That was a cold night. I then went home for a bit, and then out to teach one of my students. He's a total joy to teach, it makes my life very easy.
Turns out we had a gas leak at the family home; carbon monoxide, the full works. No wonder I was so dozy this Christmas. That could have been serious. Mum is getting a new boiler fitted tomorrow.
Evening, caught up with Fiona, which was as amazing as always.
Friday, 29 December 2017
Wednesday 27th December 2017
Final day at the family home, mostly spent making plans for next year. Lots of ideas, but must do them properly. Mum wanted me to take her to Cambridge but the bad weather put a stop to that.
Then the boiler broke; I spent an hour trying to fix it before remembering I'm not a plumber, so then spent another hour calling around to see if anyone is available. They weren't, and it was a very cold night indeed.
Wednesday, 27 December 2017
Tuesday 26th December 2017
Boxing day. Took the dog for a walk, listened to the Spurs game, started making plans for 2018. The initial plan was to just focus on 2 or 3 projects, but I've got it down to a shortlist of 13...it's gonna be a frantic one!
Evening had a quick 4 pints with Matt, great to catch up.
Evening had a quick 4 pints with Matt, great to catch up.
Monday 25th December 2017
Nice sleepy Christmas Day with Mum and Angela. Ate well, drank well, had lots of lovely presents and argued like all families do.
Sunday 24th December 2017
...and suddenly it's Chritmas Eve! How did that happen? Woke up at the hotel, had breakfast with the bride and groom, went and did some last minute Christmas shopping, popped home for a bit, loaded up and then off to Mum's for four days. So tired; it's been a busy month.
Got to the family home, wrapped presents, slept a bit and popped out to have drinks with Matt and Michael.
Got to the family home, wrapped presents, slept a bit and popped out to have drinks with Matt and Michael.
Saturday 23rd December 2017
Edd and Emily's wedding, huge day - I know what these guys have been through to get to this, felt like a lot of pressure initially. But it was just absolutely perfect in every way...I had previously mocked their over-the-top planning but their attention to detail was amazing.
My best man duties went to plan (aside from a near cock-up on the confetti front), didn't drop the rings and the speech went down a storm. Also played with FH, nice long set.
A totally wonderful day with incredibly nice company.
My best man duties went to plan (aside from a near cock-up on the confetti front), didn't drop the rings and the speech went down a storm. Also played with FH, nice long set.
A totally wonderful day with incredibly nice company.
Friday 22nd December 2017
Frantic morning of being stuck in traffic and generally getting quite angry. Was late for my drum lesson as a result but my student was very cool with it all.
Then got stuck behind an horrendous crash as I was trying to get to the garden centre for my final Santa shift. A great finale, I really enjoyed that job - lovely people, would happily do it all again.
Edd's big day tomorrow, so popped over to his for pizza and chats to make sure he's all ready.
Then got stuck behind an horrendous crash as I was trying to get to the garden centre for my final Santa shift. A great finale, I really enjoyed that job - lovely people, would happily do it all again.
Edd's big day tomorrow, so popped over to his for pizza and chats to make sure he's all ready.
Thursday 21st December 2017
Up early to dash over to the wedding rehearsal for Edd and Emily's wedding. Turns out there's a lot to being a best man, a lot more than I thought.
Then dashed over to the grotto to put in a lenghty Santa shift - so, so busy today, children everywhere, barely had time to sip my well-hidden can of Red Bull.
Got back, wrote speech. I think it's okay. Bit late now, either way.
Then dashed over to the grotto to put in a lenghty Santa shift - so, so busy today, children everywhere, barely had time to sip my well-hidden can of Red Bull.
Got back, wrote speech. I think it's okay. Bit late now, either way.
Wednesday 20th December 2017
Long Santa shift. 8 hours of being in what is effectively a sweat suit really gets quite tiring, as much as the excitement of youngsters still believing in the true meaning of Christmas is rather wonderful. And my 'grotto' play is coming along nicely, too.
Evening we had the History of Christmas Music show in Cambridge. Glorious fun tonight; nice audience, great little choir, strong performances all round. I love this show.
Evening we had the History of Christmas Music show in Cambridge. Glorious fun tonight; nice audience, great little choir, strong performances all round. I love this show.
Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Tuesday 19th December 2017
Took Mum for her other pre-Christmas shop, which I think is the last of the pre-Christmas shops and at some point she'll buy the turkey.
Good shift as Santa, wasn't too busy.
More drum clients confirmed.
Evening hosted my regular stand-up night in a village. Such a small crowd, it felt awkward at times. Chris saved the show, but then we had a late guest comedian (who was told to come down by a friend of mine, knowing we were an act short) who was a bit blue and offended the whole room. The thing that niggled me was their extreme reaction to it; people really are set in their ways, aren't they? It actually puts you off comedy - I mean, I was only the host, but it's not nice to see an act struggle like that. I quite enjoyed his stuff, people are idiots, sometimes.
Good shift as Santa, wasn't too busy.
More drum clients confirmed.
Evening hosted my regular stand-up night in a village. Such a small crowd, it felt awkward at times. Chris saved the show, but then we had a late guest comedian (who was told to come down by a friend of mine, knowing we were an act short) who was a bit blue and offended the whole room. The thing that niggled me was their extreme reaction to it; people really are set in their ways, aren't they? It actually puts you off comedy - I mean, I was only the host, but it's not nice to see an act struggle like that. I quite enjoyed his stuff, people are idiots, sometimes.
Monday 18th December 2017
Popped into the kitchen to get some breakfast, in my typical scruffy state, to see two strangers in the lounge chatting to my housemate, Phill. One of them had just fallen off her bike, the other one was helping her. Phill invited them in, being the kind soul he is. She clearly needed an ambulance, but there was a delay so I gave her a lift there myself. All strangers, helping, it was the right thing to do. I like the fact we'll never see or hear from each other again, and there's no need to, yet we've all helped her out...there's something about this that is quite wonderful, really.
Then had a meeting at the primary school I used to go to, about teaching there. It was weird, but brilliant at the same time...they gave me a guided tour around, it still smells the same. Just some formalities to complete, but I'll be there, showing them drums next year.
Met up with Meg for a drink, and then back to hers to help her feel festive and put up her tree. Naturally it led to a drunken stagger in Santa hats to buy more Baileys and an awesome Indian takeaway, it was all what I needed in my bid to relax.
Sunday 17th December 2017
Tired after yesterday. Long day being Santa. Felt like I really bonded with my elves for the first time, it was a good, productive shift and we've made a lot of children happy.
Popped by to see Mum and treated her to a takeaway, and then over to my mate Richard's birthday - nice to catch up with people, in a sleepy sort of way.
Popped by to see Mum and treated her to a takeaway, and then over to my mate Richard's birthday - nice to catch up with people, in a sleepy sort of way.
Saturday 16th December 2017
Probably the longest day ever, not helped by being woken up at 4am by the smoke alarm going off. It wasn't a fire, just a drunk (I imagine) housemate.
Played 12 gigs today for Macmillan with James, with his partner Vicky helping out. Vicky saved us on many an occasion, actually; it's alright for us just going on stage and doing our thing, but she was in there, shaking the charity bucket, getting money out of people and raising awareness.
It was certainly an adventure; 12 gigs, 25 minutes in each venue and then running to the next one. We calculated in the end that we walked over 10 miles, were on stage for 5 hours and the whole day lasted 13 hours. It was totally exhausting, but we made loads (haven't counted it all up just yet) for the charity and were generally made to feel very welcome in all the spaces, even if a few of them had forgotten that we were performing. The earlier shows felt nicer; the venues were plugging it more, we had really responsive audiences. But, you know, it's Christmas and people drink a lot, so the further the day went, the more drunk the audiences were and there were a couple of times when we were clearly in the way of festive parties. In one venue, there was a proper domestic going on, in another they had to turn off the house music to let us play and it felt like we had started a war or something. The last venue was great, though, as were about 7 of them.
Bit of a slog, but we've achieved great things.
Played 12 gigs today for Macmillan with James, with his partner Vicky helping out. Vicky saved us on many an occasion, actually; it's alright for us just going on stage and doing our thing, but she was in there, shaking the charity bucket, getting money out of people and raising awareness.
It was certainly an adventure; 12 gigs, 25 minutes in each venue and then running to the next one. We calculated in the end that we walked over 10 miles, were on stage for 5 hours and the whole day lasted 13 hours. It was totally exhausting, but we made loads (haven't counted it all up just yet) for the charity and were generally made to feel very welcome in all the spaces, even if a few of them had forgotten that we were performing. The earlier shows felt nicer; the venues were plugging it more, we had really responsive audiences. But, you know, it's Christmas and people drink a lot, so the further the day went, the more drunk the audiences were and there were a couple of times when we were clearly in the way of festive parties. In one venue, there was a proper domestic going on, in another they had to turn off the house music to let us play and it felt like we had started a war or something. The last venue was great, though, as were about 7 of them.
Bit of a slog, but we've achieved great things.
Friday 15th December 2017
You can tell that I'm busy because I've had the Christmas Radio Times here for a week and I still haven't read it yet.
Next year looks frantic.
Took Mum for her pre-Christmas shop, in which she wanted to go everywhere.
Evening Christmas gig with FH was long and sweaty - we oversold a little, but it felt great. Brilliant Christmas show, very well rehearsed, kinda felt scripted in places but we're at the top of our game at the moment.
Next year looks frantic.
Took Mum for her pre-Christmas shop, in which she wanted to go everywhere.
Evening Christmas gig with FH was long and sweaty - we oversold a little, but it felt great. Brilliant Christmas show, very well rehearsed, kinda felt scripted in places but we're at the top of our game at the moment.
Thursday 14th December 2017
My plan was to write the FH tour diary in the morning and then take on the world later, but in reality I found myself replying to emails and then just running out of time.
Taught two drum lessons in the afternoon, both of which were really great fun - great students, great at listening, great attitudes... it's just all so easy, isn't it?
Then over to FH rehearsals ahead of the Christmas gig, sounding tight.
Taught two drum lessons in the afternoon, both of which were really great fun - great students, great at listening, great attitudes... it's just all so easy, isn't it?
Then over to FH rehearsals ahead of the Christmas gig, sounding tight.
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
Wednesday 13th December 2017
Up early to nail the script for tonight.
Hour drive to do 4 hours of Santa-ing. Gotta be honest, the novelty has totally warn off...it just doesn't feel special, it all feels routine and not at all Christmassy, like a conveyor belt of kids.
Then off to Shepreth for the 'Complete History of Christmas Music' show. Was supposed to have a good audience tonight (including my housemates) but only 3 people turned up - 3 total strangers. But they were so lovely, and Hayley (singer) and myself gave them the best show ever tonight...I don't really care if nobody else saw it, we were fucking brilliant tonight (to the extent we overran by 26 minutes), it's such a great concept for a show and Hayley, who I barely know, added so much character and warmth to it. Those 3 audience members, all of whom sang along throughout, were buzzing by the end of it - we gave them a special night. This is a really strong show, and I'm so relaxed doing it. It runs again in Cambridge next week, nobody will turn up but I'm enjoying myself, at least.
Hour drive to do 4 hours of Santa-ing. Gotta be honest, the novelty has totally warn off...it just doesn't feel special, it all feels routine and not at all Christmassy, like a conveyor belt of kids.
Then off to Shepreth for the 'Complete History of Christmas Music' show. Was supposed to have a good audience tonight (including my housemates) but only 3 people turned up - 3 total strangers. But they were so lovely, and Hayley (singer) and myself gave them the best show ever tonight...I don't really care if nobody else saw it, we were fucking brilliant tonight (to the extent we overran by 26 minutes), it's such a great concept for a show and Hayley, who I barely know, added so much character and warmth to it. Those 3 audience members, all of whom sang along throughout, were buzzing by the end of it - we gave them a special night. This is a really strong show, and I'm so relaxed doing it. It runs again in Cambridge next week, nobody will turn up but I'm enjoying myself, at least.
Tuesday 12th December 2017
Up early-ish, took Mum shopping - this is the pre-Christmas shop, which was frankly ridiculous. Still, had plenty of time to kill so put together the songlist for the History of Christmas songs show, which suddenly opens tomorrow. I say suddenly; it's been in the diary since August.
Then off to teach a new student, who was outstanding - he didn't know anything at the start of the lesson but then he totally got into it and it all felt very rewarding.
Then off to Izzy's house to finally give the new show a read-through. It mostly works, which is a relief, it needs a bit of a tweaking but there's a strong concept there, which I feel comfortable with, and it'll be more than fine. Phew! Fun evening in good company.
Then off to teach a new student, who was outstanding - he didn't know anything at the start of the lesson but then he totally got into it and it all felt very rewarding.
Then off to Izzy's house to finally give the new show a read-through. It mostly works, which is a relief, it needs a bit of a tweaking but there's a strong concept there, which I feel comfortable with, and it'll be more than fine. Phew! Fun evening in good company.
Monday 11th December 2017
Literally spent the whole day working on the new show...it's very wordy, but it feels good. And the usual replying to emails and stuff.
I also popped out to get my suit fitted for the wedding that I'm the best man at, which is next week - and got lost in Newmarket and generally spent over an hour having parking 'issues.'
In the evening I turned up to a house show to perform the new show, Emma's house, with a big audience who don't know me. Didn't feel right to do new material this evening, they're total strangers with expectations. Gave them a 70 minute version of the 'box' show, nailed it, they loved it and I really, really had a great evening. That show could go on for another six months, maybe...it was so sharp tonight.
I also popped out to get my suit fitted for the wedding that I'm the best man at, which is next week - and got lost in Newmarket and generally spent over an hour having parking 'issues.'
In the evening I turned up to a house show to perform the new show, Emma's house, with a big audience who don't know me. Didn't feel right to do new material this evening, they're total strangers with expectations. Gave them a 70 minute version of the 'box' show, nailed it, they loved it and I really, really had a great evening. That show could go on for another six months, maybe...it was so sharp tonight.
Sunday, 10 December 2017
Sunday 10th December 2017
It's snowing! Which normally is awesome, but not when you're up early, after a late night which wasn't great, to go and do 6 hours as Santa. Took ages to get there because the snow was so heavy and the traffic was a mess. Eventually made it; shortage of elves and lots of customers wanting a reschedule, so I got sent home shortly after. Car got stuck in the snow, an elf and her brother helped me out - they're good people.
Home by 1pm, promoted the London show and then spent the whole day writing it, totally from scratch.
Nailed it, as a second draft. Feels good, feels like it's about an hour in length. Feels like it could be slightly complicated to stage. Hopefully this is my next show for the next year and a bit.
Really, brilliantly productive day, that.
Home by 1pm, promoted the London show and then spent the whole day writing it, totally from scratch.
Nailed it, as a second draft. Feels good, feels like it's about an hour in length. Feels like it could be slightly complicated to stage. Hopefully this is my next show for the next year and a bit.
Really, brilliantly productive day, that.
Saturday 9th December 2017
After a late night last night, the last thing I needed was a long day today...still, 8 hours of pretty much solid Santa-ing it was. So incredibly busy, but we got through it okay, I think. Beard slipped a few times and my eyebrows (which aren't grey/white) were showing every now and then, but I've got the hang of the patter.
Then off to the second night of the charity festival. Small crowd, it's my event to promote but nobody else was either and I got very grumpy about the whole thing. Played with both bands, both bands were great but I was a bit miserable throughout - I'm tired, I've got shows to write, I just couldn't really see the point in this one.
Then off to the second night of the charity festival. Small crowd, it's my event to promote but nobody else was either and I got very grumpy about the whole thing. Played with both bands, both bands were great but I was a bit miserable throughout - I'm tired, I've got shows to write, I just couldn't really see the point in this one.
Friday 8th December 2017
Spent the morning getting stressed about the evening's stand-up show, which I was hosting, but technically not the promoter for. But, as it was a charity night, I just felt the need to do my bit and get them an audience.
Then wrote for a few hours. The new show is rubbish at the moment, it doesn't feel like a show at all. Keep accepting more Santa shifts, running out of time to do anything.
Forgot to go into a meeting with a venue.
Agreed to a 2 night run at a lovely venue for the new show which I am currently struggling to nail.
Evening it was the show, I hosted - 10 comedians, sold out. A majority of them great, but in retrospect I reckon we could have done it with 6, it was SUCH a long night!
Then wrote for a few hours. The new show is rubbish at the moment, it doesn't feel like a show at all. Keep accepting more Santa shifts, running out of time to do anything.
Forgot to go into a meeting with a venue.
Agreed to a 2 night run at a lovely venue for the new show which I am currently struggling to nail.
Evening it was the show, I hosted - 10 comedians, sold out. A majority of them great, but in retrospect I reckon we could have done it with 6, it was SUCH a long night!
Thursday 7th December 2017
My tour plans for next year are starting to really fall into place, proper theatres too. So much admin comes with that territory, though.
Did a lot of that in the morning, and then over to teach a new private student. He's already a great drummer and just needed pointing in the right direction - easy times, looking forward to working with him again soon.
Then off to FH rehearsals for the sold out Christmas gig, which was great - we're super tight at the moment, as we should be after all these years.
Did a lot of that in the morning, and then over to teach a new private student. He's already a great drummer and just needed pointing in the right direction - easy times, looking forward to working with him again soon.
Then off to FH rehearsals for the sold out Christmas gig, which was great - we're super tight at the moment, as we should be after all these years.
Wednesday 6th December 2017
That was a long day, but shouldn't have been - sometimes it's almost like I invite the pressure, or something.
Morning working on the new show, whilst replying to various emails. A big Premiership team got back to me very positively about my football book, which is nice.
Off for a big meeting with a college about some work, went to the wrong building (went to their head office) so then ran to the correct place. Got chased by a dog, fell over in the process. Dog back on the lead and didn't get savaged, which is a relief. Meeting somehow went really well.
Then dash over to another college for the end of term Christmas gig. My students were too nervous to play, so I had to instead.
Then mad dash over town to play a gig with the choir and band in a museum. Bit sloppy at times, but the audience loved it.
Morning working on the new show, whilst replying to various emails. A big Premiership team got back to me very positively about my football book, which is nice.
Off for a big meeting with a college about some work, went to the wrong building (went to their head office) so then ran to the correct place. Got chased by a dog, fell over in the process. Dog back on the lead and didn't get savaged, which is a relief. Meeting somehow went really well.
Then dash over to another college for the end of term Christmas gig. My students were too nervous to play, so I had to instead.
Then mad dash over town to play a gig with the choir and band in a museum. Bit sloppy at times, but the audience loved it.
Tuesday, 5 December 2017
Tuesday 5th December 2017
Drive down to Dawlish, where Mum wanted to look at a house. She didn't like it. Don't blame her, it wasn't great.
7 hour drive home. Knackered. Dog farted for 7 hours solid.
Accepted another drum student to my roster (that takes me up to 3, plus 2 schools) which is cool.
Had the best idea for a show. I'll write it tomorrow.
7 hour drive home. Knackered. Dog farted for 7 hours solid.
Accepted another drum student to my roster (that takes me up to 3, plus 2 schools) which is cool.
Had the best idea for a show. I'll write it tomorrow.
Monday 4th December 2017
As is now per tradition, the rather sad trip down to Devon to mark the anniversary of Dad's passing, to say hello to the grave, lay down a reef, that sort of thing. Long drive, about 6 hours, dog farted the whole way. Literally, the whole way. How is that even possible?
It's nice to see family, though, have a quick catch up, and spend some time with mum and sis.
It's nice to see family, though, have a quick catch up, and spend some time with mum and sis.
Sunday, 3 December 2017
Sunday 3rd December 2017
Today marks the second anniversary of father's passing. That was obviously, by some distance, the hardest day of my life - I still think about him constantly, and I know that Mum is still struggling a lot. He was a great man.
It was a weird day today; my second shift at Santa, but I got chatting to my elf, and mentioned that her father passed away recently. We basically soul-searched, and then had to get cheery mega-quickly whenever a child came in. The contrast of reflection, followed by the excitement of youth - of a youngster seeing Santa, was actually really lovely.
It feels like it's been quite a tough day, but I've needed it to be like this.
Popped in to check up on Mum afterwards and then caught up on emails, as normal.
It was a weird day today; my second shift at Santa, but I got chatting to my elf, and mentioned that her father passed away recently. We basically soul-searched, and then had to get cheery mega-quickly whenever a child came in. The contrast of reflection, followed by the excitement of youth - of a youngster seeing Santa, was actually really lovely.
It feels like it's been quite a tough day, but I've needed it to be like this.
Popped in to check up on Mum afterwards and then caught up on emails, as normal.
Saturday 2nd December 2017
First shift as Santa! Fuck that's hard work - mostly because of the costume. Because I'm so thin, they have to give me 'belly suits' and suddenly it's like I'm wearing 8 layers. My grotto stank a bit.
Still, got the hang of it quickly - I mean, I didn't drop any children and the elves are awesome people to work with.
It just feels a bit like Christmas, doesn't it?
Still, got the hang of it quickly - I mean, I didn't drop any children and the elves are awesome people to work with.
It just feels a bit like Christmas, doesn't it?
Friday 1st December 2017
Due to my schedule changing, I had to take Mum for her big (the one before Christmas) Christmas shop today, instead of tomorrow.
That was pretty much my day, then. A day spent sat in a car, writing notes for another novel. I think this one is the best of the lot.
Evening met up with my mate Sarah, and discussed 'business' with her - about the possibility of me taking her teaching job whilst she's on maternity leave. Sarah totally gets it; it was amazing to catch up, she talked fondly about a show of mine she saw in 2014 and she totally supports where my life is heading. It was a good, positive meeting that should lead to an easier start to 2018.
That was pretty much my day, then. A day spent sat in a car, writing notes for another novel. I think this one is the best of the lot.
Evening met up with my mate Sarah, and discussed 'business' with her - about the possibility of me taking her teaching job whilst she's on maternity leave. Sarah totally gets it; it was amazing to catch up, she talked fondly about a show of mine she saw in 2014 and she totally supports where my life is heading. It was a good, positive meeting that should lead to an easier start to 2018.
Thursday 30th November 2017
Drove down to the grotto for my elf costume fitting. They laughed when they saw me...this is the danger of phone interviews, I guess...they couldn't tell my height. Had an audition for Santa instead and got it. Start on Saturday.
Part of me wants to be a proper artist still, the other part of me is really excited about being Santa. I'm 36; is this what I thought I'd be doing at this age?
Had my first one-to-one drum lesson tonight with a young student called Tom. He's already a great drummer, which made my life much easier. Turns out I know his mum's best mate, which helped things even more. Small world, and all that. More of that sort of thing soon I think.
Part of me wants to be a proper artist still, the other part of me is really excited about being Santa. I'm 36; is this what I thought I'd be doing at this age?
Had my first one-to-one drum lesson tonight with a young student called Tom. He's already a great drummer, which made my life much easier. Turns out I know his mum's best mate, which helped things even more. Small world, and all that. More of that sort of thing soon I think.
Wednesday 29th November 2017
And we're back in the (freelance) game, phew! In fact, there seemed to be lots of offers coming in today - I decided against the idea of more part-time office work, see, as everyone seems to be a bit unreliable. Opening up my horizons to look at other options got me all excited, and I ended up having a phone interview...to be an elf. Amazing job, they like me and I pop in for the costume fitting tomorrow.
Great drum lesson at the college with my students, and then over to rehearsals with the choir band ahead of the show next week, which was awesome. It's been a good day.
Great drum lesson at the college with my students, and then over to rehearsals with the choir band ahead of the show next week, which was awesome. It's been a good day.
Tuesday 28th November 2017
Should be writing. Instead, I am writing - but am writing quiz books, and baby name books. They keep my royalties coming in, but it's not creatively satisfying stuff on any level.
Never thought I'd say this, but I'm bored out of mind and going a bit mad.
Band rehearsal in the evening was the only thing that kept me sane. We ran Christmas songs, a little unenthusiastically.
Never thought I'd say this, but I'm bored out of mind and going a bit mad.
Band rehearsal in the evening was the only thing that kept me sane. We ran Christmas songs, a little unenthusiastically.
Monday 27th November 2017
This lack of freelance work thing is really starting to piss me off - not financially, as such, but because I spend so long just trying to get something sorted, nothing happens and then because you're worried about it, you don't actually do anything else. The freelance post I was promised is now suddenly no longer available - 3 weeks after it being offered to me. That sort of thing annoys me.
I've got shows opening soon that I haven't written yet, there's ideas in notepads that deserve to see the light of day but instead I was looking around at freelance options and suddenly the day just runs away in stress and anger.
I've got shows opening soon that I haven't written yet, there's ideas in notepads that deserve to see the light of day but instead I was looking around at freelance options and suddenly the day just runs away in stress and anger.
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