Up early to do a spot of freelancing, and then off to do a little stint on local TV promoting the shows - only to realise it'll be broadcast after the shows have happened. What's the point in booking me, then?
Got back, did a little more freelancing work, and then tried in vein to fill those two tour dates up north that is an annoying gap in my schedule. 5 hours later, bugger all response.
Evening had an awkward date. Why does every date have to be this awkward?
I've decided to just book more tour dates and live on the road, probably being single forever.
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Tuesday 28th June 2016
Went into the office and forgot that nobody else was in, really should have checked that email account before heading out the house. Still, got some stuff done.
Really amazed by the sudden interest in the '50 Ways...' film again - seriously; it's been six months since anyone in the industry wanted to discuss it but I've had 4 enquiries from cinemas today about screening it.
Evening we had our now regular show in Cambridge for charity. This was a cracker tonight - an absolute gem of a night. Isn't it so lovely when comedians you admire so much turn up, be nice and work the room as if it were a stadium? Both Mark and Lou were exceptional, Lou in particular had so much energy it was just exhausting to watch and some of the audience were even choking with laughter, me included. A brilliant night, this is why we do this.
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
Monday 27th June 2016
Spent the morning working on the Oscar script, rewriting bits and tightening it up a bit. I'll be honest; it feels pretty loose, structurally a bit sloppy but I like it a lot. It's fast (yet incredibly wordy...how am I gonna learn this?!) and gag-heavy. There's a couple call-backs, but it's more of a sketch show than anything with a punchline at the end. It's also too long, which gives us plenty of room to cut bits.
Then took Mum shopping, and whilst waiting in town car park for several hours wrote a treatment for a movie idea which I'll start writing properly soon once all the madness of existing projects subsides.
Wasted 90 minutes of my life watching the England match.
Then took Mum shopping, and whilst waiting in town car park for several hours wrote a treatment for a movie idea which I'll start writing properly soon once all the madness of existing projects subsides.
Wasted 90 minutes of my life watching the England match.
Sunday, 26 June 2016
Sunday 26th June 2016
Up early again for another two shows. Bloody festival season. But at least they were both in the same county this time. Essex.
The first show, up in Crawley was fine - really easy. Opening act on the main stage, nice audience, a little sleepy but it's 2pm on a Sunday afternoon. Played well, the set leaning towards singer-songwriter stuff rather than full on happy fun like last night, with the usual big climax. Got momentarily distratced mid-song when Gaf, in his usual 'trying to look at Paul's balls' routine took it to a whole new level by holding up a sign saying he could see them. How he held up the sign and carried on playing I don't know, but both Ali and I were crying with laughter to the extent we were nearly going out of time.
Then off to a little village to headline a festival there, curated by a friend of ours. Should have been a nice show - at the back of a village hall, nice crowd, but it pissed it down and felt like a struggle at times. We were still tight, but our fourth gig of the weekend and fighting it a bit by the end. We were looked after so well, though - pizza, beer. That's pretty much been the case of the whole weekend. As always with weekends on the road, I eat badly and drink too much. Because clearly that's TOTALLY different to my normal lifestyle.
The first show, up in Crawley was fine - really easy. Opening act on the main stage, nice audience, a little sleepy but it's 2pm on a Sunday afternoon. Played well, the set leaning towards singer-songwriter stuff rather than full on happy fun like last night, with the usual big climax. Got momentarily distratced mid-song when Gaf, in his usual 'trying to look at Paul's balls' routine took it to a whole new level by holding up a sign saying he could see them. How he held up the sign and carried on playing I don't know, but both Ali and I were crying with laughter to the extent we were nearly going out of time.
Then off to a little village to headline a festival there, curated by a friend of ours. Should have been a nice show - at the back of a village hall, nice crowd, but it pissed it down and felt like a struggle at times. We were still tight, but our fourth gig of the weekend and fighting it a bit by the end. We were looked after so well, though - pizza, beer. That's pretty much been the case of the whole weekend. As always with weekends on the road, I eat badly and drink too much. Because clearly that's TOTALLY different to my normal lifestyle.
Saturday 25th June 2016
It was only a small event last night, but I am honestly so happy with it - it gave me the opportunity to try out some bits I haven't risked on tour yet, it works, I'm now quietly confident about what can be achieved.
Long day today. Up annoyingly early, off to Manchester for a slot on stage 2 at a rainy, but quite important, festival. House kit was terrible - seriously, one leg on the bass drum?? It slid all over the stage, I spent half the gig dragging the bloody thing back. And then the chain on my bass pedal broke. Yet we still played well because that's the FH way - we're just such a well oiled machine, so even when one of the cogs (the drummer) has a few technical issues, the audience are pretty much oblivious.
Then off to Market Harborough for a longer show - this was 'our' show, not on a mixed billing, so a 2 hour gig with nice meal in the interval. I just love that venue, we play there roughly every six months and, without wishing to sound arrogant, our status suggests that we may have outgrown it. But we haven't, really, because we keep going back - we just enjoy ourselves so much there. The audience are brilliant, it's really busy, we tend to have a bit of a party on stage. We were so tight tonight, long show but the energy never dipped at all.
Long day today. Up annoyingly early, off to Manchester for a slot on stage 2 at a rainy, but quite important, festival. House kit was terrible - seriously, one leg on the bass drum?? It slid all over the stage, I spent half the gig dragging the bloody thing back. And then the chain on my bass pedal broke. Yet we still played well because that's the FH way - we're just such a well oiled machine, so even when one of the cogs (the drummer) has a few technical issues, the audience are pretty much oblivious.
Then off to Market Harborough for a longer show - this was 'our' show, not on a mixed billing, so a 2 hour gig with nice meal in the interval. I just love that venue, we play there roughly every six months and, without wishing to sound arrogant, our status suggests that we may have outgrown it. But we haven't, really, because we keep going back - we just enjoy ourselves so much there. The audience are brilliant, it's really busy, we tend to have a bit of a party on stage. We were so tight tonight, long show but the energy never dipped at all.
Friday 24th June 2016
Another day in the office, mostly because it was near to the venue I had a show in that night.
Woke up to the Brexit news; I'm the least political person I know but even I knew it should have been a no-brainer. Shocking, worrying times. I saw a lot of gloomy faces today.
For the evening show I was the MC. It was initially planned as being the launch of our musical but it's not quite ready yet. As we had the venue booked anyway we decided to put on a last minute fringe fundraiser type of show. We had a small crowd (about 10 or so I think) but it really worked...tonight, for the first time in ages, I felt like a 'proper' comedian. Did some stand-up bits at the start, went a little political, played a game of 'Creep or Not Creepy', introduced some acts, did the Grace song, and then Tracy song (which is a stormer now) and a new version of 'Broken Relationship Bingo' before bringing on some more acts. What I did tonight was pretty much my new club set. Hurrah for that, I've finally found a niche: hitting drums and shouting about failed relationships. Easy. Can take on the world with this.
Woke up to the Brexit news; I'm the least political person I know but even I knew it should have been a no-brainer. Shocking, worrying times. I saw a lot of gloomy faces today.
For the evening show I was the MC. It was initially planned as being the launch of our musical but it's not quite ready yet. As we had the venue booked anyway we decided to put on a last minute fringe fundraiser type of show. We had a small crowd (about 10 or so I think) but it really worked...tonight, for the first time in ages, I felt like a 'proper' comedian. Did some stand-up bits at the start, went a little political, played a game of 'Creep or Not Creepy', introduced some acts, did the Grace song, and then Tracy song (which is a stormer now) and a new version of 'Broken Relationship Bingo' before bringing on some more acts. What I did tonight was pretty much my new club set. Hurrah for that, I've finally found a niche: hitting drums and shouting about failed relationships. Easy. Can take on the world with this.
Thursday 23rd June 2016
The new Oscar Pike show does seem good, you know. Structurally flawed at this stage, and more sketch show with theme rather than proper play, but it's got some really nice comedy moments in there. Joke wise it's beating all my other projects hands down, which was never really the intention.
Did a full day in the office to remind them that I'm still about and it kind of justifies my wages a bit. Realised I've messed up on some tour dates and that I now have 2 days up north without shows (but it's not worth me coming back) so desperately tried to book something up...but it's next month. No chance.
In the evening went to see Ben Folds with Izzy. Amazing show, just amazing - the man is a genius. I want to be Ben Folds. I want to be as cool as Ben Folds, please.
Did a full day in the office to remind them that I'm still about and it kind of justifies my wages a bit. Realised I've messed up on some tour dates and that I now have 2 days up north without shows (but it's not worth me coming back) so desperately tried to book something up...but it's next month. No chance.
In the evening went to see Ben Folds with Izzy. Amazing show, just amazing - the man is a genius. I want to be Ben Folds. I want to be as cool as Ben Folds, please.
Wednesday, 22 June 2016
Wednesday 22nd June 2016
Still a bit niggled by last night. Having tables stacked at the back of a venue is practicality. People aren't gonna laugh or not laugh because of some tables. I keep re-reading the email and getting myself angry about it, which is annoying in itself because I've got a lot of my own stuff to do right now.
Which, in all fairness, I have done today. Nailed a very rough draft of the new Oscar script, got all excited by it, and then realised that it surely can't be this good if I've written it in 4 days? Will let it breathe before sending it over to Izzy.
Evening rehearsal with Dowsing was nice. Short, and humid, but we're totally on it.
Which, in all fairness, I have done today. Nailed a very rough draft of the new Oscar script, got all excited by it, and then realised that it surely can't be this good if I've written it in 4 days? Will let it breathe before sending it over to Izzy.
Evening rehearsal with Dowsing was nice. Short, and humid, but we're totally on it.
Tuesday 21st June 2016
What could have been a day lost to being confused by video coding software turned into a productive one, mostly thanks to the fact that I got my head around it all. Slow process, and it's knackering out my laptop, but nice to be able to produce my own 'proper' films now. This is all part of the big eventual masterplan for success and glory.
Took Mum shopping, had a fight with the dog. The usual.
Evening we hosted another charity comedy night, this one different because people actually turned up and it happened. I'll have to be careful what I say here but...well, look - I play big gigs as a drummer all the time, regularly to hundreds of people, yet if we do have to do a show to 21 people in a small room I won't go on stage and say "this is the worst venue ever," and then moan after the show about the tables at the back of the room being a distraction. It felt tense and horrible because the artist was, frankly, making it that way. People not laughing as much as he would have wanted wasn't down to the room, or the tables, it was because he had made things very tense by stopping the show half way through to pick on the audience and then he didn't know how to recover.
Still, raised a bit for charity.
Took Mum shopping, had a fight with the dog. The usual.
Evening we hosted another charity comedy night, this one different because people actually turned up and it happened. I'll have to be careful what I say here but...well, look - I play big gigs as a drummer all the time, regularly to hundreds of people, yet if we do have to do a show to 21 people in a small room I won't go on stage and say "this is the worst venue ever," and then moan after the show about the tables at the back of the room being a distraction. It felt tense and horrible because the artist was, frankly, making it that way. People not laughing as much as he would have wanted wasn't down to the room, or the tables, it was because he had made things very tense by stopping the show half way through to pick on the audience and then he didn't know how to recover.
Still, raised a bit for charity.
Monday 20th June 2016
Flying by isn't it, this year? Slow down, please. Not quite keeping up.
Did a full day in the office, that's 8 of my contracted 20-25 in the bag.
Must stop booking tour dates for October - I've still got shows this year that I've not finished writing yet.
Watched the England match and got so bored I made cracking progress on the Oscar Pike script.
Did a full day in the office, that's 8 of my contracted 20-25 in the bag.
Must stop booking tour dates for October - I've still got shows this year that I've not finished writing yet.
Watched the England match and got so bored I made cracking progress on the Oscar Pike script.
Sunday, 19 June 2016
Sunday 19th June 2016
Things are starting to build up a bit...we're still a cast member short for the musical, i still need to get my head around DVD encoding, I still need to get a final draft of the novel in the bag ahead of it's release. I still need to write the Oscar stage show. Let's be honest - I'm massively behind on everything. Yet Mum needs me, and I'm struggling to find the time to even go for dinner with a young lady friend.
Today was the first Father's Day without Father. In the hotel this morning Gaf turned on the radio and the first song that came on was 'Father and Son' by Cat Stevens...the song that was played at Dad's funeral. And then in the car the Gordon Lightfoot song that was also played at the funeral came on. I hid my sadness well, I think.
The gigs today were great I thought. 2 gigs, same venue - outdoor corporate event. First one at 11am, the second at 2pm, home by 7pm. Long day but responsive audience, we were really tight today.
Home for a quick 10 minute pause before cracking on with EVERYTHING.
Today was the first Father's Day without Father. In the hotel this morning Gaf turned on the radio and the first song that came on was 'Father and Son' by Cat Stevens...the song that was played at Dad's funeral. And then in the car the Gordon Lightfoot song that was also played at the funeral came on. I hid my sadness well, I think.
The gigs today were great I thought. 2 gigs, same venue - outdoor corporate event. First one at 11am, the second at 2pm, home by 7pm. Long day but responsive audience, we were really tight today.
Home for a quick 10 minute pause before cracking on with EVERYTHING.
Saturday 18th June 2016
Long drive back from Derbyshire, complete with hangovers. Was home for about 3 hours...enough time for a bath, a freshen up and send a few emails/invoices,
Then back on the road to meet up with the band. We stayed in Leatherhead, ahead of the early start tomorrow. The plan was to have an early night but we haven't seen each other for a week so had a lot of catching up to do. Suddenly it was 3am. I'm too old for this.
Then back on the road to meet up with the band. We stayed in Leatherhead, ahead of the early start tomorrow. The plan was to have an early night but we haven't seen each other for a week so had a lot of catching up to do. Suddenly it was 3am. I'm too old for this.
Saturday, 18 June 2016
Friday 17th June 2016
Went into the office for the weekly meeting, all good there - I'm doing okay with the work and making a few quid.
Left at 3 to pick up my mate Vicky, and then we drove up to Derbyshire for my show. Fair play to the girl, I put her through a lot tonight...
Drive up was fine, found the venue with 2 hours to spare so grabbed some dinner and it was nice just to stop for a moment. The venue was lovely - a converted barn at the back of a cafe, the host was welcoming. They seem to work at a different pace there, the show started half an hour late because the audience were on their way, but in their own time. Audience of 11, not bad for an out-of-town preview.
The first half died, they were expecting stand-up from the off so the '50 Ways...' show wasn't a great fit. I cut it short considerably, they were polite but I'm amazed they came back. Second half they all came back, I gave them an incredibly loud, in your face, version of 'Least of Your Problems' and it was what the room needed. They loved it; it was the best I've performed this show yet. The insisted on a Q&A afterwards which was nice, if a little long.
A man walked into the venue just as I was leaving and said, somewhat aggressively, "you don't recognise me, do you, Paul?"
He was right. I didn't. How awkward that it turns out he's my cousin.
Booked a hotel 1.3 miles away from the venue, should be easy, yeah? Google Maps struggled with it, maybe because it was on the M4. Drove around in circles for over an hour and a half. 50 miles later, made it to the hotel for midnight. That was a long night.
Left at 3 to pick up my mate Vicky, and then we drove up to Derbyshire for my show. Fair play to the girl, I put her through a lot tonight...
Drive up was fine, found the venue with 2 hours to spare so grabbed some dinner and it was nice just to stop for a moment. The venue was lovely - a converted barn at the back of a cafe, the host was welcoming. They seem to work at a different pace there, the show started half an hour late because the audience were on their way, but in their own time. Audience of 11, not bad for an out-of-town preview.
The first half died, they were expecting stand-up from the off so the '50 Ways...' show wasn't a great fit. I cut it short considerably, they were polite but I'm amazed they came back. Second half they all came back, I gave them an incredibly loud, in your face, version of 'Least of Your Problems' and it was what the room needed. They loved it; it was the best I've performed this show yet. The insisted on a Q&A afterwards which was nice, if a little long.
A man walked into the venue just as I was leaving and said, somewhat aggressively, "you don't recognise me, do you, Paul?"
He was right. I didn't. How awkward that it turns out he's my cousin.
Booked a hotel 1.3 miles away from the venue, should be easy, yeah? Google Maps struggled with it, maybe because it was on the M4. Drove around in circles for over an hour and a half. 50 miles later, made it to the hotel for midnight. That was a long night.
Friday, 17 June 2016
Thursday 16th June 2016
Freelanced at home for a bit, and then watched England scrape a victory against Wales in the Euros. During this period I somehow managed to eat 6 packets of Quavers, like a legend.
Did a bit of show admin (September/October tour planning) and then remembered I still haven't written the Oscar Pike stage script, and that we are still missing an actor for the musical...which technically opens next week. Wake up, Richards!
Back with the Dowsing band tonight to start rehearsals for the summer shows, and I've also been booked by them for the big Christmas gig. Ahhh, Christmas. I love you, Christmas. Anyway, the rehearsal was great - I needed that 6 month break but it felt refreshing, fun and remarkably relaxed. I just felt incredibly welcome, you know? And a lovely chat with our illustrious leader about potential future non-Dowsing collaborations, all of which seem just a bit too exciting.
Did a bit of show admin (September/October tour planning) and then remembered I still haven't written the Oscar Pike stage script, and that we are still missing an actor for the musical...which technically opens next week. Wake up, Richards!
Back with the Dowsing band tonight to start rehearsals for the summer shows, and I've also been booked by them for the big Christmas gig. Ahhh, Christmas. I love you, Christmas. Anyway, the rehearsal was great - I needed that 6 month break but it felt refreshing, fun and remarkably relaxed. I just felt incredibly welcome, you know? And a lovely chat with our illustrious leader about potential future non-Dowsing collaborations, all of which seem just a bit too exciting.
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
Wednesday 15th June 2016
Nearly bought a Father's Day card this morning, then remembered, well, it wouldn't be needed. That felt tough. Probably because Dad is very much on our minds right now; today we went to his memorial plaque on the RAF camp and layed down some flowers. It just felt right to do it. His former assistant joined us and she's missing him a lot too.
I then dropped off Mum and Sis (and the dog to the vets as she was limping, which was the last thing we needed) and made the relatively stress-free trip up to Oxford for the solo show.
Venue is slap-bang in the middle of Oxford, but somehow I managed to find myself parked right outside of it, during rush hour, too...quite proud of myself.
Cracking venue - seriously lovely in a fringe sort of way. 20 capacity, basement of a bar - just perfect, and run by caring and attentive people who seemed confused as to how low-maintenance I was. Audience of 8, including, has to be said, 3 incredibly pretty ladies.
Was my own support act tonight, giving a first airing of the '50 Ways...' live show. It's clear that trying to use just the tablet is a struggle - the screen simply isn't big enough, even if it's on a raised stand. I need to sort out the projector issue asap. But the content is great, and you know what - it's a piece of piss to perform. The punchline needs more of a...well, punchline, but it got so many laughs on the whole.
And the second half I did 'Least of Your Problems...' - it's a bloody brilliant show now, this one. I got tired and forgot bits, but the stuff I did do went down well, there's just a feeling in the room that everyone has confidence in the performer. This has become by far the best thing I've ever done, and it's happened organically too.
Drive home was long, but it never feels so bad when you've had a good show.
I then dropped off Mum and Sis (and the dog to the vets as she was limping, which was the last thing we needed) and made the relatively stress-free trip up to Oxford for the solo show.
Venue is slap-bang in the middle of Oxford, but somehow I managed to find myself parked right outside of it, during rush hour, too...quite proud of myself.
Cracking venue - seriously lovely in a fringe sort of way. 20 capacity, basement of a bar - just perfect, and run by caring and attentive people who seemed confused as to how low-maintenance I was. Audience of 8, including, has to be said, 3 incredibly pretty ladies.
Was my own support act tonight, giving a first airing of the '50 Ways...' live show. It's clear that trying to use just the tablet is a struggle - the screen simply isn't big enough, even if it's on a raised stand. I need to sort out the projector issue asap. But the content is great, and you know what - it's a piece of piss to perform. The punchline needs more of a...well, punchline, but it got so many laughs on the whole.
And the second half I did 'Least of Your Problems...' - it's a bloody brilliant show now, this one. I got tired and forgot bits, but the stuff I did do went down well, there's just a feeling in the room that everyone has confidence in the performer. This has become by far the best thing I've ever done, and it's happened organically too.
Drive home was long, but it never feels so bad when you've had a good show.
Tuesday, 14 June 2016
Tuesday 14th June 2016
I'm feeling a bit lethargic today, a little drained...if I feel like this now, how will I be after 79 performances at the fringe? Ah, but the fringe is exciting, you see. Failing to write shows and getting confused by DVD software isn't exciting.
Been going around in circles a little today. Spent 7 hours trying to author the '50 Ways...' DVD and then the bloody thing crashed so I have to start again. That was supposed to be released 2 days ago.
Drove to Bar Hill to pick up a tablet, they didn't have it (and big kudos for the member of staff for telling me to not go for the other one as it's rubbish) but then I found the one I wanted in Ely after all. It's okay...it's a bit clunky, and not much bigger than my phone. And I still haven't worked out a way of connecting it to a printer. This could be a waste of money, maybe. Either way, I've wasted a lot of my day just getting my head around it.
And then suddenly it is the end of the day and I haven't really achieved that much. Good things are happening; agents coming to see me at the fringe, and now a big drum company seem keen to endorse me. Today though was a bit annoying.
Been going around in circles a little today. Spent 7 hours trying to author the '50 Ways...' DVD and then the bloody thing crashed so I have to start again. That was supposed to be released 2 days ago.
Drove to Bar Hill to pick up a tablet, they didn't have it (and big kudos for the member of staff for telling me to not go for the other one as it's rubbish) but then I found the one I wanted in Ely after all. It's okay...it's a bit clunky, and not much bigger than my phone. And I still haven't worked out a way of connecting it to a printer. This could be a waste of money, maybe. Either way, I've wasted a lot of my day just getting my head around it.
And then suddenly it is the end of the day and I haven't really achieved that much. Good things are happening; agents coming to see me at the fringe, and now a big drum company seem keen to endorse me. Today though was a bit annoying.
Monday, 13 June 2016
Monday 13th June 2016
Went into the office for a bit, enjoyed some football-based banter with the boss.
Popped out for a couple hours to do a BBC interview thing about the comedy nights we're putting on, casually not mentioning that tomorrow's is cancelled because nobody was interested. Was okay.
Met up with Claudia, Jo and Marcel to run some more of the musical stuff in a venue where Claudia and Jo both had gigs later on. Their schedules are as a bad as mine, hence why we're just 'finding' hours whenever we can. That didn't feel great tonight, there's a sense that nobody is in control of this.
Dashed over to Burwell to perform 'Least of Your Problems..' and it was honestly lovely tonight. It was in the bar of a leisure centre, which never should work, but it just felt right. The audience just looked kind. About 18 of them I think? The intro was stilted, and had to throw in the 'Grace' song to calm down my initial, somewhat predictable caffeine-fuelled rantiness which was probably a bit too in-your-face for a Monday village audience. But they really got into it, I mean yeah - so the new bit about Eva didn't work (but that only happened in real life on Friday so shouldn't have made it into the show tonight) but most of it did. Consciously left out the DIY rant and as a result the tempo stayed up, but the car stuff got a round of applause...and nobody has EVER laughed at that routine before, as did the piece of prose about the 80s. They were a different crowd, they enjoyed bits that no other audience has liked so far. People were still talking about the Ginsters bit long after the show..."you really took us with you," said somebody after. The same person also said, "it all made sense by the end," which I'm taking as a compliment.
The new bits I'm adding in often seem to disrupt the flow (and I'd left out the OCD/clothes rail rant, and the Sheffield bit which has been going down well recently) but so much of it really works.
Okay, so it's 18 people in Burwell. But it's just nice, isn't it, to have a good night for a change?
Popped out for a couple hours to do a BBC interview thing about the comedy nights we're putting on, casually not mentioning that tomorrow's is cancelled because nobody was interested. Was okay.
Met up with Claudia, Jo and Marcel to run some more of the musical stuff in a venue where Claudia and Jo both had gigs later on. Their schedules are as a bad as mine, hence why we're just 'finding' hours whenever we can. That didn't feel great tonight, there's a sense that nobody is in control of this.
Dashed over to Burwell to perform 'Least of Your Problems..' and it was honestly lovely tonight. It was in the bar of a leisure centre, which never should work, but it just felt right. The audience just looked kind. About 18 of them I think? The intro was stilted, and had to throw in the 'Grace' song to calm down my initial, somewhat predictable caffeine-fuelled rantiness which was probably a bit too in-your-face for a Monday village audience. But they really got into it, I mean yeah - so the new bit about Eva didn't work (but that only happened in real life on Friday so shouldn't have made it into the show tonight) but most of it did. Consciously left out the DIY rant and as a result the tempo stayed up, but the car stuff got a round of applause...and nobody has EVER laughed at that routine before, as did the piece of prose about the 80s. They were a different crowd, they enjoyed bits that no other audience has liked so far. People were still talking about the Ginsters bit long after the show..."you really took us with you," said somebody after. The same person also said, "it all made sense by the end," which I'm taking as a compliment.
The new bits I'm adding in often seem to disrupt the flow (and I'd left out the OCD/clothes rail rant, and the Sheffield bit which has been going down well recently) but so much of it really works.
Okay, so it's 18 people in Burwell. But it's just nice, isn't it, to have a good night for a change?
Sunday 12th June 2016
Woke up at Andy's, grateful to be hungover free, and then picked up Vicky for a jaunt to London. I know we've had our differences (at my birthday, mostly) but Vicky is an awesome friend...I mean, who else would go all the way to London and back with me on a Sunday afternoon, especially in my car which is constantly on the verge of explosion?
The show as just weird. Basically a show in creche. Why did they book me for this? I am not a child's entertainer. I was cutting stuff to buggery to the extent it was barely the same show. Awkward, and awful. They stuck with it - well, the parents did, the kids didn't care either way. Made £23 on the door. Covered my fuel, at least.
Very worried about a speed camera on the way there - it went from 40 to 30 and on the 30 sign it had an average speed camera attached? Is that allowed? Seems a bit unfair. Especially as I was still doing 40. It's almost like they don't want people on the roads these days.
The next tour - I'll do it all by public transport.
Evening went to the leaving do for my mate Jack, who is moving to the US. It was weirdly emotional, especially as, as a crowd, we're not an emotional type. It just felt kind of permanent. I'll miss his cynical rants about my choice of bands and disagreements about country music. Seriously, I will, absolute legend of a man.
The show as just weird. Basically a show in creche. Why did they book me for this? I am not a child's entertainer. I was cutting stuff to buggery to the extent it was barely the same show. Awkward, and awful. They stuck with it - well, the parents did, the kids didn't care either way. Made £23 on the door. Covered my fuel, at least.
Very worried about a speed camera on the way there - it went from 40 to 30 and on the 30 sign it had an average speed camera attached? Is that allowed? Seems a bit unfair. Especially as I was still doing 40. It's almost like they don't want people on the roads these days.
The next tour - I'll do it all by public transport.
Evening went to the leaving do for my mate Jack, who is moving to the US. It was weirdly emotional, especially as, as a crowd, we're not an emotional type. It just felt kind of permanent. I'll miss his cynical rants about my choice of bands and disagreements about country music. Seriously, I will, absolute legend of a man.
Saturday June 11th 2016
Yesterday I pulled out of filming the comedy that had it's premiere last week. I feel bad about this, but I've got to look after myself, even if it's just for a little bit. It was just one project too many. Still, felt horrible pulling out and I deserved the harsh words that were in reply.
After some actual sleep today I popped into town to play an afternoon gig in a car park with Claudia, and then off to shoot some soap scenes with Kate and Alan. Kate really is a class act, isn't she? I need to work with her more, a lot more - perfect comic timing yet also blunt enough to question things. Spent quite a lot of time trying to get her in the musical. She hasn't said no, as such...
Then dashed over to watch the England match around Andy's, in which he's now all domesticated and wants to go to bed at 10.30pm and I want to drink till the early hours like the lad I am. We nearly stretched the beer consumption till midnight, same for the conversation. Isn't it weird when your mates grow up and you realise that you've forgotten to do it?
After some actual sleep today I popped into town to play an afternoon gig in a car park with Claudia, and then off to shoot some soap scenes with Kate and Alan. Kate really is a class act, isn't she? I need to work with her more, a lot more - perfect comic timing yet also blunt enough to question things. Spent quite a lot of time trying to get her in the musical. She hasn't said no, as such...
Then dashed over to watch the England match around Andy's, in which he's now all domesticated and wants to go to bed at 10.30pm and I want to drink till the early hours like the lad I am. We nearly stretched the beer consumption till midnight, same for the conversation. Isn't it weird when your mates grow up and you realise that you've forgotten to do it?
Friday 10th June 2016
Nice day in the office; nice because it was mostly just me which meant I could crack on with things. Slightly panicking about the cost of Edinburgh, but that's usually the case in June. In what other profession would you lose so much money?
Still, too many ideas - and look, there's some gaps in my diary for October/November so spent a little time trying to fill those. Another tour of 'Least of Your Problems...' before the madness of a Christmas tour kicks in. My idea for next year's touring is already likely to worry my friends. None of it involves Cambridge...I'm honestly done here.
Met up with Claudia and Jo to go over stuff for the musical but to be honest, we ended up gossiping like old women.
Got back and planned more tour tomfoolery. Should really have worked out the projector situation for next Wednesday, or the DVD release, or the novel release, or the Oscar Pike stage show.
Still, too many ideas - and look, there's some gaps in my diary for October/November so spent a little time trying to fill those. Another tour of 'Least of Your Problems...' before the madness of a Christmas tour kicks in. My idea for next year's touring is already likely to worry my friends. None of it involves Cambridge...I'm honestly done here.
Met up with Claudia and Jo to go over stuff for the musical but to be honest, we ended up gossiping like old women.
Got back and planned more tour tomfoolery. Should really have worked out the projector situation for next Wednesday, or the DVD release, or the novel release, or the Oscar Pike stage show.
Thursday, 9 June 2016
Thursday 9th June 2016
A lady in the audience last night, Emma, tipped me off for a really good career move which will keep the comedy/music going but help me make more money whilst doing so. I spent a bit of this morning getting excited by the idea of it.
Spent pretty much the whole day working on the '50 Ways...' live show. I can see why so many people do PowerPoint shows now. It's embarrassingly easy, to the extent it's almost lazy. I've had the script for a week or so now, and allowed 2 days to sort out the visuals but seriously - half a day and it looks like a show, and I feel like I've nailed it already. More PowerPoint in the future for me, I've been making things difficult for myself with all of this ringbinder shit.
The PowerPoint show is all on my phone and working well. No idea how to connect my phone to a projector, but there must be a way?
Evening we had a BBC session, a pre-record to be broadcast on Saturday. Band vibes feel good, we're all good. Tom is a brilliant DJ, he's a mate more than anything, it was such a nice 'live' session.
Got back and worked on getting some more G+V gigs (those actually pay, and I need to pay for this year's Edinburgh run) and back to Emma's idea.
Too many ideas, never enough hours in the day. I'm sure I've said that before.
Spent pretty much the whole day working on the '50 Ways...' live show. I can see why so many people do PowerPoint shows now. It's embarrassingly easy, to the extent it's almost lazy. I've had the script for a week or so now, and allowed 2 days to sort out the visuals but seriously - half a day and it looks like a show, and I feel like I've nailed it already. More PowerPoint in the future for me, I've been making things difficult for myself with all of this ringbinder shit.
The PowerPoint show is all on my phone and working well. No idea how to connect my phone to a projector, but there must be a way?
Evening we had a BBC session, a pre-record to be broadcast on Saturday. Band vibes feel good, we're all good. Tom is a brilliant DJ, he's a mate more than anything, it was such a nice 'live' session.
Got back and worked on getting some more G+V gigs (those actually pay, and I need to pay for this year's Edinburgh run) and back to Emma's idea.
Too many ideas, never enough hours in the day. I'm sure I've said that before.
Wednesday 8th June 2016
Last night hit me bad. I did take it personally. It's not about the acts, or the price, it's because I want to raise money for Macmillan - they were amazing to Dad, I feel the need to give something back.
I was rubbish at work today. Went in for a bit and, apart from brief flirting with the pretty German girl, I was grumpy and going through the motions. I'm glad I'm freelance, if this was a proper job then I would have been thrown out by now.
It's all okay. Last night I was close to quitting stuff, you know, generally. I'm constantly banging my head against a wall, trying to get somewhere, constantly failing. It would be a lot easier if I just got a 9-5 and watched telly a lot and go to shitty am-dram twice a month and pretend that's culture. But it's not in me to do that...but I'm still on the verge of quitting most things Cambridge because there is no point putting in all of this work for nobody to come to anything. It's fine; clearly people don't want it, I can't make them want the best comedians in the country come down and perform for a fiver a ticket.
We don't have to do any of this, and I think we're on the verge of not doing it again and cancelling the rest of the run. No hard feelings, we tried to do something amazing, nobody gave a shit, we accept our differences.
I had a good show myself tonight in Stevenage. House show for Helen, who really, really supports me and everything I do. She wanted the evening in two halves, so I dug out some of the 'Inadequate Man' set and stumbled my way through half an hour of that which was uninspiring but they loved it anyway. 'Least of Your Problems...' was bloody awesome tonight. Tried out lots of new bits, cut some stuff. It's a really fun show, this one, it's naturally evolved into something I'm really confident with.
I was rubbish at work today. Went in for a bit and, apart from brief flirting with the pretty German girl, I was grumpy and going through the motions. I'm glad I'm freelance, if this was a proper job then I would have been thrown out by now.
It's all okay. Last night I was close to quitting stuff, you know, generally. I'm constantly banging my head against a wall, trying to get somewhere, constantly failing. It would be a lot easier if I just got a 9-5 and watched telly a lot and go to shitty am-dram twice a month and pretend that's culture. But it's not in me to do that...but I'm still on the verge of quitting most things Cambridge because there is no point putting in all of this work for nobody to come to anything. It's fine; clearly people don't want it, I can't make them want the best comedians in the country come down and perform for a fiver a ticket.
We don't have to do any of this, and I think we're on the verge of not doing it again and cancelling the rest of the run. No hard feelings, we tried to do something amazing, nobody gave a shit, we accept our differences.
I had a good show myself tonight in Stevenage. House show for Helen, who really, really supports me and everything I do. She wanted the evening in two halves, so I dug out some of the 'Inadequate Man' set and stumbled my way through half an hour of that which was uninspiring but they loved it anyway. 'Least of Your Problems...' was bloody awesome tonight. Tried out lots of new bits, cut some stuff. It's a really fun show, this one, it's naturally evolved into something I'm really confident with.
Tuesday, 7 June 2016
Tuesday 7th June 2016
Brace yourselves, this might be a long one.
Morning was fine, caught up on a few bits and bobs (like labelling video scenes for the '50 Ways...' live show, checking in with various venues to make sure the shows are still happening - which they are, and quite enthusiastically), had my daily chat to the bloke in the petrol station as all self-employed people do.
Took Mum shopping and a nice lady from the RSPCA praised me for having water for the dog, and then Mum reminisced about Dad for a bit which I found both lovely and upsetting. Promoted tonight's launch of our new comedy night extensively, as I have been doing for the past month. I made it personal today - this is a biggie, personally, for me...I sent over 40 texts to friends explaining that - look, I know I do a lot of shows, but this one means a lot.
And it did. Because Dad died of cancer last year, and I want to make lots of money for Macmillan because they were beyond incredible to us. The concept is simple; we've got some amazing comedians coming down from London to try out their fringe shows, we pay their expenses, the rest goes to charity. People of Cambridge get to see big acts in a tiny venue for a fiver. What's not to love?
Clearly not enough. 3 people turned up - 2 of my mates and a very lost looking stranger. The embarrassment in the room was painful. We decided not to go ahead with the show, I paid the acts their travel expenses out of my own pocket.
I really tried today. I fucking failed - more than normal. I don't mind if it was my own show, to 3 people, I would have done that, but to drag other people into that? It shouldn't be about friends, but tonight I do feel let down - I really stressed to people how much this one meant to me. We were launching something special, for an amazing cause - it should have been amazing. Fuck this - I'm done with this. I'm not trying anymore. This is Paul Richards, giving up. Probably time to leave Cambridge and reinvent myself.
Morning was fine, caught up on a few bits and bobs (like labelling video scenes for the '50 Ways...' live show, checking in with various venues to make sure the shows are still happening - which they are, and quite enthusiastically), had my daily chat to the bloke in the petrol station as all self-employed people do.
Took Mum shopping and a nice lady from the RSPCA praised me for having water for the dog, and then Mum reminisced about Dad for a bit which I found both lovely and upsetting. Promoted tonight's launch of our new comedy night extensively, as I have been doing for the past month. I made it personal today - this is a biggie, personally, for me...I sent over 40 texts to friends explaining that - look, I know I do a lot of shows, but this one means a lot.
And it did. Because Dad died of cancer last year, and I want to make lots of money for Macmillan because they were beyond incredible to us. The concept is simple; we've got some amazing comedians coming down from London to try out their fringe shows, we pay their expenses, the rest goes to charity. People of Cambridge get to see big acts in a tiny venue for a fiver. What's not to love?
Clearly not enough. 3 people turned up - 2 of my mates and a very lost looking stranger. The embarrassment in the room was painful. We decided not to go ahead with the show, I paid the acts their travel expenses out of my own pocket.
I really tried today. I fucking failed - more than normal. I don't mind if it was my own show, to 3 people, I would have done that, but to drag other people into that? It shouldn't be about friends, but tonight I do feel let down - I really stressed to people how much this one meant to me. We were launching something special, for an amazing cause - it should have been amazing. Fuck this - I'm done with this. I'm not trying anymore. This is Paul Richards, giving up. Probably time to leave Cambridge and reinvent myself.
Monday 6th June 2016
Put in a long day in the office and generally struggled with the heat...roll on Christmas, I'm rubbish when I can't see the screen because sweat gets in my eyes.
Then off to a label/PR meeting with an artist we're working with, and then to a screening of a short film I was in a while back. Is it bad that I didn't enjoy it? Or, more to the point, was thoroughly disappointing in it? Yet I'm committed to more episodes of this...uuugh. It just feels a bit 'student production', and the writing is lacking in any charm or empathy. Can I pull out of the rest of it? I'm busy, I don't have time for everything.
Then off to a label/PR meeting with an artist we're working with, and then to a screening of a short film I was in a while back. Is it bad that I didn't enjoy it? Or, more to the point, was thoroughly disappointing in it? Yet I'm committed to more episodes of this...uuugh. It just feels a bit 'student production', and the writing is lacking in any charm or empathy. Can I pull out of the rest of it? I'm busy, I don't have time for everything.
Sunday, 5 June 2016
Sunday 5th June 2016
Up early again EVEN THOUGH IT'S A SUNDAY and off to Worcestershire to open a festival there. Despite predicted morning grumpiness we woke up in good time to perform well...hard not to when you're playing so much, and when the sound/organisation is so strong. Nice festival, a bit 'family day out' but we went down really well.
Home by 5pm, did a spot of freelancing to make up my hours, and then replied to the load of emails that came in over the weekend. Too many show offers, not enough Richards.
Home by 5pm, did a spot of freelancing to make up my hours, and then replied to the load of emails that came in over the weekend. Too many show offers, not enough Richards.
Saturday 4th June 2016
My emails have been building up considerably, but I've purposely left them because I struggle to reply properly when on the road. Instead we just do band quizzes and I get to catch up on a bit of reading.
Up terrifyingly early in Cumbria, fueled by bacon, and back down to Cambridge. 3 gigs at the local festival - loved it. The Claudia set went down well, the FJ set struggled with serious sound problems and then the FH set was remarkably great...not being arrogant or anything, but we're on total fire at the moment.
Too many ex-girlfriends at the festival for my liking, but, well, it certainly wasn't a bad night on that front at all, shall we say. I feel incredibly rock and roll right now. Won't last.
Up terrifyingly early in Cumbria, fueled by bacon, and back down to Cambridge. 3 gigs at the local festival - loved it. The Claudia set went down well, the FJ set struggled with serious sound problems and then the FH set was remarkably great...not being arrogant or anything, but we're on total fire at the moment.
Too many ex-girlfriends at the festival for my liking, but, well, it certainly wasn't a bad night on that front at all, shall we say. I feel incredibly rock and roll right now. Won't last.
Friday 3rd June 2016
Woke up feeling a bit 'slow', before we made our way up to Cumbria for the show there.
Lots of time to kill, so were tourists for a bit - was very nice. Good food and a lengthy soundcheck later and then showtime...no support act tonight, just us for the whole 2 hours. Stormed it, cracking audience, it was pretty much a working men's club but despite initial fears had a kind, warm feel to it. Nice to have a dressing room that goes directly onto the stage, too.
We were good tonight, really tight, worked very hard.
Stayed at the promoter's house; he gave us beer and pizza, we were happy enough.
Lots of time to kill, so were tourists for a bit - was very nice. Good food and a lengthy soundcheck later and then showtime...no support act tonight, just us for the whole 2 hours. Stormed it, cracking audience, it was pretty much a working men's club but despite initial fears had a kind, warm feel to it. Nice to have a dressing room that goes directly onto the stage, too.
We were good tonight, really tight, worked very hard.
Stayed at the promoter's house; he gave us beer and pizza, we were happy enough.
Thursday 2nd June 2016
Worked a few hours in the morning, before sending out every email I need to (I knew that saying I had an 'empty inbox' the other day was just asking for trouble) and then hitting the road with the band.
Manchester tonight; small venue but in a nice, cosmopolitan area with awesome fried chicken. Quite a boomy room, and a very small audience - 11 people, and it felt like a battle at times. Support act was shocking and killed the vibe completely. We were okay, those 11 seemed to enjoy it, a good chance to try out a couple new bits at least.
Got back to our hotel and drank, a lot. Suddenly it was 4.30am and always it was just myself, V and Ali still 'standing' - lots of deep chats, as always, about the future, a little air that needed clearing. It's all very clear - the future is very awesome.
Manchester tonight; small venue but in a nice, cosmopolitan area with awesome fried chicken. Quite a boomy room, and a very small audience - 11 people, and it felt like a battle at times. Support act was shocking and killed the vibe completely. We were okay, those 11 seemed to enjoy it, a good chance to try out a couple new bits at least.
Got back to our hotel and drank, a lot. Suddenly it was 4.30am and always it was just myself, V and Ali still 'standing' - lots of deep chats, as always, about the future, a little air that needed clearing. It's all very clear - the future is very awesome.
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Wednesday 1st June 2016
Really productive day, that. You know days when you just really crack on with stuff? Well, let's put it this way - I'm crazily busy yet my inbox is empty, as is my 'starred' folder. Just sayin'
I mean, by this tomorrow it will be full of gig offers and shit again, but still, for now, I'm totally in control.
Productive day at work, got enough hours in to make up for the fact we hit the road tomorrow for a few days...Manchester, and then the Lake District, 2 nice looking gigs before 4 weekend shows.
Evening went on the radio twice, luckily it was the same station - first to record a Ben Folds special with Chris, and then G, V and myself were the musical guests on another show, where we played and chatted really well, I thought. We're getting good at this now.
Got back, nailed the firs draft of the 50 Ways stage show. There's 18 clips in this restricting my chat to about 20 minutes. I've written about 45 minutes of chat, but I've got enough previews to work out which bits I can casually forget by the time it gets to Edinburgh...
I mean, by this tomorrow it will be full of gig offers and shit again, but still, for now, I'm totally in control.
Productive day at work, got enough hours in to make up for the fact we hit the road tomorrow for a few days...Manchester, and then the Lake District, 2 nice looking gigs before 4 weekend shows.
Evening went on the radio twice, luckily it was the same station - first to record a Ben Folds special with Chris, and then G, V and myself were the musical guests on another show, where we played and chatted really well, I thought. We're getting good at this now.
Got back, nailed the firs draft of the 50 Ways stage show. There's 18 clips in this restricting my chat to about 20 minutes. I've written about 45 minutes of chat, but I've got enough previews to work out which bits I can casually forget by the time it gets to Edinburgh...
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