Up far too early for a musician - seriously, like 7.45am. It's been YEARS since I've done that. Anyway, it was worthwhile - filming in St Ives with Karen, a promo video for the new show. She's good, you know, and very quick; I had the finished product by the end of the evening.
Tied it in with a visit to Mum's house (for another two hours of "why haven't you given me grandchildren yet?") and then back for four hours of freelancing from home.
Rob sent me over a huge list of village halls to approach for solo stuff, so I've now approached all of them.
Confirmed a second Christmas tour date.
Lovely evening having dinner with Claudia and Marcel, discussing the progress of the 4 Lab musical. Having lost our Cambridge venue (did we ever really have it? Discussions were in such early stages) for the 'big' October performances we worked out new potential places, and decided to try and hire a West End venue for a few nights for some London shows. As you do.
That's the problem with having dinner with these guys; they just say yes to every mad idea I have. It's dangerous.
Friday, 29 April 2016
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Wednesday 27th April 2016
Did an actual full day of freelancing (well, 10am - 4.30pm) from home, during this time I listened to a lot of radio comedy. Notably the audio version of 'One Foot in the Grave' - I've always thought of this sitcom to be on the darker side, but actually it's lot more sitcom-ee than I thought, There's a lot of actual, proper jokes in there. Also, every episode has so many layers, so much going on yet often it's just dialogue between two people. It's really very clever.
Scheduling for the soap is confusing me again. I just want to get this moving, there's so much to do. Sorting locations, that kind of thing all takes time I don't always have.
Edited the FH tour video, taking out the bits that shouldn't be public, and bunged it online.
Agreed to re-join Dowsing for the summer shows, now that our respective schedules match, and I appreciate how much they've moved around to accommodate me. That does take away another 7 nights though for rehearsals, plus 2 more gigs, but if they're working that hard to keep me it would be rude not to...
Evening working on the 4 Lab musical and I've finally worked out what the point of it should be. This basically involved changing the gender of the leads, so it's now female fronted, and it's got lots of nice dialogue already. Still nowhere near done, but I reckon I can have first draft in the bag after another 4 writing sessions.
Scheduling for the soap is confusing me again. I just want to get this moving, there's so much to do. Sorting locations, that kind of thing all takes time I don't always have.
Edited the FH tour video, taking out the bits that shouldn't be public, and bunged it online.
Agreed to re-join Dowsing for the summer shows, now that our respective schedules match, and I appreciate how much they've moved around to accommodate me. That does take away another 7 nights though for rehearsals, plus 2 more gigs, but if they're working that hard to keep me it would be rude not to...
Evening working on the 4 Lab musical and I've finally worked out what the point of it should be. This basically involved changing the gender of the leads, so it's now female fronted, and it's got lots of nice dialogue already. Still nowhere near done, but I reckon I can have first draft in the bag after another 4 writing sessions.
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Tuesday 26th April 2016
The more I see pictures of the France trip, the more I think maybe I should have gone. Tough call, though. I can do France another time, when I'm less grumpy, flat and niggled with the world.
Did a spot of freelancing, accidentally sold one of our products - I get that's the aim of this job, but it's still surprising when it actually happens. 1-0 Richards.
A venue I was penciled in for out in the fens asked to meet me before confirming the booking. I found the whole process quite weird, it wasn't a long distance to go (round trip of 2 hours), but I basically had to audition in front of 4 members of staff in what is a little hotel in the middle of nowhere. On a Tuesday morning. I gave them a five minute 'best of' set, they all laughed at the right times, I know what I'm doing with this material because I've been doing it for years (in, with my current mindset, a slightly jaded and auto-pilot kind of way), but I found the whole thing quite patronising, especially considering the door cut not being great - I reckon about £25 profit on this one. I accepted the gig, because it's on a quiet Sunday night and there's no harm in doing so, but didn't really enjoy this morning.
Got back, did a little more freelancing, replied to my regular ton of gig emails (pretty much confirmed a slot at the Birmingham Comedy Fest, which looks really, honestly great), and then spent ages scheduling soap opera stuff - getting scenes and dates really in order, just so I know exactly what I'm doing with it when it comes to filming on Friday, Saturday and Wednesday. There's 356 scenes in this. We haven't quite filmed 30 yet.
Suddenly it's 11pm, and the 4 Lab musical still isn't finished.
Did a spot of freelancing, accidentally sold one of our products - I get that's the aim of this job, but it's still surprising when it actually happens. 1-0 Richards.
A venue I was penciled in for out in the fens asked to meet me before confirming the booking. I found the whole process quite weird, it wasn't a long distance to go (round trip of 2 hours), but I basically had to audition in front of 4 members of staff in what is a little hotel in the middle of nowhere. On a Tuesday morning. I gave them a five minute 'best of' set, they all laughed at the right times, I know what I'm doing with this material because I've been doing it for years (in, with my current mindset, a slightly jaded and auto-pilot kind of way), but I found the whole thing quite patronising, especially considering the door cut not being great - I reckon about £25 profit on this one. I accepted the gig, because it's on a quiet Sunday night and there's no harm in doing so, but didn't really enjoy this morning.
Got back, did a little more freelancing, replied to my regular ton of gig emails (pretty much confirmed a slot at the Birmingham Comedy Fest, which looks really, honestly great), and then spent ages scheduling soap opera stuff - getting scenes and dates really in order, just so I know exactly what I'm doing with it when it comes to filming on Friday, Saturday and Wednesday. There's 356 scenes in this. We haven't quite filmed 30 yet.
Suddenly it's 11pm, and the 4 Lab musical still isn't finished.
Monday, 25 April 2016
Monday 25th April 2016
What with me pulling out of the France shows, I've suddenly found myself with some free time this week.
Not sure where this day has gone.
Did a couple hours freelancing this morning, and then cleaned my bathroom, and then did my washing...things I've needed to do for a week or so. And then confirmed a show at my favourite venue - a lovely little space in Southampton. Took Mum for her weekly food shop, got attacked by the dog, the usual. Remembered to pay my rent on time, like a legend.
Got back, got frustrated by Spurs, re-wrote the 'Make or Break' show a little ahead of the May tour, still think it needs a little work...I've had that show for over a year but there's something about it that doesn't click. Some shows pretty much write themselves, this one I have to keep chugging away at.
Did a little work on the 4 Lab musical, spoke to Dave about our forthcoming comedy night and got him a TV appearance confirmed for it.
Got confused by my schedule and got a bit annoyed that some stuff in November is clashing.
Ah okay, that's where the day went, then.
Sunday 24th April 2016
Much needed lie-in after late night Dad's Army binge, and then around to Mum's for Sunday lunch.
After that, back with the band, long trip up (or down?) to Cookley, a village hall gig. Big room, about half sold-out which for a Sunday night in an unknown town is great.
First half felt like a struggle, they weren't quite as into it as we have been accustomed to recently, but we had them by the second half. In fact, it was really strong in places, there's a possibility that we're enjoying it more than the audience, but with so much life and energy on stage I can't see how people would not enjoy this. It's a polished, well rehearsed show we've got now.
Long trip home, back by 1.30am.
Got an email from a big-name TV producer inviting me to send over sitcom ideas/treatments for a sitcom that would run for a long time, and suitable for both the US and UK markets. This is both exciting but mind boggling in equal measures.
After that, back with the band, long trip up (or down?) to Cookley, a village hall gig. Big room, about half sold-out which for a Sunday night in an unknown town is great.
First half felt like a struggle, they weren't quite as into it as we have been accustomed to recently, but we had them by the second half. In fact, it was really strong in places, there's a possibility that we're enjoying it more than the audience, but with so much life and energy on stage I can't see how people would not enjoy this. It's a polished, well rehearsed show we've got now.
Long trip home, back by 1.30am.
Got an email from a big-name TV producer inviting me to send over sitcom ideas/treatments for a sitcom that would run for a long time, and suitable for both the US and UK markets. This is both exciting but mind boggling in equal measures.
Saturday 23rd April 2016
Up early (for a drummer, at least) and filmed some soap scenes with Izzy and Josh. It's coming together nicely, they're both just really good actors and understand the characters, it was fun and easy. Lots more to do but it's slowly getting there. Really nice catch-up with Izzy afterwards, it's been a while as we're both so busy.
Then off to Hobeach Hurn (it is actually a real place, despite my concerns), house show. Full drums in a house? Yep. Audience really close to those loud drums? Yep. But it was great - what an audience, a fun and intimate gig (sold out, 43 people), brilliant hosts, lovely food. We did our standard near-2 hour set and were on fire. The kind of gig where you struggle to get out afterwards because everyone is so friendly. Amazing stuff, when we're on form like this we're unstoppable.
Home by 2am, not too bad.
Then off to Hobeach Hurn (it is actually a real place, despite my concerns), house show. Full drums in a house? Yep. Audience really close to those loud drums? Yep. But it was great - what an audience, a fun and intimate gig (sold out, 43 people), brilliant hosts, lovely food. We did our standard near-2 hour set and were on fire. The kind of gig where you struggle to get out afterwards because everyone is so friendly. Amazing stuff, when we're on form like this we're unstoppable.
Home by 2am, not too bad.
Friday 22nd April 2016
Popped into the office for a bit, was the only one in but good to make up some hours.
Reluctantly pulled put of the France tour next week, it was only a lads jolly-up busking adventure anyway but felt the need to be sensible for a change. It wasn't just financially (I would lose a bit on it) but more because maybe, I deep down, I just need a little time out. Since Dad passed I finished my novel, wrote 26 episodes of a soap opera, toured with the band and wrote/toured a new stand-up show...and he's only been gone for 4 months. It occurred to me that I am making myself busy for the sake of it as a distraction, and actually I do need to just sit down and think, and deal, with it for a bit.
All of the band stuff is so well managed so it doesn't stress me out, but the little solo tour did, at times, and actually I do need to stop, just for a moment. I feel bad about letting Matt and Gulliuame down, but I hope they understand my reasoning.
Did a bit of work on the 4 Lab musical, and then over to Peterborough to rehearse with the string section - they're guesting with us next month. Sounding wonderful.
Reluctantly pulled put of the France tour next week, it was only a lads jolly-up busking adventure anyway but felt the need to be sensible for a change. It wasn't just financially (I would lose a bit on it) but more because maybe, I deep down, I just need a little time out. Since Dad passed I finished my novel, wrote 26 episodes of a soap opera, toured with the band and wrote/toured a new stand-up show...and he's only been gone for 4 months. It occurred to me that I am making myself busy for the sake of it as a distraction, and actually I do need to just sit down and think, and deal, with it for a bit.
All of the band stuff is so well managed so it doesn't stress me out, but the little solo tour did, at times, and actually I do need to stop, just for a moment. I feel bad about letting Matt and Gulliuame down, but I hope they understand my reasoning.
Did a bit of work on the 4 Lab musical, and then over to Peterborough to rehearse with the string section - they're guesting with us next month. Sounding wonderful.
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Thursday 21st April 2016
Really didn't sleep last night, just thinking about the show - and which bits still don't quite work. Woke up with the (slightly arrogant) conclusion that most of it does, but the structure needs a tweak and I do need to add in the 'creepy or not creepy' game. Been meaning to for a while but time...well, where does it go these days?
Show tonight was cancelled but I was never quite sure if it was on in the first place. The venue - a small hotel in Stamford, booked me informally a few months back and haven't spoken since. I called them this morning and the line was dead...I'm not convinced they're still open. Took the risk of not making the journey, here we are 2 hours after the show was due to the start and nobody has contacted me.
Was in the office all day today, did a lot of good stuff, I think. Feels like it's been a while (a week) since I've made progress there.
Got back, got freaked out by a website you can check to see if you've been caught by a speed camera (it said I had...a 34 in a 30, even though I didn't recognise the road name, and then realised it's a joke site with a 'you've been had mate' thing after a few seconds. My heart went proper fast...), finished sending emails to every restaurant in the UK and then opened talks with J3 about the 4 Lab musical I'm writing.
This was going to be my night off, but as we've established now: I'm just not into that kind of thing.
Show tonight was cancelled but I was never quite sure if it was on in the first place. The venue - a small hotel in Stamford, booked me informally a few months back and haven't spoken since. I called them this morning and the line was dead...I'm not convinced they're still open. Took the risk of not making the journey, here we are 2 hours after the show was due to the start and nobody has contacted me.
Was in the office all day today, did a lot of good stuff, I think. Feels like it's been a while (a week) since I've made progress there.
Got back, got freaked out by a website you can check to see if you've been caught by a speed camera (it said I had...a 34 in a 30, even though I didn't recognise the road name, and then realised it's a joke site with a 'you've been had mate' thing after a few seconds. My heart went proper fast...), finished sending emails to every restaurant in the UK and then opened talks with J3 about the 4 Lab musical I'm writing.
This was going to be my night off, but as we've established now: I'm just not into that kind of thing.
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Wednesday 20th April 2016
Haven't done any work that earns me proper money for the last few days, I put in 6 hours today - good hours, partly confusion, partly practical, but all worthwhile I feel.
Mum seems happier today, she had the family home valued and it's worth a bit more than any of us were expecting. She'll be off soon, leaving me with no or very little ties to my home town, which feels weird.
Tonight's show was just strange. A lot of my show is about dwelling on the past, and the show I grew up watching was 'They Think It's All Over'. Tonight, Rory McGrath, who was in that show, was in my audience. Nice chap, we had a chat after and he bought me a beer before the gig - he's very complimentary and very supportive of my show, he said lots of nice things. If I had told my 15-year-old self this was happening, then I think I would have gone into a bit of a frenzy.
But it did change the way I performed tonight; I was a little more panicky than normal (WHICH IS SAYING SOMETHING), frantic is my style anyway but this was pushing it tonight. It was really strong in places, it dipped, and for too long, in others, and I missed out the best bit of the whole show (the 'being OCD about not being OCD' routine) because I just wanted to keep it moving. It moved too quick, if anything.
They were a nice crowd, I felt the need to swear more than I normally would do because they wanted that sort of thing.
It's okay, I'm doing okay at this. I naturally feel thoroughly dissatisfied with many aspects of tonight's show, as I really felt in the place near Sheffield on Monday that it was starting to settle and tonight it's gone back to being a little slapdash, but people are enjoying it - and they're really lovely people, too.
Mum seems happier today, she had the family home valued and it's worth a bit more than any of us were expecting. She'll be off soon, leaving me with no or very little ties to my home town, which feels weird.
Tonight's show was just strange. A lot of my show is about dwelling on the past, and the show I grew up watching was 'They Think It's All Over'. Tonight, Rory McGrath, who was in that show, was in my audience. Nice chap, we had a chat after and he bought me a beer before the gig - he's very complimentary and very supportive of my show, he said lots of nice things. If I had told my 15-year-old self this was happening, then I think I would have gone into a bit of a frenzy.
But it did change the way I performed tonight; I was a little more panicky than normal (WHICH IS SAYING SOMETHING), frantic is my style anyway but this was pushing it tonight. It was really strong in places, it dipped, and for too long, in others, and I missed out the best bit of the whole show (the 'being OCD about not being OCD' routine) because I just wanted to keep it moving. It moved too quick, if anything.
They were a nice crowd, I felt the need to swear more than I normally would do because they wanted that sort of thing.
It's okay, I'm doing okay at this. I naturally feel thoroughly dissatisfied with many aspects of tonight's show, as I really felt in the place near Sheffield on Monday that it was starting to settle and tonight it's gone back to being a little slapdash, but people are enjoying it - and they're really lovely people, too.
Tuesday 19th April 2016
Monday's drive still niggled me a bit - felt like I got into a bit of a mess. The show was fine, though, it's really coming together.
Today was easier, got up and carried on booking more tour dates (it's become a bit of an addition, as well as being half of my living) and then took Mum shopping after lunch.
Easy drive to Needham Market (an hour and a half from Mum's, 45 minutes from mine), the show was nearly cancelled earlier in the day because nobody had bought tickets. In the end 2 people did. I don't mind that - it's a sleepy town, it's a Tuesday night, we did a lot of PR for it but you can also see why there wasn't an audience.
The two that were there enjoyed it, they were lovely and the girl said that she "preferred" this arrangement to going to a show with a big audience as it felt more personal.
Performance wasn't as good as the Sheffield one, but that's mostly because I decided to try out a bunch of really new bits. Some of it works, some of it fell flat. When I then got back to the original structure, it felt uneven, and it was quite clear those new bits were shoehorned in - the tempo of the show felt unnatural. A majority of it was fine, the ending was sloppy (and it's a really strong end, on paper, but I'm only nailing it 50% of the time) but as a show it was a good 70-minute workout. They were nice, those two that turned up, they could see I was working hard.
Home before 11pm, which is amazing, and then back to booking more tour dates.
Today was easier, got up and carried on booking more tour dates (it's become a bit of an addition, as well as being half of my living) and then took Mum shopping after lunch.
Easy drive to Needham Market (an hour and a half from Mum's, 45 minutes from mine), the show was nearly cancelled earlier in the day because nobody had bought tickets. In the end 2 people did. I don't mind that - it's a sleepy town, it's a Tuesday night, we did a lot of PR for it but you can also see why there wasn't an audience.
The two that were there enjoyed it, they were lovely and the girl said that she "preferred" this arrangement to going to a show with a big audience as it felt more personal.
Performance wasn't as good as the Sheffield one, but that's mostly because I decided to try out a bunch of really new bits. Some of it works, some of it fell flat. When I then got back to the original structure, it felt uneven, and it was quite clear those new bits were shoehorned in - the tempo of the show felt unnatural. A majority of it was fine, the ending was sloppy (and it's a really strong end, on paper, but I'm only nailing it 50% of the time) but as a show it was a good 70-minute workout. They were nice, those two that turned up, they could see I was working hard.
Home before 11pm, which is amazing, and then back to booking more tour dates.
Monday, 18 April 2016
Monday 18th April 2016
Even though it was a small show last night, I still don't sleep well after a performance - I tend to think about it all a bit too much.
Up in good time, down to the local shop to pick up caffeine and then looked at the script ahead of tonight's show. Opted to add in a couple of 'old' bits, just for out-of-town tour shows only - nothing much, just a few extra bits to beef it up. When it gets to Edinburgh it needs to be down to 50 minutes, so even with the new stuff I still need to trim it by 15 minutes (easily done, the 'I'm That Guy' song/poem doesn't work at all) but when touring I just need a few safety nets. So, added in the Grace song, the 'I Shouted Marvellous During Sex' song, and my Colchester rant. All of these things slot in remarkably well to the new show, but then again they're bound to because it is just another hour of me ranting about being single and getting speeding tickets. Only it's a better rant, with more substance.
The drive to Bamford was just crazy, mostly because I didn't realise it was that far away. Got into a right fluster, actually. Ended up in Sheffield city centre during rush hour. Ended up on a tram line. Three times, I think. In my panic I found myself down a really rough back street where people were just having a go at each other, and then I had a go at a stranger for nearly walking in front of my car because he had his headphones in and didn't see me. And then I found myself stuck waiting for the lights to change at the top of this hill/slope thing that was so steep my car started rolling backwards, which really scared the life out of the driver of the car behind me. Eventually I managed to find some inner-strength (within the car) and got over the slope, only to end up on that fucking tram line again.
Got to the venue and spent ten minutes Googling the punishment for driving on tram/bus lanes. Just a fine, no points. What a relief! Although I imagine about 4 fines coming my way; I seemed to spend most of my afternoon driving on a track, which, let's be honest, isn't really designed for cars.
Anyway, the show was a sellout, which was a relief considering nobody bought tickets before the event - they just turned up in their droves, as the venue manager ran around looking for more chairs.
Strange show; they clearly wanted to like me, but I didn't get the important first laugh where I thought I was going to get it - the intro wasn't great. I got a big laugh within the first 5 minutes, though, and by about 20 minutes in I was flying. I clearly divided the room, but by the Ginsters/crying scene they were completely mine.
Chatting to the audience afterwards it appears they enjoyed it a lot more than I thought.
Long drive home, mostly because I had to go through Sheffield again, even though I managed to avoid any issues this time around.
I have no idea how my car is still going.
Up in good time, down to the local shop to pick up caffeine and then looked at the script ahead of tonight's show. Opted to add in a couple of 'old' bits, just for out-of-town tour shows only - nothing much, just a few extra bits to beef it up. When it gets to Edinburgh it needs to be down to 50 minutes, so even with the new stuff I still need to trim it by 15 minutes (easily done, the 'I'm That Guy' song/poem doesn't work at all) but when touring I just need a few safety nets. So, added in the Grace song, the 'I Shouted Marvellous During Sex' song, and my Colchester rant. All of these things slot in remarkably well to the new show, but then again they're bound to because it is just another hour of me ranting about being single and getting speeding tickets. Only it's a better rant, with more substance.
The drive to Bamford was just crazy, mostly because I didn't realise it was that far away. Got into a right fluster, actually. Ended up in Sheffield city centre during rush hour. Ended up on a tram line. Three times, I think. In my panic I found myself down a really rough back street where people were just having a go at each other, and then I had a go at a stranger for nearly walking in front of my car because he had his headphones in and didn't see me. And then I found myself stuck waiting for the lights to change at the top of this hill/slope thing that was so steep my car started rolling backwards, which really scared the life out of the driver of the car behind me. Eventually I managed to find some inner-strength (within the car) and got over the slope, only to end up on that fucking tram line again.
Got to the venue and spent ten minutes Googling the punishment for driving on tram/bus lanes. Just a fine, no points. What a relief! Although I imagine about 4 fines coming my way; I seemed to spend most of my afternoon driving on a track, which, let's be honest, isn't really designed for cars.
Anyway, the show was a sellout, which was a relief considering nobody bought tickets before the event - they just turned up in their droves, as the venue manager ran around looking for more chairs.
Strange show; they clearly wanted to like me, but I didn't get the important first laugh where I thought I was going to get it - the intro wasn't great. I got a big laugh within the first 5 minutes, though, and by about 20 minutes in I was flying. I clearly divided the room, but by the Ginsters/crying scene they were completely mine.
Chatting to the audience afterwards it appears they enjoyed it a lot more than I thought.
Long drive home, mostly because I had to go through Sheffield again, even though I managed to avoid any issues this time around.
I have no idea how my car is still going.
Sunday 17th April 2016
Long day, started slowly enough - looked at my script, made sure everything was hunky dory for the evening show. Checked my car, looks like there's a pipe in the engine that's a bit loose, put a bit of gaffer tape on it.
Yep, my engine is officially being held together by gaffer tape.
As a result, slightly uncertain drive to Bristol but no harm done - car a little reluctant at times, but got me there.
Met up with Matt and Ian for food pre-show, always nice to catch up, and then the tour officially started. 6 people in the audience, 3 of whom I knew. Performance felt rushed (manic, even) but I still went over the hour mark which suggests I've got a lot to say in this show!
As far as opening performances go I've had a lot worse - this show works, it's all there. It needs to settle a bit, but that won't happen for a good few months and the only way around this is to keep performing it lots of times. Home by 1.30am...a 400 mile round trip to perform the show to 6 people? Difficult to justify sometimes, but we've been here before and things generally work out okay.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Saturday 16th April 2016
Ended up chatting till late last night after the show, so got back late and naturally drank beer and watched telly for a bit longer. Slow start today as a result, but wasn't needed in town until 1pm anyway to play the Record Day gig.
Last year I really enjoyed this one, this year though it just felt flat, the sound was a battle and it just didn't really gel. Shame, the Claudia stuff deserves better.
Then met up with Emma to film the Monica/Harvey scenes. Another heart to heart first, of course, to make sure she's okay, and it's clear she's very okay, and then filmed it - everything was done within 4 takes. It's looking great.
Wanted to go and see Izzy in her play but with the tour starting tomorrow, and with the tiredness clearly starting to creep in, I went home instead. Purely so I can...well, catch up on emails about more shows.
Last year I really enjoyed this one, this year though it just felt flat, the sound was a battle and it just didn't really gel. Shame, the Claudia stuff deserves better.
Then met up with Emma to film the Monica/Harvey scenes. Another heart to heart first, of course, to make sure she's okay, and it's clear she's very okay, and then filmed it - everything was done within 4 takes. It's looking great.
Wanted to go and see Izzy in her play but with the tour starting tomorrow, and with the tiredness clearly starting to creep in, I went home instead. Purely so I can...well, catch up on emails about more shows.
Friday 15th April 2016
Went into the office today but I was quite unimpressive. You could just feel it. My lack of understanding regarding the product I'm selling hasn't helped at all.
I need this comedy/music thing to work out a little quicker.
Met up with Emma for a drink to discuss her character, although as always it was more of a social. Some big-ish issues were raised, though, and dealt with, it was a good session.
Lounge show at Sarah's felt really strong - she pointed out how fast and slick the show is. Wait till I've toured it a few times! I garbled a little at the start, but was really nailing it after 10 minutes or so. Lovely stuff, Richards. Tour starts on Sunday.
I need this comedy/music thing to work out a little quicker.
Met up with Emma for a drink to discuss her character, although as always it was more of a social. Some big-ish issues were raised, though, and dealt with, it was a good session.
Lounge show at Sarah's felt really strong - she pointed out how fast and slick the show is. Wait till I've toured it a few times! I garbled a little at the start, but was really nailing it after 10 minutes or so. Lovely stuff, Richards. Tour starts on Sunday.
Thursday 14th April 2016
Spent a bit more time not understanding the freelance work, then spent a bit more time getting confused by the soap opera film schedule. The filming last night was seriously great, though - we're onto a good thing here, I just need to be slightly more on it when it comes to basic organisation.
Emails are flying in with show offers. This is all good, but there aren't many days left.
Spent a lot of the day replying to emails.
Evening gig with G+V, back at the place where we had issues last time. No fights this time, but there was always something lingering in the air. Glad we got out when we did.
Emails are flying in with show offers. This is all good, but there aren't many days left.
Spent a lot of the day replying to emails.
Evening gig with G+V, back at the place where we had issues last time. No fights this time, but there was always something lingering in the air. Glad we got out when we did.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Wednesday 13th April 2016
Just had a quick count up. I've emailed 582 venues in 3 weeks about shows...7 offers so far, maybe a couple more will trickle in. Those offers that I've had are really, really good so it's been a worthwhile exercise, at least. They were all hotels. I'll do restaurants next, and then I would have totally run out of potential performances spaces in the UK so might have to look elsewhere...
Spent a majority of the day working from home doing the freelance stuff and generally getting quite confused about what an 'index html' file is. Spent hours on it. Will they pay me for just being confused?
Evening filming the soap with Lara and Alan; two absolutely brilliant actors who have given these characters a real sense of life. It was a long session, but 15 scenes in the bag - really good scenes too, this writer is very happy.
Forgot I was supposed to be playing a few tunes with Guiliuamme but still made it down to the venue for the end of the jam anyway to say hello. Busy, brilliant times.
Spent a majority of the day working from home doing the freelance stuff and generally getting quite confused about what an 'index html' file is. Spent hours on it. Will they pay me for just being confused?
Evening filming the soap with Lara and Alan; two absolutely brilliant actors who have given these characters a real sense of life. It was a long session, but 15 scenes in the bag - really good scenes too, this writer is very happy.
Forgot I was supposed to be playing a few tunes with Guiliuamme but still made it down to the venue for the end of the jam anyway to say hello. Busy, brilliant times.
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
Tuesday 12th April 2016
My spreadsheet for the soap opera filming schedule is really confusing me. I mean, we have over 360 scenes to film. This might take longer than the 8 weeks I had put aside for it...but if we can get this right, which we will...well, what an achievement this will be. And that's why I love projects like this. It would be so incredibly easy to make this a radio soap, for example, but where's the fun in that? As much as I'd like to do one of those, too. One day.
Maybe it's just because Emma was ill on Sunday so we couldn't film with her then that's put me in a minor panic. It'll be great. I like that some of the actors are asking me lots of questions about their characters, Lara in particular really seems to want to know 'Lucy', and I'm meeting Emma for a coffee on Friday to discuss 2 lines that she wasn't sure about...there's 26 episodes, if there's only 2 lines out of place I'm happy enough. These actors seem to care, more so than any other team I've had before.
After tour admin (solo show is selling well in some places, not selling at all in others), I took Mum shopping and realised just how much she is struggling with...well, everything, really. She's in a different bubble to the rest of us, and not in a good way.
Dashed back, quick shower and then off to Jo's house for a lounge show. She got a really lovely audience in for me, who for some reason paid me - I don't usually get paid for lounge shows as it's a public rehearsal, but they all gave a fiver each which was kind. They were so up for it tonight, and I really enjoyed myself. The show feels almost smooth now, I've added in more bits, I've remembered more bits that I haven't done over the last couple of days and my continued car worries seems to be of amusement to the audience. This is a proper show, and it will only get better.
Ended up having a drink and chat with Jo till late, lots of ideas, too many exciting things happening. We'll be working together a lot in the future, I think.
I must remember to do some 'proper' work tomorrow, completely forgot today.
Maybe it's just because Emma was ill on Sunday so we couldn't film with her then that's put me in a minor panic. It'll be great. I like that some of the actors are asking me lots of questions about their characters, Lara in particular really seems to want to know 'Lucy', and I'm meeting Emma for a coffee on Friday to discuss 2 lines that she wasn't sure about...there's 26 episodes, if there's only 2 lines out of place I'm happy enough. These actors seem to care, more so than any other team I've had before.
After tour admin (solo show is selling well in some places, not selling at all in others), I took Mum shopping and realised just how much she is struggling with...well, everything, really. She's in a different bubble to the rest of us, and not in a good way.
Dashed back, quick shower and then off to Jo's house for a lounge show. She got a really lovely audience in for me, who for some reason paid me - I don't usually get paid for lounge shows as it's a public rehearsal, but they all gave a fiver each which was kind. They were so up for it tonight, and I really enjoyed myself. The show feels almost smooth now, I've added in more bits, I've remembered more bits that I haven't done over the last couple of days and my continued car worries seems to be of amusement to the audience. This is a proper show, and it will only get better.
Ended up having a drink and chat with Jo till late, lots of ideas, too many exciting things happening. We'll be working together a lot in the future, I think.
I must remember to do some 'proper' work tomorrow, completely forgot today.
Monday, 11 April 2016
Monday 11th April 2016
I've got 180 emails in my drafts folder about to go out. When they do, that means I've emailed over 800 venues in the last fortnight about bringing my show to them...they're all hotels, basically I just wanted to get the whole 'doing a show in a hotel' thing out of my system. That's a lot of hotels, actually. I had another 2 offers today, so that takes me up to 6 from this huge batch of messages.
Next: I'll try restaurants. Every restaurant in the UK, perhaps. Maybe. A good few, anyway.
Anything but doing the generic stand-up circuit, it sounds, and is (from the four gigs I've done on it) quite horrible.
Did a full day in the office. Was fine. Gets the hours in. I know the boss wants me to get more technical and build a site using the tool we host, but it's a Monday, I've had a tough weekend, I just wanted to do lots of admin instead.
Evening show - another lounge show ahead of the tour which opens on Sunday. Just one audience member, my mate Tim. Was a bit weird just doing the show to Tim, but he laughed in all the right places, it was really jolly. This show is good, you know, really, slowly, building into the best thing I've done. Yep, so it's generic Richards, but it's snappier than the others, it was better tonight and it will be even better tomorrow night around Jo's.
I'm doing the right thing with my life. It's late (1.32am), I'm working myself a little too hard, but it's all coming together nicely.
Next: I'll try restaurants. Every restaurant in the UK, perhaps. Maybe. A good few, anyway.
Anything but doing the generic stand-up circuit, it sounds, and is (from the four gigs I've done on it) quite horrible.
Did a full day in the office. Was fine. Gets the hours in. I know the boss wants me to get more technical and build a site using the tool we host, but it's a Monday, I've had a tough weekend, I just wanted to do lots of admin instead.
Evening show - another lounge show ahead of the tour which opens on Sunday. Just one audience member, my mate Tim. Was a bit weird just doing the show to Tim, but he laughed in all the right places, it was really jolly. This show is good, you know, really, slowly, building into the best thing I've done. Yep, so it's generic Richards, but it's snappier than the others, it was better tonight and it will be even better tomorrow night around Jo's.
I'm doing the right thing with my life. It's late (1.32am), I'm working myself a little too hard, but it's all coming together nicely.
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Sunday 10th April 2016
Just how good was yesterday?! I woke up, thinking it was all a dream. It wasn't, it was just amazing.
Breakfast at the venue, and then home. Slow, hungover trip home.
Got back by 4.30pm, dozed off for a bit.
Evening lounge show around my friend's house who is terminally ill. Obviously there's an odd, fragile vibe about it all, but she's in good spirits still, remarkably. The show was okay, it's certainly a work in progress but it is making progress. I always feel guilty in these situations for not giving the audience a 'finished' product, but this is the process I have to go through. It's a really fun show, you know, I'm not on great form with it, but it has a lovely structure and some big laughs in there. Heather saw it for a second time and pointed out that it starts and ends really well, but I lose my way in the middle. 3 more lounge shows next week and then the tour. Quietly optimistic, and knackered.
Breakfast at the venue, and then home. Slow, hungover trip home.
Got back by 4.30pm, dozed off for a bit.
Evening lounge show around my friend's house who is terminally ill. Obviously there's an odd, fragile vibe about it all, but she's in good spirits still, remarkably. The show was okay, it's certainly a work in progress but it is making progress. I always feel guilty in these situations for not giving the audience a 'finished' product, but this is the process I have to go through. It's a really fun show, you know, I'm not on great form with it, but it has a lovely structure and some big laughs in there. Heather saw it for a second time and pointed out that it starts and ends really well, but I lose my way in the middle. 3 more lounge shows next week and then the tour. Quietly optimistic, and knackered.
Saturday 9th April 2016
So hungover. Our own fault, completely. There's nothing like a service station breakfast to get over such pain, though.
Over to Stroud, which was only about 20 miles down the road. The venue was amazing - the best we've ever played in. Beautiful building, a former convent, big, lovely room filled with stunning artwork. Soundman very particular about the tuning of my kit, and how badly it was tuned, so we spent hours getting it right. A long process, but they sound amazing now, and this little tour kit is just a cheap one for the road.
Got my own hotel room! That's a first for band touring, usually have to share with Al. Lovely room, too, huge. A seemingly endless tab at the bar for us, 3 lovely meals (including post-show pizza), and the most generous of staff. The whole set up in this place is just wonderful - passionate, understanding people running it, it's a hotel/venue/spa/restaurant...I got lost so many times in the building but for every wrong turn there was a new quirk to discover, a disused piano or a piece of art. Just amazing, everything about it. I see why people go here and use it as a retreat.
The gig was great - filmed for a live broadcast. So comfortable, big audience but because we had a 3 hour tech we went into it feeling so confident. Lovely show, best we've played in a long while, and the footage looks amazing.
Partied till 3am, taking full advantage of the free bar. A particular shot called 'Brain Hemorrhage' was a favourite.
The whole day, the whole set up, just incredible. And we get paid for this? Amazing times.
Over to Stroud, which was only about 20 miles down the road. The venue was amazing - the best we've ever played in. Beautiful building, a former convent, big, lovely room filled with stunning artwork. Soundman very particular about the tuning of my kit, and how badly it was tuned, so we spent hours getting it right. A long process, but they sound amazing now, and this little tour kit is just a cheap one for the road.
Got my own hotel room! That's a first for band touring, usually have to share with Al. Lovely room, too, huge. A seemingly endless tab at the bar for us, 3 lovely meals (including post-show pizza), and the most generous of staff. The whole set up in this place is just wonderful - passionate, understanding people running it, it's a hotel/venue/spa/restaurant...I got lost so many times in the building but for every wrong turn there was a new quirk to discover, a disused piano or a piece of art. Just amazing, everything about it. I see why people go here and use it as a retreat.
The gig was great - filmed for a live broadcast. So comfortable, big audience but because we had a 3 hour tech we went into it feeling so confident. Lovely show, best we've played in a long while, and the footage looks amazing.
Partied till 3am, taking full advantage of the free bar. A particular shot called 'Brain Hemorrhage' was a favourite.
The whole day, the whole set up, just incredible. And we get paid for this? Amazing times.
Friday 8th April 2016
Spent the morning in the office, had a meeting, everyone seems happy enough with what I'm doing.
Then dashed off to Cirencester with the band. Strange venue - below a hotel, almost like a cave. It felt very fringe. I didn't get on with the other drummer on the bill. Nearly a sold out show, how are we nearly selling out in Cirencester? Never even heard of it before.
Played well, audience were fine. Sound wasn't great, didn't ever really hit top gear, but did enough to keep everyone happy.
Confirmed 2 amazing solo comedy performances for July, very happy.
Got back and drank till 5am, mostly with Vix, to discuss women and all their complexities. Still haven't found an answer, but it's good to drink and chat.
Then dashed off to Cirencester with the band. Strange venue - below a hotel, almost like a cave. It felt very fringe. I didn't get on with the other drummer on the bill. Nearly a sold out show, how are we nearly selling out in Cirencester? Never even heard of it before.
Played well, audience were fine. Sound wasn't great, didn't ever really hit top gear, but did enough to keep everyone happy.
Confirmed 2 amazing solo comedy performances for July, very happy.
Got back and drank till 5am, mostly with Vix, to discuss women and all their complexities. Still haven't found an answer, but it's good to drink and chat.
Thursday 7th April 2016
Worked for a few hours from home in the morning, and then spent the day panic rehearsing for the premiere of the new show in Beccles.
Having only performed the show from script, learning it all in time was a ridiculous task. I did - shaky as anything and the rhythm isn't quite there yet, but the Beccles crowd are lovely and quite forgiving. An odd night, it was more of a cabaret evening, they weren't exactly vocal in their enjoyment of the show but still, got through it.
This show can be so much better, you know. On the way home I drove without music, instead just running the show, talking through it to myself. It has some brilliant moments in it, but the performance needs gusto. It'll have it soon.
Having only performed the show from script, learning it all in time was a ridiculous task. I did - shaky as anything and the rhythm isn't quite there yet, but the Beccles crowd are lovely and quite forgiving. An odd night, it was more of a cabaret evening, they weren't exactly vocal in their enjoyment of the show but still, got through it.
This show can be so much better, you know. On the way home I drove without music, instead just running the show, talking through it to myself. It has some brilliant moments in it, but the performance needs gusto. It'll have it soon.
Wednesday 6th April 2016
Took the day out to take Mum to Great Yarmouth to look at a house she was potentially going to buy. She didn't like it, I don't blame her - horrible place. Worth the trip I guess just to rule it out, I never understood why she was keen in the first place.
Got back, continued clearing out my old room. Found an old record of Dad's, one that he played on. It's scratched to buggery, has lost it's sleeve, but means the world to me that I've found it. It just feels special, you know? I'm going to treasure this LP forever. And recreate it - put a band together, learn those songs, make a charity album. This project will need time, which I don't have right now, but I will soon.
Evening rehearsal with FH, mostly working on the set for the Vix-less gig we have coming up. Griff will be more than fine. Also rehearsed a couple brand new songs, which will see the light of day soon. They'll be for album 3, which we start recording in October. Album 2 officially comes out next month. I love the workrate of this band.
Got back, continued clearing out my old room. Found an old record of Dad's, one that he played on. It's scratched to buggery, has lost it's sleeve, but means the world to me that I've found it. It just feels special, you know? I'm going to treasure this LP forever. And recreate it - put a band together, learn those songs, make a charity album. This project will need time, which I don't have right now, but I will soon.
Evening rehearsal with FH, mostly working on the set for the Vix-less gig we have coming up. Griff will be more than fine. Also rehearsed a couple brand new songs, which will see the light of day soon. They'll be for album 3, which we start recording in October. Album 2 officially comes out next month. I love the workrate of this band.
Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Tuesday 5th April 2016
In the office, because it didn't really work out yesterday. Only stayed for four hours, but enough to tick that box.
Spent the afternoon around my friend's house with the band, my friend who is incredibly ill (they've put a timescale on it now, which upset everyone last night coming back from the gig). Harsh isn't it, life? So harsh. We still all got some giggles in there.
Confirmed solo shows in London and The Peak District.
Record label/PR meeting with potential new act to add to our roster was a storming success, we really know our stuff, you know? Even I was impressed with us.
Back by 10pm, just in time to spend 5 hours replying to gig emails and other such offers.
Spent the afternoon around my friend's house with the band, my friend who is incredibly ill (they've put a timescale on it now, which upset everyone last night coming back from the gig). Harsh isn't it, life? So harsh. We still all got some giggles in there.
Confirmed solo shows in London and The Peak District.
Record label/PR meeting with potential new act to add to our roster was a storming success, we really know our stuff, you know? Even I was impressed with us.
Back by 10pm, just in time to spend 5 hours replying to gig emails and other such offers.
Monday 4th April 2016
Went into the office to do my day of freelancing, only to get an email from them telling me that nobody else was in today. Used the time well, got stuff done at least.
Then over to the band HQ, and off to Wokingham. Nearly a sold-out show which, considering we've never even heard of Wokingham before, was a bonus. Great venue, Phil is a brilliant promoter (and it's nice to have somebody to chat to about football because my bandmates aren't into it), cracking sound.
Slow start, I thought - at times it felt like we were playing in a library. At times it felt like a 'job', but then everyone seemed to wake up and the room was buzzing after about 45 minutes or so. Nice gig.
Long night, home by 2am.
Then over to the band HQ, and off to Wokingham. Nearly a sold-out show which, considering we've never even heard of Wokingham before, was a bonus. Great venue, Phil is a brilliant promoter (and it's nice to have somebody to chat to about football because my bandmates aren't into it), cracking sound.
Slow start, I thought - at times it felt like we were playing in a library. At times it felt like a 'job', but then everyone seemed to wake up and the room was buzzing after about 45 minutes or so. Nice gig.
Long night, home by 2am.
Sunday, 3 April 2016
Sunday 3rd April 2016
So good last night. To the extent that I struggled to sleep, so instead I watched Dad's Army till 3am.
Spent the day with Mum. Turns out, in her spare time, she has done an amazing job in training the dog - I watched all the tricks today, so impressive. Who would have known that little shit could be so disciplined? And why wasn't she trained to NOT BITE ME. It's all very well being able to lie on all fours at the click of a finger, but I've got so many scars on my arms now people are starting to ask questions.
Nice enough day, though.
Got back and spent so incredibly long working on a spreadsheet for the soap. It's bloody impressive though, gathering cast availability, scenes lists for all 26 episodes. Got a strange buzz out of it. Messaged the cast to let them know the days I need them to film on, and bunged all in my diary. This is going to be complex, but if we can pull it off...well, I'll get a book/show out of it. And a soap opera, probably.
Confirmed solo shows in Needham Market, Winchester and a huge, huge one in Newquay.
Spent the day with Mum. Turns out, in her spare time, she has done an amazing job in training the dog - I watched all the tricks today, so impressive. Who would have known that little shit could be so disciplined? And why wasn't she trained to NOT BITE ME. It's all very well being able to lie on all fours at the click of a finger, but I've got so many scars on my arms now people are starting to ask questions.
Nice enough day, though.
Got back and spent so incredibly long working on a spreadsheet for the soap. It's bloody impressive though, gathering cast availability, scenes lists for all 26 episodes. Got a strange buzz out of it. Messaged the cast to let them know the days I need them to film on, and bunged all in my diary. This is going to be complex, but if we can pull it off...well, I'll get a book/show out of it. And a soap opera, probably.
Confirmed solo shows in Needham Market, Winchester and a huge, huge one in Newquay.
Saturday 2nd April 2016
I think booking tour dates is becoming an obsession of mine...it's exciting though, isn't it?
Okay, let's put it this way. A really close friend of mine from the music scene had a heart attack the other day, and I'm grateful that he pulled through. Today I found out that another really, really close friend of mine from the local theatre/comedy side has leukemia and is really struggling at the moment...she got me on stage in the first place with the first Oscar P show, all of my fingers are crossed. So, I'm not going to dawdle, I get really excited about being out there. I mean, the show isn't quite ready yet, but part of me is really excited by the idea of that I *have* to pull this one out of the bag. Life really is too short.
So yep, messaged a load of new venues today.
Met up with the band, off to Salford near Milton Keynes, charity gig. Cracking support act (always liked Danni), sold out show - 90 people, tiny village hall. It was a party, more than anything else. Nobody should let Ali be in charge of the smoke machine, he let it off in the most dramatic of moments. A few people (one of them really pretty) wore t-shirts with my face on it. I seem to have a following at the moment of young ladies, yet I still can't work out if it's genuine or sarcasm. Happy to go along with it, I mean - it sells tickets at the end of the day, but considering I'm only a drummer I'm getting far too much attention at the moment. This was evident in the interval when I popped outside for some air (sweaty gig) with Ali and Gaf, and these two ladies only wanted their 'selfie' taken with me...it's baffling, and I think it's the smiling thing, not the drumming, that's doing that. Almost like I'm a comedy character on stage, and whilst it's nice to have that personality, I don't want to be like that 'drummer at the wrong gig' clip that goes viral every six months.
Either way, absolutely storming gig. Not being arrogant, but we're so good when we're like this. It's a proper show, with energy, and desire, and passion, it's like we fight for each other on stage. It's a wonderful, life affirming thing we've got going on here.
Okay, let's put it this way. A really close friend of mine from the music scene had a heart attack the other day, and I'm grateful that he pulled through. Today I found out that another really, really close friend of mine from the local theatre/comedy side has leukemia and is really struggling at the moment...she got me on stage in the first place with the first Oscar P show, all of my fingers are crossed. So, I'm not going to dawdle, I get really excited about being out there. I mean, the show isn't quite ready yet, but part of me is really excited by the idea of that I *have* to pull this one out of the bag. Life really is too short.
So yep, messaged a load of new venues today.
Met up with the band, off to Salford near Milton Keynes, charity gig. Cracking support act (always liked Danni), sold out show - 90 people, tiny village hall. It was a party, more than anything else. Nobody should let Ali be in charge of the smoke machine, he let it off in the most dramatic of moments. A few people (one of them really pretty) wore t-shirts with my face on it. I seem to have a following at the moment of young ladies, yet I still can't work out if it's genuine or sarcasm. Happy to go along with it, I mean - it sells tickets at the end of the day, but considering I'm only a drummer I'm getting far too much attention at the moment. This was evident in the interval when I popped outside for some air (sweaty gig) with Ali and Gaf, and these two ladies only wanted their 'selfie' taken with me...it's baffling, and I think it's the smiling thing, not the drumming, that's doing that. Almost like I'm a comedy character on stage, and whilst it's nice to have that personality, I don't want to be like that 'drummer at the wrong gig' clip that goes viral every six months.
Either way, absolutely storming gig. Not being arrogant, but we're so good when we're like this. It's a proper show, with energy, and desire, and passion, it's like we fight for each other on stage. It's a wonderful, life affirming thing we've got going on here.
Friday, 1 April 2016
Friday 1st April 2016
Hate to say it, but I enjoyed 'work' today - I just felt welcome, you know? They seem really, really happy with what I'm doing for them, I seem to have somehow fitted into the company mould a bit. I only do roughly about 22 hours a week for them, but it's seemingly enough to keep them happy.
My friend said that if the engine warning light on my car is the head gasket, it would have blown by now. That's good to know.
So many offers coming in for gigs with both bands, for rehearsals with another, and for solo comedy gigs. My diary is bursting, which is probably why I'm so pissed off that half of the cast (4 actors) still haven't told me their filming availability. Filming was supposed to start tomorrow, but because people can't be arsed to spend 3 minutes filling in a form online to let me know when they're free it just doesn't happen. Look at Rob, for example - he's the hardest working comedian I know, he gigs every night, yet he still found the time to let me know his availability, if he - the busiest man I know, can do it, why can't the others? Emma is an exception here, because although she hasn't done it yet she does apologise to me constantly which is manners, at least. Made a shortlist of substitute cast members, and messaged them (they're all keen), just in case. There's a knock on you see - whilst I'm waiting for actors to fill in little form online, bands are waiting for me to tell them when I can rehearse, and this can't drag on like this.
On a happier note, great gig with Claudia tonight - the room was buzzing. We were a little messy at times, but such a nice vibe throughout. I needed that.
My friend said that if the engine warning light on my car is the head gasket, it would have blown by now. That's good to know.
So many offers coming in for gigs with both bands, for rehearsals with another, and for solo comedy gigs. My diary is bursting, which is probably why I'm so pissed off that half of the cast (4 actors) still haven't told me their filming availability. Filming was supposed to start tomorrow, but because people can't be arsed to spend 3 minutes filling in a form online to let me know when they're free it just doesn't happen. Look at Rob, for example - he's the hardest working comedian I know, he gigs every night, yet he still found the time to let me know his availability, if he - the busiest man I know, can do it, why can't the others? Emma is an exception here, because although she hasn't done it yet she does apologise to me constantly which is manners, at least. Made a shortlist of substitute cast members, and messaged them (they're all keen), just in case. There's a knock on you see - whilst I'm waiting for actors to fill in little form online, bands are waiting for me to tell them when I can rehearse, and this can't drag on like this.
On a happier note, great gig with Claudia tonight - the room was buzzing. We were a little messy at times, but such a nice vibe throughout. I needed that.
Thursday 31st May 2016
Couldn't get Corby, but got Needham Market instead - looks nice. The promoter is really, really keen.
Did a few hours in the office, they all loved that someone fell asleep in my show last night. I think self-deprecation is the way to win these guys over.
In a moment of panic, knowing that my show now opens next week, I emailed a bunch of close friends offering them a last-minute lounge show. Luckily, Heather stepped in and I did the show to her and Vaughan, two absolutely brilliant people. I loved doing the show to them, so relaxed, nice vibes, lovely people.
The show was much better tonight; I shifted a few things around, added in a few lines. Bits of it still don't work (my intentionally long rant about people who wear ties in Pizza Express still isn't working) but a lot of it does. It's going to be fine, you know.
Confirmed Vaughan for the soap (turns out I was emailing his old email account, hence his lack of replies) and then realised half the cast still haven't given me their availability for filming...we were supposed to start filming this Saturday. I can't afford to lose another week.
Did a few hours in the office, they all loved that someone fell asleep in my show last night. I think self-deprecation is the way to win these guys over.
In a moment of panic, knowing that my show now opens next week, I emailed a bunch of close friends offering them a last-minute lounge show. Luckily, Heather stepped in and I did the show to her and Vaughan, two absolutely brilliant people. I loved doing the show to them, so relaxed, nice vibes, lovely people.
The show was much better tonight; I shifted a few things around, added in a few lines. Bits of it still don't work (my intentionally long rant about people who wear ties in Pizza Express still isn't working) but a lot of it does. It's going to be fine, you know.
Confirmed Vaughan for the soap (turns out I was emailing his old email account, hence his lack of replies) and then realised half the cast still haven't given me their availability for filming...we were supposed to start filming this Saturday. I can't afford to lose another week.
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