my Christmas show from 2013 as my housemate wanted to see it (the whole thing is on YouTube) and sat there thinking...that was a great show, that one, and how well I work together with Hind (despite the arguments), looking forward to working with her again soon. Also, that script was bloody brilliant - might have to drag that one out again at some point. Maybe this year? Have it running with the Rudolph show? NO, CALM DOWN, PAUL. Although there is a gap in my diary...
And then did some more work on the musical; it's turned a bit dark but really getting into these characters, their flaws, their intricacies, and so much is being revealed about them. Doesn't quit with the jolly nature of a musical, but I'll work it out, somehow.
Thursday, 15 October 2015
Wednesday 14th October 2015
Midway through my day at the freelance post, twiddling my thumbs and eating chicken, I decided to do the honest thing. Realising that I haven't done much at all over the last month apart from wait for the other guy to come in (there's been no contact for 5 weeks now) and apologise to customers for their websites not being built (because of the 'no contact for 5 weeks' thing), I decided to leave it there so sent the boss an email explaining tomorrow would be my last day freelancing for him, unless of course he had any objections. The email back was more than a little stroppy, and almost emotional. So yep, I'm staying for a bit longer then...it's like I'm just here for moral support or something. I'll sit here and do bugger all, all day, for a bit longer, but it does feel like the working relationship has suddenly soured, somewhat.
Anyway, gave me a chance to write some cracking dialogue for the Christmas musical. Some of it, structurally, is really clever, you know, if I may say so myself.
Drove to the wrong studio, which is bound to happen when two studios in Cambridge both begin with 'H', but eventually made my way to the Hub, where we had to film some scenes for a Dowsing documentary. Local telly stuff, but good fun just jamming with the returning Gav, Andrea and Myke for the sake of it. Myke then had a gig in town so we all went down there to watch him play sax for Kim and Lee (both good friends of mine) and a lovely evening was had. I like Cambridge when it's like this.
Got back, Edd seems really excited about this new project he has thought of (electro swing with a big band) and, as I'm his lodger and as the rent is so cheap, I could hardly turn down the offer of being the drummer for it, could I? Sounds fun, anyway, if a little bizarre at this stage.
Then did some more work on the musical. I'm really, really enjoying writing this one.
Anyway, gave me a chance to write some cracking dialogue for the Christmas musical. Some of it, structurally, is really clever, you know, if I may say so myself.
Drove to the wrong studio, which is bound to happen when two studios in Cambridge both begin with 'H', but eventually made my way to the Hub, where we had to film some scenes for a Dowsing documentary. Local telly stuff, but good fun just jamming with the returning Gav, Andrea and Myke for the sake of it. Myke then had a gig in town so we all went down there to watch him play sax for Kim and Lee (both good friends of mine) and a lovely evening was had. I like Cambridge when it's like this.
Got back, Edd seems really excited about this new project he has thought of (electro swing with a big band) and, as I'm his lodger and as the rent is so cheap, I could hardly turn down the offer of being the drummer for it, could I? Sounds fun, anyway, if a little bizarre at this stage.
Then did some more work on the musical. I'm really, really enjoying writing this one.
Wednesday, 14 October 2015
Tuesday 13th October 2015
The emails I picked up last night (to my home account) suggested that the freelance post was pretty much over; the company are quite keen for me to invoice clients personally now, rather than through the brand, which I find a bit strange. Possibly, because the brand doesn't really exist any more. Either way, probably time to mutually let that one go.
Up early today for the screen testing at the cinema. Was a little late because the A14 was playing up, but they were very friendly there when I did eventually make it in. They were testing a proper big film before mine, with monsters and crazy sounds. Ours looked quite, shall we say, lo-fi, in comparison. I'm well out of my depth. Needs converting to a special file type but will "probably be okay" according to the nice projectionist lady. I'm still very nervous about it all. And still haven't seen the final, final cut of the movie - although Karen messaged earlier to say it's done so I just need to pick the whopping great file off her to view it.
Confirmed a brilliant director for the Christmas musical, hurrah! Sarah is great to work with, and I knew that asking her lots and lots of times would eventually see her give in and take on what looks like a tricky task.
Nice phone meeting with Jon about another advert role.
Spent some valuable time with Mum and Dad today; he's had a shaky few days but seemed stabilised, if exhausted today. The dog bit me, it really hurt - actually could feel her teeth crunch the bone of my hand. I'm a drummer; this could have cost me a lot of work. Seems okay a few hours later, fortunately.
Got back and spent a good 4 hours working on the dialogue for the musical.
Agreed to a 'Make or Break...' tour show in a lovely venue in Cardiff for next year.
Monday, 12 October 2015
Monday 12th October 2015
Has, like, everyone got a cold at the moment? Band members, my housemate...I was bound to catch it. So drowsy today. Went into the office to do a little freelancing but what's the point? Spent the whole day sending emails to the other guy, who hasn't been in for a month, saying 'did you get this email I sent you last week...' It was just me getting frustrated for five hours then I went home. Pretty sure this company doesn't exist anymore.
Made a little makeshift poster for the Christmas tour, got flustered about the venue situation for the Christmas musical, did a bit of work on the dialogue. Did more research into setting up my own music PR company and realised just how easy it could be. I'm doing it.
I've got a lot to achieve this week, so much could go wrong.
Sat and watched the news for the first time in over a year. Realised how lucky we all are, really, in the scale of things.
Made a little makeshift poster for the Christmas tour, got flustered about the venue situation for the Christmas musical, did a bit of work on the dialogue. Did more research into setting up my own music PR company and realised just how easy it could be. I'm doing it.
I've got a lot to achieve this week, so much could go wrong.
Sat and watched the news for the first time in over a year. Realised how lucky we all are, really, in the scale of things.
Sunday 11th October 2015
Slept in till midday; that helped. Quick lunch with Matt before he returned to Bristol, and then off with the full band to play a show in Nottingham.
A corporate gig for a company that sells contact lenses. They fed us very well indeed, lovely roast beef, and then we played a 90 minute party set for them. Great audience, all up, enjoying it, we put on a lively, sweaty, proper good show tonight.
Home by 2am. Still feel like shit.
A corporate gig for a company that sells contact lenses. They fed us very well indeed, lovely roast beef, and then we played a 90 minute party set for them. Great audience, all up, enjoying it, we put on a lively, sweaty, proper good show tonight.
Home by 2am. Still feel like shit.
Saturday 10th October 2015
Feel so rough.
Decided to sweat it out, and 'train' for the Christmas show. Did 2 and a half hours on the exercise bike, and then did some writing. Wrote rubbish, went back to bed.
Evening covers gig with G+V, a tired, sleepy show, but still tight enough to be considered professional. Barely any audience. Enthusiasm revived when Matt joined us for a few songs on the harmonica.
Decided to sweat it out, and 'train' for the Christmas show. Did 2 and a half hours on the exercise bike, and then did some writing. Wrote rubbish, went back to bed.
Evening covers gig with G+V, a tired, sleepy show, but still tight enough to be considered professional. Barely any audience. Enthusiasm revived when Matt joined us for a few songs on the harmonica.
Friday 9th October 2015
Went and had a chat to another company about some freelance work, was late as my sat nav took me to a completely different place but it went well. Nice people, interesting concept, but I've decided against it and to stick with what I've got for now, sometimes things just don't feel right.
So nearly ran out of fuel getting back to the Cambridge office, my petrol clock was on 0 for the best part of 8 miles; somehow managed to get away with it, though. Got the Cambridge office, nobody in, internet not working. I think this company still exists, yeah?
Drove home, did a little work for them just in case.
Just like everybody else I've met over the last week I think I've caught some kind of flu bug thingy so stayed in. Decided to send every admin email that I'd need to send this year...wrote to every cinema in the UK I could an email address for about the film asking if they'd like to screen it, and then did the same for every cinema in the WORLD. One positive response so far - a cinema in North Carolina want it, which is nice. Then wrote to 50-odd venues about G+F to try and get us some more paid covers gigs for early next year.
So nearly ran out of fuel getting back to the Cambridge office, my petrol clock was on 0 for the best part of 8 miles; somehow managed to get away with it, though. Got the Cambridge office, nobody in, internet not working. I think this company still exists, yeah?
Drove home, did a little work for them just in case.
Just like everybody else I've met over the last week I think I've caught some kind of flu bug thingy so stayed in. Decided to send every admin email that I'd need to send this year...wrote to every cinema in the UK I could an email address for about the film asking if they'd like to screen it, and then did the same for every cinema in the WORLD. One positive response so far - a cinema in North Carolina want it, which is nice. Then wrote to 50-odd venues about G+F to try and get us some more paid covers gigs for early next year.
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Thursday 8th October 2015
A better day. Let's be honest, in my own little 'windows up, hands drumming on the steering wheel with perhaps too many ghost beats' kind of way, I was going pretty mad yesterday. I've realised it mostly is about the situation with my dad. It just makes the other stuff feel really bad.
See; today he's had a better day. I mean, he's still ill, he's still dying, it's still degrading to watch him struggle to crawl up the stairs and the pain on his face is something no son wants to see on the man they completely idolise. But it was still better than it has been for the last week, he was due a slightly less-shit day and this was it.
So whilst today threw up a few challenges, it didn't seem so bad, having got a sense of perspective about it all. In the freelance work I had to deal with the notoriously difficult Bob on the phone who was great - being dissatisfied as a customer doesn't make you a bad person, I'd be dissatisfied with this too. We spoke like adults, and it was a nice chat, I enjoyed it.
Finished sending my emails to every arts centre in the UK about the Make or Break show...that's 109 emails. Fuck all response so far, but it's early days. Tomorrow I'll probably send some more emails about the film, and then that's probably my admin done for the year.
Got really confused about the 50 Ways première - do I have it on late at the big venue, or early in the local venue which suggests my aspirations aren't all that great? Loads of arguments for both venues, which I've been offered (but both of which need an answer by tomorrow morning...it's spiralling out of control). I really appreciated the views from my friends for this, particularly Jack who carried on telling me his thoughts via text when the emails dried up. In the end I did a typical Paul Richards thing and agreed to both. 2 premières in one night, everyone does that, don't they? It's either cool, or just another slightly worrying characteristic of mine which is known as 'people pleasing' or another term which probably sounds more intelligent. Still, nice to be in demand, isn't it?
Got back from Mum and Dad's after 4 hours of being bullied by the dog (bastard - she bit my ankle tonight) and then worked on the blurb for the film whilst drinking more beer. Discussed an idea I've had about forming my own marketing/band PR firm, to Edd (landlord/housemate) who seemed very excited about the idea of it and offered much business wisdom.
Geoff sent over the first track for our Christmas musical and it's bloody brilliant!
I think I'm drinking too much at the moment; not scary amounts, but actually, maybe I always have done, so it's probably okay.
See; today he's had a better day. I mean, he's still ill, he's still dying, it's still degrading to watch him struggle to crawl up the stairs and the pain on his face is something no son wants to see on the man they completely idolise. But it was still better than it has been for the last week, he was due a slightly less-shit day and this was it.
So whilst today threw up a few challenges, it didn't seem so bad, having got a sense of perspective about it all. In the freelance work I had to deal with the notoriously difficult Bob on the phone who was great - being dissatisfied as a customer doesn't make you a bad person, I'd be dissatisfied with this too. We spoke like adults, and it was a nice chat, I enjoyed it.
Finished sending my emails to every arts centre in the UK about the Make or Break show...that's 109 emails. Fuck all response so far, but it's early days. Tomorrow I'll probably send some more emails about the film, and then that's probably my admin done for the year.
Got really confused about the 50 Ways première - do I have it on late at the big venue, or early in the local venue which suggests my aspirations aren't all that great? Loads of arguments for both venues, which I've been offered (but both of which need an answer by tomorrow morning...it's spiralling out of control). I really appreciated the views from my friends for this, particularly Jack who carried on telling me his thoughts via text when the emails dried up. In the end I did a typical Paul Richards thing and agreed to both. 2 premières in one night, everyone does that, don't they? It's either cool, or just another slightly worrying characteristic of mine which is known as 'people pleasing' or another term which probably sounds more intelligent. Still, nice to be in demand, isn't it?
Got back from Mum and Dad's after 4 hours of being bullied by the dog (bastard - she bit my ankle tonight) and then worked on the blurb for the film whilst drinking more beer. Discussed an idea I've had about forming my own marketing/band PR firm, to Edd (landlord/housemate) who seemed very excited about the idea of it and offered much business wisdom.
Geoff sent over the first track for our Christmas musical and it's bloody brilliant!
I think I'm drinking too much at the moment; not scary amounts, but actually, maybe I always have done, so it's probably okay.
Wednesday, 7 October 2015
Wednesday 7th October 2015
See, when people do reply to stuff, everything just clashes. Like the offer I had for a new freelance bit of work (realising that this current one isn't going to last much longer by the looks of things), they wanted to meet up for a chat, we agreed a time, and then the cinema replied saying the only time we could screen-test the movie is exactly at the same time as my meeting so I rearranged the meeting and then the cinema manager realised he'd got the wrong day and wanted to test the screening on the day I now have my meeting on. Confused? Yep, I am. And then it looks like I have more work coming in from the existing post all of a sudden, and somehow I accidentally agreed to meet up with a third company to discuss doing some writing for them. I quit my job to be a drummer/writer but suddenly it looks like I have three jobs on the go, alongside the 4 active bands, the session work, the film promotion, the musical, the panto, the solo Christmas show and getting the novel out there. And the film still hasn't been fucking screen tested yet, yet we need to get the blurb over to them for their brochure by Friday.
I was told this morning by a person in the petrol station that I look tired. Yeah, thanks for that.
Made a trailer from Sunday's show and it looks great (and much better than the show was) and then started booking tour dates for it for February and May next year BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT I DO WHEN I'M STRESSED, I BOOK MORE THINGS TO GET ME STRESSED.
Still haven't written the Christmas shows.
Evening rehearsal with Dowsing was nice; the new guitarist is superb and a joy to work with. Andrea's great - she can tell when I'm about anxious, she's just a really good judge of when to up the friendship but also when to back off.
Just another handful of emails to reply to and then I might actually get some sleep.
I was told this morning by a person in the petrol station that I look tired. Yeah, thanks for that.
Made a trailer from Sunday's show and it looks great (and much better than the show was) and then started booking tour dates for it for February and May next year BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT I DO WHEN I'M STRESSED, I BOOK MORE THINGS TO GET ME STRESSED.
Still haven't written the Christmas shows.
Evening rehearsal with Dowsing was nice; the new guitarist is superb and a joy to work with. Andrea's great - she can tell when I'm about anxious, she's just a really good judge of when to up the friendship but also when to back off.
Just another handful of emails to reply to and then I might actually get some sleep.
Tuesday 6th October 2015
Did a bit of freelancing today, office flooded half way through the afternoon, went home. Got stuff done for them today, though, had a good phone meeting in which I clearly didn't know what I was talking about but managed to convince them that I do.
I've sent a lot of emails over the last few days; press for the Christmas shows, tours for next year, trying to get more interested in the film. Nobody replies to fucking anything these days, do they?
Tempted to go offline for a bit soon, I need a break. Saying that, I may be called in to play 2 shows this with LW this week, which is great money, but I need to listen to the tracks properly - they're big gigs. I have two shows with her at the end of the month anyway.
Still haven't 100% confirmed things with the cinema because communication with them is shocking, and still haven't 100% confirmed the new venue for the Christmas musical. Still haven't written the Christmas musical.
Home stuff is so shit, so, shit. The nurses came around today and all they said was bad news. It could be weeks for dad, but they said that last time. Mum has lost the plot. We're all losing the plot.
Picked up the footage of Sunday night's show from Phil (the footage looks great, which is amazing as it wasn't a great performance at all) so will edit that into a promo video for the February tour. Met up with the Dowsing lot for a quick late night drink to celebrate 5 years of this magnificent project.
I've sent a lot of emails over the last few days; press for the Christmas shows, tours for next year, trying to get more interested in the film. Nobody replies to fucking anything these days, do they?
Tempted to go offline for a bit soon, I need a break. Saying that, I may be called in to play 2 shows this with LW this week, which is great money, but I need to listen to the tracks properly - they're big gigs. I have two shows with her at the end of the month anyway.
Still haven't 100% confirmed things with the cinema because communication with them is shocking, and still haven't 100% confirmed the new venue for the Christmas musical. Still haven't written the Christmas musical.
Home stuff is so shit, so, shit. The nurses came around today and all they said was bad news. It could be weeks for dad, but they said that last time. Mum has lost the plot. We're all losing the plot.
Picked up the footage of Sunday night's show from Phil (the footage looks great, which is amazing as it wasn't a great performance at all) so will edit that into a promo video for the February tour. Met up with the Dowsing lot for a quick late night drink to celebrate 5 years of this magnificent project.
Tuesday, 6 October 2015
Monday 5th October 2015
Last night annoyed me a bit, but perhaps I've been too vocal about it.
Loving the poster for the film designed by Matt - he's a genius.
Songwriters for the Christmas musical still showing a great deal of enthusiasm towards everything, which is exactly what I need.
Lost the venue for that Christmas musical, mostly because they were being total arses. I will find another venue, very quickly - I have to, this will happen.
The cinema can't let me in to test the screen tomorrow after all due to an issue with the projectionist. Another delay. Can we still get this ready in time for the premiere? Everything is falling apart!
Horrible seeing dad so ill tonight; seeing him crawl around everywhere, just a real lack of dignity. Harsh, horrible times.
Band photo shoot cancelled (just like everything else, so it seems) but as I was in town I met up with Al for a beer anyway and ranted a bit.
Discussed script/format concepts with Leigh at the local radio station and she basically said they would put on anything I do. That's dangerous...
Got back and watched my Inadequate Man TV filming, which has finally emerged online. Quite good, you know.
Loving the poster for the film designed by Matt - he's a genius.
Songwriters for the Christmas musical still showing a great deal of enthusiasm towards everything, which is exactly what I need.
Lost the venue for that Christmas musical, mostly because they were being total arses. I will find another venue, very quickly - I have to, this will happen.
The cinema can't let me in to test the screen tomorrow after all due to an issue with the projectionist. Another delay. Can we still get this ready in time for the premiere? Everything is falling apart!
Horrible seeing dad so ill tonight; seeing him crawl around everywhere, just a real lack of dignity. Harsh, horrible times.
Band photo shoot cancelled (just like everything else, so it seems) but as I was in town I met up with Al for a beer anyway and ranted a bit.
Discussed script/format concepts with Leigh at the local radio station and she basically said they would put on anything I do. That's dangerous...
Got back and watched my Inadequate Man TV filming, which has finally emerged online. Quite good, you know.
Sunday, 4 October 2015
Sunday 4th October 2015
Up far too early, too early, for a Sunday. Like 7.15am or something horrific like that, but was a guest on a local radio station - had to read through the local papers, find witty things to say about some articles, the usual. Got away with it, I think. They've offered me a radio sitcom, I said yes, will worry about it later.
Got back, quite dozy, had a cat nap. Spoke to Mum; Dad really is struggling - this feels like we're heading towards the inevitable. Had a lovely meal with Edd and Emily, and then off to perform 'The Make or Break...' in Shepreth.
Sold out show, which for what is technically a tour preview, is a bit scary. Lovely audience, loved it more than they should have done. I was perhaps too vocal on stage about how much of it wasn't working, but they probably thought it was part of the act. It wasn't - I wasn't in control of the band at all, there was so many problems tonight, problems which didn't exist in the rehearsals.
It's a fun concept, and won't take much to get it into shape, but I wanted to give that audience more - they deserved it. It was really poor at some points - it's a long show (two halves of 40 minutes, which for a comedy show with the same act is a long time) and there was times when it was slipping away from me. I want to be brilliant, I'm clearly not.
Got back, quite dozy, had a cat nap. Spoke to Mum; Dad really is struggling - this feels like we're heading towards the inevitable. Had a lovely meal with Edd and Emily, and then off to perform 'The Make or Break...' in Shepreth.
Sold out show, which for what is technically a tour preview, is a bit scary. Lovely audience, loved it more than they should have done. I was perhaps too vocal on stage about how much of it wasn't working, but they probably thought it was part of the act. It wasn't - I wasn't in control of the band at all, there was so many problems tonight, problems which didn't exist in the rehearsals.
It's a fun concept, and won't take much to get it into shape, but I wanted to give that audience more - they deserved it. It was really poor at some points - it's a long show (two halves of 40 minutes, which for a comedy show with the same act is a long time) and there was times when it was slipping away from me. I want to be brilliant, I'm clearly not.
Saturday 3rd October 2015
My dad had a fall last night, left him in a bad way. It feels weird that he's now in that age bracket where he's having 'falls'. Really shook him and my mum up, but they got him settled eventually. Bit annoyed I wasn't told about it until much later.
Meanwhile, I'm hungover in Lincoln having crashed on a hotel floor there. To be honest, it was fairly comfortable, but to then dash to 4 hours of rehearsals for the 'Make or Break...' show was painful for my weary body.
Rehearsals were good, this show will be great.
Gig with Aidy and Dave in Cambridge, not quite as tight as last night but enthusiastic, if small, audience. I think I was on good form, socially, tonight - making lots of people laugh etc, doesn't always happen, most of the time I can't be arsed but I just felt like I was nailing the whole 'people' thing this evening. The headliners, Travis Waltons, were bloody awesome.
Meanwhile, I'm hungover in Lincoln having crashed on a hotel floor there. To be honest, it was fairly comfortable, but to then dash to 4 hours of rehearsals for the 'Make or Break...' show was painful for my weary body.
Rehearsals were good, this show will be great.
Gig with Aidy and Dave in Cambridge, not quite as tight as last night but enthusiastic, if small, audience. I think I was on good form, socially, tonight - making lots of people laugh etc, doesn't always happen, most of the time I can't be arsed but I just felt like I was nailing the whole 'people' thing this evening. The headliners, Travis Waltons, were bloody awesome.
Friday 2nd October 2015
Actually invoiced for less hours than I've been in for the freelance stuff - because even though I was in, there was bugger all to do. That's how honest I am, that's why I'm sometimes a bit rubbish at being self-employed.
Need to write the dialogue bits for the musical, but the musical songwriters themselves are all showing great enthusiasm and professionalism, I think we can more than get away with this.
Evening gig with Aidy and Dave in Lincoln. Confusion over accommodation so I slept on the floor - it's not rock n roll, it's just an inconvenience. Gig itself was okay, not a huge turnout but I thought we were quite tight. Got a bit drunk afterwards.
Need to write the dialogue bits for the musical, but the musical songwriters themselves are all showing great enthusiasm and professionalism, I think we can more than get away with this.
Evening gig with Aidy and Dave in Lincoln. Confusion over accommodation so I slept on the floor - it's not rock n roll, it's just an inconvenience. Gig itself was okay, not a huge turnout but I thought we were quite tight. Got a bit drunk afterwards.
Friday, 2 October 2015
Thursday 1st October 2015
One of those days where I just have so many ideas I actually give myself a headache. It's very rare that happens, but it's like my head is exploding.
Anyway, confirmed the panto...mostly because I was walking by the venue anyway so just popped in and booked a two night run. Will worry about that later. Have a meeting with Tim next week who is going to be doing my PR/marketing stuff; he's going to have his work cut out with all these projects.
Did a few hours in the office and achieved nothing. Send the lyrics of the Christmas musical over to the songwriters; Geoff seems thrilled with it already, Anna and Karina both asked lots of technical questions that I didn't know the answer to, will chat to Al the arranger about this. Started work on the dialogue for it; it's coming together nicely.
Tried and failed to book a final lounge show run of Inadequate Man because I want to perform this show again but won't have time for it next year. Nobody wants it, fair enough, that's that show consigned to the archives, then.
Evening rehearsals with Aidy and Dave ahead of the weekend gigs. Sounding remarkably tight, and very, very loud.
Anyway, confirmed the panto...mostly because I was walking by the venue anyway so just popped in and booked a two night run. Will worry about that later. Have a meeting with Tim next week who is going to be doing my PR/marketing stuff; he's going to have his work cut out with all these projects.
Did a few hours in the office and achieved nothing. Send the lyrics of the Christmas musical over to the songwriters; Geoff seems thrilled with it already, Anna and Karina both asked lots of technical questions that I didn't know the answer to, will chat to Al the arranger about this. Started work on the dialogue for it; it's coming together nicely.
Tried and failed to book a final lounge show run of Inadequate Man because I want to perform this show again but won't have time for it next year. Nobody wants it, fair enough, that's that show consigned to the archives, then.
Evening rehearsals with Aidy and Dave ahead of the weekend gigs. Sounding remarkably tight, and very, very loud.
Wednesday, 30 September 2015
Wednesday 30th September 2015
Popped into the office for a bit to do some freelancing writing and it was all a bit odd today. Just me in again, and then I get info from the bosses mum that the boss is probably going to be closing the company down, so I send him a reassuring email telling him he doesn't have to do that, and that it'll all be okay, and he replied saying it probably won't be. Not being blunt, but I'm just a freelancer, who is happy to turn up and do an honest few hours work a day before doing something I'm passionate about, this has all gone a bit weird. Later on I get another email from the boss saying sorry, and that we'll probably keep going as a company.
Anyway, my beard growing is going well. Which would really bugger up Inadequate Man when I perform it again as that's one of the key jokes, but luckily it's another 3 weeks or so before I drag that show up again for a final hurdle.
Really confused that 4 different am-dram companies purchased the rights to a play I wrote in 2004, within the last 3 months. One of them even won several awards for their performances of it at a festival. It's a diabolical play, seriously - I thought it was great back then but I was young and stupid, now I read it and I'm offended that it's still signed to a publisher. Got over fifty quid today in royalties for that shit. It's so bad. Seriously, what is wrong with people?
Finally worked on the credits for the film...there's a lot of people in it, and a lot of people to thank. Certain I've missed somebody important. Karen had an amazing idea for a final little bit at the end, which relates to a bit earlier on, and I think it'll be great. She's a good editor, this one, she actually cares about the content rather than just lumping it all in. This film will do fine, you know.
Worked on and finished all the lyrics for the Christmas musical; some good stuff there I think, and some less-good stuff. Really want to do a panto, and there's a gap in my diary for 20-22 December that would be perfect for it...
Tuesday 29th September 2015
A productive day in which things got cancelled beyond my control but that made room for other, you could say, more pressing matters.
Mostly writing the lyrics for the Christmas musical - it's really come together nicely now, I'm over half way there, at least. Still not feeling festive enough.
Also spent more time with the family (dad still struggling) and had a meeting about a series of six adverts which will be filmed later in the year. Agreed to take the lead in all six installments, which is great (for the bank balance if anything else).
The stuff that was cancelled (meeting at the cinema and band photoshoot) have both been rearranged for next week.
Mostly writing the lyrics for the Christmas musical - it's really come together nicely now, I'm over half way there, at least. Still not feeling festive enough.
Also spent more time with the family (dad still struggling) and had a meeting about a series of six adverts which will be filmed later in the year. Agreed to take the lead in all six installments, which is great (for the bank balance if anything else).
The stuff that was cancelled (meeting at the cinema and band photoshoot) have both been rearranged for next week.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)