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.