I then wrote, constantly, for 8 hours. Nailed the Grotto script.
Monday, 31 December 2018
Sunday 30th December 2018
Nice walk with A, followed by a spot of lunch in a Waitrose cafe (FUCK I'VE CHANGED), and then a quick visit to her parents who are really making an effort with me.
Saturday 29th December 2018
Formal-ish brunch at Churchill College with some of A's friends, then I got back and totally re-built my website for all my projects. Looks absolutely brilliant now, and should be easy enough to maintain. That took HOURS, though.
Getting quite into films now, I think having a girlfriend has helped this. Before I never had the attention span to sit still for 90 minutes, or longer, but we watched a second film in 2 nights tonight and I loved it, and I've even bought a film magazine and everything.
Making good progress with the Grotto script. The plan was to just jot down my ideas, but actually I've ended up writing it word for word, as the dialogue is very clear to me. This could be a winner.
Getting quite into films now, I think having a girlfriend has helped this. Before I never had the attention span to sit still for 90 minutes, or longer, but we watched a second film in 2 nights tonight and I loved it, and I've even bought a film magazine and everything.
Making good progress with the Grotto script. The plan was to just jot down my ideas, but actually I've ended up writing it word for word, as the dialogue is very clear to me. This could be a winner.
Friday 28th December 2018
After a sluggish few days, getting back into the swing of things now.
Lovely lunch with some of A's friends, who were visiting from a few miles out, and then cracked on with the Grotto script. It's not one I can do anything with until next Christmas, but whilst it's all fresh in my mind I just needed to get these ideas down.
We watched The Greatest Showman for the first time tonight and I had an idea...
Lovely lunch with some of A's friends, who were visiting from a few miles out, and then cracked on with the Grotto script. It's not one I can do anything with until next Christmas, but whilst it's all fresh in my mind I just needed to get these ideas down.
We watched The Greatest Showman for the first time tonight and I had an idea...
Thursday 27th December 2018
Took Mum shopping, did the family thing for a bit and then finally home. It's nice that I have a place now I can actually call 'home' - A and I have worked very hard to make sure it suits both our needs (she's a bit OCD about cleaning, I just want some writing space), it feels cosy and nice.
Started writing the Grotto show.
Started writing the Grotto show.
Wednesday 26th December 2018
Boxing Day, which meant a bit of a lie-in, a long dog walk and then A came over for a few hours for awkward family chat and Mum enjoyed showing her old photos of me as a snotty-faced kid. Worryingly, my hairstyle hasn't changed at all.
Evening beers with Chris, Marcus and Michael, great to catch up with old friends I just don't see enough of these days. Got far too drunk, but it's mostly because I'm a happy boy.
Evening beers with Chris, Marcus and Michael, great to catch up with old friends I just don't see enough of these days. Got far too drunk, but it's mostly because I'm a happy boy.
Tuesday 25th December 2018
Christmas Day!
Doesn't quite have the same buzz as it did a few (okay, 20) years ago but still always nice, even if there is a Dad-shaped hole there. Mum seems in better spirits today, having had a bit of a wobble over the last few days.
Lovely day of presents, excessive meat and cat-naps.
Doesn't quite have the same buzz as it did a few (okay, 20) years ago but still always nice, even if there is a Dad-shaped hole there. Mum seems in better spirits today, having had a bit of a wobble over the last few days.
Lovely day of presents, excessive meat and cat-naps.
Monday 24th December 2018
Christmas Eve! Christmas Eve!
The perfect day to argue about me not entirely committing to my household chores, but I spent a couple hours hoovering and all is hunky dory again.
Given that A is Polish, it was a different sort of Christmas Eve - we had to have a formal dinner around her family home, where her parents, cousins, brother etc were there. Full of Polish traditions that I gradually got my head around, whilst wearing a full suit...felt strangely stressful but they've totally accepted me as "family" and gave me lots of lovely presents.
Then over to Mum's house, where I could on my jeans, old jumper and drink lager as the dog leapt all over me.
The perfect day to argue about me not entirely committing to my household chores, but I spent a couple hours hoovering and all is hunky dory again.
Given that A is Polish, it was a different sort of Christmas Eve - we had to have a formal dinner around her family home, where her parents, cousins, brother etc were there. Full of Polish traditions that I gradually got my head around, whilst wearing a full suit...felt strangely stressful but they've totally accepted me as "family" and gave me lots of lovely presents.
Then over to Mum's house, where I could on my jeans, old jumper and drink lager as the dog leapt all over me.
Sunday 23rd December 2018
Struggling to relax...I just don't relax, ever, it's really not my 'thing'. Everything is in shape for 2019, plenty of theatre/comedy work (even in talks with a festival in Sweden which follows on a week after Edinburgh...), probably not enough drumming stuff but that can always be fixed, plenty of teaching work...why don't I slow down?
It's because I'm just excited. About everything. Christmas isn't helping that, I still get excited more than your average 37-year-old should...
Spent most of the day making a to-do list of exciting things I want to achieve in 2019. Lots of little bits but in short, on top of growing the teaching business:
1 brilliant stage show that I'll be in (tour dates already booked and paid venue negotiations started)
1 movie (that will end up in the cinemas...I'm working on 4 ideas at the moment)
1 chatty podcast (ready to launch, am currently chatting to Paul M and Alan about which audio recorder to buy)
1 radio sitcom podcast (had a meeting with Alan H about this last month, am writing it)
1 novel
Finish my '100 Final Gigs' project
And lots, and lots of touring. And spending time with A, of course, who is just as busy as me - we've booked a holiday in Budapest for next year which blocks out some 'us' time, giving me the freedom to do my creative things guilt-free around that.
In the evening went to Rupert's party. I don't really know Rupert, but was made to feel very welcome and got into a long and surprisingly interesting chat with a stranger about corporation tax. I'm such a grown-up.
It's because I'm just excited. About everything. Christmas isn't helping that, I still get excited more than your average 37-year-old should...
Spent most of the day making a to-do list of exciting things I want to achieve in 2019. Lots of little bits but in short, on top of growing the teaching business:
1 brilliant stage show that I'll be in (tour dates already booked and paid venue negotiations started)
1 movie (that will end up in the cinemas...I'm working on 4 ideas at the moment)
1 chatty podcast (ready to launch, am currently chatting to Paul M and Alan about which audio recorder to buy)
1 radio sitcom podcast (had a meeting with Alan H about this last month, am writing it)
1 novel
Finish my '100 Final Gigs' project
And lots, and lots of touring. And spending time with A, of course, who is just as busy as me - we've booked a holiday in Budapest for next year which blocks out some 'us' time, giving me the freedom to do my creative things guilt-free around that.
In the evening went to Rupert's party. I don't really know Rupert, but was made to feel very welcome and got into a long and surprisingly interesting chat with a stranger about corporation tax. I'm such a grown-up.
Sunday, 23 December 2018
Saturday 22nd December 2018
After a lie-in to let the hangover go, I realised I was still missing a few things for Christmas - mostly cards and wrapping paper, so made the mistake of driving into town on the last Saturday before Christmas. Fuck. It just took hours. Hours and hours. To do anything.
Got back eventually and spent the rest of the day wrapping, listening to Christmas carols and thinking that things have worked out okay, I guess.
Made some more notes for my 'Grotto' play and watched festive telly, feeling dangerously relaxed...
Got back eventually and spent the rest of the day wrapping, listening to Christmas carols and thinking that things have worked out okay, I guess.
Made some more notes for my 'Grotto' play and watched festive telly, feeling dangerously relaxed...
Friday 21st December 2018
Final drum lessons of the year! I had never planned to be a teacher but, you know, it's all worked out okay I guess.
The first one was with my favourite Spanish family, who continue to be the warmest, happiest, easiest people to teach. The final one was with Z, which if anything. feels like more of a social these days (he even came to our party last weekend), a top bloke and weird to think I've only been teaching him since March as we've become such good mates.
In between that I drove down to St Ives to see Mum (she just needs a bit of support around this time of year) and popped by to get my tour money/payment off V - the last tour we did made a hefty profit, which is most unusual.
Date night with A, as, although we've been socialising a lot recently, it's not 'together' time as such - so we went for a fancy dinner and then went actual clubbing, even neither of us are into that sort of thing, but it was surprisingly good fun.
The first one was with my favourite Spanish family, who continue to be the warmest, happiest, easiest people to teach. The final one was with Z, which if anything. feels like more of a social these days (he even came to our party last weekend), a top bloke and weird to think I've only been teaching him since March as we've become such good mates.
In between that I drove down to St Ives to see Mum (she just needs a bit of support around this time of year) and popped by to get my tour money/payment off V - the last tour we did made a hefty profit, which is most unusual.
Date night with A, as, although we've been socialising a lot recently, it's not 'together' time as such - so we went for a fancy dinner and then went actual clubbing, even neither of us are into that sort of thing, but it was surprisingly good fun.
Thursday 20th December 2018
Busy day of teaching...even though I'm done with the schools until quite into January, the private students are still wanting an extra lesson or two before Christmas.
All of them in different places with no logic whatever, so 4 lessons but probably about 3 hours in the road. Next year I'll sit down with a list of my students and try and schedule them a bit more logically...I keep thinking that I'm snowed under without a moment to myself but in reality it's just terrible planning.
In the evening we had Edd and Emily over for dinner, it's been a while since I've seen them and I'm still grateful for everything that Edd has done for me, especially in the early days of being self-employed. Lovely to see them, as much as I'm niggled by how many times they've told me that I've "grown up" and that they are "proud" of me.
Then dash across town to A's mate's housewarming thing, which was lovely as they had beer and an awesome puppy. It's exhausting, all this socialising, isn't it?
Wednesday 19th December 2018
Yep, the BBC thing is a little exciting. We're not talking major career glory, here, but my work being recorded in a proper BBC studio by proper BBC actors, 4 episodes of a sitcom, is all very positive stuff.
Up early to teach a drum crash course to a friend who isn't a drummer but has a gig as a drummer coming up next year. He thinks like a drummer and got it really quickly, it was a lovely 2 hours that totally flew by.
Popped in to see A for a bit. she was cleaning her classroom in anticipation of a busy 2019, and then taught the final private lesson of the year with one of my regulars.
Dashed back, put on a suit then off to a formal dinner at a fancy Cambridge Uni. We were there because A's best mate's boyfriend is doing a PHD there so we were their guests; I think I held myself pretty well in such fancy company. Turns out I knew more people there, as well, which was nice.
Up early to teach a drum crash course to a friend who isn't a drummer but has a gig as a drummer coming up next year. He thinks like a drummer and got it really quickly, it was a lovely 2 hours that totally flew by.
Popped in to see A for a bit. she was cleaning her classroom in anticipation of a busy 2019, and then taught the final private lesson of the year with one of my regulars.
Dashed back, put on a suit then off to a formal dinner at a fancy Cambridge Uni. We were there because A's best mate's boyfriend is doing a PHD there so we were their guests; I think I held myself pretty well in such fancy company. Turns out I knew more people there, as well, which was nice.
Tuesday 18th December 2018
Final day of fringe admin stuff, for now at least. Tickets seem to have gone onsale for all the HOP tour dates, too, so 2019 is looking a bit busy already. I just need to be playing more gigs as a drummer, I'm teaching it too much and have dipped to the other side.
Final lesson of the year with one of my regulars, which was lovely as always.
Evening was my final show of the year - HOP in the village. Short on singers, I managed to get V in, but we had a genuine audience of 4 people, plus my mate Alan and the guest comedian's family. Of the four, one of them was a former Blue Peter presenter, but it's really hard doing a singalong show when nobody is up for actually joining in. We lost the four after about 20 minutes so just did the gig to ourselves and I bought whoever was left in the audience a round. During the show. It was that sort of night.
I've had a lot of good moments this year - glimmers of great things at the fringe, the award for Short Plays, the West End performances of HOP, stand up in San Francisco and, as of today, some really exciting stuff relating to the BBC about a script I wrote 7 years ago...but maybe it's time to let these little village shows go?
Final lesson of the year with one of my regulars, which was lovely as always.
Evening was my final show of the year - HOP in the village. Short on singers, I managed to get V in, but we had a genuine audience of 4 people, plus my mate Alan and the guest comedian's family. Of the four, one of them was a former Blue Peter presenter, but it's really hard doing a singalong show when nobody is up for actually joining in. We lost the four after about 20 minutes so just did the gig to ourselves and I bought whoever was left in the audience a round. During the show. It was that sort of night.
I've had a lot of good moments this year - glimmers of great things at the fringe, the award for Short Plays, the West End performances of HOP, stand up in San Francisco and, as of today, some really exciting stuff relating to the BBC about a script I wrote 7 years ago...but maybe it's time to let these little village shows go?
Monday 17th December 2018
Having this unexpected day free as Devon was cancelled again, I spent a chunk of the day working on admin for the shows next year - I now have fringe festivals in Devon, Brighton, Greater Manchester, Swindon and Buxton confirmed, with Edinburgh more than likely, of course (I'm chatting to a venue at the moment about this).
Also took Mum shopping and she seems fine...it's clear that going anywhere more than 5 miles from the house is freaking her out. Next year I think this needs to be addressed properly, but it's pretty much Christmas now so let's just pretend that everything is fine.
Got back and made notes for the three different plays that I'm trying to write at the same time and got myself needlessly stressed about it all.
Also took Mum shopping and she seems fine...it's clear that going anywhere more than 5 miles from the house is freaking her out. Next year I think this needs to be addressed properly, but it's pretty much Christmas now so let's just pretend that everything is fine.
Got back and made notes for the three different plays that I'm trying to write at the same time and got myself needlessly stressed about it all.
Sunday, 16 December 2018
Sunday 16th December 2018
Was supposed to be in Devon today but Mum pulled out, again, this time with a 'boiler' issue. This is the third time this year and it's sad not to be visiting dad's grave, again, and let the rest of the family down. Not sure what's going with Mum, maybe anxiety issues? I'll work on it this Christmas, I have plenty of time off.
Still, instead of driving 7 hours with a hangover, I got to spend a lovely day with A. We slept, a lot, had an amazing Sunday lunch out in a nearby restaurant and spent the evening watching Christmas movies. Yeah, she's the one.
Still, instead of driving 7 hours with a hangover, I got to spend a lovely day with A. We slept, a lot, had an amazing Sunday lunch out in a nearby restaurant and spent the evening watching Christmas movies. Yeah, she's the one.
Saturday 15th December 2018
Final lesson of the year with one of my regulars - well, two of them, a mother and a son who have 2 hour joint lessons. I've been teaching these guys since January, from scratch, and they're both amazing drummers now, really nailing the tricky stuff. I feel very proud and we have a brilliant working relationship to the extent that I spent an extra half an hour there today just chatting to them and their family. I like this teaching malarkey, I'm getting this right.
The rest of the day was spent preparing our big Christmas party. A gets very stressed about hosting, but she loves it all the same. Everything had to be perfect, the excessive ham, the cheese board, the decorations...but I see why, it's our first party we've hosted together, in 'our' house (as she calls it, she owns it) and it's Christmas. There was a certain amount of pressure, but it was truly a wonderful night with lots of lovely guests, all of whom mingled and got on so well. Bandmates, comedians, old school friends, just perfect. Felt festive, felt like we were good hosts, it was much fun all round. This adulting lark is actually quite nice, as is being all loved up with a girl who has totally changed my world.
The rest of the day was spent preparing our big Christmas party. A gets very stressed about hosting, but she loves it all the same. Everything had to be perfect, the excessive ham, the cheese board, the decorations...but I see why, it's our first party we've hosted together, in 'our' house (as she calls it, she owns it) and it's Christmas. There was a certain amount of pressure, but it was truly a wonderful night with lots of lovely guests, all of whom mingled and got on so well. Bandmates, comedians, old school friends, just perfect. Felt festive, felt like we were good hosts, it was much fun all round. This adulting lark is actually quite nice, as is being all loved up with a girl who has totally changed my world.
Friday 14th December 2018
Final day of teaching in the schools for the year, hurrah! Mustn't grumble really, it's only 14th December, all of the kids in all three schools were in really high, festive spirits, as were the other teachers.
Two private lessons followed and then a stand-up gig in town. Such an odd show. It's a gig I've done before and a gig I really like, with an MC who is a mate and usually a lovely audience. This time around it felt a little tense, the MC struggled (his act is very dark and the audience weren't onside) and then I was the first 'proper' act on. I didn't die or anything, but the punters, it turns out, were all Spanish and didn't get half my references. My ten minutes felt like a struggle at times, but only because the whole room felt so flat.
The other 4 acts after me had exactly the same problem...
Two private lessons followed and then a stand-up gig in town. Such an odd show. It's a gig I've done before and a gig I really like, with an MC who is a mate and usually a lovely audience. This time around it felt a little tense, the MC struggled (his act is very dark and the audience weren't onside) and then I was the first 'proper' act on. I didn't die or anything, but the punters, it turns out, were all Spanish and didn't get half my references. My ten minutes felt like a struggle at times, but only because the whole room felt so flat.
The other 4 acts after me had exactly the same problem...
Thursday, 13 December 2018
Thursday 13th December 2018
So it turns out a Santa in a neighbouring grotto did some naughty things at the weekend - told the children to fuck off, ripped off his beard etc. Naturally, a few people thought it was me, especially as I was so angry about the whole dog/photo thing the other day. I woke up to a load of messages from concerned friends asking what happened, am I okay, am I stressed...I had to put a post on Facebook announcing that it wasn't me. Madness. Utter madness. Not every day has to be an episode of a sitcom, does it?
Still, apart from that I had a nice morning. Popped into town to buy trainers and a new Christmas jumper, cleaned and tidied the bit of the house that is my responsibility, did a bit of work on a new script and then taught four brilliant lessons with four brilliant private students. Maybe teaching is my calling, I'm not sure. It works, either way.
Got back, started booking tour dates for next year because my head is buzzing full of ideas.
My Christmas jumper lights up and I am honestly thrilled about this.
Still, apart from that I had a nice morning. Popped into town to buy trainers and a new Christmas jumper, cleaned and tidied the bit of the house that is my responsibility, did a bit of work on a new script and then taught four brilliant lessons with four brilliant private students. Maybe teaching is my calling, I'm not sure. It works, either way.
Got back, started booking tour dates for next year because my head is buzzing full of ideas.
My Christmas jumper lights up and I am honestly thrilled about this.
Wednesday 12th December 2018
Cracking morning in the school; great students, totally on it.
Wasn't needed at the college till later so had a spare few hours and took Mum out for her big Christmas shop. She seems happy and I assembled the tree for her.
Resigned from the Santa job, mostly because it wasn't fun anymore but also because the FH tour made a hefty profit and I'm on a profit share...my cut is more than the Santa worked would have paid for the last 6 weeks so I'm very happy about all of this. And A is happy, too, because she actually gets to see me. Mad lady!
Christmas concert at the college was an absolute joy, my latest drumming student nailed it and I got to play bongos for the rapping cleaner.
Lovely lesson with one of my regulars and then back home to decorate the house ahead of the party this weekend. It feels homely and I feel alarmingly settled.
Wasn't needed at the college till later so had a spare few hours and took Mum out for her big Christmas shop. She seems happy and I assembled the tree for her.
Resigned from the Santa job, mostly because it wasn't fun anymore but also because the FH tour made a hefty profit and I'm on a profit share...my cut is more than the Santa worked would have paid for the last 6 weeks so I'm very happy about all of this. And A is happy, too, because she actually gets to see me. Mad lady!
Christmas concert at the college was an absolute joy, my latest drumming student nailed it and I got to play bongos for the rapping cleaner.
Lovely lesson with one of my regulars and then back home to decorate the house ahead of the party this weekend. It feels homely and I feel alarmingly settled.
Tuesday 11th December 2018
The Santa thing niggled me today. Just sat there for hours, chatting to the elf how about disorganised this whole place was.
The only 'customer' was a woman who came in with her baby, the baby being a dog. She insisted that Santa has a picture with the dog, and then she wasn't satisfied with the picture and came back in, the poor dog at this point was nervous and bit me several times and pissed on me...we had over twenty pictures taken, it took ages. She was never satisfied, mostly with my expressions and I was running out of patience. Eventually, nearly ten minutes later, we got one she liked. I decided then that I don't need the work, I'm 37, this isn't fun, this isn't for me and that I should quit as Santa...just as the others have done already. It was more enjoyable last year.
A couple of lovely private drum lessons after, all good there, and then the Christmas special of Bants. A small audience and my MC-ing skills were as haphazard as ever but all of the acts seemed to have a nice time. It's a nice gig, this one, it just needs more than 6 people to watch it.
The only 'customer' was a woman who came in with her baby, the baby being a dog. She insisted that Santa has a picture with the dog, and then she wasn't satisfied with the picture and came back in, the poor dog at this point was nervous and bit me several times and pissed on me...we had over twenty pictures taken, it took ages. She was never satisfied, mostly with my expressions and I was running out of patience. Eventually, nearly ten minutes later, we got one she liked. I decided then that I don't need the work, I'm 37, this isn't fun, this isn't for me and that I should quit as Santa...just as the others have done already. It was more enjoyable last year.
A couple of lovely private drum lessons after, all good there, and then the Christmas special of Bants. A small audience and my MC-ing skills were as haphazard as ever but all of the acts seemed to have a nice time. It's a nice gig, this one, it just needs more than 6 people to watch it.
Monday 10th December 2018
Went I quit the TA job it was to give me writing time, maybe it was a mistake to replace it with Santa? I don't need the work, I have enough coming in. I was only in for three hours, three kids came in, I spent the rest of time doing my Christmas shopping on my phone.
Then into Cambridge for four lovely lessons, all students on cracking form, all wanting extra lessons over Christmas which is great for my bank balance but less so for my relationship. I'll do my best to find a middle ground, somewhere...
Then into Cambridge for four lovely lessons, all students on cracking form, all wanting extra lessons over Christmas which is great for my bank balance but less so for my relationship. I'll do my best to find a middle ground, somewhere...
Sunday 9th December 2018
Hungover.
The other Santa was off sick, so it was just me today. Utterly crazy day, over 300 kids came in over the 8 hours I was there...I was like a festive machine, making dreams happen and all that. Kind of takes away the magic of Christmas at the same time, though, it's all a bit corporate. I knew this from last year.
Dashed into town to teach, which is clearly what I do best at the moment. Little Benjamin is a cracking student and, no matter how tired I am, his energy makes my job very easy.
Then into Cambridge for the HOP festive special. A bit different to the regular nights because I didn't have Rachel or Mel, as they're based in London and this was in a tiny room where I couldn't even justify paying their fuel. I had Dan, though, who was amazing, as were my makeshift choir of Josie, Beth and Amanda. I started the show too angry - I get the 'joke' is the time restraint but I didn't need to mention it in first five minutes nor did I need to start so urgently. I was bordering on aggressive at the start...too much Red Bull, but the choir kept it ticking over. It settled nicely about half way through and was more than fine; the audience were lovely throughout.
The other Santa was off sick, so it was just me today. Utterly crazy day, over 300 kids came in over the 8 hours I was there...I was like a festive machine, making dreams happen and all that. Kind of takes away the magic of Christmas at the same time, though, it's all a bit corporate. I knew this from last year.
Dashed into town to teach, which is clearly what I do best at the moment. Little Benjamin is a cracking student and, no matter how tired I am, his energy makes my job very easy.
Then into Cambridge for the HOP festive special. A bit different to the regular nights because I didn't have Rachel or Mel, as they're based in London and this was in a tiny room where I couldn't even justify paying their fuel. I had Dan, though, who was amazing, as were my makeshift choir of Josie, Beth and Amanda. I started the show too angry - I get the 'joke' is the time restraint but I didn't need to mention it in first five minutes nor did I need to start so urgently. I was bordering on aggressive at the start...too much Red Bull, but the choir kept it ticking over. It settled nicely about half way through and was more than fine; the audience were lovely throughout.
Saturday 8th December 2018
Long Santa shift, was so busy I didn't get my lunchbreak until 3pm and they ran out of presents by the end. I just sat there, getting through, thinking about the MacBook I'll get out of the cash I'm making from this...
Went to the old house to catch up with Phill (and others) over a few lovely beers, and then met A at her mate's surprise bash. A fun, drunken evening. I'm Santa again tomorrow. A hungover Santa.
Went to the old house to catch up with Phill (and others) over a few lovely beers, and then met A at her mate's surprise bash. A fun, drunken evening. I'm Santa again tomorrow. A hungover Santa.
Friday 7th December 2018
Standard ridiculous Friday, not helped by traffic delays everywhere and the fact I woke up late. 7 kids in the first school, 6 in the next and 7 in the final one, complete with frantic driving in between each location. Got away with it, just, as always.
Dashed over to Cambridge to watch A's school's wonderful carol service in an epic church, that made me feel mega festive, then over to teach one of my regulars for an hour before picking up a now drunk A from her post-concert celebrations.
Got back, wanted to write but seemed to fall asleep on the sofa with half a pizza on my jumper. Classy.
Dashed over to Cambridge to watch A's school's wonderful carol service in an epic church, that made me feel mega festive, then over to teach one of my regulars for an hour before picking up a now drunk A from her post-concert celebrations.
Got back, wanted to write but seemed to fall asleep on the sofa with half a pizza on my jumper. Classy.
Thursday, 6 December 2018
Thursday 6th December 2018
Slight lie-in for the first time in a while was an option, but I had to get up and crack on with writing/printing the lyrics for tonight's show. And cleaning the kitchen, because I'm domesticated these days.
Santa shift was quiet, basically Becky (the elf, now the manager even if she didn't want to be but everyone else has left) (becoming a good mate) and I chatting about why she isn't actually posh, even if she sounds it. That killed at least an hour. Only 2 kids came in, both of them cried.
Dashed back, dumped car and then got a train to Cambridge, and then to London, for the festive special of HOP. I don't know what I feel about tonight - it felt like a special occasion; we were the opening show of a huge festive season in that new venue (which features many famous comedians over the next few weeks) but our hands were tied because the venue said it couldn't be a Christmas show as such, because there's another show at the same festival which is a bit similar, but a festive special of the one we did there last month which they enjoyed. Ultimately, the format lost it's urgency when I kept trying to drip-feed in Christmas tunes to an existing show which works well as it does. I couldn't see the audience because the stage lights were so bright, and the first person I picked on, randomly, and dragged onstage, ended up being an amazing singer who totally stole the show and pissed off my own singers. I never felt like I had a connection with the audience tonight, it was a big crowd and from the stage I couldn't get 'in' to them as such, as much as I like to.
It all meant the show felt uneven, somehow, and I couldn't do my 'panicky we're about to run out of time so keep things moving' thing, which is a key part of the energy in the show, because we were given a longer slot.
Had beers with Dan and Mel to discuss it afterwards and they did their best to perk me up...I'm fine, it's just this show rarely fails me, but it wasn't as good as it could have been tonight.
The venue manager/producer loved it and we pretty much sold out a West End venue, so shouldn't grumble, really. I think I'm just tired.
Santa shift was quiet, basically Becky (the elf, now the manager even if she didn't want to be but everyone else has left) (becoming a good mate) and I chatting about why she isn't actually posh, even if she sounds it. That killed at least an hour. Only 2 kids came in, both of them cried.
Dashed back, dumped car and then got a train to Cambridge, and then to London, for the festive special of HOP. I don't know what I feel about tonight - it felt like a special occasion; we were the opening show of a huge festive season in that new venue (which features many famous comedians over the next few weeks) but our hands were tied because the venue said it couldn't be a Christmas show as such, because there's another show at the same festival which is a bit similar, but a festive special of the one we did there last month which they enjoyed. Ultimately, the format lost it's urgency when I kept trying to drip-feed in Christmas tunes to an existing show which works well as it does. I couldn't see the audience because the stage lights were so bright, and the first person I picked on, randomly, and dragged onstage, ended up being an amazing singer who totally stole the show and pissed off my own singers. I never felt like I had a connection with the audience tonight, it was a big crowd and from the stage I couldn't get 'in' to them as such, as much as I like to.
It all meant the show felt uneven, somehow, and I couldn't do my 'panicky we're about to run out of time so keep things moving' thing, which is a key part of the energy in the show, because we were given a longer slot.
Had beers with Dan and Mel to discuss it afterwards and they did their best to perk me up...I'm fine, it's just this show rarely fails me, but it wasn't as good as it could have been tonight.
The venue manager/producer loved it and we pretty much sold out a West End venue, so shouldn't grumble, really. I think I'm just tired.
Wednesday 5th December 2018
Long-ish morning at the school in which the kids are taking my paradiddle (a snare drum-based exercise) challenge a bit too seriously and are now competing against each other with it. I mean - they're all getting great at it, but I'm worried it'll lead to bullying at some point. They're even going in at lunchtimes and practising, just so they can get the highest score when I test them, and then taunting the loser.
Took Mum for a longer shop than normal as I wasn't at the college, so she managed to get some of her Christmas shopping done.
Then off to Norwich for the final FH gig with G. Almost felt like the final gig ever in some ways, but we'll see. After Saturday's anger and outbursts we were all a bit wary but actually it was lovely, everyone was in a good place I think and the gig was...pleasant, and stress-free. Just like Norwich as a whole, it's sleepy but very nice. I mean, totally emotional (as soon as the gig was done I found myself with V crying into my chest for about 5 minutes) but it was a great performance and a fitting end to our time with a complicated, but great man, who I'll miss working with.
Then the fucking A14 was closed and it took us HOURS to get home.
Took Mum for a longer shop than normal as I wasn't at the college, so she managed to get some of her Christmas shopping done.
Then off to Norwich for the final FH gig with G. Almost felt like the final gig ever in some ways, but we'll see. After Saturday's anger and outbursts we were all a bit wary but actually it was lovely, everyone was in a good place I think and the gig was...pleasant, and stress-free. Just like Norwich as a whole, it's sleepy but very nice. I mean, totally emotional (as soon as the gig was done I found myself with V crying into my chest for about 5 minutes) but it was a great performance and a fitting end to our time with a complicated, but great man, who I'll miss working with.
Then the fucking A14 was closed and it took us HOURS to get home.
Tuesday 4th December 2018
Another Santa shift in the morning - this one has probably been a mistake this year, it's costing me a bit in fuel, but they're very grateful all the same.
Decent drum lesson with one of my enthusiastic regulars, then one where we sat in a dark room and I think I may have fallen asleep briefly - not that the student actually notice. That followed an outstanding lesson with a student who is learning jazz, we totally nailed it and you can just feel the excitement in the room.
FH audition later on for a new singer, who we didn't really feel excited by. It's tough, trying to replace G. We should have sorted this by now.
Decent drum lesson with one of my enthusiastic regulars, then one where we sat in a dark room and I think I may have fallen asleep briefly - not that the student actually notice. That followed an outstanding lesson with a student who is learning jazz, we totally nailed it and you can just feel the excitement in the room.
FH audition later on for a new singer, who we didn't really feel excited by. It's tough, trying to replace G. We should have sorted this by now.
Monday 3rd December 2018
Three years since Dad passed away. Three years ago was by far the most difficult day of my life - I almost feel guilty for things getting easier, year on year, but they do. It doesn't take the love away, it just means that I am learning to accept it.
Called Mum very early on to check in; she's keeping herself busy. Just like I do.
My Monday was mega busy...hosted an assembly at a school in which my star student got so nervous he barely played (we need to work on that as he's a talented kid), and then over for a Santa shift. A lady was rude to me in the car park, and then when she came in with her daughter I promised her kid a pony for Christmas. Naughty of me, but needed to be done. I wouldn't have done that last year, when I really needed this work, this year I'm just enjoying myself with it. The Grotto is in a bit of a crisis with staff dropping off everywhere but we're getting the job done.
Then off for a comedy roast gig. I hate this format - basically comedians being vile to each other in the hope of getting cheap laughs. In a Weatherspoons in Ipswich.
Luckily, I was against Joe, who is a good friend and one of the nicest people around. We agreed early on that we're above this, so almost ruined the format by saying nice-ish things about each other. True, I made a few remarks about the fact a lot of my primary school kids are taller than him (with deeper voices and that his balls haven't dropped yet as he's a squeaky 31-year-old) and he called me a 'parsnip who has failed university' which is a cracking line, but all in all we were kind. Which, as the headline 'roast' probably disappointed the audience/judges but we kept our dignity, at least.
Called Mum very early on to check in; she's keeping herself busy. Just like I do.
My Monday was mega busy...hosted an assembly at a school in which my star student got so nervous he barely played (we need to work on that as he's a talented kid), and then over for a Santa shift. A lady was rude to me in the car park, and then when she came in with her daughter I promised her kid a pony for Christmas. Naughty of me, but needed to be done. I wouldn't have done that last year, when I really needed this work, this year I'm just enjoying myself with it. The Grotto is in a bit of a crisis with staff dropping off everywhere but we're getting the job done.
Then off for a comedy roast gig. I hate this format - basically comedians being vile to each other in the hope of getting cheap laughs. In a Weatherspoons in Ipswich.
Luckily, I was against Joe, who is a good friend and one of the nicest people around. We agreed early on that we're above this, so almost ruined the format by saying nice-ish things about each other. True, I made a few remarks about the fact a lot of my primary school kids are taller than him (with deeper voices and that his balls haven't dropped yet as he's a squeaky 31-year-old) and he called me a 'parsnip who has failed university' which is a cracking line, but all in all we were kind. Which, as the headline 'roast' probably disappointed the audience/judges but we kept our dignity, at least.
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
Sunday 2nd December 2018
Huzzah - it's Christmas! Got back from Hull at about 11am (nobody knew what happened to G last night, he made his own way home), and then A and I picked up our first Christmas tree together and I got all stressed with how big it is and how the pine needles ripped my hands to stress. But now it's all here, in the lounge, it looks brilliant.
Lunch with A's parents, and then I had a private drum lesson with one of my regulars which was fine.
Got back, started writing a masterpiece/watched I'm a Celeb.
Lunch with A's parents, and then I had a private drum lesson with one of my regulars which was fine.
Got back, started writing a masterpiece/watched I'm a Celeb.
Saturday 1st December 2018
Morning drum lesson with one of my regulars, was fine - I have a schedule for them, they regularly hit it, the two hours go quickly.
Long drive up to Hull with the band for tonight's sold-out show. Nice, big room, suspiciously slapdash soundcheck (turns out it was mostly drums in the mix) but made to feel very welcome. G totally lost the plot and attacked all of us in the dressing room beforehand, me in particular, and we're not sure why. He's emotional and soon to leave the band, but his outbursts were shocking and out of nowhere...nobody had no idea what happened there.
Did the gig, it was fine...tight, professional.
After the gig, G kicked off in the car park again. The boy needs help, it's just emotional rage with no facts to back it up, like he just wants to scream and shout for the sake of it. I wish I could help.
Got drunk with the locals and super fan, Ian, who has been following the band around a bit.
Long drive up to Hull with the band for tonight's sold-out show. Nice, big room, suspiciously slapdash soundcheck (turns out it was mostly drums in the mix) but made to feel very welcome. G totally lost the plot and attacked all of us in the dressing room beforehand, me in particular, and we're not sure why. He's emotional and soon to leave the band, but his outbursts were shocking and out of nowhere...nobody had no idea what happened there.
Did the gig, it was fine...tight, professional.
After the gig, G kicked off in the car park again. The boy needs help, it's just emotional rage with no facts to back it up, like he just wants to scream and shout for the sake of it. I wish I could help.
Got drunk with the locals and super fan, Ian, who has been following the band around a bit.
Friday 30th November 2018
Typical frantic Friday with the three schools - the one where the kids are nervous but friendly, the one where the kids are aggressive but surely mean well deep down and then the awesome school where the kids, if anything, question and challenge me a bit too much.
Exhausting stuff.
Fucking good money.
Private lesson with my favourite Spanish family...I keep telling A that when we settle down and do the whole 'having our own family thing' (which is totally a given by the way, even though we met in January, we're in this for life) we should aspire to be them and she agrees. So much joy in that house.
Evening had one of the strangest gigs ever...FH booked to play a private gig, an anniversary celebration. None of the other guests turned up, so we played the whole 2 hour gig to 2 people in a village hall and ate most of the buffet. One of G's final gigs and it was this one? An odd, bizarre evening that didn't feel half as bad as it should have done because the two who were there were actually really lovely.
On the way home in band people carrier, everyone was dozing off (apart from Gaf who was driving). Cat Stevens came on the radio, the song that was played at my dad's funeral. Sat in my corner of the car (back, left), I pretty much cried myself to sleep. Nobody noticed because they too were asleep, I'm glad this was the case.
Exhausting stuff.
Fucking good money.
Private lesson with my favourite Spanish family...I keep telling A that when we settle down and do the whole 'having our own family thing' (which is totally a given by the way, even though we met in January, we're in this for life) we should aspire to be them and she agrees. So much joy in that house.
Evening had one of the strangest gigs ever...FH booked to play a private gig, an anniversary celebration. None of the other guests turned up, so we played the whole 2 hour gig to 2 people in a village hall and ate most of the buffet. One of G's final gigs and it was this one? An odd, bizarre evening that didn't feel half as bad as it should have done because the two who were there were actually really lovely.
On the way home in band people carrier, everyone was dozing off (apart from Gaf who was driving). Cat Stevens came on the radio, the song that was played at my dad's funeral. Sat in my corner of the car (back, left), I pretty much cried myself to sleep. Nobody noticed because they too were asleep, I'm glad this was the case.
Thursday 29th November 2018
This weird thing on my eyelid just keeps on growing. I know a friend (who is an eye specialist) has dismissed it as being part of my bad diet, but I'm starting to worry a little...probably because I've googled it too much and there's so much stuff on there that I don't need to see.
Productive day, tying up Brighton Fringe stuff, and all other admin - feels like I'm already set for next year's fringe. Well, it's the usual, isn't it? I have one really good thing on the go, and about seven other projects which currently only exist as really cracking titles. The actors I'm writing shows for keep asking for the scripts, and asking when there will be ready...when I have more time. Any time I have left is spent booking tour dates for those shows, which aren't written yet. And so the typical cycle of panic nearer the time begins. I should learn by now.
Morning/afternoon spent sorting admin and making notes for the sitcom-podcast thing that Alan and I are doing next year.
After that four private lessons - all awesome today, brilliant stuff, brilliant students.
Productive day, tying up Brighton Fringe stuff, and all other admin - feels like I'm already set for next year's fringe. Well, it's the usual, isn't it? I have one really good thing on the go, and about seven other projects which currently only exist as really cracking titles. The actors I'm writing shows for keep asking for the scripts, and asking when there will be ready...when I have more time. Any time I have left is spent booking tour dates for those shows, which aren't written yet. And so the typical cycle of panic nearer the time begins. I should learn by now.
Morning/afternoon spent sorting admin and making notes for the sitcom-podcast thing that Alan and I are doing next year.
After that four private lessons - all awesome today, brilliant stuff, brilliant students.
Thursday, 29 November 2018
Wednesday 28th November 2018
Seemed to have picked up the cough/snotty bug that EVERYONE around me has - mostly my bandmates but also the students. With barely a voice, the primary school felt like a bit of a struggle today, especially I was trying to get them to up their game and push on to more technical things.
Took Mum for her weekly food shop and she's a bit down as it would have been her sister's birthday today (she died in August) and it's the anniversary of dad's death next week. Tough times.
Then over to the college to teach for an hour and a half, feeling a little flat and tired, as were the students.
Cracking private lesson and then home to write. I need more time to write.
Took Mum for her weekly food shop and she's a bit down as it would have been her sister's birthday today (she died in August) and it's the anniversary of dad's death next week. Tough times.
Then over to the college to teach for an hour and a half, feeling a little flat and tired, as were the students.
Cracking private lesson and then home to write. I need more time to write.
Tuesday 27th November 2018
Went to watch A's school's nativity in the morning, having been invited to make up the numbers. I thought it would make me festive but if anything, as I was the only audience member without a kid there it just felt weird - and they're all very young so kept forgetting their lines. Still, done my bit as a good boyfriend.
After that went to grab some lunch from a nearby bakery and watched, awkwardly, as the owner sacked his member of staff for being "fucking lazy" and then struggled to deal with the fact that he had six customers lined up as she walked away. Was there for nearly half an hour just to get a bacon roll.
Got back, sorted out my NINE double-bookings for next week and then off to Bottisham for the first lesson of the day, then Cambourne, then 2 in Cambridge. All fine, but there's probably a more logical way of organising these lessons as I'm spending so much on fuel.
Wrote till late...
After that went to grab some lunch from a nearby bakery and watched, awkwardly, as the owner sacked his member of staff for being "fucking lazy" and then struggled to deal with the fact that he had six customers lined up as she walked away. Was there for nearly half an hour just to get a bacon roll.
Got back, sorted out my NINE double-bookings for next week and then off to Bottisham for the first lesson of the day, then Cambourne, then 2 in Cambridge. All fine, but there's probably a more logical way of organising these lessons as I'm spending so much on fuel.
Wrote till late...
Monday, 26 November 2018
Monday 26th November 2018
One more of the actors has got back to me (one of the ones who never replied in the first place) saying she'd do it, but is quite busy. She also called me 'Richard' which doesn't bode well considering we're doing a show together next May. Let's just release this one as a book and forget about filming it, I've got the West End show next week to worry about.
Did manly things today such as going to the tip and disposing of all the spare flooring/old carpet etc, that took quite a while. Got back, tried to work out my many diary clashes and decided to leave it for another day. There's just too many, mostly because I accidentally took on too many Santa shifts...the plan was to only do 26 hours this year but I seem to have somehow agreed to 78.
Private lesson number 1 was great (as it always is - my first ever student, a year and four days ago, and still a favourite weekly 'customer'), second one wasn't as aggressive as he was last week (although he still hit my shins several times with a drum stick when he couldn't get the timing right), third one felt flat but he's a very great student and he felt bad because he'd not been practising all week, the fourth one was excellent.
Home to a lovely dinner with A, before doing a spot of writing for next year's stuff.
Somebody has put/left a cuddly toy inside my bass drum and I'm really confused by this.
Did manly things today such as going to the tip and disposing of all the spare flooring/old carpet etc, that took quite a while. Got back, tried to work out my many diary clashes and decided to leave it for another day. There's just too many, mostly because I accidentally took on too many Santa shifts...the plan was to only do 26 hours this year but I seem to have somehow agreed to 78.
Private lesson number 1 was great (as it always is - my first ever student, a year and four days ago, and still a favourite weekly 'customer'), second one wasn't as aggressive as he was last week (although he still hit my shins several times with a drum stick when he couldn't get the timing right), third one felt flat but he's a very great student and he felt bad because he'd not been practising all week, the fourth one was excellent.
Home to a lovely dinner with A, before doing a spot of writing for next year's stuff.
Somebody has put/left a cuddly toy inside my bass drum and I'm really confused by this.
Sunday, 25 November 2018
Sunday 25th November 2018
The actors still haven't got back to me about the Christmas monologues. Reckon it's because I sent them all by FB messenger at 3am? Either way, got a Christmas special of HOP in the West End just confirmed so I need to worry about that now.
Ended up being a late night, last night. Gone are the days when we'd have a crazy aftershow party (like we've EVER done that in FH, apart from that one night where we nearly got chucked out of a Travel Lodge in Swindon), instead we had a cheeky bar in a nearby hotel and went our separate ways, like professionals do. A and I stayed up, enjoyed a bottle of wine and some Twiglets, whilst listening to an Amazon 'chilled indie' playlist, like the modern, sophisticated couple we are.
Slept in till much later than planned, then we spent 3 hours clearing out the conservatory. It's all very grown-up, and I need to do a big run to the rubbish tip tomorrow with all the surplus flooring and stuff we don't need, but the house is starting to feel like a proper home now. I looked in the conservatory earlier and just felt really happy - the dining table is there, as is the (always full) drinks cabinet, my record player and vinyl collection under some not-Christmas-but-basically-Christmas lights around the top...this is home, and we can be very happy.
Popped out to teach my regular Sunday evening drum class, and then back home again for dinner and trying to work out the double bookings I have for next week and how to solve them all.
Ended up being a late night, last night. Gone are the days when we'd have a crazy aftershow party (like we've EVER done that in FH, apart from that one night where we nearly got chucked out of a Travel Lodge in Swindon), instead we had a cheeky bar in a nearby hotel and went our separate ways, like professionals do. A and I stayed up, enjoyed a bottle of wine and some Twiglets, whilst listening to an Amazon 'chilled indie' playlist, like the modern, sophisticated couple we are.
Slept in till much later than planned, then we spent 3 hours clearing out the conservatory. It's all very grown-up, and I need to do a big run to the rubbish tip tomorrow with all the surplus flooring and stuff we don't need, but the house is starting to feel like a proper home now. I looked in the conservatory earlier and just felt really happy - the dining table is there, as is the (always full) drinks cabinet, my record player and vinyl collection under some not-Christmas-but-basically-Christmas lights around the top...this is home, and we can be very happy.
Popped out to teach my regular Sunday evening drum class, and then back home again for dinner and trying to work out the double bookings I have for next week and how to solve them all.
Saturday 24th November 2018
Another long day, but this one was totally a cracker. Great lesson in the morning with one of my regular students who wasn't in great spirits last week but was totally on it today, which was nice. New songs learnt, all is well there.
Home, total re-tune of the kit as it's having a few issues - mostly because it's being used for both gigging and teaching, so it's bound to need a bit of TLC.
4pm soundcheck with the band in Cambridge, an hour and a bit getting the sound right then a nice meal with the guys.
Album launch show, the band has had so many problems recently with so much tension but this was all totally out of the window. A glorious show, I wouldn't go as far as to say it was "the best gig ever" (as much as a few people have said it was) because it all felt very controlled, tight, professional. For me, the best gigs ever are the ones that I don't expect to be brilliant, but we always knew this one would be...it's a well-gigged set, in a venue we know, in front of a home crowd...no excuses, really, apart from the emotional ones as G is off soon. Still, totally nailed it, every second of it.
A fan gave us all presents as a thank you because the band has "saved" his life, not literally, of course. The present, one for each of us, was a two night holiday away for two people...how lovely is that? Actually being bought a holiday by a fan. Guys: I think I've made it.
Cracking night.
Home, total re-tune of the kit as it's having a few issues - mostly because it's being used for both gigging and teaching, so it's bound to need a bit of TLC.
4pm soundcheck with the band in Cambridge, an hour and a bit getting the sound right then a nice meal with the guys.
Album launch show, the band has had so many problems recently with so much tension but this was all totally out of the window. A glorious show, I wouldn't go as far as to say it was "the best gig ever" (as much as a few people have said it was) because it all felt very controlled, tight, professional. For me, the best gigs ever are the ones that I don't expect to be brilliant, but we always knew this one would be...it's a well-gigged set, in a venue we know, in front of a home crowd...no excuses, really, apart from the emotional ones as G is off soon. Still, totally nailed it, every second of it.
A fan gave us all presents as a thank you because the band has "saved" his life, not literally, of course. The present, one for each of us, was a two night holiday away for two people...how lovely is that? Actually being bought a holiday by a fan. Guys: I think I've made it.
Cracking night.
Friday 23rd November 2018
Ridiculous day, to be honest. I always say that Friday is my most exhausting due to the amount of schools I have to teach in (which is logical because they're all within 20 minutes of each other, but not logical because it's near-impossible to squeeze everyone in) and that was made even more difficult by the fact that the middle school keep giving me extra students. Which is, of course, extra money, but it's getting to the point now where I don't have time to eat between 8am - 3.30pm so I have to grab a pasty and have my lunch on the move and there's no time to go for a piss. Not that I'm a big pisser, anyway, but it's nice to have the option.
The kids were all in good spirits and it was fine, I did a good job I think.
From that, off to 2 private lessons, both of which I enjoyed, and then finally home by 9pm. A is as exhausted as me, so pizza and a movie it was. We mustn't make a habit of this. Slightly alarmed that she'd never seen The Naked Gun before, and even more alarmed that she didn't like it, but she's pretty awesome otherwise.
The kids were all in good spirits and it was fine, I did a good job I think.
From that, off to 2 private lessons, both of which I enjoyed, and then finally home by 9pm. A is as exhausted as me, so pizza and a movie it was. We mustn't make a habit of this. Slightly alarmed that she'd never seen The Naked Gun before, and even more alarmed that she didn't like it, but she's pretty awesome otherwise.
Thursday, 22 November 2018
Thursday 22nd November 2018
Yeah, I think I am turning boring. I feel a bit anxious today about it all, not sure why. Well, okay I guess it's simple: I've written a bunch of lovely monologues, 11 of them, have approached the five actors needed (it's two each, I'll do the spare one), three have got back to me saying they'd do it but, having sent them the scripts over a day ago, I've not heard anything back since.
My fear is simple: this isn't a great script. I really, really like it...it's not a major departure from what I normally do, but the characters have warmth and depth and I think the dialogue is very naturalistic. But two of the three actors are only actors I've met at the fringe this year and all they know is Little Sparks and whatever solo show of mine they saw. Maybe this sort of stuff isn't for them? Or maybe, it just isn't very good? Not being arrogant or anything, but I was just expecting a little more enthusiasm about the script in return as I've spent longer on these than I have on many other projects.
Also a bit anxious about my right eye, which is doing strange things. The eyelid is, at least. When I Googled it all manner of scary things about cancer came up, but when I saw an eye specialist (who just happens to be the mum of one of my students) on Monday she was quite relaxed and told me it was simply lack of vitamin C. I've had the cream on for three days now and it still looks a bit...well, black. I'm sure she's right, she is the expert after all but I feel a bit, well, even uglier with an eye like this.
Also, feeling anxious because I am clearly turning boring. Thursday is typically a nice day for me - no teaching until 4pm, so plenty of time to write during the day. What did I to today? I did my tax return, over two months before the deadline! I would write, but maybe nobody thinks I'm a good writer because maybe the Christmas stuff is shit?
Either way, good to get it done and paid for.
I know I have much to be grateful for, really...this time last year I was swimming in my overdraft and struggling big style. I'm comfortable now. This time last year I hadn't even taught a private drum lesson yet - that was on 30th November 2017, a student who I still teach weekly and is one of my favourites. I've got my life in shape. I've sold two of my 'become a drummer in a day' courses - if I sell 20 of those over the next 8 months and keep the money aside, it will totally pay for my Edinburgh Fringe 2019 including accommodation.
Today was fine, I did boring life admin, then taught 2 cracking drum lessons with 2 cracking students and then went to a cracking Thanksgiving meal around Lachy's parents' house - great food in very fine company. Maybe being a grownup isn't so bad, after all?
My fear is simple: this isn't a great script. I really, really like it...it's not a major departure from what I normally do, but the characters have warmth and depth and I think the dialogue is very naturalistic. But two of the three actors are only actors I've met at the fringe this year and all they know is Little Sparks and whatever solo show of mine they saw. Maybe this sort of stuff isn't for them? Or maybe, it just isn't very good? Not being arrogant or anything, but I was just expecting a little more enthusiasm about the script in return as I've spent longer on these than I have on many other projects.
Also a bit anxious about my right eye, which is doing strange things. The eyelid is, at least. When I Googled it all manner of scary things about cancer came up, but when I saw an eye specialist (who just happens to be the mum of one of my students) on Monday she was quite relaxed and told me it was simply lack of vitamin C. I've had the cream on for three days now and it still looks a bit...well, black. I'm sure she's right, she is the expert after all but I feel a bit, well, even uglier with an eye like this.
Also, feeling anxious because I am clearly turning boring. Thursday is typically a nice day for me - no teaching until 4pm, so plenty of time to write during the day. What did I to today? I did my tax return, over two months before the deadline! I would write, but maybe nobody thinks I'm a good writer because maybe the Christmas stuff is shit?
Either way, good to get it done and paid for.
I know I have much to be grateful for, really...this time last year I was swimming in my overdraft and struggling big style. I'm comfortable now. This time last year I hadn't even taught a private drum lesson yet - that was on 30th November 2017, a student who I still teach weekly and is one of my favourites. I've got my life in shape. I've sold two of my 'become a drummer in a day' courses - if I sell 20 of those over the next 8 months and keep the money aside, it will totally pay for my Edinburgh Fringe 2019 including accommodation.
Today was fine, I did boring life admin, then taught 2 cracking drum lessons with 2 cracking students and then went to a cracking Thanksgiving meal around Lachy's parents' house - great food in very fine company. Maybe being a grownup isn't so bad, after all?
Wednesday, 21 November 2018
Wednesday 21st November 2018
Four hours sleep - we got back late last night, and then I woke up at 4am and told A to "stick to the one, snare on the three..." and she told me the time, and reminded me we were not in a drum lesson. I went back to sleep.
So tired, but my students - absolutely all of them today, we're totally on it, a joy to teach. At the school, at the college, both private lessons...easy, so easy. Just a reminder that I've got this right; a day full of people who respect me, who listen to me, who are getting something out of this. As Monday's lesson suggested, there will be hurdles, but it's mostly all good.
So many diary clashes for December.
So tired, but my students - absolutely all of them today, we're totally on it, a joy to teach. At the school, at the college, both private lessons...easy, so easy. Just a reminder that I've got this right; a day full of people who respect me, who listen to me, who are getting something out of this. As Monday's lesson suggested, there will be hurdles, but it's mostly all good.
So many diary clashes for December.
Tuesday 20th November 2018
Treated myself to a load of sleep, got up at 10am. I'd moved my Tuesday lessons to Sunday to give myself more time today, and had a productive one - got chatting to my preferred actors about filming the Christmas monologues. Three of them have said yes instantly, the other two haven't replied yet, but I think they'll be onside soon.
Did a spot of writing for next year's fringe and then re-tuned my kit. Met up with the guys and off to London for our big show there. I don't know why, but this one didn't do it for me tonight - we had a big enough audience, but the set felt too long and, a rarity for us, it dragged a bit. I think we've had a great run recently, and this gig went down well, but was hardly a highlight.
V got annoyed with me on the way home when I said to her, "not every gig can be the best gig we've ever played, that one was just fine" and then L got annoyed with me because I got annoyed with him for suggesting we drop Ghost Town for the next gig, because I'd rather drop Earthquake. We're on different pages. Not always a good sign.
Andrea has booked me up for a cracking big show for next year and more musical projects in the pipeline, my diary is filling up with lots of lovely stuff for next year.
Did a spot of writing for next year's fringe and then re-tuned my kit. Met up with the guys and off to London for our big show there. I don't know why, but this one didn't do it for me tonight - we had a big enough audience, but the set felt too long and, a rarity for us, it dragged a bit. I think we've had a great run recently, and this gig went down well, but was hardly a highlight.
V got annoyed with me on the way home when I said to her, "not every gig can be the best gig we've ever played, that one was just fine" and then L got annoyed with me because I got annoyed with him for suggesting we drop Ghost Town for the next gig, because I'd rather drop Earthquake. We're on different pages. Not always a good sign.
Andrea has booked me up for a cracking big show for next year and more musical projects in the pipeline, my diary is filling up with lots of lovely stuff for next year.
Monday 19th November 2018
Really productive morning, after an exhausting weekend. Just confirming more tour dates, venue negotiations, finishing off some of the Christmas material. All in all, pretty good.
The first drum lesson of the day was fine, one of my regulars who was in good spirits and I know what he needs to learn and how to get there. The second lesson though, well...where do I start? Let's just say it was a difficult one, a rare stumbling block on my surprisingly easy run as a teacher so far. The kid just doesn't want to learn, and he kicks off about it, constantly, and won't listen. It's been the same for weeks now. Today, his grandparents were in the lesson watching what was happening, trying to discipline him but struggling, he was out of control. Lesson ended with me well aware that I have a waiting list, and I'd rather teach somebody who wants to learn, but with the Dad running after me wearing only a bath towel asking me to come back next week. I will because I like the family, but the kid needs to calm down. Or the parents should stop making him do something he doesn't want to do?
My third lesson of the day was a total joy with one of my regulars, a lovely bloke and he did his first gig at the weekend and was buzzing about it. THIS is what it's all about. Evening ended with a double lesson with my usual Monday night students, both of whom were on good form.
That felt like a long day, but I'm learning all the time that this teaching thing is different every day. Better than being sat in an office all day, I guess?
The first drum lesson of the day was fine, one of my regulars who was in good spirits and I know what he needs to learn and how to get there. The second lesson though, well...where do I start? Let's just say it was a difficult one, a rare stumbling block on my surprisingly easy run as a teacher so far. The kid just doesn't want to learn, and he kicks off about it, constantly, and won't listen. It's been the same for weeks now. Today, his grandparents were in the lesson watching what was happening, trying to discipline him but struggling, he was out of control. Lesson ended with me well aware that I have a waiting list, and I'd rather teach somebody who wants to learn, but with the Dad running after me wearing only a bath towel asking me to come back next week. I will because I like the family, but the kid needs to calm down. Or the parents should stop making him do something he doesn't want to do?
My third lesson of the day was a total joy with one of my regulars, a lovely bloke and he did his first gig at the weekend and was buzzing about it. THIS is what it's all about. Evening ended with a double lesson with my usual Monday night students, both of whom were on good form.
That felt like a long day, but I'm learning all the time that this teaching thing is different every day. Better than being sat in an office all day, I guess?
Monday, 19 November 2018
Sunday 18th November 2018
Long day as Santa. Bit of a tension, the other Santa accused me of wearing his beard, I may have called him a prick, the head elf has resigned...all good vibes in the grotto, then.
Lots of kids in today, felt quite festive and I could feel like I was doing it well, I'm not the most natural Santa but it works well.
Two private drum lessons after were fine, the new flooring in the house is looking amazing (not that I'd usually have opinions on that sort of thing), feels like we're building a nice home together here.
Lots of kids in today, felt quite festive and I could feel like I was doing it well, I'm not the most natural Santa but it works well.
Two private drum lessons after were fine, the new flooring in the house is looking amazing (not that I'd usually have opinions on that sort of thing), feels like we're building a nice home together here.
Saturday 17th November 2018
Quite happy to be out of the house, what with the flooring being done and all that. Two hour private lesson which felt more stressful than it needed to - the student wasn't getting it first time and they kept getting angry with themselves about it...nobody gets everything first time, if they did, I probably wouldn't have a job.
Private gig with FH, a long night - an overlong drive because we got lost, a lot, then the gig itself was 2 hours, followed by so much chat afterwards. Great gig, though, to a sold out and very appreciative audience who loved every second of it, but so much waiting around.
Private gig with FH, a long night - an overlong drive because we got lost, a lot, then the gig itself was 2 hours, followed by so much chat afterwards. Great gig, though, to a sold out and very appreciative audience who loved every second of it, but so much waiting around.
Friday 16th November 2018
A typical frantic Friday, in which I rely on a) good traffic and b) at least one student being off ill in one of the schools to keep my schedule on track. Neither of those things happened today, but just about got away with it again - 3 schools in a row followed by 2 private students.
Got back, exhausted but we had to spend the evening moving EVERYTHING out of the lounge (including the piano) as we have the new flooring in tomorrow. This is awfully domesticated, I feel like a changed man. Got excessive junk food after to make up for it.
Got back, exhausted but we had to spend the evening moving EVERYTHING out of the lounge (including the piano) as we have the new flooring in tomorrow. This is awfully domesticated, I feel like a changed man. Got excessive junk food after to make up for it.
Thursday 15th November 2018
I couldn't be more double-booked if I tried. Well, I probably could, but you know what I mean. That's all for next week, and a bit of stuff for next May, mostly.
All four private drum lessons were a total joy today, everyone seems totally on it this week.
HOP tour dates for next year are piling in, as are the tour dates for the new play I haven't started writing yet.
All four private drum lessons were a total joy today, everyone seems totally on it this week.
HOP tour dates for next year are piling in, as are the tour dates for the new play I haven't started writing yet.
Wednesday 14th November 2018
Parents annoy me sometimes, demanding that their children get to play in the school assembly etc...it's not my choice, I'm just the teacher, but they send so many emails about it. The lessons were fine, but it's all the admin that gets to me, sometimes.
Too Mum shopping and she hates the new car because it's so high-up. She'll have to get used to it.
Drum workshop at the international college was a total joy, as was the private lesson afterwards - until I got a parking ticket afterwards whilst being parked outside the student's house.
Evening meeting with FH about G replacements...went on a bit, no real resolution.
Too Mum shopping and she hates the new car because it's so high-up. She'll have to get used to it.
Drum workshop at the international college was a total joy, as was the private lesson afterwards - until I got a parking ticket afterwards whilst being parked outside the student's house.
Evening meeting with FH about G replacements...went on a bit, no real resolution.
Tuesday 13th November 2018
Finished writing the Christmas stuff, which is great, even if I'm a bit behind schedule.
Laura came around for a percussion lesson which was great fun and then over to Bottisham, and then Cambourne and then Cambridge for drum lessons. The new car is certainly getting a good run out already.
Evening Bants show...typical tiny audience, but oh so generous - the bucket at the end was one of our best yet. The acts were all great, I tried doing a non-cajon set and felt weird about it...back to what I know next time.
Laura came around for a percussion lesson which was great fun and then over to Bottisham, and then Cambourne and then Cambridge for drum lessons. The new car is certainly getting a good run out already.
Evening Bants show...typical tiny audience, but oh so generous - the bucket at the end was one of our best yet. The acts were all great, I tried doing a non-cajon set and felt weird about it...back to what I know next time.
Monday 12th November 2018
Popped by to see my mechanic chum to get the boot fixed on the 'new' car, such a top bloke and he did it for free. I quite like the new car, it's missing all the comfort of the old one, the seats are tough and the engine is loud, but it's pretty robust.
Got back, did some writing and then taught four cracking lessons today, being a drum teacher is awesome when it all works like this!
Got back, did some writing and then taught four cracking lessons today, being a drum teacher is awesome when it all works like this!
Sunday, 11 November 2018
Sunday 11th November 2018
First day back as Santa. The grotto isn't as good this year - it's basically just a shed. Last year it felt more Christmassy...there will be complaints, I'm sure.
Nice to hang out with the elves, got on particularly well with trainee-teacher-so-has-to-be-an-elf-in-the-meantime-to-pay-the-bills Rebecca, that killed the time whilst we had no visitors whatsoever. Not one child in to see Santa? But it is 11th November, I guess. Bit early?
They let two of the elves go at lunchtime and I was allowed to leave an hour early. As I was just down the road it made sense to pop in to see Mum for dinner, and she also had my sister over...having everyone in the house made the dog a bit mental with excitement.
I'm liking the new car already, mostly because it's so economical - the Volvo was costing me about £80 in fuel just for Cambridge stuff. In this 'new' one (it's still 17 years old...it's a Richards car, after all) I've driven to Mildenhall, Shelford, Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge in it and I've worked out it's only cost me about a fiver so far. Which is probably normal, but either way I hope it will eventually kind of pay for itself. The only problem being (apart from the boot not staying open, but I'll go to my garage mate tomorrow to fix that) is that it has a cassette player...and it's not one of those ones you can take out and replace with a CD player, it's part of the dashboard. I know there's things you can do with plugging your phone in and going digital and all that, but I've gone the other way and I've decided to get into tapes. It'll be a great way of getting me into other music - I'll pick up tapes from various charity shops, and listen to them all on long-distant trips back from gigs, and find new influences, and new stories from them.
And so now here it's where '50 Charity Shop Cassette Tapes: An Edinburgh Fringe Show' is likely to start.
My mum gave me 2 tapes today, too - a Roxy Music album and the best of Squeeze. It'll be fine.
Ended the day teaching at the lovely American family's house, where the daughter, aged 7, played the anniversary song for the parents, who had their anniversary today (the song they had as their first dance), in front of the parents, the piano teacher, the maid, 2 siblings and the grandparents, with a speech at the start. It was a song we'd been working on for the last few weeks secretly (before performing the very easy Ghostbusters to the parents at the end of each lesson instead) and I was the only person in the room who didn't cry. Being a teacher is amazing, sometimes - I think I tend to get more of these 'moments' than your average drum teacher, mind.
Nice to hang out with the elves, got on particularly well with trainee-teacher-so-has-to-be-an-elf-in-the-meantime-to-pay-the-bills Rebecca, that killed the time whilst we had no visitors whatsoever. Not one child in to see Santa? But it is 11th November, I guess. Bit early?
They let two of the elves go at lunchtime and I was allowed to leave an hour early. As I was just down the road it made sense to pop in to see Mum for dinner, and she also had my sister over...having everyone in the house made the dog a bit mental with excitement.
I'm liking the new car already, mostly because it's so economical - the Volvo was costing me about £80 in fuel just for Cambridge stuff. In this 'new' one (it's still 17 years old...it's a Richards car, after all) I've driven to Mildenhall, Shelford, Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge in it and I've worked out it's only cost me about a fiver so far. Which is probably normal, but either way I hope it will eventually kind of pay for itself. The only problem being (apart from the boot not staying open, but I'll go to my garage mate tomorrow to fix that) is that it has a cassette player...and it's not one of those ones you can take out and replace with a CD player, it's part of the dashboard. I know there's things you can do with plugging your phone in and going digital and all that, but I've gone the other way and I've decided to get into tapes. It'll be a great way of getting me into other music - I'll pick up tapes from various charity shops, and listen to them all on long-distant trips back from gigs, and find new influences, and new stories from them.
And so now here it's where '50 Charity Shop Cassette Tapes: An Edinburgh Fringe Show' is likely to start.
My mum gave me 2 tapes today, too - a Roxy Music album and the best of Squeeze. It'll be fine.
Ended the day teaching at the lovely American family's house, where the daughter, aged 7, played the anniversary song for the parents, who had their anniversary today (the song they had as their first dance), in front of the parents, the piano teacher, the maid, 2 siblings and the grandparents, with a speech at the start. It was a song we'd been working on for the last few weeks secretly (before performing the very easy Ghostbusters to the parents at the end of each lesson instead) and I was the only person in the room who didn't cry. Being a teacher is amazing, sometimes - I think I tend to get more of these 'moments' than your average drum teacher, mind.
Saturday 10th November 2018
Spotted an advert for a car I liked and, on a whim went to see it this morning - still aware that the Volvo is probably not roadworthy. Liked it, sorted all insurance stuff etc and bought it. It's the right thing to do, it's a bit of a grown-ups car, a people carrier, but it's what I need for my drums at the moment.
The Volvo went back to the garage who sold it to me, they're giving me £100 for it. I paid them £300 for it 30,000 miles ago. Felt weirdly emotional dropping it off...it's a car I bought when I was at probably my lowest financial point and it got me through, I'll be forever grateful for what it's done for me. This year has been weird; meeting a girl, moving in with her to her nice house and plotting a future together, my drum teaching business really taking off...changing car to something that doesn't leak fuel and is just a bit, well, not as quirky (the Volvo was often described as being my 'Del Boy van' by some friends) and is just more progress. I mean, I'm about to buy flights to Germany for a "winter break"...I've changed, I know I have. I think it's for the better.
Taught a lovely drum lesson, and then had a shambolic jazz rehearsal - they were all pissed/stoned when I turned up. We have a gig next week, could go either way.
Evening with A, went to a murder mystery night with Ali, Rob et al - lovely people, great fun, great food, great drink and I was the murderer. Really top notch.
The Volvo went back to the garage who sold it to me, they're giving me £100 for it. I paid them £300 for it 30,000 miles ago. Felt weirdly emotional dropping it off...it's a car I bought when I was at probably my lowest financial point and it got me through, I'll be forever grateful for what it's done for me. This year has been weird; meeting a girl, moving in with her to her nice house and plotting a future together, my drum teaching business really taking off...changing car to something that doesn't leak fuel and is just a bit, well, not as quirky (the Volvo was often described as being my 'Del Boy van' by some friends) and is just more progress. I mean, I'm about to buy flights to Germany for a "winter break"...I've changed, I know I have. I think it's for the better.
Taught a lovely drum lesson, and then had a shambolic jazz rehearsal - they were all pissed/stoned when I turned up. We have a gig next week, could go either way.
Evening with A, went to a murder mystery night with Ali, Rob et al - lovely people, great fun, great food, great drink and I was the murderer. Really top notch.
Friday 9th November 2018
A bit of a different Friday: Santa training day. I'm still not sure if I should have taken this job on again, last year I did it because I was desperate for cash but this year I'm doing okay and only doing it because I'm a total Christmas weirdo.
Still, the team seem nice and friendly, the 'training' was mostly about how to get each visit down to less than 3 minutes per child...it's a bit corporate, but it's a clever business, this whole Christmas malarkey.
I'm only doing 26 hours this year, bit of pocket money and all that.
Taught a really lovely drum lesson with my favourite Spanish family - really great fun, as always I end up staying for longer as it's such a nice, warm atmosphere and the kid is really progressing.
Evening spent at a gin tasting session around Pascal's...because that's the sort of guy I am these days. Although I don't like gin so drank whiskey all night.
Still, the team seem nice and friendly, the 'training' was mostly about how to get each visit down to less than 3 minutes per child...it's a bit corporate, but it's a clever business, this whole Christmas malarkey.
I'm only doing 26 hours this year, bit of pocket money and all that.
Taught a really lovely drum lesson with my favourite Spanish family - really great fun, as always I end up staying for longer as it's such a nice, warm atmosphere and the kid is really progressing.
Evening spent at a gin tasting session around Pascal's...because that's the sort of guy I am these days. Although I don't like gin so drank whiskey all night.
Thursday 8th November 2018
Up early and over to check out a car which I'd spotted online...my trusty, lovely, amazing, thirsty old Volvo has it's MOT on Monday and I very much doubt it'll pass so I think it might be time for a new car. Looked at the car, it's newer, shinier, within my budget, started first time...hated it.
Got back in the Volvo and felt happy again.
Taught an assembly at the primary school and then my regular trio of three private lessons.
A was catching up with friends, so I picked her up (she was drunk, bless) and did the good boyfriend thing.
Got back in the Volvo and felt happy again.
Taught an assembly at the primary school and then my regular trio of three private lessons.
A was catching up with friends, so I picked her up (she was drunk, bless) and did the good boyfriend thing.
Wednesday 7th November 2018
Last night was so much fun...this daft little show has given me some great nights (very little will top *that* performance in Birmingham earlier in the year, but it's all good).
Today back to normal reality - back in the school for the morning, all of the kids on good form, and then took Mum shopping. Afternoon lessons and drum workshop at the international college and then a couple more private lessons.
Home, chance to catch up with A, but we're both so incredibly exhausted. Still, stayed up till 2am writing...
Today back to normal reality - back in the school for the morning, all of the kids on good form, and then took Mum shopping. Afternoon lessons and drum workshop at the international college and then a couple more private lessons.
Home, chance to catch up with A, but we're both so incredibly exhausted. Still, stayed up till 2am writing...
Thursday, 8 November 2018
Tuesday 6th November 2018
My days are either manic or very slow, and today was a quieter one but it meant I could write - I've really got something special going on with this new Christmas piece, it's developed into something a lot more than just a bunch of monologues.
Wrote for 4 hours, and then caught the train up to London for the West End performance of HOP. It's a small venue in an outstanding location (right near to Leicester Square tube), but having woke up to a message saying we'd only sold 2 tickets in advanced, I wasn't feeling overly optimistic. 26 turned up in the end, which in a 40-capacity space felt more than fine. The show was lovely tonight - my little team of Rachel, Matt, Dan and Mel worked a treat, it felt more controlled than normal but the audience were totally onside within the first 10 minutes and the rest of it flew by.
So, I'm now technically a West End performer. Awesome! Got a pizza baguette to celebrate and was home by midnight. Lovely night, my 'career' feels okay on nights like this.
Wrote for 4 hours, and then caught the train up to London for the West End performance of HOP. It's a small venue in an outstanding location (right near to Leicester Square tube), but having woke up to a message saying we'd only sold 2 tickets in advanced, I wasn't feeling overly optimistic. 26 turned up in the end, which in a 40-capacity space felt more than fine. The show was lovely tonight - my little team of Rachel, Matt, Dan and Mel worked a treat, it felt more controlled than normal but the audience were totally onside within the first 10 minutes and the rest of it flew by.
So, I'm now technically a West End performer. Awesome! Got a pizza baguette to celebrate and was home by midnight. Lovely night, my 'career' feels okay on nights like this.
Monday 5th November 2018
As I'm not about on Friday, I did a bit of my school teaching work today instead, and whilst I was in the area I used it as another excuse to see Mum and take for (extra) shopping.
Four private lessons in a row followed, coupled with frustration trying to get through Cambridge city centre traffic whilst there is a massive firework display going on.
Done by 10pm...long day.
Four private lessons in a row followed, coupled with frustration trying to get through Cambridge city centre traffic whilst there is a massive firework display going on.
Done by 10pm...long day.
Sunday 4th November 2018
Was supposed to be in a choir band rehearsal, but as that gig now looks like it's not happening (they lost the venue) it allowed me time to have a nice lie-in, do a few hours of writing and actually spend some proper time with A. We've even started cooking together and everything. this feels like proper grown-up stuff!
Naturally, I couldn't allow myself to have the whole day off, so went out and taught for an hour and a bit, but all in all probably one of my sleepiest days of the year.
Naturally, I couldn't allow myself to have the whole day off, so went out and taught for an hour and a bit, but all in all probably one of my sleepiest days of the year.
Saturday 3rd November 2018
Bit of a hangover, but my Saturday lessons are always super lovely so it's never a problem. Great double lesson (2 hours) with one of my regulars.
Then met up with the band and then off to Northamptonshire for this evening's gig. Promoted by a good friend, I am the house 'comedian' there, but this time that was complicated even more by the fact that the FH were the headline band.
Having performed my History of Pop show at this event last time, I wanted to give the audience something different this time - which is a risk as it's basically a music night and my comedy is far from conventional at the best of times. Did my Edinburgh show and it shouldn't have worked, but it really did - you know, not everyone was always onside, but a majority of them were and I really got away with it. Back to the History of Pop stuff next time, but I'm glad I did that this time.
The FH set was a stormer, reminding me how good we can be when we're really on it.
Then met up with the band and then off to Northamptonshire for this evening's gig. Promoted by a good friend, I am the house 'comedian' there, but this time that was complicated even more by the fact that the FH were the headline band.
Having performed my History of Pop show at this event last time, I wanted to give the audience something different this time - which is a risk as it's basically a music night and my comedy is far from conventional at the best of times. Did my Edinburgh show and it shouldn't have worked, but it really did - you know, not everyone was always onside, but a majority of them were and I really got away with it. Back to the History of Pop stuff next time, but I'm glad I did that this time.
The FH set was a stormer, reminding me how good we can be when we're really on it.
Friday 2nd November 2018
Friday is always my busiest day, this one was particularly intense - one school, and then another school, and then another school, and then 2 private lessons.
Taught 21 students individually today, but it was helped when a parent came in to the school and thanked me for 'saving' the child as drums is something he's really latched onto and he suffers from depression. He's a great kid, drumming will sort him out.
In the evening caught up with Phill, Alan, Richard, Michael, Anna and Patrick for beers. I think I agreed to write an Edinburgh show for Richard, not sure, I was drunk anyway.
Taught 21 students individually today, but it was helped when a parent came in to the school and thanked me for 'saving' the child as drums is something he's really latched onto and he suffers from depression. He's a great kid, drumming will sort him out.
In the evening caught up with Phill, Alan, Richard, Michael, Anna and Patrick for beers. I think I agreed to write an Edinburgh show for Richard, not sure, I was drunk anyway.
Thursday 1st November 2018
Was writing till really late last night...I have the perfect setting for it here - the 'office' space looks out to the back garden, which is effectively a wood and there's all sorts going on out there. Plus, A goes to bed really early because she has a proper job with regular hours so I don't feel bad for locking myself away and cracking on with a potential masterpiece.
As a result of that, though, I overslept and woke up a bit late. Made it to the school in time for the afternoon assembly, though, where I was watching a bunch of my students perform, and then I had to perform what was effectively a drum solo for ten minutes. Odd life, this one, isn't it?
After that I taught three private lessons, all of which I enjoyed a lot, and then over to a long, slightly tired FH rehearsal, in which we plotted our plans for the remaining dates of the tour.
As a result of that, though, I overslept and woke up a bit late. Made it to the school in time for the afternoon assembly, though, where I was watching a bunch of my students perform, and then I had to perform what was effectively a drum solo for ten minutes. Odd life, this one, isn't it?
After that I taught three private lessons, all of which I enjoyed a lot, and then over to a long, slightly tired FH rehearsal, in which we plotted our plans for the remaining dates of the tour.
Wednesday 31st October 2018
Everything feels like it's in place; got the girl, living in a nice house, got one cat I'm getting on with (the other is a dickhead) and it feels like the final piece of that jigsaw is the office space - which is the old spare room and I'm writing so much at the moment.
Had a late writing night last night which meant today was a bit of a slog as I had to go out and earn money. Red Bull got me through my 4 hours in the primary school and the couple of private lessons that followed.
Got back, carried on writing this Christmas stuff. I know it's technically still October, but Christmas makes me happy, which probably adds to the spring in my step...
Had a late writing night last night which meant today was a bit of a slog as I had to go out and earn money. Red Bull got me through my 4 hours in the primary school and the couple of private lessons that followed.
Got back, carried on writing this Christmas stuff. I know it's technically still October, but Christmas makes me happy, which probably adds to the spring in my step...
Sunday, 4 November 2018
Tuesday 30th October 2018
Literally spent 7 hours writing Christmas monologues. Felt brilliant. Now to finish them, and get my actors (Jonathan, Alan, Emma, Lubna) to read them on camera and we have a bit of YouTube festive magic, hopefully.
Taught three private lessons and got very angry with the very terrible A14.
Evening first session in the studio with Greg - we've known of each other for a while, he likes my drumming a lot and I like songs a lot (I'm quite a fan) so this was less of an audition and more of a 'make sure we actually sound okay playing together' type thing. It was absolutely amazing, all of it...I mean, I know FH is on the rocks so it's probably logical to be looking elsewhere anyway, but I wasn't totally in the market for a new band. But this one sounds great, it feels right....and it's not too many gigs so if FH does continue it shouldn't be a diary clash. Went for beers after to discuss it all, realised we have a lot more in common than we thought (both screwed over by the same agent in 2005 etc). Not wishing to sound arrogant, but I know my worth as a drummer, and this is a band where my talents are going to be well suited.
Taught three private lessons and got very angry with the very terrible A14.
Evening first session in the studio with Greg - we've known of each other for a while, he likes my drumming a lot and I like songs a lot (I'm quite a fan) so this was less of an audition and more of a 'make sure we actually sound okay playing together' type thing. It was absolutely amazing, all of it...I mean, I know FH is on the rocks so it's probably logical to be looking elsewhere anyway, but I wasn't totally in the market for a new band. But this one sounds great, it feels right....and it's not too many gigs so if FH does continue it shouldn't be a diary clash. Went for beers after to discuss it all, realised we have a lot more in common than we thought (both screwed over by the same agent in 2005 etc). Not wishing to sound arrogant, but I know my worth as a drummer, and this is a band where my talents are going to be well suited.
Monday 29th October 2018
I do feel sorry for A. I mean, not only does she have to date me (I'm mostly okay but clumsy, messy and I don't get on with one of her cats, an issue which is escalating a little), but even though she's jetlagged she has to get up super early for her work.
Me? I'm freelance, and got up at 11am. Productive day, though - signed two new contracts for two schools I already teach in (but it's nice to know they're trying to tie me down to longer-term teaching), replied to a bunch of emails, walked to the post office in the village, designed a tour poster for next year's show etc.
Taught four private lessons in the late afternoon/evening, all went well. I'm in a weirdly contented place, whilst not feeling 100% creative. Tomorrow I can be creative.
Me? I'm freelance, and got up at 11am. Productive day, though - signed two new contracts for two schools I already teach in (but it's nice to know they're trying to tie me down to longer-term teaching), replied to a bunch of emails, walked to the post office in the village, designed a tour poster for next year's show etc.
Taught four private lessons in the late afternoon/evening, all went well. I'm in a weirdly contented place, whilst not feeling 100% creative. Tomorrow I can be creative.
Sunday, 28 October 2018
Sunday 28th October 2018
Home, jetlagged and confused by the time.
Did a bit of work on my new 'office' space - which is our spare room - picked up my drums from V as she was looking after them for me and started plotting exciting things for the future. The holiday clearly did me some good.
Did a bit of work on my new 'office' space - which is our spare room - picked up my drums from V as she was looking after them for me and started plotting exciting things for the future. The holiday clearly did me some good.
Saturday 27th October 2018
Back at San Francisco airport to drop off the hire car and have a degrading moment in customs where the security guard felt my massive balls and thought I was a drug dealer. It took a little explaining, which was basically me saying, "I just have massive nuts" lots of times before they eventually let me through. Scary stuff, those US customs guys don't mess around.
5 hour flight to Toronto, 6 hour wait at the airport in which I caught up on emails, before 6 hour flight home.
5 hour flight to Toronto, 6 hour wait at the airport in which I caught up on emails, before 6 hour flight home.
Friday 26th October 2018
Due to the extensive travel home, this was pretty much our last day as tourists so we went on a 4-hour whale watching trip. I can't swim so the idea of being taking out in a little boat (really little), 9 miles away from land, where there are 'killer whales' didn't appeal but I'm a real man so went along with it.
Was actually refreshing and really exciting - I get the buzz of the sea, now. And killer whales? Yeah, but they're not interested in humans. Spotted lots of dolphins, whales and otters, all remarkably close to this flimsy box with a motor they called a boat. Quite scary at times, even if I seemed to be the only one with concerns.
Either way, an exciting four hours.
Back to the hotel - early night, up at 3am tomorrow.
Was actually refreshing and really exciting - I get the buzz of the sea, now. And killer whales? Yeah, but they're not interested in humans. Spotted lots of dolphins, whales and otters, all remarkably close to this flimsy box with a motor they called a boat. Quite scary at times, even if I seemed to be the only one with concerns.
Either way, an exciting four hours.
Back to the hotel - early night, up at 3am tomorrow.
Thursday 25th October 2018
Up early to spend pretty much a whole day in the aquarium. It's a world famous one, thanks to it's African penguins (see, I can do cultured) (I have a very cultured girlfriend).
A fascinating day being at one with nature and feeling totally switched off from the outside world. Also ate the biggest hot dog ever and got excited by a MASSIVE sweet shop. Cultured, see?
I spent nearly half an hour in the sweet shop. What does A see in me?
Overpriced meal by the stunning harbour and then a few drinks back at the hotel. I got ID'd! I'm 37! One of the best days ever!
A fascinating day being at one with nature and feeling totally switched off from the outside world. Also ate the biggest hot dog ever and got excited by a MASSIVE sweet shop. Cultured, see?
I spent nearly half an hour in the sweet shop. What does A see in me?
Overpriced meal by the stunning harbour and then a few drinks back at the hotel. I got ID'd! I'm 37! One of the best days ever!
Wednesday 24th October 2018
Done with San Francisco, we then head off to Monterey Bay. It's been a hectic holiday so far, so we slowed it down today - simply stopping off at every beach en route, taking photos, having a paddle, enjoying the warm beauty of it all, before checking in to our nice little hotel.
Fancy dinner in town followed by a real ale bar, where I managed to find a lager. Perfection.
Fancy dinner in town followed by a real ale bar, where I managed to find a lager. Perfection.
Tuesday 23rd October 2018
Having arrived in San Fran in the early hours of the morning, we picked up our hire car and then argued about directions for a while. The 20 minute journey took well over an hour, but at least we got to our Air B+B accommodation eventually. On the way I popped into a little backstreet off licence to pick up some beer and the bloke behind the till made a joke about shooting me because I was English. I didn't find this particularly funny.
Having slept very well, we caught a bus into town where a strange man kept glaring at me and then talking under his arm about killing me. I'm glad we got off at the next stop.
Went to Alcatraz which absolutely, totally blew my mind and inspired me in more ways then I could possibly put into words...I'm not one for history, but the audio tour as you're walking around these eerie, cold prison cells really woke me up. I've since ordered four books about it and have become a bit obsessed - it'll probably also be next year's Edinburgh show.
Then over to another part of town, where I had a stand-up gig. An open spot (so 5 minutes) in a gay bar that looked so worryingly outrageous on it's website but in reality was just like a typical English dingy bar with added posters of cocks on the walls.
Jim, one of the acts and also one of the nicest people I've ever met, said, "welcome to the worst gig of your career" - but he meant that not because of any hostility, but because it's a Tuesday night and nobody ever turns up to this show. A bit like every other open mic in Cambridge, then.
In reality it was better, because there was 15 acts on the bill which instantly felt like an audience, and about 6 or 7 genuine punters who were onside. I was the second act on and a bit of a frantic mess; they didn't understand my Red Bull material but got on board with some road rage stuff. I've watched it back; the content was pretty poor but my bumbling Englishman mannerisms worked a treat. Lots of little laughs throughout, 'nice Paul' rather than anything more exciting.
Having slept very well, we caught a bus into town where a strange man kept glaring at me and then talking under his arm about killing me. I'm glad we got off at the next stop.
Went to Alcatraz which absolutely, totally blew my mind and inspired me in more ways then I could possibly put into words...I'm not one for history, but the audio tour as you're walking around these eerie, cold prison cells really woke me up. I've since ordered four books about it and have become a bit obsessed - it'll probably also be next year's Edinburgh show.
Then over to another part of town, where I had a stand-up gig. An open spot (so 5 minutes) in a gay bar that looked so worryingly outrageous on it's website but in reality was just like a typical English dingy bar with added posters of cocks on the walls.
Jim, one of the acts and also one of the nicest people I've ever met, said, "welcome to the worst gig of your career" - but he meant that not because of any hostility, but because it's a Tuesday night and nobody ever turns up to this show. A bit like every other open mic in Cambridge, then.
In reality it was better, because there was 15 acts on the bill which instantly felt like an audience, and about 6 or 7 genuine punters who were onside. I was the second act on and a bit of a frantic mess; they didn't understand my Red Bull material but got on board with some road rage stuff. I've watched it back; the content was pretty poor but my bumbling Englishman mannerisms worked a treat. Lots of little laughs throughout, 'nice Paul' rather than anything more exciting.
Monday 22nd October 2018
Arrived in Canada, where we are for 22 hours before heading over to California tomorrow. There's a reason why these flights were so cheap...that 22 hour gap is a bit inconvenient, but we used it wisely and behaved like proper tourists. Checked in to a lovely airport hotel late last night and caught the remarkably cheap and very clean train to to the centre of town.
Bought tickets to go up the remarkable CN tower, was great fun, and then had a fancy dinner by the river. Could easily have spent the whole week in Toronto...just so much, well, space. It's all a bit calm, all a bit easier than the UK.
Caught a late plane to San Francisco.
Bought tickets to go up the remarkable CN tower, was great fun, and then had a fancy dinner by the river. Could easily have spent the whole week in Toronto...just so much, well, space. It's all a bit calm, all a bit easier than the UK.
Caught a late plane to San Francisco.
Sunday 21st October 2018
Up early to grab breakfast in the hotel, attempt to shake off the hangovers with a quick coastal walk and then Lachy kindly drove me to Heathrow, where, after arriving fashionably 5 hours early (I'm not an experienced traveller, I have no idea what the going rate time-wise is for these things), A and I hopped on a plane and started our little adventure.
Spent the rest of the day in the air, getting confused by time zones. Long, mostly uncomfortable flight.
Spent the rest of the day in the air, getting confused by time zones. Long, mostly uncomfortable flight.
Saturday 20th October 2018
Feeling guilty that I'm missing Mum's birthday next week as I'll be on holiday, we took her out for a fancy breakfast this morning at a nice little farm I discovered recently that serves good food and, more importantly, allows dogs. She had a great time, as did the dog, who pulled me over and I fell flat on my face into the mud. Everyone else enjoyed that moment, at least.
Dashed back and then met up with dep bassist Bobby and we set off on the long drive to Devon to do a gig none of us really wanted to do. Already without Gaf, we were then hit another blow when G fell sick and pulled out of the gig at 6 hours notice. We called the venue, explaining that we were 2 men down, and we really are going to struggle to play a 90 minute show like this, but they explained they had already sold out at 100 tickets with another 20 on reserve and we have to do it, somehow.
And that's what we did. The long drive with Bobby was great, by the way, we'd only met once before and that was in a rehearsal, but we spoke solidly for 5 hours about music and it was great fun, we'll stay in touch and work together again soon.
The first set felt awkward, V trying to sing songs that G normally sings, Lachy, myself and Bobby trying to hold it all together and, to be honest, too many ballads - you could just feel the audience getting restless. The second half though we totally stormed it... not sure what happened, but they were into it more and so were we and we ended up having a standing ovation and an encore. The best thing was...we sounded pretty awesome, too, the confidence grew, we were all improvising a lot but somehow we made it work.
The four of us then went out and got drunk in Exmouth, which, it seems, is pretty fucking rough on a Saturday night. We deserved those shots, though.
Dashed back and then met up with dep bassist Bobby and we set off on the long drive to Devon to do a gig none of us really wanted to do. Already without Gaf, we were then hit another blow when G fell sick and pulled out of the gig at 6 hours notice. We called the venue, explaining that we were 2 men down, and we really are going to struggle to play a 90 minute show like this, but they explained they had already sold out at 100 tickets with another 20 on reserve and we have to do it, somehow.
And that's what we did. The long drive with Bobby was great, by the way, we'd only met once before and that was in a rehearsal, but we spoke solidly for 5 hours about music and it was great fun, we'll stay in touch and work together again soon.
The first set felt awkward, V trying to sing songs that G normally sings, Lachy, myself and Bobby trying to hold it all together and, to be honest, too many ballads - you could just feel the audience getting restless. The second half though we totally stormed it... not sure what happened, but they were into it more and so were we and we ended up having a standing ovation and an encore. The best thing was...we sounded pretty awesome, too, the confidence grew, we were all improvising a lot but somehow we made it work.
The four of us then went out and got drunk in Exmouth, which, it seems, is pretty fucking rough on a Saturday night. We deserved those shots, though.
Friday, 19 October 2018
Friday 19th October 2018
My regular frantic Friday: 3 schools, 19 students, quite a load of road rage getting to each one. Still, it's all fine, I know what I'm doing and everyone seems onside with my "chaotic" style of teaching.
Got my hours for Santa through, confirmed some more April tour dates, confirmed rehearsals with GM who I am excited to be drumming for, confirmed some more jazz gigs, got excited about a show idea I had and got excited by the fact that now I don't have to do the TA stuff I actually have time to write again.
After the next week, of course, because tomorrow I'm gigging in Devon and then on Sunday I'm flying off to San Francisco with the lady for a holiday...which naturally includes a gig over there on Tuesday night.
Spent the rest of the day, after teaching a private lesson, packing, planning and generally being rather happy with life.
Got my hours for Santa through, confirmed some more April tour dates, confirmed rehearsals with GM who I am excited to be drumming for, confirmed some more jazz gigs, got excited about a show idea I had and got excited by the fact that now I don't have to do the TA stuff I actually have time to write again.
After the next week, of course, because tomorrow I'm gigging in Devon and then on Sunday I'm flying off to San Francisco with the lady for a holiday...which naturally includes a gig over there on Tuesday night.
Spent the rest of the day, after teaching a private lesson, packing, planning and generally being rather happy with life.
Thursday 18th October 2018
My final day as a TA, would have felt emotional but almost as revenge for leaving (because they had asked me to stay several times) they put me with the idiot racist kid all day, who was an idiot racist throughout. Still, one of the kids who I've been looking after gave me a keyring as a 'thank you for understanding' which was very sweet, and the boss gave me a fancy bottle of wine and an epic cake. I'm glad I did that job...I learnt a lot and have got notes for a novel out of it. The kids aren't bad, really (apart from the idiot racist), they're just a bit lost with the world.
Equally: I'm thrilled to be out.
My drum teaching 'business' is doing well enough at the moment, even if I taught just the one lesson today - to one of my regulars, which was fun.
Then a 2 hour drive up to Leicester to perform an hour in front of 7 people. Lovely venue and nice dressing room, but the whole thing felt a bit flat in places. Afterwards they all shook my hand and told me how much they enjoyed it. They could have fucking laughed.
Still, home by 11pm, which is my earliest 'get in' this week.
Equally: I'm thrilled to be out.
My drum teaching 'business' is doing well enough at the moment, even if I taught just the one lesson today - to one of my regulars, which was fun.
Then a 2 hour drive up to Leicester to perform an hour in front of 7 people. Lovely venue and nice dressing room, but the whole thing felt a bit flat in places. Afterwards they all shook my hand and told me how much they enjoyed it. They could have fucking laughed.
Still, home by 11pm, which is my earliest 'get in' this week.
Thursday, 18 October 2018
Wednesday 17th October 2018
I'm pretty sure I am a salesman's dream...popped in to get a new phone, a (long) hour later I have the mobile I didn't mean to get and a matching tablet. Still, the difficulties of using them may help with my social media addiction.
Apart from that, enjoyed teaching at the primary school and then got angry with traffic...it shouldn't take 2 hours to get from St Ives to Cambridge for a lesson.
After that, over to Josie's to run my show. It's my third show at hers this year and it's always great...she's a close friend (even if we only met last year) but also really popular so gets in a good, drunk crowd who make things easy for me. Performed for what felt like all night...brilliant fun in awesome company.
Apart from that, enjoyed teaching at the primary school and then got angry with traffic...it shouldn't take 2 hours to get from St Ives to Cambridge for a lesson.
After that, over to Josie's to run my show. It's my third show at hers this year and it's always great...she's a close friend (even if we only met last year) but also really popular so gets in a good, drunk crowd who make things easy for me. Performed for what felt like all night...brilliant fun in awesome company.
Tuesday, 16 October 2018
Tuesday 16th October 2018
TA stuff is drawing ever closer...lost a child today but found him eventually. They've said several times how much they'll miss me when I go; I guess I'll miss it, too.
Three great private lessons followed, all attentive students, all easy enough.
GM, the songwriter I think is awesome, has booked me up for some sessions, Alan is excited about our projects, Andrea is happy I'm back drumming for the choir, the grotto dudes are excited about me being Santa again, another school wants me to be their drum teacher...I'm really in demand at the moment and it's lovely but I just need to stop, for a moment. Please.
FH rehearsal with the dep bassist for Saturday's gig which is logistically causing me a lot of problems. This is all getting a bit messy, now, and it feels pointless doing this one.
Three great private lessons followed, all attentive students, all easy enough.
GM, the songwriter I think is awesome, has booked me up for some sessions, Alan is excited about our projects, Andrea is happy I'm back drumming for the choir, the grotto dudes are excited about me being Santa again, another school wants me to be their drum teacher...I'm really in demand at the moment and it's lovely but I just need to stop, for a moment. Please.
FH rehearsal with the dep bassist for Saturday's gig which is logistically causing me a lot of problems. This is all getting a bit messy, now, and it feels pointless doing this one.
Monday 15th October 2018
Final week as a TA...today was fine. Kids played up, I pretended not to care, the usual.
5 private drum lessons after, making Monday my busiest day of the week, probably - all good fun, all quite close, all keeps the bills paid.
Then met up for a late-ish drink with Alan H to discuss new projects. So many new projects, it's a bit daft, but he's a top, top actor and I can't wait to write more stuff for him. Lovely evening.
5 private drum lessons after, making Monday my busiest day of the week, probably - all good fun, all quite close, all keeps the bills paid.
Then met up for a late-ish drink with Alan H to discuss new projects. So many new projects, it's a bit daft, but he's a top, top actor and I can't wait to write more stuff for him. Lovely evening.
Sunday 14th October 2018
A manic day, but all good stuff; afternoon gig with my new jazz chums was messy but well received. You can get away with a lot when it comes to jazz...
Then frantic dash over to Milton Keynes for a sold out FH show - a lot of pressure on this sold-out gigs but we're getting used to it now. Not quite the buzz of last night, but a professional performance, all the same. Home by 2am. These late nights are exhausting me.
Then frantic dash over to Milton Keynes for a sold out FH show - a lot of pressure on this sold-out gigs but we're getting used to it now. Not quite the buzz of last night, but a professional performance, all the same. Home by 2am. These late nights are exhausting me.
Saturday 13th October 2018
Bit hungover, but a cracking double lesson in the morning, followed by a chilled percussion lesson after that. It may be a Saturday, but getting a few hours in helps pay for America.
Met up with the band and over to Oxfordshire. Having just announced that G is leaving, our ticket sales went through the roof for the rest of the tour. V is struggling emotionally. Gig was an absolute stormer in a big room - why would anyone leave this? It's baffling.
Met up with the band and over to Oxfordshire. Having just announced that G is leaving, our ticket sales went through the roof for the rest of the tour. V is struggling emotionally. Gig was an absolute stormer in a big room - why would anyone leave this? It's baffling.
Friday 12th October 2018
Ridiculous teaching stuff today - I get it's lovely to have a good reputation so the students just build and build BUT 6 students in one school, 6 in the next and 7 in the final one, followed by a private lesson. This is going too far?
Still, managed to find a train station in the village, which was a bonus, so got the train into town to meet A for dinner. We wanted a big night out because we're never in at the same time, but we're both so knackered by, you know, life and all that at the moment. Still, America soon, that will make all this working worthwhile.
Still, managed to find a train station in the village, which was a bonus, so got the train into town to meet A for dinner. We wanted a big night out because we're never in at the same time, but we're both so knackered by, you know, life and all that at the moment. Still, America soon, that will make all this working worthwhile.
Thursday 11th October 2018
I think it says a lot when getting in at 9pm feels like a 'night off' but that's the way things are at the moment....part of me likes being so busy, but the rest of me (my body) is burning out and I can still feel the shingles lingering.
The TA stuff was frustrating today, mostly because the kids have found my YouTube channel. That can't end well.
Three excellent private lessons with three of my regulars and then a chance to catch up with A...before working on the tour schedule again, which is building nicely. A lot of the dates seem to up north, though, and traditionally nobody likes me up there.
The TA stuff was frustrating today, mostly because the kids have found my YouTube channel. That can't end well.
Three excellent private lessons with three of my regulars and then a chance to catch up with A...before working on the tour schedule again, which is building nicely. A lot of the dates seem to up north, though, and traditionally nobody likes me up there.
Wednesday 10th October 2018
I thought my lessons were really good today - just sayin'. At the primary school in the morning, and then with the international students in the afternoon. I keep finding more games to play and more songs to work on with them, if anything it's quite easy.
Had a private lesson after that and managed to get in some proper writing time, before rehearsing with the jazz band. We were much better tonight...almost tight at times, we'll be fine for the gig on Sunday.
Tuesday, 9 October 2018
Tuesday 9th October 2018
Didn't sleep well last night because the cat kept jumping on my face. I'm slightly worried this is going to be a struggle. Only slightly, no need to raise the alarm bells just yet.
Long day of TA stuff, managed to stop a fight, the usual legendary stuff.
During my lunchbreak (and, ahem, during a couple of the lessons) I continued work on my Respectable Street script, which I'm writing for an actor called Jonathan who I met at the fringe this year - it's a challenging piece but one I'm really excited about.
Sales of my Christmas monologues book from ages ago are still creeping in...need to get the new one finished and out there asap.
Long phone meeting with a venue about History of Pop, all confirmed for more performances now.
Three private lessons, all with terrible traffic slowing me down but all went well - good students, easy to teach. I tried out a few new things and it all worked a treat.
Over to Shepreth for our monthly comedy night. Not one single person from Shepreth there. In fact, we only had 4 proper audiences members in. The whole thing felt quite depressing. I was the headliner but it was totally pointless. Died on my arse.
Long day of TA stuff, managed to stop a fight, the usual legendary stuff.
During my lunchbreak (and, ahem, during a couple of the lessons) I continued work on my Respectable Street script, which I'm writing for an actor called Jonathan who I met at the fringe this year - it's a challenging piece but one I'm really excited about.
Sales of my Christmas monologues book from ages ago are still creeping in...need to get the new one finished and out there asap.
Long phone meeting with a venue about History of Pop, all confirmed for more performances now.
Three private lessons, all with terrible traffic slowing me down but all went well - good students, easy to teach. I tried out a few new things and it all worked a treat.
Over to Shepreth for our monthly comedy night. Not one single person from Shepreth there. In fact, we only had 4 proper audiences members in. The whole thing felt quite depressing. I was the headliner but it was totally pointless. Died on my arse.
Monday, 8 October 2018
Monday 8th October 2018
The new Costello album excites me a lot. Basically, if I can be the playwright equivalent to Elvis Costello, that would be amazing. That's the plan. It's just the energy, the intensity in which he writes, the depth of his work. I've only heard three tracks from it that the label have released as a taster but I know it's going to be one of the 'really good' ones.
I'm working too hard, I know that. I now only have 5 days left as a TA, which is a relief, but I was up till late last night working on The Winter Monologues project and during my lunchbreak today I fell asleep in my car.
After that I taught five private drum lessons in a row - the one with Zoltan was a total joy because it feels like I'm teaching a mate if anything else and we had a great laugh, the others were good but it was very much proper tutoring. I'm good at this, I know I am - I'm still not sure how I got here, but I'm finding it quite easy. Still, a 13 hour working day - this week it's pretty much like that every day.
When the TA stuff goes at least I get to rest a little as the shingles is still kinda lingering. Or, I can get time to write. My head is excited by these opportunities that are being presented to me...I just need to actually do them.
I'm working too hard, I know that. I now only have 5 days left as a TA, which is a relief, but I was up till late last night working on The Winter Monologues project and during my lunchbreak today I fell asleep in my car.
After that I taught five private drum lessons in a row - the one with Zoltan was a total joy because it feels like I'm teaching a mate if anything else and we had a great laugh, the others were good but it was very much proper tutoring. I'm good at this, I know I am - I'm still not sure how I got here, but I'm finding it quite easy. Still, a 13 hour working day - this week it's pretty much like that every day.
When the TA stuff goes at least I get to rest a little as the shingles is still kinda lingering. Or, I can get time to write. My head is excited by these opportunities that are being presented to me...I just need to actually do them.
Sunday, 7 October 2018
Sunday 7th October 2018
So hungover. 3 hours sleep, back in the car. I'm glad Gaf drove. Nice hearty breakfast at a service station and back home by 2pm.
Taught three lessons today, on a Sunday...this is how my schedule is these days. Madness. One of them in particular left me feeling good - a new student, can already drum a bit, but really lovely attitude. I showed her how to play One Day Like This by Elbow, and it turns out it's her parents' song that they had as their first dance. They're instantly onside and I really enjoyed their company; I don't have room for more students, really, but I can make room for these guys.
Back for a proper catch up with A, and then we sorted out my visas for America, which is exciting.
Taught three lessons today, on a Sunday...this is how my schedule is these days. Madness. One of them in particular left me feeling good - a new student, can already drum a bit, but really lovely attitude. I showed her how to play One Day Like This by Elbow, and it turns out it's her parents' song that they had as their first dance. They're instantly onside and I really enjoyed their company; I don't have room for more students, really, but I can make room for these guys.
Back for a proper catch up with A, and then we sorted out my visas for America, which is exciting.
Saturday 6th October 2018
Up early to teach my regular Saturday student, and then met up with FH for the long drive to the deepest north.
An arts centre gig, the sort of gig I always love playing, but, having had our problems on Wednesday, I wasn't looking forward to this one - it feels like I am merely working out my notice. But it all changed tonight, because we pretty much sold out, we ate well, we're getting paid for it, and we were absolutely outstanding - the buzz is totally back. Standing ovation at the end, the full works, we upped our game and this was the best we've played live in years. Absolutely brilliant.
I know I've had that other offer, but I can do both, yeah? Of course I can. I can't let this go...my feelings of negativity earlier in the week is because I'm sad this could be going, but if we have more great nights like this then there's no way G can leave us, surely?
The evening was great after the show, too, lots of boozing in our B+B, lots of chat, just like the old days. My roommate for this show was V, we stayed up till nearly 4am, drinking gin and putting the world to rights. Whatever happens with the band, I'll always be her drummer.
An arts centre gig, the sort of gig I always love playing, but, having had our problems on Wednesday, I wasn't looking forward to this one - it feels like I am merely working out my notice. But it all changed tonight, because we pretty much sold out, we ate well, we're getting paid for it, and we were absolutely outstanding - the buzz is totally back. Standing ovation at the end, the full works, we upped our game and this was the best we've played live in years. Absolutely brilliant.
I know I've had that other offer, but I can do both, yeah? Of course I can. I can't let this go...my feelings of negativity earlier in the week is because I'm sad this could be going, but if we have more great nights like this then there's no way G can leave us, surely?
The evening was great after the show, too, lots of boozing in our B+B, lots of chat, just like the old days. My roommate for this show was V, we stayed up till nearly 4am, drinking gin and putting the world to rights. Whatever happens with the band, I'll always be her drummer.
Friday 5th October 2018
The traffic was particularly bad today - took me over 2 hours to make the 45 minute trip over to the primary school, buggering up my schedule a bit.
All came together eventually - my standard '3 school Friday', all have students of various quality, it felt more like a 'job' today than pleasure, though, mostly because I'm fucking knackered. It is a job, though, I mean - it pays, really quite well.
Cracking private lesson with the Spanish family, I just really like them as people and it is a genuine pleasure to teach their kid drums, the whole family are just so warm. Then over to teach my first ever student, who needed some time out recently because there was a sense that he was losing interest a bit...which is fine, he's only 8 after all, but his parents are keen for him to keep on playing. The lesson tonight was great, though - totally back on form and everyone seems happy again.
Rehearsal with the jazz/teacher band in the evening. I was the only one not drinking and it all felt sloppy and a bit too loose for my liking. We have a gig soon, we need a bit of improvement.
All came together eventually - my standard '3 school Friday', all have students of various quality, it felt more like a 'job' today than pleasure, though, mostly because I'm fucking knackered. It is a job, though, I mean - it pays, really quite well.
Cracking private lesson with the Spanish family, I just really like them as people and it is a genuine pleasure to teach their kid drums, the whole family are just so warm. Then over to teach my first ever student, who needed some time out recently because there was a sense that he was losing interest a bit...which is fine, he's only 8 after all, but his parents are keen for him to keep on playing. The lesson tonight was great, though - totally back on form and everyone seems happy again.
Rehearsal with the jazz/teacher band in the evening. I was the only one not drinking and it all felt sloppy and a bit too loose for my liking. We have a gig soon, we need a bit of improvement.
Thursday 4th October 2018
Back TA-ing, I did okay, I think - as usual, though, I turn up bright and breezy and then eventually the day wears me down.
Three private lessons in a row, all good fun, and then eventually a chance to see A, who, despite living with her, we barely see each other at all as we're both working so hard at the moment.
Confirmed a gig in San Francisco. Pretty cool.
Three private lessons in a row, all good fun, and then eventually a chance to see A, who, despite living with her, we barely see each other at all as we're both working so hard at the moment.
Confirmed a gig in San Francisco. Pretty cool.
Wednesday 3rd October 2018
A frantic day, starting with my regular lessons at the primary school, and then my phone broke so I drove to the nearest town to get a new one (I'm due an upgrade anyway so if anything the timing was perfect) but then it started working again as I was driving there so came back and took Mum shopping instead.
Over to the college to run my weekly drum workshop there, an absolute total joy - such an awesome bunch of students. As I said before, I'd be happy to drop a few private students if I can get more hours there, it's just a vibe that suits me.
Off over to Baldock for FH gig, in which the feeling was tense. I've come to the conclusion that maybe we'll never replace G, and that this is becoming a bit of a slog. The atmosphere is mostly negative and it's no longer something I look forward to doing...I miss the good old days when we were a happier band. I had expressed my thoughts to the guys today by email, so as you can imagine it didn't feel great at the gig tonight. I'm not definitely going, I just wanted to say that I'm not happy and maybe it's time for a fresh start. We spoke about it, then played a 90 minute gig to a packed room but it didn't feel like a particularly good performance.
None of this has anything to do with the 'big' offer I had yesterday as a drummer. No. Well, maybe. I don't know.
Over to the college to run my weekly drum workshop there, an absolute total joy - such an awesome bunch of students. As I said before, I'd be happy to drop a few private students if I can get more hours there, it's just a vibe that suits me.
Off over to Baldock for FH gig, in which the feeling was tense. I've come to the conclusion that maybe we'll never replace G, and that this is becoming a bit of a slog. The atmosphere is mostly negative and it's no longer something I look forward to doing...I miss the good old days when we were a happier band. I had expressed my thoughts to the guys today by email, so as you can imagine it didn't feel great at the gig tonight. I'm not definitely going, I just wanted to say that I'm not happy and maybe it's time for a fresh start. We spoke about it, then played a 90 minute gig to a packed room but it didn't feel like a particularly good performance.
None of this has anything to do with the 'big' offer I had yesterday as a drummer. No. Well, maybe. I don't know.
Tuesday 2nd October 2018
The TA stuff was fine, if anything a bit slow in places.
My Christmas show ideas are maybe going too far now, but if I can find a little time, I'm sure I can make it work.
Quick drum lesson with one of my regulars and then back in the studio with Rohan and Chris. A nice vibe, again, less productive this time around but some decent ideas floating about and the studio is incredible. I've enjoyed catching up with these guys over the last couple of days, looking forward to our yearly reunion around next October...
My Christmas show ideas are maybe going too far now, but if I can find a little time, I'm sure I can make it work.
Quick drum lesson with one of my regulars and then back in the studio with Rohan and Chris. A nice vibe, again, less productive this time around but some decent ideas floating about and the studio is incredible. I've enjoyed catching up with these guys over the last couple of days, looking forward to our yearly reunion around next October...
Monday, 1 October 2018
Monday 1st October 2018
So much I want to do this week, mostly involving the Christmas projects, but time is never on my side, it feels. The TA stuff just ticked over nicely - some kids were abusive, one fell asleep for the whole lesson, one cried because I'm leaving soon before starting a fight in a rugby match. It's been a nice learning curve but I'm happy to be off soon.
Quick private lesson with one of my regulars, who totally nailed an Ian Dury song, before recording with Rohan and Chris. Great studio, the songs are self-indulgent and wonderful to play, but not sure if the listener would enjoy them as much as we do.
Quick private lesson with one of my regulars, who totally nailed an Ian Dury song, before recording with Rohan and Chris. Great studio, the songs are self-indulgent and wonderful to play, but not sure if the listener would enjoy them as much as we do.
Sunday 30th September 2018
Living with A does have it's pro's and cons. Pro's: bacon at breakfast. Cons: She told me turn off the Christmas music last night.
Still, a nice lazy-ish Sunday. Taught a percussion lesson in the morning to Laura, who is now going to be fortnightly student - it was her first lesson and she really got into it.
Lunch at A's parents, and then dinner with Chris, Rohan and their partners in Grantchester. Lovely evening in great company. I have some cracking friends.
Still, a nice lazy-ish Sunday. Taught a percussion lesson in the morning to Laura, who is now going to be fortnightly student - it was her first lesson and she really got into it.
Lunch at A's parents, and then dinner with Chris, Rohan and their partners in Grantchester. Lovely evening in great company. I have some cracking friends.
Saturday 29th October 2018
I fear the shingles are returning, or I'm just itchy. Either way, I need to slow down a bit - that was always the doctor's orders and I never stick to it. Things are piling up a bit...not just my stuff, which is all in boxes, but the teaching work (I keep saying yes to more clients), the writing work (I've agreed to write solo shows for three different actors), the band work (FH and the jazz band both want me for the same time, all of the time). I need to work out what I can and can't actually do here.
Still, great double drum lesson with one of my regulars, and then finished the house move. Living with my girlfriend. If you had told me this a year ago, I would have laughed at you. But it works, it totally works. Because she's so incredibly tolerant to my many 'ways', and I am to hers, too. Plus we're both so INCREDIBLY busy we barely see each other, anyway. It's a nice house, we can look after each other here from any scary things the real world throws at us.
Evening I supported Aidan at his Cambridge performance. He's a great comedian and becoming a good friend, too...we enjoyed a good hour or chat before the audience got there and we're totally on the same page. He's basically an older, better, more successful version of me. The show was really good tonight, both of us on good form. I like Cambridge again, now.
Still, great double drum lesson with one of my regulars, and then finished the house move. Living with my girlfriend. If you had told me this a year ago, I would have laughed at you. But it works, it totally works. Because she's so incredibly tolerant to my many 'ways', and I am to hers, too. Plus we're both so INCREDIBLY busy we barely see each other, anyway. It's a nice house, we can look after each other here from any scary things the real world throws at us.
Evening I supported Aidan at his Cambridge performance. He's a great comedian and becoming a good friend, too...we enjoyed a good hour or chat before the audience got there and we're totally on the same page. He's basically an older, better, more successful version of me. The show was really good tonight, both of us on good form. I like Cambridge again, now.
Friday 28th September 2018
Bit annoyed about last night's show but it did remind me that I can't take this one for granted. 80% of the time it works a treat, but it does need someone to lead the choir for me - ideally Rachel, or Dan, as it often was in Edinburgh. Luckily, for the forthcoming West End performance, Rachel is doing just that, in return for a billing on the poster.
Friday is just crazy for me, this so more than normal. 5 students at one school, mad dash to the next one, 5 students there, mad dash to the final one, 6 students there, and then a lengthy private lesson.
And then the house move. Gaf is amazing, that's four times he's helped me now.
Got the majority of it done, will finish the move tomorrow - Friday was getting a bit late. Why do I always end up moving house on a Friday night?
Friday is just crazy for me, this so more than normal. 5 students at one school, mad dash to the next one, 5 students there, mad dash to the final one, 6 students there, and then a lengthy private lesson.
And then the house move. Gaf is amazing, that's four times he's helped me now.
Got the majority of it done, will finish the move tomorrow - Friday was getting a bit late. Why do I always end up moving house on a Friday night?
Thursday 27th September 2018
I move house, like, tomorrow. I should be better prepared by now - I've de-cluttered a bit, but not as much as I should do. I have a LOT of stuff. It's quite an exciting 'life' move, though.
The TA stuff was a bit mad today, which ended up with me defending a child who I don't even like. A big smashed light later, in which it was a miracle nobody was hurt, and I realise the politics of that place is something I'm happy to be leaving soon.
Cracking private lesson with one of my new students.
Evening performance of two of my Edinburgh shows for charity - Comedians Drumming and HOP. Comedians Drumming went down a storm tonight, weirdly, HOP didn't - which is a rarity as it's a show that rarely fails me. The 'choir' were nervy and the audience never settled, it just felt a bit like we'd crossed the line from 'charmingly shambolic' to just 'shambolic' and I'm amazed only two people walked out. Still, the charity were grateful.
The TA stuff was a bit mad today, which ended up with me defending a child who I don't even like. A big smashed light later, in which it was a miracle nobody was hurt, and I realise the politics of that place is something I'm happy to be leaving soon.
Cracking private lesson with one of my new students.
Evening performance of two of my Edinburgh shows for charity - Comedians Drumming and HOP. Comedians Drumming went down a storm tonight, weirdly, HOP didn't - which is a rarity as it's a show that rarely fails me. The 'choir' were nervy and the audience never settled, it just felt a bit like we'd crossed the line from 'charmingly shambolic' to just 'shambolic' and I'm amazed only two people walked out. Still, the charity were grateful.
Wednesday 26th September 2018
A busy little day of drum stuff; in the primary school in the morning, followed by the college later on and then a rehearsal with the college jazz band after that into the later hours. The songs are really nice for that, a total joy to play and I'm liking flexing my jazz muscles.
In between all of that I had a nice little chat about becoming Santa again at the garden centre...which is most probably going to happen. I don't really need the work, but I guess I secretly enjoyed it all because I am a total Christmas weirdo.
In between all of that I had a nice little chat about becoming Santa again at the garden centre...which is most probably going to happen. I don't really need the work, but I guess I secretly enjoyed it all because I am a total Christmas weirdo.
Tuesday 25th September 2018
The TA stuff was fine, I can't claim to be into it but it pays for the holiday, yeah? And takes up a lot of time that could be spent writing my newly confirmed Christmas show.
Was supposed to have three private lessons tonight but only had one of them because of Cambridge traffic being dicks...seriously, how can it take 45 minutes to do a trip that's less than 2 miles? Everything started to overrun and I basically lost £50 thanks to roadworks. They'll get rescheduled but this city is a pain in the arse, sometimes.
The one lesson I did have was great, though.
Then off to audition another new singer for FH, who I liked but the others less so, so I'll guess we'll keep on looking.
Was supposed to have three private lessons tonight but only had one of them because of Cambridge traffic being dicks...seriously, how can it take 45 minutes to do a trip that's less than 2 miles? Everything started to overrun and I basically lost £50 thanks to roadworks. They'll get rescheduled but this city is a pain in the arse, sometimes.
The one lesson I did have was great, though.
Then off to audition another new singer for FH, who I liked but the others less so, so I'll guess we'll keep on looking.
Monday, 24 September 2018
Monday 24th September 2018
This is gonna be a bit of a busy week - mostly because of on top of my current schedule, which I'm not quite coping with, I've got the house move.
Still, confirmed a lovely little venue for a performance of History of Pop, which is totally awesome. I owe Rachel a beer for fixing that...
The day started with my car being blocked in by traffic cones (they started roadworks outside the house and my car was in the way) and then the TA stuff was just stressful because all of the kids were in a really horrible mood. My favourite insult of the day from one of the kids I had to look after was, "You pointy nose piece of shit." As always, I was powerless to do anything about it, apart from be safe in the knowledge that he'll be in prison one day or at least living in Huntingdon.
But after that I had a fine succession of drum lessons, starting with probably the best lesson I've ever taught. I've always liked teaching this kid; he's been on my books since November and was my second ever student, but I've always felt slightly awkward about the sheer amount of praise his parents shower me with on a weekly basis. I get he didn't like his last teacher, but it's all a bit flattering. But today that was just so good, not me - but the way he responded and nailed the parts to Ticket to Ride, which has awkward timing. Just when you think you know what level a student is at (he's always been in the 'much better than most' bracket) they surprise you by going up a level.
My other three lessons were fine too - another one with my old bandmate, another one with the over-excitable kid and a double lesson with the quite posh family who I'm growing to like because their kids are getting really into this.
Still, left the house at 7.30am, home by 10pm...when exactly do I start putting things in boxes? I mean, I get the answer is 10pm, but I've still got shingles and am supposed to be resting. I'm back even later tomorrow. I'll just do it all on Friday, the moving day.
Still, confirmed a lovely little venue for a performance of History of Pop, which is totally awesome. I owe Rachel a beer for fixing that...
The day started with my car being blocked in by traffic cones (they started roadworks outside the house and my car was in the way) and then the TA stuff was just stressful because all of the kids were in a really horrible mood. My favourite insult of the day from one of the kids I had to look after was, "You pointy nose piece of shit." As always, I was powerless to do anything about it, apart from be safe in the knowledge that he'll be in prison one day or at least living in Huntingdon.
But after that I had a fine succession of drum lessons, starting with probably the best lesson I've ever taught. I've always liked teaching this kid; he's been on my books since November and was my second ever student, but I've always felt slightly awkward about the sheer amount of praise his parents shower me with on a weekly basis. I get he didn't like his last teacher, but it's all a bit flattering. But today that was just so good, not me - but the way he responded and nailed the parts to Ticket to Ride, which has awkward timing. Just when you think you know what level a student is at (he's always been in the 'much better than most' bracket) they surprise you by going up a level.
My other three lessons were fine too - another one with my old bandmate, another one with the over-excitable kid and a double lesson with the quite posh family who I'm growing to like because their kids are getting really into this.
Still, left the house at 7.30am, home by 10pm...when exactly do I start putting things in boxes? I mean, I get the answer is 10pm, but I've still got shingles and am supposed to be resting. I'm back even later tomorrow. I'll just do it all on Friday, the moving day.
Sunday, 23 September 2018
Sunday 23rd September 2018
Woke up in the dorm, banged my head on the bunkbed. I'm 37.
Grubby, we found an American diner for breakfast and then made our way over to the afternoon show. A nicer gig this one; an arts centre, a folky audience who weren't scared off by our rocky-ness. Nice gig, everyone seems happy again, whilst not talking about last night.
Home by 7.30pm, popped over to A's, where I'll be moving into next week. She's made a lot of space for my stuff. It all feels honestly rather perfect.
Grubby, we found an American diner for breakfast and then made our way over to the afternoon show. A nicer gig this one; an arts centre, a folky audience who weren't scared off by our rocky-ness. Nice gig, everyone seems happy again, whilst not talking about last night.
Home by 7.30pm, popped over to A's, where I'll be moving into next week. She's made a lot of space for my stuff. It all feels honestly rather perfect.
Saturday 22nd September 2018
Up early (but not as early as A as she had an open day at her school) and over to teach a cracking, 2 hour, private lesson with one of my regulars.
Then off to Bognor with the band for a couple of gigs. Tension from the off, G not happy but that calmed eventually. Got to the venue, a proper spit and sawdust pub and about 5 people watching the music, but we went on and totally stormed it, winning everyone over. We're too good to let this go.
As the event had an early finish, we found a nice curry house and settled in with drinks and good food. V got upset about stuff, all the usual stuff, and left us - walking back to the hostel by herself. Her phone died, she didn't know the way, the whole thing got a bit stressful and then movie-like as we searched the streets of Hove for her. It all settled in the end but that was a fucking long night. Stayed in a hostel which, according to the reviews, is 'unsafe' and 'full of drug dealers'. Yep, saw them all. We were only there because the whole area is so expensive and we would have blown our fee on accommodation, so this was our only option. It basically felt like being in a prison all night, with a crying singer.
Then off to Bognor with the band for a couple of gigs. Tension from the off, G not happy but that calmed eventually. Got to the venue, a proper spit and sawdust pub and about 5 people watching the music, but we went on and totally stormed it, winning everyone over. We're too good to let this go.
As the event had an early finish, we found a nice curry house and settled in with drinks and good food. V got upset about stuff, all the usual stuff, and left us - walking back to the hostel by herself. Her phone died, she didn't know the way, the whole thing got a bit stressful and then movie-like as we searched the streets of Hove for her. It all settled in the end but that was a fucking long night. Stayed in a hostel which, according to the reviews, is 'unsafe' and 'full of drug dealers'. Yep, saw them all. We were only there because the whole area is so expensive and we would have blown our fee on accommodation, so this was our only option. It basically felt like being in a prison all night, with a crying singer.
Friday 21st September 2018
And now my Friday schedule is back to normal, it's craziest 'best' - one school at 9am, another at 11am, another at 1pm. More students than ever in each of them, but the traffic was kind today and everything worked out. That may not always be the case and I'm slightly uncomfortable with the way this has been planned. By me. I planned it. Badly.
Private lesson with the amazing Spanish family after who are just so cool. I've told A this is what I want our family to be like and she's cool with that.
Evening off; picked up A from her work, had dinner out, had plenty of drinks back at hers and watched Taskmaster, which is amazing.
I move in next week. Proper adulting.
Private lesson with the amazing Spanish family after who are just so cool. I've told A this is what I want our family to be like and she's cool with that.
Evening off; picked up A from her work, had dinner out, had plenty of drinks back at hers and watched Taskmaster, which is amazing.
I move in next week. Proper adulting.
Thursday 20th September 2018
Really great day as a teaching assistant today; it just felt right, there was lots of humour, everyone onside. The new music teacher is an amazing jazz pianist so we've scheduled in a jam; he's really, really cool, somebody I'd be keen to gig with. And because now apparently I'm a jazz drummer.
Two lovely private lessons, and then beers with Alan M for no reason apart from the fact that it's nice to catch up and get drunk on a Thursday night with a mate I don't catch up with enough.
Two lovely private lessons, and then beers with Alan M for no reason apart from the fact that it's nice to catch up and get drunk on a Thursday night with a mate I don't catch up with enough.
Wednesday 19th September 2018
Morning in the primary school teaching, then took Mum shopping. Bought two notepads for the two new projects I'm plotting - 2019 is going to be a busy one.
Afternoon at the college running a drum workshop which was basically my 'Comedians Drumming...' show format to international students but it really worked and was a nice hour, followed by a private lesson after in the college followed by 2 private non-college lessons after that.
13 hours of teaching today. I know it's a lot. But it does help pay for stuff, not only the holiday and my new drum kit which I'm picking up next month (getting a lovely little Ludwig, very excited) but also for my '100 Final Gigs' project. I've been feeling for a while that the stand-up thing isn't quite me, as much as there was a sense that this year's Edinburgh stand-up show was lovely (I've actually seen someone chatting on a forum where they mentioned how much they enjoyed it, which was very sweet). But also, by doing another nice hour like that, I don't have anything to prove...it's just, well, I haven't really gotten anywhere with it. I'll still do Edinburgh every year - I've got 4 shows lined up for it next year (one of of which you could say is a stand-up show, but it's more storytelling than ever), but the idea of slogging my guts out around the circuit in the hope of making it feels less appealing when I seem to be getting more success out of writing comedy plays instead. So anyway, I'm doing a hundred more stand-up gigs and leaving it there, and getting a film out of it, and I'm going to try and do it in as many places as possible...LA (on our holiday, Stu has got me gig out there, A has been lovely to tolerate me interrupting our romantic break with a gig 400 miles down the road), Istanbul (a friend runs an English-speaking gig out there), Germany...it's gonna be awesome. And expensive, but luckily I've stumbled into something wonderful with the drum teaching.
It's all good. Now all I need is MORE HOURS IN THE DAY.
Tuesday 18th September 2018
The teaching assistant stuff was fine - it goes quicker when you have a notepad on you and can be discretely writing shows whilst there.
Three private drum lessons after; the enthusiastic one, the child prodigy, the older guy who just wants to play ska. Loved it all, I know what I'm doing with this.
Then over to the other end of town for a second jazz rehearsal where once again we totally nailed it. Being a drummer is wicked and this fresh challenge is exactly what I needed.
Three private drum lessons after; the enthusiastic one, the child prodigy, the older guy who just wants to play ska. Loved it all, I know what I'm doing with this.
Then over to the other end of town for a second jazz rehearsal where once again we totally nailed it. Being a drummer is wicked and this fresh challenge is exactly what I needed.
Monday 17th September 2018
A long day, but at least with the TA job I did some good today - I mean, the kid I was looking after got into a fight and I managed to stop him. Also spent a bit of time in the gym whilst there, generally feeling out of shape and pathetic.
Three private lessons after (the brilliant young kid, the out of control kid, the cool dude adult who just wants to play Arctic Monkeys songs) and then a mad dash over for a BBC radio session with the band. I'll be honest: I totally forgot we were doing it. It was booked about 4 months ago and a lot has happened since then. As a result I was both a) nearly late for the session, arriving with just 6 minutes to spare and b) having to play my 'comedy' mini cajon live on air instead of my proper one, which people found confusing.
Still, we're old hands at this and the whole thing felt remarkably comfortable.
Three private lessons after (the brilliant young kid, the out of control kid, the cool dude adult who just wants to play Arctic Monkeys songs) and then a mad dash over for a BBC radio session with the band. I'll be honest: I totally forgot we were doing it. It was booked about 4 months ago and a lot has happened since then. As a result I was both a) nearly late for the session, arriving with just 6 minutes to spare and b) having to play my 'comedy' mini cajon live on air instead of my proper one, which people found confusing.
Still, we're old hands at this and the whole thing felt remarkably comfortable.
Sunday 16th September 2018
A is really good at getting me to relax...it's almost like she forces me to do it. I've still been struggling with Shingles a bit, but I'm onto the next stage now which is (according to a 'schedule' of it I've read, which is very accurate) "feeling like you've recovered and then a few days later feeling ill again" - I've been lulled into a false sense of security a couple of times this week already with it. Anyway, basically I slept most of the day, and then we literally spent the whole day watching Only Fools and Horses whilst eating fajitas.
In the evening had one bit of work to do - a drum lesson, a first lesson teaching an old bandmate of mine, who is a bassist but he wants to move over to the other side. And rightly so.
In the evening had one bit of work to do - a drum lesson, a first lesson teaching an old bandmate of mine, who is a bassist but he wants to move over to the other side. And rightly so.
Saturday 15th September 2018
Last night was so much fun. Could jazz be my future? Is this a sign that I'm getting old?
I really got a buzz out of writing at this year's fringe and that seemed to work too as I had a commission out of it.
Maybe PR the comedian and drummer in a pop/folk band is gone? To be replaced by PR the playwright and jazz drummer?
Being a playwright and jazz drummer isn't a bad combination, I guess.
Today we were supposed to be going down to Devon so Mum could view a house but somebody bought it yesterday so I treated Mum to a trip to the seaside instead. The dog played up and we lasted less than an hour there, and it's a three hour round-trip, but it ticks the 'good son' box at least.
Not being in Devon meant that I actually got to spend a proper evening with A, too. We booked a holiday to San Francisco for the next half-term, which is an awfully grown up thing to do.
I really got a buzz out of writing at this year's fringe and that seemed to work too as I had a commission out of it.
Maybe PR the comedian and drummer in a pop/folk band is gone? To be replaced by PR the playwright and jazz drummer?
Being a playwright and jazz drummer isn't a bad combination, I guess.
Today we were supposed to be going down to Devon so Mum could view a house but somebody bought it yesterday so I treated Mum to a trip to the seaside instead. The dog played up and we lasted less than an hour there, and it's a three hour round-trip, but it ticks the 'good son' box at least.
Not being in Devon meant that I actually got to spend a proper evening with A, too. We booked a holiday to San Francisco for the next half-term, which is an awfully grown up thing to do.
Friday 14th September 2018
Friday mornings are always the busiest day for me with the teaching - the first one don't need me there until next week, so just the two schools today (both had children in who were so loud...I may have to buy yet another drum kit - this one for teaching only). It was all quite exhausting.
Then over to teach the Spanish family who, like the first lesson last week, continue to be my favourite family to teach. It's just little things, like whenever the son gets something right, no matter how simple, the mother jumps up, hugs him and tells him how proud she is of him. There's so much love in that house it's difficult not to feel moved by it.
Quick catch up with Stu to discuss projects (and to give him a quick drum refresher lesson - for free, because we're such good mates now and he's helped me out a lot with gig contacts for America, it doesn't feel right charging him, especially when at least 40 minutes of the lesson was spent catching up), and then a bit of a bizarre evening...
My first session as a proper jazz drummer. This is for a little band I've joined with a bunch of teachers from the college where I teach drums - it's good for my career if anything else because we jam around the head of music's house. It's such a lovely set-up, my ego was enhanced considerably and we enjoyed wine and pizza...I was made to feel very welcome and ended up staying till gone midnight chatting to the head about music, comedy, life stuff - just a wonderful evening with people who I don't know, the only person I do know there is the chap who pays my wages for my Wednesday afternoon teaching.
Even more to the point; it turns out I'm a really, really decent jazz drummer. I always knew I was jazzy, but this is actual jazz; smoky, proper silky stuff. I enjoyed that a lot more than I thought I ever would, to the extent that poor old A, who has had a tough working week, got woken up by slightly drunken me telling her all about it at 1am.
Thursday 13th September 2018
An easy-ish day - despite there being roadworks on every bit of my route to the TA job to the extent that I actually missed my first lesson of the day. They were nice about it.
From there I had two private lessons, both of which were fine.
Got back, continued to chat to Emma about next year's shows, and then actually started writing them.
From there I had two private lessons, both of which were fine.
Got back, continued to chat to Emma about next year's shows, and then actually started writing them.
Wednesday 12th September 2018
Back at the primary school for the first time this term - nice full roster of kids returning to play drums, by choice. Easy lessons, great students.
Took Mum shopping, whilst frantically writing this new idea I have into a notepad, and then it was Fresher's Day thingy at the college where I had to sit with drums and (literally) drum up some interest in my drum workshops, that was followed by a private lesson with Tony, my student there, who is the most enthusiastic pupil ever. Another quick private lesson after that after school with one of my newbies who is working out well.
Then over to the studio where FH were auditioning for G's replacement. The audition lasted three hours, the chap was nice but not a good fit. This is going to be a struggle.
Took Mum shopping, whilst frantically writing this new idea I have into a notepad, and then it was Fresher's Day thingy at the college where I had to sit with drums and (literally) drum up some interest in my drum workshops, that was followed by a private lesson with Tony, my student there, who is the most enthusiastic pupil ever. Another quick private lesson after that after school with one of my newbies who is working out well.
Then over to the studio where FH were auditioning for G's replacement. The audition lasted three hours, the chap was nice but not a good fit. This is going to be a struggle.
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