A long day, which is cool because it means I have work coming in. Taught a drum lesson at Graham's in the morning, and then over to St Neots to run a science class. Smaller class (9 students) and easier module, still moments where I totally lost the room, but it didn't feel as traumatic as previous lessons. It'll all be okay. Then mad dash over to Cambridge to teach little Milo drums - one of my favourite students, such an amazing attitude and he learns a lot quicker than many of the adults.
After that we had a 3 hour band rehearsal with GCB ahead of the album launch in March. Sounding tight, but haven't played loud rock in years, was a proper good workout...
I think I've done my tax return, I'm pretty sure that's it for another year, but they don't make it easy for you, do they?
Got back late-ish and started plotting the second book of my football trilogy, even though I haven't written up the first one yet. This year, it'll all happen.
Wednesday, 31 January 2018
Monday, 29 January 2018
Monday 29th January 2018
An old school friend is in a really bad way, months to live and all that. I was reminded of this (as now the situation has worsened) by another friend tonight and it does remind you of your priorities. I've spent 4 hours tonight working on my tax return, I think I've done it but it's all very confusing but then...actually, it doesn't matter, in the scale of things, does it?
Long day of science stuff, the rehearsal in the morning and a very unconvincing lesson later on (not quite the chaos of last time but still a little out of control). Slipping behind on all tour admin, let alone creative plans, I either need more sleep or more Red Bull.
Long day of science stuff, the rehearsal in the morning and a very unconvincing lesson later on (not quite the chaos of last time but still a little out of control). Slipping behind on all tour admin, let alone creative plans, I either need more sleep or more Red Bull.
Sunday, 28 January 2018
Sunday 28th January 2018
The thing I like about having a crap laptop is the fact it makes you crack on with things...no more of this browsing Facebook pointlessly, it's very much a case of logging in, doing your thing quickly before it crashes. It's actually really good for me, as much as I'll look to replace it at some point this year.
Feeling quite optimistic today (nothing to do with the fact the young lady is very keen on a second date, no, nothing to do with that at all... ) (it'll be on Wednesday) (must get my tax return done before then), but just generally because I've got the ideas for some really good material at the moment...if not enough time to do them justice, but it can happen.
Next week looks ridiculous, feels like an important week.
With next week so busy, I took Mum for her weekly shop today and sis came too and it was like a family outing, it was actually really nice.
Then over to teach Paul M for his second (of six) intensive lessons. He's getting there.
Feeling quite optimistic today (nothing to do with the fact the young lady is very keen on a second date, no, nothing to do with that at all... ) (it'll be on Wednesday) (must get my tax return done before then), but just generally because I've got the ideas for some really good material at the moment...if not enough time to do them justice, but it can happen.
Next week looks ridiculous, feels like an important week.
With next week so busy, I took Mum for her weekly shop today and sis came too and it was like a family outing, it was actually really nice.
Then over to teach Paul M for his second (of six) intensive lessons. He's getting there.
Saturday, 27 January 2018
Saturday 27th January 2018
Long day of teaching - I mean, just the two lessons, but the traffic out there is ridiculous, everything just takes so long, doesn't it?
Good lessons though, I really am into this drum teaching thing at the moment.
Should really do my tax return at some point.
Evening had a lovely Thai meal and watched a bizarre show, which was nice for a first date. As always, no idea if there will be a second, but it was a very fun night all the same. Also, had about 8 ideas for new shows whilst watching that one; further proof that watching other stuff is good for you (and that maybe I should have been more focused in enjoying the company of the young lady I was with).
Good lessons though, I really am into this drum teaching thing at the moment.
Should really do my tax return at some point.
Evening had a lovely Thai meal and watched a bizarre show, which was nice for a first date. As always, no idea if there will be a second, but it was a very fun night all the same. Also, had about 8 ideas for new shows whilst watching that one; further proof that watching other stuff is good for you (and that maybe I should have been more focused in enjoying the company of the young lady I was with).
Friday, 26 January 2018
Friday 26th January 2018
Turned down a teaching assistant job, which may not be wise considering how badly the science stuff has been going. I reckon I'm 2-3 drum students off from making this be the only thing I have to do for money, though.
Replied to a bunch of other tour emails (still bugger all actual tour dates confirmed), and then over to Graham's house for his second lesson. His neighbours complained about the noise, so I was a bit passive aggressive towards them (all I asked was, "why is every unhappy wife called Julie?") which didn't help. Either way, we got grooves going with cushions on the kit.
Got a haircut - nothing to do with my own self-esteem or anything, simply because I have a date tomorrow. She is also the reason why I fully intend to hoover my car in the morning, because I'm giving her a lift to the show we're seeing on our first date. If it doesn't work out - hey, I have nicer hair and a cleaner car, but she seems very cool.
Then off to teach Paul M for his first lesson, which was great...he's so enthusiastic about it. Had dinner with him and his wife, before then teaching his son a few things.
Got back, nailed the second draft of Little Sparks, so Alan can read it on his long flight tomorrow. Really happy with this script, so much of it really works. I believe in these characters, I get why they are in this situation. Also like the fact that Steph's character is a failed actress, having failed to get the part of the Funky Otter, a show which will actually exist at the fringe (that she'll be in) and we can exit flyer this show with Funky Otter v Jazz Dolphin leaflets. Cross-marketing at it's best, I reckon.
Listening to a lot of Costello at the moment. It's all genius, all of it, and so poetic, too, "Champagne rolls off her tongue like a second language..."
Replied to a bunch of other tour emails (still bugger all actual tour dates confirmed), and then over to Graham's house for his second lesson. His neighbours complained about the noise, so I was a bit passive aggressive towards them (all I asked was, "why is every unhappy wife called Julie?") which didn't help. Either way, we got grooves going with cushions on the kit.
Got a haircut - nothing to do with my own self-esteem or anything, simply because I have a date tomorrow. She is also the reason why I fully intend to hoover my car in the morning, because I'm giving her a lift to the show we're seeing on our first date. If it doesn't work out - hey, I have nicer hair and a cleaner car, but she seems very cool.
Then off to teach Paul M for his first lesson, which was great...he's so enthusiastic about it. Had dinner with him and his wife, before then teaching his son a few things.
Got back, nailed the second draft of Little Sparks, so Alan can read it on his long flight tomorrow. Really happy with this script, so much of it really works. I believe in these characters, I get why they are in this situation. Also like the fact that Steph's character is a failed actress, having failed to get the part of the Funky Otter, a show which will actually exist at the fringe (that she'll be in) and we can exit flyer this show with Funky Otter v Jazz Dolphin leaflets. Cross-marketing at it's best, I reckon.
Listening to a lot of Costello at the moment. It's all genius, all of it, and so poetic, too, "Champagne rolls off her tongue like a second language..."
Thursday 25th January 2018
Up stupidly early (like, 7.30am - I'm an artist, I don't do this sort of thing!), on 3 hours sleep having wrote till late last night.
Met up with Alan and Steph at 8am-ish in a local cafe to discuss exciting things about the show and the production of Little Sparks. Both amazing people to bounce ideas off - big plans were made, there is no limit to how far we can take this.
Steph then dashed to her audition, Alan and I discussed the show more and then I finally let him read the first draft of the script...that I'd literally finished writing hours before. It's actually quite intimidating having an actor you admire, probably the best actor I've ever met, sat reading your script next to you as you nervously sip your tea waiting for his reaction. He laughed outloud several times, which was a relief. He really liked it...I mean, it's a first draft, there's much to be done and there's a few bits that jarred (mostly where the characters went, well, out of character in favour of cheap gags) but stylistically it really works - the tone is lovely, the odd flight of fantasy here and there gives it a sketch show vibe even though it's technically a straight play and the structure is great. In short, there's many "cracking moments" in it, and is the solid foundation for what will be a great show - the plan now is to run it with actors, I film it, and then work on the second draft. His suggestions were great, very minor stuff, but it's what will take it to the next level. We're months ahead of schedule and we've decided on the director we'd like for this, too. I like working with professionals.
Then over to teach science in a primary school, which was every bit a disaster as Monday. I was running the class, with a more experienced tutor watching from the side, but she ended up stepping in when more flour-based chaos ensued. I was quite down about it afterwards but she was really, really lovely about it and told me continuously how great I was. I reckon they're short staffed...
Then over to teach one of my regular students drums. He was totally on it tonight, an absolute joy to teach, just a really fun hour and his mum is everso proud.
Got back, dropped a spare drum kit around Lachy's house and then started writing the kids show that I'm working on with Steph, also for the fringe. It's time for The Funky Otter to finally hit the stage.
Met up with Alan and Steph at 8am-ish in a local cafe to discuss exciting things about the show and the production of Little Sparks. Both amazing people to bounce ideas off - big plans were made, there is no limit to how far we can take this.
Steph then dashed to her audition, Alan and I discussed the show more and then I finally let him read the first draft of the script...that I'd literally finished writing hours before. It's actually quite intimidating having an actor you admire, probably the best actor I've ever met, sat reading your script next to you as you nervously sip your tea waiting for his reaction. He laughed outloud several times, which was a relief. He really liked it...I mean, it's a first draft, there's much to be done and there's a few bits that jarred (mostly where the characters went, well, out of character in favour of cheap gags) but stylistically it really works - the tone is lovely, the odd flight of fantasy here and there gives it a sketch show vibe even though it's technically a straight play and the structure is great. In short, there's many "cracking moments" in it, and is the solid foundation for what will be a great show - the plan now is to run it with actors, I film it, and then work on the second draft. His suggestions were great, very minor stuff, but it's what will take it to the next level. We're months ahead of schedule and we've decided on the director we'd like for this, too. I like working with professionals.
Then over to teach science in a primary school, which was every bit a disaster as Monday. I was running the class, with a more experienced tutor watching from the side, but she ended up stepping in when more flour-based chaos ensued. I was quite down about it afterwards but she was really, really lovely about it and told me continuously how great I was. I reckon they're short staffed...
Then over to teach one of my regular students drums. He was totally on it tonight, an absolute joy to teach, just a really fun hour and his mum is everso proud.
Got back, dropped a spare drum kit around Lachy's house and then started writing the kids show that I'm working on with Steph, also for the fringe. It's time for The Funky Otter to finally hit the stage.
Wednesday 24th January 2018
Should probably do my tax return at some point.
Long day of writing, intensively, working on this fire show like a psychopath but I'm really happy with it, it feels warm and has a nice tempo.
Wrote for 7 hours solid, popped out to teach the Chinese students drums (as always a pleasure, they're just so respectful - easiest students in the world to teach), and then back to writing again. As the kids don't speak a word of English, the actual only person I spoke to today was the man at the takeaway down the road when I was ordering a pizza. I feel a bit like a reclusive writer (I look like one, too), but the show will benefit from this.
First look at it with some of the cast tomorrow morning.
Long day of writing, intensively, working on this fire show like a psychopath but I'm really happy with it, it feels warm and has a nice tempo.
Wrote for 7 hours solid, popped out to teach the Chinese students drums (as always a pleasure, they're just so respectful - easiest students in the world to teach), and then back to writing again. As the kids don't speak a word of English, the actual only person I spoke to today was the man at the takeaway down the road when I was ordering a pizza. I feel a bit like a reclusive writer (I look like one, too), but the show will benefit from this.
First look at it with some of the cast tomorrow morning.
Tuesday 23rd January 2018
Into serious must-get-this-show-written writing mode at the moment, quietly confident that the teaching work I have coming in is just about enough to pay the bills. Getting very disciplined with myself and finding a sense of purpose - which sounds dramatic, but for example: I have a Playstation in my room, but the other day when I was playing it, chilling out after a busy day, I just lost interest. I just sat there and thought...I'm a 36-year-old man, playing a computer game alone in his little attic room. I just switched it off and carried on writing.
Had a long day of writing, took Mum shopping but whilst at hers (she doesn't allow the internet, for some reason) I had my trusty notepads with me and rewrote the the fire show from scratch. I think I was quite unsociable, but new ideas and structures pouring onto the page...
Evening we had our monthly 'Bants' show - much better than the Christmas one. Bim is a great guest MC and we discussed a project idea I thought of for him, which he is keen to do. The acts were superb tonight, the audience was small but into it and the landlord chucked £20 into the bucket to make sure all of the comedians had their fuel covered, which was a lovely gesture. I tried out 10 minutes of stuff - 5 old, 5 new. The new stuff didn't really gel, but that's what these evenings are for.
Had a long day of writing, took Mum shopping but whilst at hers (she doesn't allow the internet, for some reason) I had my trusty notepads with me and rewrote the the fire show from scratch. I think I was quite unsociable, but new ideas and structures pouring onto the page...
Evening we had our monthly 'Bants' show - much better than the Christmas one. Bim is a great guest MC and we discussed a project idea I thought of for him, which he is keen to do. The acts were superb tonight, the audience was small but into it and the landlord chucked £20 into the bucket to make sure all of the comedians had their fuel covered, which was a lovely gesture. I tried out 10 minutes of stuff - 5 old, 5 new. The new stuff didn't really gel, but that's what these evenings are for.
Monday, 22 January 2018
Monday 22nd January 2018
Woke up early > worked on script > went to science lesson rehearsal > had the best idea for a show ever > worked on that for a bit and got all excited > taught science lesson and it was a total disaster > taught 2 drum lessons which were great > missed band meeting because I missed read the email > spoke to various band members on the phone about what I missed and it was pretty much as I expected.
I reckon that life is probably a sitcom, and that maybe I've had a year or two off. Now back for a fresh new series, starting with a Christmas special (in which we make our awkward lead character work as Santa for a bit - think of the trailer for that!) and now for the first episode of the new series lets really drama this up: let him fall for a girl he's not allowed to fall for and watch him get dangerously low about it, let his music career take an unexpected twist but then, hey, let's not forget it's a comedy - so why not stick him in a classroom with 21 toddlers all throwing flour at each other as he just sits in the background wondering where it's all gone wrong.
That.
I reckon that life is probably a sitcom, and that maybe I've had a year or two off. Now back for a fresh new series, starting with a Christmas special (in which we make our awkward lead character work as Santa for a bit - think of the trailer for that!) and now for the first episode of the new series lets really drama this up: let him fall for a girl he's not allowed to fall for and watch him get dangerously low about it, let his music career take an unexpected twist but then, hey, let's not forget it's a comedy - so why not stick him in a classroom with 21 toddlers all throwing flour at each other as he just sits in the background wondering where it's all gone wrong.
That.
Sunday, 21 January 2018
Sunday 21st January 2018
Snowing outside, my two students both offered to rearrange our lessons but I don't like to turn down the work so went for it anyway. Was fine, I've got a Volvo, it's basically a tank.
First lesson was with Tim, who I haven't seen in 4 years. A cajon lesson, as he got himself one at Christmas. Great to catch up, he's a talented muso (he literally plays everything) so he was easy enough to teach and his wife cooked us a lovely lunch afterwards.
Then to give a first lesson to Graham, who used to be my manager about 15 years ago - at the time a great friend who I'd go to gigs with most weeks but we drifted out of touch. Fantastic to catch up, and he's getting into the drumming thing. This one may take a few weeks, but he's getting there.
Got back, spoke to Mira (a Belgian girl I met in China), started working on a show for her...
First lesson was with Tim, who I haven't seen in 4 years. A cajon lesson, as he got himself one at Christmas. Great to catch up, he's a talented muso (he literally plays everything) so he was easy enough to teach and his wife cooked us a lovely lunch afterwards.
Then to give a first lesson to Graham, who used to be my manager about 15 years ago - at the time a great friend who I'd go to gigs with most weeks but we drifted out of touch. Fantastic to catch up, and he's getting into the drumming thing. This one may take a few weeks, but he's getting there.
Got back, spoke to Mira (a Belgian girl I met in China), started working on a show for her...
Saturday 20th January 2018
A really fun day of teaching - first up was a second lesson for one of my new students, he's rehearsed well during the week and is making scary-good progress for a six-year-old. Then it was Stu and his young daughter, LoLo, which, I'll be honest, feels more like a social than work, such a nice vibe there, it just like hanging out with a mate and getting paid for it. LoLo is making great progress for a five-year-old, whilst I can really push Stu because he's a bassist and he understands the importance of rhythm and he's turning into a great drummer.
Got back, replied to tour emails for an hour, sat and thought for a bit about the fire marshals show and am still in two minds about it all - apart from the fact that I'm chatting to Steph a lot and her enthusiasm (and just how much she really, really likes my writing) is encouraging. We'll certainly do something together at the very least.
Evening met up with Matt and Sally, and over to Nessie's house to watch Aidan G do a work-in-progress show in her living room. It was just wonderful - he's a comedian I like a lot, his new stuff is great and it just felt like we were in some kind of exclusive party. Okay, so I guess we were. It was all of a bit of treat, I really like this circle I seem to have found myself in at the moment. Nice to properly meet and chat to Aidan, too, we're totally on the same page and we'll catch up again soon.
Beers and banter with Matt and Sally afterwards to end the evening, great stuff.
Got back, replied to tour emails for an hour, sat and thought for a bit about the fire marshals show and am still in two minds about it all - apart from the fact that I'm chatting to Steph a lot and her enthusiasm (and just how much she really, really likes my writing) is encouraging. We'll certainly do something together at the very least.
Evening met up with Matt and Sally, and over to Nessie's house to watch Aidan G do a work-in-progress show in her living room. It was just wonderful - he's a comedian I like a lot, his new stuff is great and it just felt like we were in some kind of exclusive party. Okay, so I guess we were. It was all of a bit of treat, I really like this circle I seem to have found myself in at the moment. Nice to properly meet and chat to Aidan, too, we're totally on the same page and we'll catch up again soon.
Beers and banter with Matt and Sally afterwards to end the evening, great stuff.
Friday 19th January 2019
Show day! Which basically meant not getting up till 11am, and then rehearsing the show, in it's entirety, three times in a row - with a little break for the odd trip to Tescos for snacks.
Scrubbed up, long shower, deep shave, put on my best shirt and ran for the train, just making it.
Amazing little theatre space, proper lights and everything. Small audience tonight but it's a work in progress show - infact, I knew everyone there: Matt, Sally, Rob, PBH, Mel, Dan and Alan.
It worked fine. Nowhere near as good as the rehearsals have been, but nowhere near as bad as the house shows. There's stuff that needs a bit of work in it - the punchline for the first play isn't clear enough (to the audience, to me I think it makes a very dark, and valid, point about stagnation), the second play has a false ending which I like but the audience thought that was the actual end so that needs work, the third play felt really messy - probably because it's the easiest third to perform, so I let my guard down a bit. The double ending - both tragic, and then the happy bit, works well. Having overrun so much in rehearsals, it clocked in at a healthy 53 minutes on Friday, finishing 7 minutes early. I'm happy with that.
Scrubbed up, long shower, deep shave, put on my best shirt and ran for the train, just making it.
Amazing little theatre space, proper lights and everything. Small audience tonight but it's a work in progress show - infact, I knew everyone there: Matt, Sally, Rob, PBH, Mel, Dan and Alan.
It worked fine. Nowhere near as good as the rehearsals have been, but nowhere near as bad as the house shows. There's stuff that needs a bit of work in it - the punchline for the first play isn't clear enough (to the audience, to me I think it makes a very dark, and valid, point about stagnation), the second play has a false ending which I like but the audience thought that was the actual end so that needs work, the third play felt really messy - probably because it's the easiest third to perform, so I let my guard down a bit. The double ending - both tragic, and then the happy bit, works well. Having overrun so much in rehearsals, it clocked in at a healthy 53 minutes on Friday, finishing 7 minutes early. I'm happy with that.
Thursday 18th January 2018
Turned down the job as children's entertainer...I just don't think it's me. It's an open offer, though, which is nice if I do need the work.
First session doing the crazy science acting stuff - today mostly just sorting out my paperwork for it, and then I watched one of the other scientists run a lesson and it was great to watch how it all goes. Next week, it'll be me. It's a fun gig.
Tried to resolve the problem that has been bugging me for most of this month but if anything just made the situation a whole lot worse by being so honest, so met up with V for a few pints - we both had quite a lot of ranting to do about various things. Beer helps, doesn't it? Just generally.
Not sure what is happening to the new, bigger-production play I'm writing now - it's getting complex, the easiest thing would probably just be to drop it.
First session doing the crazy science acting stuff - today mostly just sorting out my paperwork for it, and then I watched one of the other scientists run a lesson and it was great to watch how it all goes. Next week, it'll be me. It's a fun gig.
Tried to resolve the problem that has been bugging me for most of this month but if anything just made the situation a whole lot worse by being so honest, so met up with V for a few pints - we both had quite a lot of ranting to do about various things. Beer helps, doesn't it? Just generally.
Not sure what is happening to the new, bigger-production play I'm writing now - it's getting complex, the easiest thing would probably just be to drop it.
Wednesday 17th January 2018
Rehearsed a bit in the morning, the show opens on Friday. Shit. Shit on it.
Midday drum lesson teaching the lovely Romy, who I'd met previously before at a gig a few years back. She can already play to a basic level, so it was nice to get her up to scratch with a few grooves and everyone in the pub we were in seemed to notice her progress.
Got back, quick reply to about 8 million emails, and then off to teach at the college. Supposed to be percussion lessons but I brought in the full kit today and they all loved it - that was a great session. I like that college a lot.
Home, ran the show twice, started to chill and play the Playstation but then ended up chatting to V for 2 hours on the phone about the current FH situation, and a load of other things. This feels like a complicated year already.
Midday drum lesson teaching the lovely Romy, who I'd met previously before at a gig a few years back. She can already play to a basic level, so it was nice to get her up to scratch with a few grooves and everyone in the pub we were in seemed to notice her progress.
Got back, quick reply to about 8 million emails, and then off to teach at the college. Supposed to be percussion lessons but I brought in the full kit today and they all loved it - that was a great session. I like that college a lot.
Home, ran the show twice, started to chill and play the Playstation but then ended up chatting to V for 2 hours on the phone about the current FH situation, and a load of other things. This feels like a complicated year already.
Wednesday, 17 January 2018
Tuesday 16th January 2018
Took Mum shopping, after over 2 HOURS on the A14 to get there. What a pathetic road that is.
Eventually got there, was on good son duty.
Got the science acting job!
Great drum lesson with Milo in the afternoon...he's 5, he can play already, it's a wonderful thing just seeing that young enthusiasm.
Last-minute prop buying, and then over to Clare and Steve's house for a preview show of the new piece. It was rubbish, I feel sorry for that audience. This needs to be better on Friday. It's all there, the script is lovely, the soundtrack is perfect, it just needs a bit of composure.
Eventually got there, was on good son duty.
Got the science acting job!
Great drum lesson with Milo in the afternoon...he's 5, he can play already, it's a wonderful thing just seeing that young enthusiasm.
Last-minute prop buying, and then over to Clare and Steve's house for a preview show of the new piece. It was rubbish, I feel sorry for that audience. This needs to be better on Friday. It's all there, the script is lovely, the soundtrack is perfect, it just needs a bit of composure.
Monday 15th January 2018
That was a bit of an odd day.
Started it with an audition I didn't really want to go to - mostly because it involves a lot of science (even though it's technically an acting job). I even emailed them, offering to pull out as I may be wasting their time. Still, they were lovely, it was a nervy audition.
Confirmed a long run of my new show in Barnstaple.
Did some work on the 'fire' show...it's getting there.
Had two ideas for shows I just NEED to write. Will message Mira about one of them, as I think she'd be brilliant in it.
Spent the evening rehearsing the new solo show, it's starting to get there.
And then lots of stuff happened that I'm not allowed to put on a blog. It does make me value friendships more, at least. This is going to be an interesting year...
Started it with an audition I didn't really want to go to - mostly because it involves a lot of science (even though it's technically an acting job). I even emailed them, offering to pull out as I may be wasting their time. Still, they were lovely, it was a nervy audition.
Confirmed a long run of my new show in Barnstaple.
Did some work on the 'fire' show...it's getting there.
Had two ideas for shows I just NEED to write. Will message Mira about one of them, as I think she'd be brilliant in it.
Spent the evening rehearsing the new solo show, it's starting to get there.
And then lots of stuff happened that I'm not allowed to put on a blog. It does make me value friendships more, at least. This is going to be an interesting year...
Monday, 15 January 2018
Sunday 14th January 2018
Had a lovely lie in, caught up on a few programmes and spent an hour or so replying to emails. I'm also working for a teaching agency now, Lola - my teaching agent - is lining me up lots of good stuff and I can pick and chose whatever I want to do, which is great.
Popped over to visit my old mate Graham, who I haven't seen for about 10 years. He wants drum lessons so we looked at where he'd put a kit, and ordered him so equipment. It was more of a social than anything.
Popped in to see Mum, and then off to do another house performance of the Marvellous show, this time around Liz's - haven't seen her for about 5 years, we worked together a while back. Lovely to catch up, the show works (ironically more than the Box show, which I did as a second half - that felt tired), people enjoyed the darker ending a lot more.
Popped over to visit my old mate Graham, who I haven't seen for about 10 years. He wants drum lessons so we looked at where he'd put a kit, and ordered him so equipment. It was more of a social than anything.
Popped in to see Mum, and then off to do another house performance of the Marvellous show, this time around Liz's - haven't seen her for about 5 years, we worked together a while back. Lovely to catch up, the show works (ironically more than the Box show, which I did as a second half - that felt tired), people enjoyed the darker ending a lot more.
Saturday 13th January 2018
Being a drum teacher is the best thing in the world. Despite the inevitable hangover, I was teaching first thing and seeing a first-time drummer pick up a groove, and the thrill they get from it all clicking...yeah, it's just great, really great. It's like inducting somebody into a secret club called YOU ARE NOW A DRUMMER.
Then went and did it all again somewhere else, longer session this time - my new mate Stu (who I met at a comedy show recently) and his daughter have signed up to my crash course and it was just brilliant, brilliant fun.
Evening had a house show around my mate Paul's place - he's a really good mate. Nice dinner and catch up. Show was stumbling, but the audience he managed to attract were lovely and it worked. Did the happy ending to the show, which they loved because they were rooting for me to succeed, but I don't feel great about myself at the moment and it didn't feel natural.
Then went and did it all again somewhere else, longer session this time - my new mate Stu (who I met at a comedy show recently) and his daughter have signed up to my crash course and it was just brilliant, brilliant fun.
Evening had a house show around my mate Paul's place - he's a really good mate. Nice dinner and catch up. Show was stumbling, but the audience he managed to attract were lovely and it worked. Did the happy ending to the show, which they loved because they were rooting for me to succeed, but I don't feel great about myself at the moment and it didn't feel natural.
Friday 12th January 2018
Really, really working hard on my Marvellous script as the show opens...well, a week today. I've found a way of learning my lines, though (ie: building a big set of boxes as my character is moving house...and notes can be attached to 'my' side of them). I just need to make sure the actual words themselves are the ones worth learning.
The show itself has gone a lot darker in the rewrites, mostly because of my own personal situation - which shouldn't affect the writing, but inevitably does. I feel very let down, worryingly down about it all and not sure what happens now to that friendship - and it certainly doesn't make it easy to write a happy ending for a show when I don't believe it's actually possible for there to be a happy ending in real life, so I may as well write something realistic? I can't see myself ever being as happy as my character aspires to be.
Got drunk with my housemates, who are wonderful people.
The show itself has gone a lot darker in the rewrites, mostly because of my own personal situation - which shouldn't affect the writing, but inevitably does. I feel very let down, worryingly down about it all and not sure what happens now to that friendship - and it certainly doesn't make it easy to write a happy ending for a show when I don't believe it's actually possible for there to be a happy ending in real life, so I may as well write something realistic? I can't see myself ever being as happy as my character aspires to be.
Got drunk with my housemates, who are wonderful people.
Thursday 11th January 2018
Really launching my drum lesson 'business' properly, now I know it works and I can do this. Flattered by the brilliant response I've had from friends, and with a few additional concepts thrown in (really loving the 'I can make you a drummer in 6 hours' thing, for example) it feels like this can work.
Spent a bit of time on that, a bit of time looking for a lost notepad (I just keep losing things, it's very frustrating) and a bit of time working on the Fire Marshalls script.
Quick drum lesson with one of my wonderfully enthusiastic students and then met up with my close friend Esther for a 'quick pint' (nothing like it) and rant.
Spent a bit of time on that, a bit of time looking for a lost notepad (I just keep losing things, it's very frustrating) and a bit of time working on the Fire Marshalls script.
Quick drum lesson with one of my wonderfully enthusiastic students and then met up with my close friend Esther for a 'quick pint' (nothing like it) and rant.
Wednesday, 10 January 2018
Wednesday 10th January 2018
Richards is on fire today! Not literally (well, apart from the odd bit of smoke from my laptop, but it's been doing that for years), but...you know, it's just nice to be in demand, isn't it? I've been a bit all over the place the last few days but today it just feels like everyone wants to book for me something or another - whether that be as a teacher, a drummer, a comedian, other stuff... - everytime I check my phone it's something exciting. 2018, I feel, is going to be a very different one, already there is so much happening.
Spent most of the morning trying to keep up with various bits of life admin, including three very long phone calls about work stuff, and spent two hours working on the Fire Marshalls script. It's getting there.
Finally managed to get away from my laptop to teach for an hour at the college. On arrival now they have a new sign which simply says: YOU ARE NOW OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
I like that, a lot.
Got back, wanted to write, found myself responding to emails and suddenly it's 10.30pm. I need more hours in the day.
Spent most of the morning trying to keep up with various bits of life admin, including three very long phone calls about work stuff, and spent two hours working on the Fire Marshalls script. It's getting there.
Finally managed to get away from my laptop to teach for an hour at the college. On arrival now they have a new sign which simply says: YOU ARE NOW OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
I like that, a lot.
Got back, wanted to write, found myself responding to emails and suddenly it's 10.30pm. I need more hours in the day.
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
Tuesday 9th January 2018
We're only 9 days into the year but I feel a little lost with it all.
New show opens next week, woke up in the middle of the night and started tweaking it again before going back to sleep.
Mum wanted to look at a house in Norfolk. As usual, she didn't like it, and as usual I got grumpy - I can't just keep taking time out, when I should be working, to take her to places she'll never move to. Or, she just wants a day out and the company, in which case I feel bad now as she's clearly missing dad.
Had a little walk along on the seafront by myself to try and clear my head a bit. Didn't work, just made my hair messy. This would be a good place to do a Reggie Perrin, not that I plan to, of course.
Got back, made some notes about a new show and then rehearsed with GCB and his band ahead of the album launch soon. Long night, sounds good, but still, long night.
New show opens next week, woke up in the middle of the night and started tweaking it again before going back to sleep.
Mum wanted to look at a house in Norfolk. As usual, she didn't like it, and as usual I got grumpy - I can't just keep taking time out, when I should be working, to take her to places she'll never move to. Or, she just wants a day out and the company, in which case I feel bad now as she's clearly missing dad.
Had a little walk along on the seafront by myself to try and clear my head a bit. Didn't work, just made my hair messy. This would be a good place to do a Reggie Perrin, not that I plan to, of course.
Got back, made some notes about a new show and then rehearsed with GCB and his band ahead of the album launch soon. Long night, sounds good, but still, long night.
Monday 8th January 2018
That was an odd weekend, sometimes you do something you think you may regret but actually it feels totally, utterly, right. Everything is complicated, but you only live once and I pity those who have it easy.
The projects are exciting, though, really exciting. Exciting to the extent I actually forget to earn money sometimes, that level of just wanting to be creative 24/7.
Alas, a lot of my morning was spent on life admin but I have a lot of nice shows in a lot of nice venues now.
Taught two very different drum lessons - one to an older chap who could already play but needed pointing in the right direction as his playing was just a bit clumsy, one to a young lad who was just starting out. Both lessons felt rewarding.
Caught up with Edd and Emily for dinner, which was nice.
The projects are exciting, though, really exciting. Exciting to the extent I actually forget to earn money sometimes, that level of just wanting to be creative 24/7.
Alas, a lot of my morning was spent on life admin but I have a lot of nice shows in a lot of nice venues now.
Taught two very different drum lessons - one to an older chap who could already play but needed pointing in the right direction as his playing was just a bit clumsy, one to a young lad who was just starting out. Both lessons felt rewarding.
Caught up with Edd and Emily for dinner, which was nice.
Sunday, 7 January 2018
Sunday 7th January 2018
Long day in the studio with the band as our guest from Belgium, Jonny, was over to play brass on the album. Next door (in the same studio), the string parts were being arranged and primed for recording too...this album is going to be big.
I reckon with the theatre group we formed on Friday, and the new FH album, all of my ambitions and dreams in life can actually be achieved this year. It's all there, as long as I don't fuck this up.
In the meantime, got plenty of other bits and bobs on the go, and, on returning from the studio, spent a good two hours replying to emails about those.
I reckon with the theatre group we formed on Friday, and the new FH album, all of my ambitions and dreams in life can actually be achieved this year. It's all there, as long as I don't fuck this up.
In the meantime, got plenty of other bits and bobs on the go, and, on returning from the studio, spent a good two hours replying to emails about those.
Saturday 6th January 2017
Hangover.
Got a parking ticket.
Took mum shopping and was grumpy.
Picked up a drum kit I don't really have room for.
Great meal and catch up with my FH chums.
So tired.
Got a parking ticket.
Took mum shopping and was grumpy.
Picked up a drum kit I don't really have room for.
Great meal and catch up with my FH chums.
So tired.
Friday 5th January 2017
Got all angry with a certain nationwide plumbing firm, the one ones who put in my mum's new boiler but for some reason have been charging my account with quite a lot of money. In all fairness to them, they admitted their mistake quickly but it still left me feeling uncomfortable.
Had a random, last-minute freelance interview - it was such short notice; we're talking half an hour here. I was clearly a mess as I was mid-writing and turned up looking like a mad professor, so not sure what's going to happen with that one. I'll be amazed if I get it, actually.
Still, plenty of students on the cards for my drum lessons, diary is starting to look a little busier.
Back to writing, confirmed 3 tour dates for 3 different shows. Maybe I'm not quite as focused as I hoped I would be.
Evening met up with Izzy, Steph, Alan and the other Alan to form the greatest theatre group in the history of, yep, theatre. Big plans being made, lots of beer was drank. Quietly excited about it all.
Had a random, last-minute freelance interview - it was such short notice; we're talking half an hour here. I was clearly a mess as I was mid-writing and turned up looking like a mad professor, so not sure what's going to happen with that one. I'll be amazed if I get it, actually.
Still, plenty of students on the cards for my drum lessons, diary is starting to look a little busier.
Back to writing, confirmed 3 tour dates for 3 different shows. Maybe I'm not quite as focused as I hoped I would be.
Evening met up with Izzy, Steph, Alan and the other Alan to form the greatest theatre group in the history of, yep, theatre. Big plans being made, lots of beer was drank. Quietly excited about it all.
Thursday, 4 January 2018
Thursday 4th January 2017
Feel a bit rough, like EVERYONE ELSE DOES IN THE COUNTRY so it seems. Just a head cold, but allowed myself an extra hour in bed. I'm a freelancer, that's cool to get up at 10am, yet I still felt incredibly guilty about it all. If it helps, though, I've just finished 'working' for the day and it's 10.35pm. I've barely left my room, apart from to shower, microwave a couple burgers, and go to the toilet, obviously. I look like a mad professor and I think my laptop is overheating.
Productive day, though. The plan was always to have an admin day today, and then a creative day tomorrow. Next week I'm teaching drums, and hitting drums, all week, so this time is needed. The idea was to have the morning sorting freelance work, and then the afternoon booking tour dates, and be done by 8pm, but as always it didn't work out that way. A success, though, I'd say - two more students for drum teaching and also an agency have taken me on - they take a ridiculous cut of any work they get me (it's basically a quarter) but they have a great network that I don't have access to so it's probably worthwhile.
Spent a long time emailing about two different tour shows; the solo play, and the History of Pop show (which will be more collaborative than the Edinburgh version, as I'm bringing in the lovely Rachel, who was in the show 4 times at the fringe anyway and had some amazing ideas for it - she gets it's still my show, and she gets that it still needs to be a messy shambles, but there's a few bits that needed changing and we're on the same page). Rachel herself is touring her own show, so logistically it's already getting complex, especially when you consider how many gigs FH have got, and how many we're likely to get. I basically spent a long time actually working out the dates, and it's restricted me a little bit...suddenly 2018 looks like it's running out of days already.
I'm tired, but I've had a lot of sugar today. I get why people pretend to try and be healthy in January now.
Productive day, though. The plan was always to have an admin day today, and then a creative day tomorrow. Next week I'm teaching drums, and hitting drums, all week, so this time is needed. The idea was to have the morning sorting freelance work, and then the afternoon booking tour dates, and be done by 8pm, but as always it didn't work out that way. A success, though, I'd say - two more students for drum teaching and also an agency have taken me on - they take a ridiculous cut of any work they get me (it's basically a quarter) but they have a great network that I don't have access to so it's probably worthwhile.
Spent a long time emailing about two different tour shows; the solo play, and the History of Pop show (which will be more collaborative than the Edinburgh version, as I'm bringing in the lovely Rachel, who was in the show 4 times at the fringe anyway and had some amazing ideas for it - she gets it's still my show, and she gets that it still needs to be a messy shambles, but there's a few bits that needed changing and we're on the same page). Rachel herself is touring her own show, so logistically it's already getting complex, especially when you consider how many gigs FH have got, and how many we're likely to get. I basically spent a long time actually working out the dates, and it's restricted me a little bit...suddenly 2018 looks like it's running out of days already.
I'm tired, but I've had a lot of sugar today. I get why people pretend to try and be healthy in January now.
Wednesday 3rd January 2018
A few more offers of drum teaching work are coming in, pretty much all starting next week, which nice. Still not entirely sure if it all is quite enough, but it's certainly building and if it continues to grow at this rate then I'll never have to work in an office again...not even as a temp. That's the plan.
But, feeling like I haven't achieved much so far this year (I get it's only the third), I decided to maybe take on more work just in case and had a phone chat with a little shop in town who needed a part-time worker and seemed cool, book shop and all that. Walked in, got lost for a bit, and realised the job itself was for a Japanese speaker only. Walked home, in the rain, in a bit of a mood.
Keep reading that blog my old boss wrote. Wish I'd known about it when he was still alive, but then again it would have changed the way I behaved around him (slightly over-enthusiastic young-ish marketing freelancer) and that wouldn't have been good for him. Either way, he was surprisingly, incredibly, poetic for a man who I often considered to be brash and formal.
In the evening popped back to the family home for my sister's birthday, had a nice meal, came back, continued to jot ideas endlessly into various notepads. I'm surrounded by notepads at the moment but there needs to be an end product to all of these scribblings.
But, feeling like I haven't achieved much so far this year (I get it's only the third), I decided to maybe take on more work just in case and had a phone chat with a little shop in town who needed a part-time worker and seemed cool, book shop and all that. Walked in, got lost for a bit, and realised the job itself was for a Japanese speaker only. Walked home, in the rain, in a bit of a mood.
Keep reading that blog my old boss wrote. Wish I'd known about it when he was still alive, but then again it would have changed the way I behaved around him (slightly over-enthusiastic young-ish marketing freelancer) and that wouldn't have been good for him. Either way, he was surprisingly, incredibly, poetic for a man who I often considered to be brash and formal.
In the evening popped back to the family home for my sister's birthday, had a nice meal, came back, continued to jot ideas endlessly into various notepads. I'm surrounded by notepads at the moment but there needs to be an end product to all of these scribblings.
Wednesday, 3 January 2018
Tuesday 2nd January 2018
Really excited about my new tour show, since the initial reading around Izzy's place I've added a new bit to it which I think takes it up a notch. The new ending is visually amazing, if complicated given the typical 15-minute changeover between shows.
Spent a bit of time touting myself around as a drum teacher (as nothing I do actually starts until 10th January which feels ages away) and organised a meeting with a few select people about forming a proper theatre group, that would be long-term and sustainable. Everyone's up for it and we'll meet on Friday.
Also, touted my services about as a drummer, as I've only got about 40-odd gigs in the diary for this year and I feel like I should be gigging every night. It's what I do.
Randomly accepted some extra work as a children's entertainer - flexible hours and the money looks good.
Seem to somehow be the owner of a third drum kit, picking it up later this week. A vintage Ludwig kit, that some contacts of mine found in their attic and were about to just dump in a skip. Madness! I mean, I don't need another kit, but cruelty to drums is not something I'd tolerate. And besides, with a bit of a clean-up and new heads, it could be a lovely set to play and gives me more options.
Can't stop reading a blog I've found, written by Paul W, the boss of the place I was freelancing in last year. It charts his progress from cancer diagnosis 9 years ago, right up till his death. It's heart breaking stuff, but profound till the end. I was chatting to him about work stuff around the latter stages of his blog and I had no idea he was going through all of this, he hid it so well. It's really moving and has got me thinking.
Evening had a stand-up gig; new material night locally. I closed the show, 10 minutes of all hastily written bits. About 3 minutes of it really works, and the audience were surprisingly onside throughout.
Spent a bit of time touting myself around as a drum teacher (as nothing I do actually starts until 10th January which feels ages away) and organised a meeting with a few select people about forming a proper theatre group, that would be long-term and sustainable. Everyone's up for it and we'll meet on Friday.
Also, touted my services about as a drummer, as I've only got about 40-odd gigs in the diary for this year and I feel like I should be gigging every night. It's what I do.
Randomly accepted some extra work as a children's entertainer - flexible hours and the money looks good.
Seem to somehow be the owner of a third drum kit, picking it up later this week. A vintage Ludwig kit, that some contacts of mine found in their attic and were about to just dump in a skip. Madness! I mean, I don't need another kit, but cruelty to drums is not something I'd tolerate. And besides, with a bit of a clean-up and new heads, it could be a lovely set to play and gives me more options.
Can't stop reading a blog I've found, written by Paul W, the boss of the place I was freelancing in last year. It charts his progress from cancer diagnosis 9 years ago, right up till his death. It's heart breaking stuff, but profound till the end. I was chatting to him about work stuff around the latter stages of his blog and I had no idea he was going through all of this, he hid it so well. It's really moving and has got me thinking.
Evening had a stand-up gig; new material night locally. I closed the show, 10 minutes of all hastily written bits. About 3 minutes of it really works, and the audience were surprisingly onside throughout.
Monday, 1 January 2018
Monday 1st January 2018
Well, hey 2018!
I love how on Facebook everyone is all fresh and excited about the year ahead. I woke up in a spare room in Nottingham feeling a bit rough...
Got back, freshened up and now I'm ready for whatever. The plan is simple - I need to simplify stuff a bit; more theatre rather than stand-up as that's clearly where my future is, more teaching, probably join a few more bands as the drumming side of my career isn't anywhere near as busy as it should be. Ah yes, and get into classical music and wine.
Today, I did my yearly laptop clean-up, deleting all the stuff I haven't had the need for in the vague hope it goes quicker. Doubt it.
Nobody replies to emails on New Year's Day, do they? I'm trying to book a tour!
I love how on Facebook everyone is all fresh and excited about the year ahead. I woke up in a spare room in Nottingham feeling a bit rough...
Got back, freshened up and now I'm ready for whatever. The plan is simple - I need to simplify stuff a bit; more theatre rather than stand-up as that's clearly where my future is, more teaching, probably join a few more bands as the drumming side of my career isn't anywhere near as busy as it should be. Ah yes, and get into classical music and wine.
Today, I did my yearly laptop clean-up, deleting all the stuff I haven't had the need for in the vague hope it goes quicker. Doubt it.
Nobody replies to emails on New Year's Day, do they? I'm trying to book a tour!
Sunday 31st December 2017
Ah, last day of what has been a bit of a frantic 2017. Almost fitting that I should chose the first half of the day working on the FH tour documentary - that was certainly a highlight of the year, nobody expected us to end up in China at the start of these 12 months.
Then met up with the guys to play a NYE gig in Nottingham. Nice venue, audience were very old but responsive - felt less like a party and more like a proper concert at times. Offstage just after midnight, few drinks after the show in a house locally we were given for the night. Good times.
Saturday 30th December 2018
Bit hungover from last night, I think we finished about 3pm-ish.
Spent a few hours plugging my drum tuition services, and then emailing a few more venues about my various projects for next year.
Popped out to catch up with Aidy, Alan, Dave and Meg, was a fun night. I've had too many fun nights this Christmas, need to slow that down a bit as the new year approaches.
Spent a few hours plugging my drum tuition services, and then emailing a few more venues about my various projects for next year.
Popped out to catch up with Aidy, Alan, Dave and Meg, was a fun night. I've had too many fun nights this Christmas, need to slow that down a bit as the new year approaches.
Friday 29th December 2017
Working on a second edition of a book, a fictional football piece, even though I haven't released the first one yet. It's all good, though.
Popped by to see Mum and to make sure she is finally safe after the Christmas...well, near disasters, and then carried on booking tour dates for next year. The space button on my laptop isn't working properly, I can see myself getting very annoyed with that when writing new material.
Wrote up a lengthy FH tour diary for a magazine who requested it, and then went off to the annual Cambridge Comedians Comedy Bender night, in which we all got drunk and had a lovely time.
Popped by to see Mum and to make sure she is finally safe after the Christmas...well, near disasters, and then carried on booking tour dates for next year. The space button on my laptop isn't working properly, I can see myself getting very annoyed with that when writing new material.
Wrote up a lengthy FH tour diary for a magazine who requested it, and then went off to the annual Cambridge Comedians Comedy Bender night, in which we all got drunk and had a lovely time.
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