Final two band gigs with FH before the fringe (although I still have two more with Claudia). Up early, over to Didcot in Oxfordshire for an afternoon event in the town centre organised by the big arts centre. Traffic was bad but we made it with about 5 minutes to spare and, despite a few technical faults, had a decent show.
Quick packdown, food and then 3 hour trip to Norfolk for the evening gig. Huge marquee, technically someone's 50th birthday party gig but it felt more like a festival. Stormed it, lovely show.
Home just before midnight which is always a win.
Sunday, 30 July 2017
Friday 28th July 2017
Into the office today to work on the blog for them, it's a bit trickier than I thought it would be.
Finished designing my fringe flyers, a casual week before heading to the festival. I may have left things a bit late, this year. I reckon I can get away with it all, somehow.
Evening had a preview show in Cambridge. 12 turned up, which is both disappointing for a hometown show, but equally amazing to get double figures in Cambs as nobody turns up to anything.
Decent show tonight, very loud, very sweaty, but it felt very tight and the audience were totally with me all the way. Happy enough with that.
Finished designing my fringe flyers, a casual week before heading to the festival. I may have left things a bit late, this year. I reckon I can get away with it all, somehow.
Evening had a preview show in Cambridge. 12 turned up, which is both disappointing for a hometown show, but equally amazing to get double figures in Cambs as nobody turns up to anything.
Decent show tonight, very loud, very sweaty, but it felt very tight and the audience were totally with me all the way. Happy enough with that.
Friday, 28 July 2017
Thursday 27th July 2017
Yeah, the 'Will' stage show is a total winner. I mean, it's mega dark, but it covers lots of issues and I think it tells a nice story. I'll give it a first public airing on Monday night.
Did a spot of freelancing, then ran the Will show, then looked at the bits of the 'Box' show which didn't work as well last night.
Train up to London. The show was really badly promoted tonight, the venue didn't even put it in their listings which is disappointing (and confusing because they were on half the door). It's a join show this evening, with my comedian chum Mel running her show and me doing an hour. The audience? My good friend Matt, and Mel's husband, Dan. Still, I actually had quite a nice evening - it was great to catch up with Matt, have a beer, see Mel's show (as our shows clash in Edinburgh) and run through mine (which felt much tighter tonight) and I was home by 12.10am.
Did a spot of freelancing, then ran the Will show, then looked at the bits of the 'Box' show which didn't work as well last night.
Train up to London. The show was really badly promoted tonight, the venue didn't even put it in their listings which is disappointing (and confusing because they were on half the door). It's a join show this evening, with my comedian chum Mel running her show and me doing an hour. The audience? My good friend Matt, and Mel's husband, Dan. Still, I actually had quite a nice evening - it was great to catch up with Matt, have a beer, see Mel's show (as our shows clash in Edinburgh) and run through mine (which felt much tighter tonight) and I was home by 12.10am.
Thursday, 27 July 2017
Wednesday 26th July 2017
Up early, did a bit of freelance work on a blog post for them, and an then a mightly intense session editing the audio for the 'Will' live show. I'm sure there was an easier way of doing it, but 6 hours later it's mostly sounding awesome but nowhere near finished.
Really glad that my fringe accommodation is sorted, even though it's next week there was one little blip (because my room wasn't available until 3 days into my run) but it's all sorted now. This is by far the least organised I've been going into any Edinburgh Fringe run.
Then over to Shepreth for tonight's preview. Amazing audience and rammed venue. Performance was a little hasty at times, I mean, I still gave them a good 90 minutes, but this is Richards on overdrive and I feel I crossed the line of being 'manic and fun' to just 'is he okay?' at times. They all enjoyed it so much, though, which was totally baffling.
Really glad that my fringe accommodation is sorted, even though it's next week there was one little blip (because my room wasn't available until 3 days into my run) but it's all sorted now. This is by far the least organised I've been going into any Edinburgh Fringe run.
Then over to Shepreth for tonight's preview. Amazing audience and rammed venue. Performance was a little hasty at times, I mean, I still gave them a good 90 minutes, but this is Richards on overdrive and I feel I crossed the line of being 'manic and fun' to just 'is he okay?' at times. They all enjoyed it so much, though, which was totally baffling.
Tuesday 25th July 2017
I feel a bit guilty about being away so much soon...Edinburgh, Ireland tour, China, Scandinavia tour, so took the day out today to make Mum to the seaside. And everywhere else, every shop she wanted to go to.
It was the right thing to do, despite how busy things are at the moment. Basically a day of the dog biting me on a beach, but Mum enjoyed herself.
Back to Cambridge and looked at a house, which I've agreed to move into in September - it's ideal and it's sharing with the right people, I'm looking forward to it.
Got back and worked intensively on the 'Will' show. Claire's narration is totally spot on, she's so good at stuff like that, and the audio quality she sent me is perfect. I've added it to my recorded parts too and then spent ages sourcing the right backing jazz for it.
It was the right thing to do, despite how busy things are at the moment. Basically a day of the dog biting me on a beach, but Mum enjoyed herself.
Back to Cambridge and looked at a house, which I've agreed to move into in September - it's ideal and it's sharing with the right people, I'm looking forward to it.
Got back and worked intensively on the 'Will' show. Claire's narration is totally spot on, she's so good at stuff like that, and the audio quality she sent me is perfect. I've added it to my recorded parts too and then spent ages sourcing the right backing jazz for it.
Monday, 24 July 2017
Monday 24th July 2017
I mean, I can't just keep writing shows, can I? Day by day, bashing them out? I'm trying, but I'm not a machine.
The fringe is quite close. I travel up next week, actually. That's how close it is.
Up early and had another read of the 'Will' script, needed a bit of editing but you know what, it's bloody lovely. Really dark, it's perfect for the venue it's in. Quite a lot of it is pre-recorded so I messaged Claire to see if she's up for being the narrator, which she is - she had just messaged me about a different project anyway but was happy to help and can have the audio over to me within a couple days.
Went to the bank to cash in a royalty cheque, the man at the bank informed me that I my credit rating was good and that I was eligible for a loan and then tried to 'sell' me a loan/credit card which I found quite annoying. The reason why my credit rating is good because I don't do credit cards in the first place, not rocket science, is it? I just went in to cash in some earnings, this is why I don't like people.
Got back and did a little freelancing, got a quote for flyer printing and double checked about my fringe accommodation before stressing out over show number 4. I've done a lot of research for this show but there seems to be very little end product so far. Suddenly it's nearly midnight and I've made 8 pages of pretty good notes (A4 pages, so a lot of words), but can't really justify this as a show. I'll try again tomorrow.
The fringe is quite close. I travel up next week, actually. That's how close it is.
Up early and had another read of the 'Will' script, needed a bit of editing but you know what, it's bloody lovely. Really dark, it's perfect for the venue it's in. Quite a lot of it is pre-recorded so I messaged Claire to see if she's up for being the narrator, which she is - she had just messaged me about a different project anyway but was happy to help and can have the audio over to me within a couple days.
Went to the bank to cash in a royalty cheque, the man at the bank informed me that I my credit rating was good and that I was eligible for a loan and then tried to 'sell' me a loan/credit card which I found quite annoying. The reason why my credit rating is good because I don't do credit cards in the first place, not rocket science, is it? I just went in to cash in some earnings, this is why I don't like people.
Got back and did a little freelancing, got a quote for flyer printing and double checked about my fringe accommodation before stressing out over show number 4. I've done a lot of research for this show but there seems to be very little end product so far. Suddenly it's nearly midnight and I've made 8 pages of pretty good notes (A4 pages, so a lot of words), but can't really justify this as a show. I'll try again tomorrow.
Sunday 23rd July 2017
Up early, even though I was writing till late, and carried on writing the show. It's bloody awesome, but ambitious and may be tricky to pull this one off. But I have to, because it opens really quite soon.
Wrote pretty much solidly till 4pm, then off to play a gig with Claudia and band. Family day out kind of show, but friendly enough. Curry with Claudia and Marcel, back by 9pm, and then wrote till 2am. Pretty much nailed it.
Wrote pretty much solidly till 4pm, then off to play a gig with Claudia and band. Family day out kind of show, but friendly enough. Curry with Claudia and Marcel, back by 9pm, and then wrote till 2am. Pretty much nailed it.
Saturday 22nd July 2017
Long day, long gig in the middle of nowhere with the band. Down in Gloucestershire, left at 1pm, back by midnight. A rugby club that was having a cider festival, not really our target audience and it all felt like a bit of a struggle.
Played quite well, I thought, but mostly ignored.
Back late, wrote the 'Will...' show till 3am.
Played quite well, I thought, but mostly ignored.
Back late, wrote the 'Will...' show till 3am.
Friday 21st July 2017
An intense day, and my last day of what feels like slightly stressful projects before I can really get my head around fringe stuff properly.
Final day of drum workshops; tired students but they seemed cool today - more up for learning a couple of tracks and getting them recorded before we all politely said goodbye and pretended we had fun.
Quick drink with Bryan, and then over to pick up the cast and then off for the murder mystery show. Huge venue tonight, the sort of venue that freaks me out a bit but we got the first laugh in very early on, it settled quickly, the audience were totally onside and my cast are utterly amazing. I still feel slightly uncomfortable doing these MM shows, it's not quite stand-up but it's not quite theatre, but 3 performances in with this cast and we just haven't put a foot wrong so far...so many people came up to me afterwards and told me how much they enjoyed it, one man said "you are an incredibly original writer and you have so much presence on stage."
This sort of night gives me confidence in what I've chosen to do with my life. More nights like this, please.
Final day of drum workshops; tired students but they seemed cool today - more up for learning a couple of tracks and getting them recorded before we all politely said goodbye and pretended we had fun.
Quick drink with Bryan, and then over to pick up the cast and then off for the murder mystery show. Huge venue tonight, the sort of venue that freaks me out a bit but we got the first laugh in very early on, it settled quickly, the audience were totally onside and my cast are utterly amazing. I still feel slightly uncomfortable doing these MM shows, it's not quite stand-up but it's not quite theatre, but 3 performances in with this cast and we just haven't put a foot wrong so far...so many people came up to me afterwards and told me how much they enjoyed it, one man said "you are an incredibly original writer and you have so much presence on stage."
This sort of night gives me confidence in what I've chosen to do with my life. More nights like this, please.
Thursday 20th July 2017
Popped into the office for a bit and worked on the blog for them, and in any breaks from that I did some more work on the Britpop show. I still need some proper actual writing time, everything is getting a bit close.
Also, slightly concerned about how many cat-naps I'm having these days (not in the office, obviously). Maybe it's my body's way of telling me to slow down a bit? Nah. I'm too busy to worry about that...
Evening FH rehearsal, working on new material as the third album edges closer.
Also, slightly concerned about how many cat-naps I'm having these days (not in the office, obviously). Maybe it's my body's way of telling me to slow down a bit? Nah. I'm too busy to worry about that...
Evening FH rehearsal, working on new material as the third album edges closer.
Thursday, 20 July 2017
Wednesday 19th July 2017
The fringe really is so close. I should probably stop saying that and actually just crack on with finishing these other two shows, and learning them.
Penultimate drum workshop today, the kids were better behaved (although we lost one at the start to illness) and we've pretty much nailed 'Help' by the Beatles.
Then took Mum shopping, so worked on the Britpop show whilst doing that, and then got home to perform a really, really nice house show in front of Edd and Emily. Just another excuse to run the two shows which are working at the moment. They both laughed at all the right times and I feel good about life.
Penultimate drum workshop today, the kids were better behaved (although we lost one at the start to illness) and we've pretty much nailed 'Help' by the Beatles.
Then took Mum shopping, so worked on the Britpop show whilst doing that, and then got home to perform a really, really nice house show in front of Edd and Emily. Just another excuse to run the two shows which are working at the moment. They both laughed at all the right times and I feel good about life.
Tuesday, 18 July 2017
Tuesday 18th July 2017
Back in the office for my regular freelance job, having kinda neglected it for a few weeks. Put some work in, wrote a little report, still not entirely sure what I'm talking about sometimes, though.
My podcast idea is really taking off; the guests I have booked for it are really exciting, this is going to be great - I just really like people sometimes.
Fringe is getting a bit close now. Still got two shows to write.
Evening did a house show around Rob's place; it was great fun and didn't feel awkward running the show to one person. History of Pop looked good tonight, and the box show is really, really feeling like it's a proper show now - 3 gigs in a row it's worked, complete with new punchline. I'm actually really excited about this piece.
My podcast idea is really taking off; the guests I have booked for it are really exciting, this is going to be great - I just really like people sometimes.
Fringe is getting a bit close now. Still got two shows to write.
Evening did a house show around Rob's place; it was great fun and didn't feel awkward running the show to one person. History of Pop looked good tonight, and the box show is really, really feeling like it's a proper show now - 3 gigs in a row it's worked, complete with new punchline. I'm actually really excited about this piece.
Monday 17th July 2017
After getting a bit stressed with them last week, decided to be bright and optimistic with my students this week...you know, classic Richards. But they were all so tired and actually fell asleep during my lesson. What's the point?
Still, we got through it, when they woke up. I'm glad this is my last week of doing this.
Then made the long trip up to Leeds, where I did a preview to 9 people. But, whilst financially I made a (small) loss doing so, what happened at the end gave me a punchline to the show. In a really funny, unexpected kind of way.
Home by 1am.
Still, we got through it, when they woke up. I'm glad this is my last week of doing this.
Then made the long trip up to Leeds, where I did a preview to 9 people. But, whilst financially I made a (small) loss doing so, what happened at the end gave me a punchline to the show. In a really funny, unexpected kind of way.
Home by 1am.
Sunday, 16 July 2017
Sunday 16th July 2017
Had this idea for a podcast, which will be recorded at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. It's a brilliant concept and I'm very excited, so I messaged my ten favourite comedian chums, all of whom said yes within the hour.
Then I realised I was a bit short on a choir for the 'History of Pop' show, so put a few posts up about it on a couple of forums. The last time I checked there was 46 people offering to be in it. Nice!
Bogged down in admin, I took Mum out for the day instead, mostly because I feel guilty about how much I'm going to be away soon (Edinburgh, Ireland tour, China tour, Scandinavia tour).
Also, that meant I was in the right town for a covers gig with G+V. An odd show tonight, there was this couple who turned up, together, but then she started kissing somebody else, before going back to her original partner. V's mum turned up and called me Lachlan all night. A kid was drumming on his chair really out of time for ages to the extent it was louder than me, so I politely asked him to play in time or shut up. Realised afterwards he's disabled and now I feel terrible.
Then I realised I was a bit short on a choir for the 'History of Pop' show, so put a few posts up about it on a couple of forums. The last time I checked there was 46 people offering to be in it. Nice!
Bogged down in admin, I took Mum out for the day instead, mostly because I feel guilty about how much I'm going to be away soon (Edinburgh, Ireland tour, China tour, Scandinavia tour).
Also, that meant I was in the right town for a covers gig with G+V. An odd show tonight, there was this couple who turned up, together, but then she started kissing somebody else, before going back to her original partner. V's mum turned up and called me Lachlan all night. A kid was drumming on his chair really out of time for ages to the extent it was louder than me, so I politely asked him to play in time or shut up. Realised afterwards he's disabled and now I feel terrible.
Saturday 15th July 2017
Tired from last night, but up early to try and do a bit of writing. Then over to meet up with the band and for our first gig of the day - a nice little festival in Milton Keynes. We were treated incredibly well, I thought we were a bit slack at times but the people were so lovely.
Then off to the next festival, this one in Bedford. Big stage, big crowd, big burgers. We were superb tonight, really on it, the best we've played in a while.
Home by midnight which, in the scale of things, is an early night.
Then off to the next festival, this one in Bedford. Big stage, big crowd, big burgers. We were superb tonight, really on it, the best we've played in a while.
Home by midnight which, in the scale of things, is an early night.
Friday 14th July 2017
I was getting quite angry yesterday with the kids, they just don't have any respect at all, do they? They literally just spend all of my 'lessons' looking at their phones, they don't seem to want to communicate with the real world. I'm glad my fellow tutors feel the same.
Final week of that next week - 2 lessons and then they have to do a presentation and then we don't ever have to talk again.
The fringe is getting a bit close.
Took a little time out today to meet up with good friends for lunch, and then long drive up to Southampton.
Not being arrogant, but that was a cracking show tonight - totally on it, and the small but appreciative audience seemed to agree.
Buzzing, but then they closed every bloody road down that I need to go on and it took me the best part of 5 hours to get back.
Final week of that next week - 2 lessons and then they have to do a presentation and then we don't ever have to talk again.
The fringe is getting a bit close.
Took a little time out today to meet up with good friends for lunch, and then long drive up to Southampton.
Not being arrogant, but that was a cracking show tonight - totally on it, and the small but appreciative audience seemed to agree.
Buzzing, but then they closed every bloody road down that I need to go on and it took me the best part of 5 hours to get back.
Thursday, 13 July 2017
Thursday 13th July 2017
Teaching again today, just my semi-regular 2 and a bit hours. I really hate children. I lost control of the room today, one of them kicked my cajon, I went mental at them - scary, shouty Richards. Huge eyes, could hear my voice from 2 classrooms away.
Called the organiser/lady who booked me afterwards and explained that I can teach them stuff, but when they show no willingness whatsoever it's really quite tricky. We've realised the same problem kid is the little shit that has been causing problems for lots of teachers, and he is being sent home a week early. He'll grow into trouble, that one, you can see that already and he's only 13.
Met up with old mucker Julia for a drink, and then back at the college for a TED talk, whilst moaning with the fellow teachers about the children.
I'm glad this is only a temporary thing (I finish it next week after 3 more lessons), real teaching is easy, but keeping the discipline in the room is a nightmare, especially when I'm such a nice awkward chap, and all that. Well, apart from today.
I need to finish writing my Edinburgh shows.
Called the organiser/lady who booked me afterwards and explained that I can teach them stuff, but when they show no willingness whatsoever it's really quite tricky. We've realised the same problem kid is the little shit that has been causing problems for lots of teachers, and he is being sent home a week early. He'll grow into trouble, that one, you can see that already and he's only 13.
Met up with old mucker Julia for a drink, and then back at the college for a TED talk, whilst moaning with the fellow teachers about the children.
I'm glad this is only a temporary thing (I finish it next week after 3 more lessons), real teaching is easy, but keeping the discipline in the room is a nightmare, especially when I'm such a nice awkward chap, and all that. Well, apart from today.
I need to finish writing my Edinburgh shows.
Wednesday 12th July 2017
Look, I need to get this 'Will' show written so, you know, I can actually learn it. The plan today was simple: take mum shopping, get back, write show.
But then there was a huge crash on the A14 and my 30 minute trip to Mum's took 4 hours. Crazy. By the time we'd done her shopping, it wasn't worth me going home as I had a last minute house show around Clare and Steve's place.
The show was great fun tonight (they've got awesome dogs, I love dogs), pretty much the same as last night - Box is really quite strong, History of Pop is all over the place. But one good show is enough to keep me happy for now whilst I nail the others.
But then there was a huge crash on the A14 and my 30 minute trip to Mum's took 4 hours. Crazy. By the time we'd done her shopping, it wasn't worth me going home as I had a last minute house show around Clare and Steve's place.
The show was great fun tonight (they've got awesome dogs, I love dogs), pretty much the same as last night - Box is really quite strong, History of Pop is all over the place. But one good show is enough to keep me happy for now whilst I nail the others.
Tuesday 11th July 2017
Spent pretty much the whole day working on the 'box' show - just tweaking it, and also the History of Pop show which is slowly getting there.
Spoke to James about our exciting post-fringe projects. So much happening, all of the time.
Evening lounge show at Phill's - the first half (History of Pop) was a mess and clearly isn't a show yet, but the Box show really came together and it feels like it's a nice, proper, piece of work now. Always a friendly crowd there, good to catch up with Phill and Paul M, a fun evening.
Spoke to James about our exciting post-fringe projects. So much happening, all of the time.
Evening lounge show at Phill's - the first half (History of Pop) was a mess and clearly isn't a show yet, but the Box show really came together and it feels like it's a nice, proper, piece of work now. Always a friendly crowd there, good to catch up with Phill and Paul M, a fun evening.
Monday 10th July 2017
Feels weirdly like an important week this one, mostly because the fringe is a bit close (been saying that for months) and things need to get done. Did a bit of freelance work, and then popped out to teach drums - next batch of students in today and they're cool, it's all relaxed, we kinda played the songs they wanted to play but I was happy to go along with it...sometimes it's all about getting through it, yeah?
Got back and replied to the usual load of emails about shows, most of them for post-fringe stuff, and then did a bit of work on the 'Will' script, which is still nowhere near as good as it should be.
Got back and replied to the usual load of emails about shows, most of them for post-fringe stuff, and then did a bit of work on the 'Will' script, which is still nowhere near as good as it should be.
Sunday, 9 July 2017
Sunday 9th July 2017
Yesterday I realised that I was double booked for today, which was really annoying and I had to let Claudia down and pull out of her show...logistically I just couldn't do hers followed by the FH show as they were in very different places. She took it well, she's a great friend.
Still, it give me an extra hour in bed, before meeting up with the band and then off to Essex. Nice little festival, house kit was fine but the lack of drum mat caused a few problems as it was sliding all over the place. We're all very tired, I think that's quite obvious, but on stage were mega tight - almost on autopilot. Audience well into it, I think it's all good. By all means not classic FH, but a good band playing well.
Got back and replied to the usual mass of emails that come through when I least need them to, mostly about shows and stuff. Wanted an early night, suddenly it's gone midnight.
Still, it give me an extra hour in bed, before meeting up with the band and then off to Essex. Nice little festival, house kit was fine but the lack of drum mat caused a few problems as it was sliding all over the place. We're all very tired, I think that's quite obvious, but on stage were mega tight - almost on autopilot. Audience well into it, I think it's all good. By all means not classic FH, but a good band playing well.
Got back and replied to the usual mass of emails that come through when I least need them to, mostly about shows and stuff. Wanted an early night, suddenly it's gone midnight.
Saturday 8th July 2017
The big show with the choir; over 20,000 hits on YouTube in the 7 days since our video came out and a sold out gig in a big venue out of town. A long day, load in for the drums was 10.30am, gig was 7.45pm.
As always with these things, there was a lot of waiting around. A lot. Seriously, so much. But with those gaps, especially where there was 'choir only' sessions needed myself and the band - Dave, Ryan and Lachy, found a nice cafe and ate well.
Rehearsals were good during the day, even if there was a sense that were still plenty of moments of uncertainty.
The gig was an odd one; I felt very distant from the piano, which was effectively my lead to follow, and as the arrangements felt quite adhoc at times it was all a bit risky at times. Sometimes it would take 8 bars for the tempos to settle, which onstage is a lifetime, but the audience were oblivious. I feel if we all had individual monitors it would have been quite an easy gig, but when the arrangement changes on the day to suddenly being a jazz piece, it was quite stressful in places.
Everyone else loved the gig and we got a standing ovation from all 250 attendees, and at the aftershow party my ego was enhanced considerably. Maybe it was just a really great gig after all but I wasn't buzzing about it when I got back unlike other times.
As always with these things, there was a lot of waiting around. A lot. Seriously, so much. But with those gaps, especially where there was 'choir only' sessions needed myself and the band - Dave, Ryan and Lachy, found a nice cafe and ate well.
Rehearsals were good during the day, even if there was a sense that were still plenty of moments of uncertainty.
The gig was an odd one; I felt very distant from the piano, which was effectively my lead to follow, and as the arrangements felt quite adhoc at times it was all a bit risky at times. Sometimes it would take 8 bars for the tempos to settle, which onstage is a lifetime, but the audience were oblivious. I feel if we all had individual monitors it would have been quite an easy gig, but when the arrangement changes on the day to suddenly being a jazz piece, it was quite stressful in places.
Everyone else loved the gig and we got a standing ovation from all 250 attendees, and at the aftershow party my ego was enhanced considerably. Maybe it was just a really great gig after all but I wasn't buzzing about it when I got back unlike other times.
Friday 7th July 2017
This feels like it's been quite a tiring week, but it's mostly because I'm over-thinking a lot of my fringe stuff. It'll all be fine, everything always is. Somehow.
Final lesson with this bunch of students before the next batch come arrive on Monday. They weren't a bad bunch but you know, 5 lessons at 2.5 hours a time and they still couldn't nail We Will Rock You suggests it hasn't been a total success.
Went for a quick post-lesson half with my old mate Bryan, who works at the college, and then I had a preview show in Oundle. A comedy slot supporting a rock and roll covers band was never going to be easy, especially in a pub, and especially with a lot of new material. It could have been a lot worse, I've done a lot worse this year. There was basically about 6 people really into it, and a pub full of people ignoring me. It was fine, the donations bucket went around and I more than made my fuel back, which feels like a victory.
Final lesson with this bunch of students before the next batch come arrive on Monday. They weren't a bad bunch but you know, 5 lessons at 2.5 hours a time and they still couldn't nail We Will Rock You suggests it hasn't been a total success.
Went for a quick post-lesson half with my old mate Bryan, who works at the college, and then I had a preview show in Oundle. A comedy slot supporting a rock and roll covers band was never going to be easy, especially in a pub, and especially with a lot of new material. It could have been a lot worse, I've done a lot worse this year. There was basically about 6 people really into it, and a pub full of people ignoring me. It was fine, the donations bucket went around and I more than made my fuel back, which feels like a victory.
Thursday 6th July 2017
In the office for a bit for a spot of freelancing. The Edinburgh Fringe is really close now, which is a bit of a concern - all of the admin for it seems okay, but the shows themselves need some time to settle.
Then over to meet up with the choir band to run stuff, before the choir themselves turned up and we had the dress rehearsal. Sounding not too shabby; there's some grey areas, but I think we can get away with this. Went for a little drink with a few of the singers afterwards too and just felt very welcome.
Then over to meet up with the choir band to run stuff, before the choir themselves turned up and we had the dress rehearsal. Sounding not too shabby; there's some grey areas, but I think we can get away with this. Went for a little drink with a few of the singers afterwards too and just felt very welcome.
Thursday, 6 July 2017
Wednesday 5th July 2017
Running a workshop today so spent a bit of the morning preparing my lesson and then over to Cambridge to run it. As we're making noise (drums are noisy) we couldn't have the windows open so it was a bit hot and the kids generally seemed quite restless. We got through it, but it felt like a struggle at times.
I really like my fellow tutors at this place, just feels like the friendliest college ever. 6 sessions to go there but hopefully some more later in the year.
Home by 4pm to catch up on emails and fringe stuff, before spending a couple of hours running through the choir stuff ahead of the dress rehearsal tomorrow. 2 tracks are causing me problems but the other 20 are fine. Spoke to our musical director about those two and it turns out she's having problems with those arrangements too...and she's a bloody genius, so if she's struggling then nobody stands a chance!
Then spent 4 hours working on the 'Will' script, which is dark but *that* intro is the best thing I've ever written. Rest of it dips in energy (as it stands) but I think this will be okay. It's complex, which is probably the last thing I need as I've got exactly a month before it opens in Edinburgh.
I really like my fellow tutors at this place, just feels like the friendliest college ever. 6 sessions to go there but hopefully some more later in the year.
Home by 4pm to catch up on emails and fringe stuff, before spending a couple of hours running through the choir stuff ahead of the dress rehearsal tomorrow. 2 tracks are causing me problems but the other 20 are fine. Spoke to our musical director about those two and it turns out she's having problems with those arrangements too...and she's a bloody genius, so if she's struggling then nobody stands a chance!
Then spent 4 hours working on the 'Will' script, which is dark but *that* intro is the best thing I've ever written. Rest of it dips in energy (as it stands) but I think this will be okay. It's complex, which is probably the last thing I need as I've got exactly a month before it opens in Edinburgh.
Wednesday, 5 July 2017
Tuesday 4th July 2017
Went into the office for a bit, loads of issues with parking spaces and stuff. Pretty much completed my latest task and have asked for more stuff to do, but there hasn't been a reply yet. That's the danger of being a freelancer, I guess - when the work dries up, so does the cash. Hopefully there will be more stuff from them soon.
Home, with the intention of getting some work done on the 'Will...' show as that opens really quite soon. In true Richards style, though, I got a bit carried away working on a project that I don't need to be working on right now - mostly the 'Attic Boy' novel, which I've nearly finished now. It's awesome, if I may say so myself. But it really isn't the time to be writing that one, I've got Edinburgh to worry about.
Got woken up by a text at 1am asking me if I want another fringe show. By text! I like how informal this has all got. Sadly had to decline as it clashed with another show I'm doing.
Home, with the intention of getting some work done on the 'Will...' show as that opens really quite soon. In true Richards style, though, I got a bit carried away working on a project that I don't need to be working on right now - mostly the 'Attic Boy' novel, which I've nearly finished now. It's awesome, if I may say so myself. But it really isn't the time to be writing that one, I've got Edinburgh to worry about.
Got woken up by a text at 1am asking me if I want another fringe show. By text! I like how informal this has all got. Sadly had to decline as it clashed with another show I'm doing.
Tuesday, 4 July 2017
Monday 3rd July 2017
Up early to get some freelance stuff done and then over to Cambridge to host the latest drum workshop. My students were knackered today, as was I, so it was a very chilled and lovely session full of reggae.
Then took Mum shopping and continued work on my 'Attic Boy' novel before heading home to catch up on all fringe admin till about 2am.
Then took Mum shopping and continued work on my 'Attic Boy' novel before heading home to catch up on all fringe admin till about 2am.
Monday, 3 July 2017
Sunday 2nd July 2017
Woke up feeling exhausted, my voice going and energy levels dipping. Gave myself a pep talk, loaded up the kit and over to Bury for a rehearsal with the full 100-piece choir. Drove to the wrong venue and confused a vicar by loading my drums into his church. Half an hour later found the right place, half an hour late, which caused a little stress from those I was playing for.
All calmed down quickly and we had a decent rehearsal. The gig is this week so there's a little nerves as a lot of the arrangements are still a tad uncomfortable but we'll be fine, we always are.
After many hours drumming for them, picked up an actress and over to Cambridge for the murder mystery performance there. This was a charity performance tonight but only 2 people turned up, because it's Cambridge which is always tricky for audiences and my friends just don't go out anymore as they've grown up. The two we had in, 2 total strangers, were lovely and they really enjoyed the show. As they should - because it's bloody brilliant and I've got a great cast here who worked so hard.
I was frustrated for a bit about the lack of people turning up, especially for such a worthy cause, but it was another excuse to hang out with my cast afterwards, have a drink and bond - I enjoy their company a lot and I'm really looking forward to the next show.
All calmed down quickly and we had a decent rehearsal. The gig is this week so there's a little nerves as a lot of the arrangements are still a tad uncomfortable but we'll be fine, we always are.
After many hours drumming for them, picked up an actress and over to Cambridge for the murder mystery performance there. This was a charity performance tonight but only 2 people turned up, because it's Cambridge which is always tricky for audiences and my friends just don't go out anymore as they've grown up. The two we had in, 2 total strangers, were lovely and they really enjoyed the show. As they should - because it's bloody brilliant and I've got a great cast here who worked so hard.
I was frustrated for a bit about the lack of people turning up, especially for such a worthy cause, but it was another excuse to hang out with my cast afterwards, have a drink and bond - I enjoy their company a lot and I'm really looking forward to the next show.
Saturday 1st July 2017
So relieved that last night worked out; it's lovely when things go to plan no matter how slapdash. Because I was buzzing from it all, though, I didn't sleep till 5am, so today was mostly spent being dozy.
Met up with the band at 3.30pm and off to Oxfordshire to play a private gig - a joint retirement party and a 21st. Standard covers stuff, but we got paid and fed so wasn't too bad. Played okay, as always with covers gigs it's difficult to find the spark sometimes but we're professional enough to bluff it.
Home by 2.30am. It's been a draining few days.
Friday 30th June 2017
In the office for a bit to get some research done for a project for them, and generally spent a bit of time worrying about the murder mystery this evening, especially considering how the last one went.
Picked up various cast members and out of Cambridge by 5.40pm, slow drive to Reading in which I was mostly panicking about the traffic delays on the M25 but we still got there in just over 2 hours.
Lovely venue, a marquee in a pub garden, really welcoming host. It's a new show and it feels a little messy in places but the audience took to us instantly, joined in, I made it about them and they loved that. It all works, which is such a relief.
The really lovely thing is just how quickly my cast have bonded considering it was the first time they'd met...you just get the sense that real friendships are being built here, it's just a joy to be on stage with all of them. Home by 3.30am, a wonderful night.
Picked up various cast members and out of Cambridge by 5.40pm, slow drive to Reading in which I was mostly panicking about the traffic delays on the M25 but we still got there in just over 2 hours.
Lovely venue, a marquee in a pub garden, really welcoming host. It's a new show and it feels a little messy in places but the audience took to us instantly, joined in, I made it about them and they loved that. It all works, which is such a relief.
The really lovely thing is just how quickly my cast have bonded considering it was the first time they'd met...you just get the sense that real friendships are being built here, it's just a joy to be on stage with all of them. Home by 3.30am, a wonderful night.
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