Long morning of drum teaching, shouldn't feel long but the heat...uugghh, the heat.
The over to a college to sign a contract, where I'll be their drum teacher from September onwards.
All of the schotols I teach in have offered me new contracts for the next year, which is lovely.
Popped home, worked on the kids' show we're bringing to the fringe (because I haven't finished it yet and Steph wants the script) and a bit of novel work. I need more creative time like this.
Over to the international college for a 90 minute lesson, my last there till September. I just want to be there more often, it's got such a Richards vibe to it. I'll be jamming with the head of music over summer, as we seemed to have formed a band.
Then a private lesson with one of my regulars which was great, followed by a long night with the FH team listening to the new album and debating the track order. 3 hours later, nailed it, including - controversially, dropping a track which has been a live favourite. V isn't in a great place. I get it...we're clearly about to split as a band, yet release our finest work yet,
Wednesday, 27 June 2018
Tuesday 26th June 2018
More teaching assistant stuff; I didn't like today as much, mostly because one of my pupils has found me on YouTube and keeps pointing out how young I looked in the Emily & Michael sitcom I filmed with Izzy four years ago. That kid was later disciplined for racism, so he's clearly a bad egg.
After that I had a drum lesson with a student who, the last time I saw him, was when he was one of five audience members at my horrible show a week ago in Cambridge. Neither of us mentioned it and the lesson was great.
Then over to another drum lesson with a kid who was my first ever student, and is now nailing Come Together by the Beatles. A tricky drum part, and he's only 6. Bit annoying, if anything.
After that I had a drum lesson with a student who, the last time I saw him, was when he was one of five audience members at my horrible show a week ago in Cambridge. Neither of us mentioned it and the lesson was great.
Then over to another drum lesson with a kid who was my first ever student, and is now nailing Come Together by the Beatles. A tricky drum part, and he's only 6. Bit annoying, if anything.
Monday 25th June 2018
Back at the college for TA work, I'm clearly in favour there today as they gave me the nicer kids to watch over, including the new one who is 8 but easily brighter than me.
Two cracking drum lessons with two of my regulars, followed by an odd first lesson with a new student who insisted on doing everything via a textbook. When I put the textbook in a different room and asked him politely to do things "my way" he seemed uncomfortable and I gave him the number of a drum teacher who would do things in a more "academic" manner. By the end of the lesson I got him around to my way of thinking and he was keen to do more with me, but I'm not sure if my schedule can fit him in.
Got back and did show admin, till 2am.
Two cracking drum lessons with two of my regulars, followed by an odd first lesson with a new student who insisted on doing everything via a textbook. When I put the textbook in a different room and asked him politely to do things "my way" he seemed uncomfortable and I gave him the number of a drum teacher who would do things in a more "academic" manner. By the end of the lesson I got him around to my way of thinking and he was keen to do more with me, but I'm not sure if my schedule can fit him in.
Got back and did show admin, till 2am.
Sunday 24th June 2018
My mum's sister (okay, so my aunt) is terminally ill and as her condition worsened over the weekend I dropped my Sunday plans and drove Mum down to Brighton to see her. The right thing to do, a 290-mile roundtrip for a 20 minute visit, but we're not sure if that's the last time they'll see each other.
Got back and was 20 minutes late for the Claudia gig but jumped onstage with a box and played the rest of it. Small pub gig, sparse but friendly audience, I could do a lot worse on a Sunday night.
Got back and was 20 minutes late for the Claudia gig but jumped onstage with a box and played the rest of it. Small pub gig, sparse but friendly audience, I could do a lot worse on a Sunday night.
Saturday 23rd June 2018
Great (double) drum lesson in the morning with my regular Saturday students, so much fun, such lovely people - it feels like they are friends rather than students these days (I still charge them, though).
Popped home briefly to dump my car, and then over to perform a stand-up gig that was in a weird setting. It was a show that my regular promoter got me - a street party, in a busy Cambridge street. Shouldn't have worked, the crowd were about 20 years older than my target audience and I was in...well, a street. Just a street. Just me, shouting in a street. Did half an hour, totally nailed it.
In the evening I had a 2 hour solo show around the promoter's house. She's a great promoter who understands comedy, but disagreed with me when I asked to only do one set. I did two sets - the Short Plays show followed by an hour of half old/half new stuff and it was just too much for her audience. It was a humid night, I could feel myself losing them by midway through the second half, it felt uncomfortable. True, so my fellow comedy chums Robert, Bim, Nessie and Paul were onside (as were their partners) but to everyone else it was just such a long, long evening. I shouldn't have been in this position, really.
Popped home briefly to dump my car, and then over to perform a stand-up gig that was in a weird setting. It was a show that my regular promoter got me - a street party, in a busy Cambridge street. Shouldn't have worked, the crowd were about 20 years older than my target audience and I was in...well, a street. Just a street. Just me, shouting in a street. Did half an hour, totally nailed it.
In the evening I had a 2 hour solo show around the promoter's house. She's a great promoter who understands comedy, but disagreed with me when I asked to only do one set. I did two sets - the Short Plays show followed by an hour of half old/half new stuff and it was just too much for her audience. It was a humid night, I could feel myself losing them by midway through the second half, it felt uncomfortable. True, so my fellow comedy chums Robert, Bim, Nessie and Paul were onside (as were their partners) but to everyone else it was just such a long, long evening. I shouldn't have been in this position, really.
Friday 22nd June 2018
I remember the time (earlier this year) when Friday's would be considered to be my 'manic' day but actually, if anything, I find them easy now, because it's all drum-based. Had a lovely time in all three of the schools, with bright and energetic children taking in what I was showing them.
Then back to one of the schools to be a 'feature' at their summer fate thingy; basically involved me sat in a field, in a big circle (the 'stage') performing a drum solo. All a bit weird, to be honest.
From that I went over to Cambridge to watch A's school play (she's a teacher, obviously) and it was of an annoyingly high quality - those Cambridge kids, even at primary level, are better than many an adult actor I've worked with.
Then back to one of the schools to be a 'feature' at their summer fate thingy; basically involved me sat in a field, in a big circle (the 'stage') performing a drum solo. All a bit weird, to be honest.
From that I went over to Cambridge to watch A's school play (she's a teacher, obviously) and it was of an annoyingly high quality - those Cambridge kids, even at primary level, are better than many an adult actor I've worked with.
Thursday, 21 June 2018
Thursday 21st June 2018
After Tuesday's 'incidents' I was slightly worried going into the teaching assistant stuff today but it was fine - mostly because they put me with the nicer kids. I mean, yeah, one of them tried to jump the school gate, but it was nothing a good Richards rant didn't solve ("Fine. You do it then. If you want to achieve nothing with your life apart from having no friends and then you'll probably be in prison. Forever. If that's what you want, then go ahead...").
I think I'm getting the hang of this.
Popped by to have dinner at Mum's, then it was the school concert for my primary school drummers. They were nervous, to the extent of tears, but totally nailed it. I'm proud, so proud of them. I care too much - I've still got two shows to write.
Got back and started to do just that.
I think I'm getting the hang of this.
Popped by to have dinner at Mum's, then it was the school concert for my primary school drummers. They were nervous, to the extent of tears, but totally nailed it. I'm proud, so proud of them. I care too much - I've still got two shows to write.
Got back and started to do just that.
Wednesday 20th June 2018
In the primary school for our final lesson before the school concert tomorrow, then took Mum shopping whilst frantically rewriting the JJ show ahead of the performance tonight.
Great time teaching at the international college, and then my evening show was cancelled due to poor (zero) ticket sales. It's fine - it gave me the time out I needed. Found myself being up till 2am working on fringe admin...so many shows, always so much to do.
Great time teaching at the international college, and then my evening show was cancelled due to poor (zero) ticket sales. It's fine - it gave me the time out I needed. Found myself being up till 2am working on fringe admin...so many shows, always so much to do.
Tuesday 19th June 2018
The teaching assistant stuff was a challenge today...I mean, one of the children I was looking after threatened another one with a knife during a lesson - a proper knife, a biggie, that was being used for the pottery class. I was totally out of my depth but calmed him down and removed him from the class. I don't get paid well enough for this shit.
Spent the rest of the day there thinking about how badly that could have gone.
Three drum lessons followed in three different locations but really enjoyed them all (why am I still doing the TA work? These lessons pay well enough and there's no chance of me being stabbed...) and then caught up with A. Her cat was being bullied by a new stray that is roaming the estate...I stepped in and sorted it. I just can't stop myself!
Spent the rest of the day there thinking about how badly that could have gone.
Three drum lessons followed in three different locations but really enjoyed them all (why am I still doing the TA work? These lessons pay well enough and there's no chance of me being stabbed...) and then caught up with A. Her cat was being bullied by a new stray that is roaming the estate...I stepped in and sorted it. I just can't stop myself!
Monday 18th June 2018
TA stuff was just frantic; the kids must have had sugar or something.
A nice calm private lesson followed with one of my regulars who is really growing into an amazing drummer.
Dashed back and then out with new housemate Annabel to grab dinner, later joined by Jordan, as we watched the England World Cup game down the pub and got drunk. Great night, if a little excessive for a Monday.
A nice calm private lesson followed with one of my regulars who is really growing into an amazing drummer.
Dashed back and then out with new housemate Annabel to grab dinner, later joined by Jordan, as we watched the England World Cup game down the pub and got drunk. Great night, if a little excessive for a Monday.
Sunday 17th June 2018
Such a long day filming the new FH promo video. It's a dark and cutting plot, filmed in three different locations - firstly following on from the last video. It explains what is going in within the band at the moment, how isolated G feels, and feels very brave to be so public about this. Reeta is a remarkable director, though, the best I've ever worked with - so many ideas, nice to work with. If she wasn't so expensive I'd work with her all the time myself.
8 hours later, we were done. Over to Cambridge to perform the JJ show and Short Plays. An audience of 2 random Americans, my housemate, my girlfriend, my mate Alan and Jon who I teach. The JJ show was poor again, despite the structure being different. I don't know what I'm going to do with this. Marvellous was fine, as always. That probably wasn't worth a fiver.
8 hours later, we were done. Over to Cambridge to perform the JJ show and Short Plays. An audience of 2 random Americans, my housemate, my girlfriend, my mate Alan and Jon who I teach. The JJ show was poor again, despite the structure being different. I don't know what I'm going to do with this. Marvellous was fine, as always. That probably wasn't worth a fiver.
Saturday 16th June 2018
Up early, over to Little Sparks rehearsal - what a team, what a cast, it's looking amazing!
Then over to a quick drum lesson, followed by a barbecue with A and her (very posh) friends (I got away with it).
Back with the band, 6pm soundcheck only to find out we weren't on for our first set until 10.30pm, the second after midnight. I hate corporate gigs, even if the money is great, and I need sleep. Was proper grumpy beforehand but then the gig started and we totally nailed it - the audience partied harder than ever and I actually had a great time.
Home by 3am, early start tomorrow.
Then over to a quick drum lesson, followed by a barbecue with A and her (very posh) friends (I got away with it).
Back with the band, 6pm soundcheck only to find out we weren't on for our first set until 10.30pm, the second after midnight. I hate corporate gigs, even if the money is great, and I need sleep. Was proper grumpy beforehand but then the gig started and we totally nailed it - the audience partied harder than ever and I actually had a great time.
Home by 3am, early start tomorrow.
Friday 15th June 2018
Friday's are always exhausting - three primary schools in a row, with a bit of a drive between all of them, but that's a lot of young drummers out there who are finding their feet and it's quite satisfying.
Inbetween all of those I was rewriting the JJ show ahead of Sunday's performance, I think it'll be okay.
Evening gig with the band - enthusiastic audience, nice long headline slot, old songs revisited, very tight tonight. Bit of a late finish and a longer drive than expected back from Northants, but it's nice to be back.
Inbetween all of those I was rewriting the JJ show ahead of Sunday's performance, I think it'll be okay.
Evening gig with the band - enthusiastic audience, nice long headline slot, old songs revisited, very tight tonight. Bit of a late finish and a longer drive than expected back from Northants, but it's nice to be back.
Thursday 14th June 2018
Teaching Assistant stuff was fine; the usual frantically draining day of running after kids, working out in the gym and trying not to swear.
Over from there to three private lessons in a row, all of which were superb - I'm worried about how much I enjoy this drum teaching malarkey, but it feels like I'm good at it.
Dashed back and performed a very mediocre house show in front of my own housemates - the JJ show didn't work at all which is very worrying, the Short Plays thing was fine but then again it should be after running it for six months.
Over from there to three private lessons in a row, all of which were superb - I'm worried about how much I enjoy this drum teaching malarkey, but it feels like I'm good at it.
Dashed back and performed a very mediocre house show in front of my own housemates - the JJ show didn't work at all which is very worrying, the Short Plays thing was fine but then again it should be after running it for six months.
Wednesday, 13 June 2018
Wednesday 13th June 2018
Had a terrible trip to the school where I was teaching earlier - A14 closed due to an accident, Google Maps sending me all over the place. The 30-minute journey took nearly 2 hours and I missed the first lesson. A bit grumpy, but the other lessons were fine - it's a nice school and I'm in the process of agreeing to go back after the summer, I just need a little more flexibility as this has become a bit of a proper job, but I don't feel the need to be a proper grown-up.
Took Mum shopping and she seems happy today, mostly because I got the dog a present. The dog ruined my swanky new green trousers.
Fantastic lesson at the college in the evening, where I've already agreed a new contract - I want to do more there, ideally, I just love the feel of the place, the kids are so respectful but it still feels relaxed. The other teachers look a bit like me, which is both lovely and weird.
Then had a strange drum lesson with a student I've had issues with recently. The issue being he doesn't want to be a drummer, has no desire to play but his parents make him have lessons every week. I ended up speaking to his parents, telling them that I'm no con man, and that all that we do is look at songs, he doesn't want to play them, and then we chat about football - this isn't teaching. His parents understood, and I felt good about myself, as much as that has cost me £120 a month. It's the right thing to do. The slot has been filled already by another student.
Got home, designed posters for the Barnstaple run, sorted rehearsals for Jazzy Otter (haven't finished writing it yet), rewrote my JJ show, sorted Edinburgh Fringe accommodation (left it late this year but amazingly there's still so many options within our budget) and finally had a chance to sit down and panic a bit about all the stuff I still need to do.
Took Mum shopping and she seems happy today, mostly because I got the dog a present. The dog ruined my swanky new green trousers.
Fantastic lesson at the college in the evening, where I've already agreed a new contract - I want to do more there, ideally, I just love the feel of the place, the kids are so respectful but it still feels relaxed. The other teachers look a bit like me, which is both lovely and weird.
Then had a strange drum lesson with a student I've had issues with recently. The issue being he doesn't want to be a drummer, has no desire to play but his parents make him have lessons every week. I ended up speaking to his parents, telling them that I'm no con man, and that all that we do is look at songs, he doesn't want to play them, and then we chat about football - this isn't teaching. His parents understood, and I felt good about myself, as much as that has cost me £120 a month. It's the right thing to do. The slot has been filled already by another student.
Got home, designed posters for the Barnstaple run, sorted rehearsals for Jazzy Otter (haven't finished writing it yet), rewrote my JJ show, sorted Edinburgh Fringe accommodation (left it late this year but amazingly there's still so many options within our budget) and finally had a chance to sit down and panic a bit about all the stuff I still need to do.
Tuesday 12th June 2018
Shaving while stuck in traffic has become my new favourite thing, if the car is stationary I don't think it's illegal. Either way, I'm a busy man and needs must.
TA stuff was shit today, all the kids are just so rude and the one I was looking after jumped out of a window. Another one keeps flicking bits of Lego at me. It's like being at school all over again. Well, you know what I mean.
Joined a band with the other teachers, seems fun. I want to call us The Manic Street Teachers but nobody seems to get it. This is what I'm dealing with here.
Brilliant drum lesson afterwards, followed by our regular night in Shepreth. Despite an audience of 4, we put on an outstanding show this evening - Mel is such a great MC, it was lovely and just deserved more people. Just double figures, that's all I want.
TA stuff was shit today, all the kids are just so rude and the one I was looking after jumped out of a window. Another one keeps flicking bits of Lego at me. It's like being at school all over again. Well, you know what I mean.
Joined a band with the other teachers, seems fun. I want to call us The Manic Street Teachers but nobody seems to get it. This is what I'm dealing with here.
Brilliant drum lesson afterwards, followed by our regular night in Shepreth. Despite an audience of 4, we put on an outstanding show this evening - Mel is such a great MC, it was lovely and just deserved more people. Just double figures, that's all I want.
Monday 11th June 2018
I need to get things right this week, just...admin stuff, ahead of the fringe. And finish writing the new shows.
The TA stuff ticked over nicely, and then I had two awesome drum lessons. After the fringe, no more TA stuff, I've got enough work already, I think.
From there back to the festival where we all died on our respective arses at the weekend, only now to do a solo hour. A small audience, but one very much onside, laughing in all the right places and getting involved. Afterwards, an audience member told me how much he enjoyed it but I spoke too fast for him, which ruined it a bit. Another audience member argued with him and the whole thing spiralled out of control quite quickly. they had such an argument as I discretely tried to pack away.
A man from a big theatre group was also in the audience and he loved the show and wants to collaborate, so wasn't such a bad night after all.
The TA stuff ticked over nicely, and then I had two awesome drum lessons. After the fringe, no more TA stuff, I've got enough work already, I think.
From there back to the festival where we all died on our respective arses at the weekend, only now to do a solo hour. A small audience, but one very much onside, laughing in all the right places and getting involved. Afterwards, an audience member told me how much he enjoyed it but I spoke too fast for him, which ruined it a bit. Another audience member argued with him and the whole thing spiralled out of control quite quickly. they had such an argument as I discretely tried to pack away.
A man from a big theatre group was also in the audience and he loved the show and wants to collaborate, so wasn't such a bad night after all.
Sunday 10th June 2018
Despite the boozing last night, I was up and refreshed and drove to Lincoln to teach drums. Normally I wouldn't do such a thing, but the 'student' was the mum of a close Edinburgh fringe friend, and as a surprise birthday present to her he booked her a 'drum experience' with me. It was basically a three-hour lesson, but it was glorious - you could just feel those great vibes in the room, and the pride of everyone when she nailed Sweet Home Alabama. As far as feelgood days go, that was up there.
Drove down to March to headline a festival with the band and pretty much played to nobody, which was a disappointing end to a nice day.
Drove down to March to headline a festival with the band and pretty much played to nobody, which was a disappointing end to a nice day.
Saturday 9th June 2018
Cracking drum lesson in the morning - the playing, the banter...how do I get paid so well for this? It's flattering.
Then drove to the middle of nowhere for an introductory lesson with a new student, who could get into this - at the moment he's very excited, but both the parent and I are willing to give this a go.
In the evening, myself and some Cambridge comedian chums did a charity show in a little village and it was a bit of a weird one. The MC struggled, I then got away with it because I'm so family friendly and safe and everything I don't want to be, but then the other three acts died to badly on stage. It wasn't their fault, the audience just weren't expecting this, it was just tense and horrible.
Got back, got drunk at Joe's birthday party and bantered with even more comedians, mostly about the bad gigs we've had.
Then drove to the middle of nowhere for an introductory lesson with a new student, who could get into this - at the moment he's very excited, but both the parent and I are willing to give this a go.
In the evening, myself and some Cambridge comedian chums did a charity show in a little village and it was a bit of a weird one. The MC struggled, I then got away with it because I'm so family friendly and safe and everything I don't want to be, but then the other three acts died to badly on stage. It wasn't their fault, the audience just weren't expecting this, it was just tense and horrible.
Got back, got drunk at Joe's birthday party and bantered with even more comedians, mostly about the bad gigs we've had.
Friday 8th June 2018
Long day of 'proper' teaching but I like my routine - 3 primary schools, all painfully enthusiastic despite my hangover, all of them making progress.
Then took Mum shopping and she seemed quite down about a relative who is ill, so I ended up staying there till the early evening before spending some quality time with A, in what is my last free evening until September.
Then took Mum shopping and she seemed quite down about a relative who is ill, so I ended up staying there till the early evening before spending some quality time with A, in what is my last free evening until September.
Thursday 7th June 2018
The teaching assistant stuff was a struggle at times - kids playing up/me having no authority etc. An example of this being when the child I was looking after fell into a skip.
Still, it's money, isn't it?
In the evening at a drum lesson I somehow managed to lock my car keys in my car. We had to get a locksmith out and it cost me £90. Easily done, but I feel like a fool.
I then got drunk with my housemates as one of them is moving out at the weekend. Nice enough evening, apart from the car stuff.
Still, it's money, isn't it?
In the evening at a drum lesson I somehow managed to lock my car keys in my car. We had to get a locksmith out and it cost me £90. Easily done, but I feel like a fool.
I then got drunk with my housemates as one of them is moving out at the weekend. Nice enough evening, apart from the car stuff.
Wednesday, 6 June 2018
Wednesday 6th June 2018
That felt like a long day - mostly drum teaching stuff; one primary school in the morning (6 individual students at 20-30 minutes each), and then a meeting over at another college about being their drum teacher for regular workshops post-summer. Signed the contract, felt happy.
Did a bit of fringe admin for a couple of hours, and then off to teach at my regular college (the international one) which was cracking fun. The head of music has asked if I'm up for returning for another year, as my contract ends soon - I naturally agreed to it, I really like it there and it feels like a mutual thing.
Then off to a private lesson, before heading to A's to sit in her lounge and get more work done on my laptop as she pretty much did the same thing herself. We're both working a bit too hard.
Did a bit of fringe admin for a couple of hours, and then off to teach at my regular college (the international one) which was cracking fun. The head of music has asked if I'm up for returning for another year, as my contract ends soon - I naturally agreed to it, I really like it there and it feels like a mutual thing.
Then off to a private lesson, before heading to A's to sit in her lounge and get more work done on my laptop as she pretty much did the same thing herself. We're both working a bit too hard.
Tuesday 5th June 2018
Teaching Assistant stuff was fine, the morning/early afternoon drifted by nicely enough to the extent I was almost yearning for more drama.
Two drum lessons with two private students after that, both of which were great - both regulars but very different; one is young and eager, the other is older and looking for a hobby, but they both put the work in and did what they were told.
Over to A's for dinner, but inevitably I ended up getting my laptop out and worked on the fringe shows. She was cool with it, I think.
Two drum lessons with two private students after that, both of which were great - both regulars but very different; one is young and eager, the other is older and looking for a hobby, but they both put the work in and did what they were told.
Over to A's for dinner, but inevitably I ended up getting my laptop out and worked on the fringe shows. She was cool with it, I think.
Monday, 4 June 2018
Monday 4th June 2018
Heard an amazing song earlier, it's by an artist I've never heard of before called BC Camplight and the track, 'Why Doesn't Anybody Fall in Love Anymore' is just remarkable - deserves to be heard by everyone.
I'm happy enough, though - the offers for teaching work for September onwards are piling up to the extent I'm not entirely sure what to do, but it's all drum teaching and they're all good schools, it's quite exciting.
Even more exciting is just how close the fringe is now, but with that comes a load of admin - just so much. I mean, I know I've got 7 shows, but I literally spend any spare gap in my schedule working on the admin rather than the writing of them.
Decided to totally rewrite the JJ show, I'm just not doing the initial concept justice.
I need more time.
Still need to write the kids' show. Met up with Kate last night (she's in it), she seemed quite relaxed about the lack of script.
Saw a car I really wanted to buy today - it's within my price range, it's a beast of a Volvo estate, good age, good millage, but I literally can't spare half an hour to go and look at it. It's all my own doing, though.
Spent the day teaching assisting at the college, the evening teaching drums, then I bought a pair of funky green trousers because I'm tired and my brain isn't working properly.
I'm happy enough, though - the offers for teaching work for September onwards are piling up to the extent I'm not entirely sure what to do, but it's all drum teaching and they're all good schools, it's quite exciting.
Even more exciting is just how close the fringe is now, but with that comes a load of admin - just so much. I mean, I know I've got 7 shows, but I literally spend any spare gap in my schedule working on the admin rather than the writing of them.
Decided to totally rewrite the JJ show, I'm just not doing the initial concept justice.
I need more time.
Still need to write the kids' show. Met up with Kate last night (she's in it), she seemed quite relaxed about the lack of script.
Saw a car I really wanted to buy today - it's within my price range, it's a beast of a Volvo estate, good age, good millage, but I literally can't spare half an hour to go and look at it. It's all my own doing, though.
Spent the day teaching assisting at the college, the evening teaching drums, then I bought a pair of funky green trousers because I'm tired and my brain isn't working properly.
Sunday, 3 June 2018
Sunday 3rd June 2018
Slept well; my last chance before 7 early mornings in a row.
Caught up on a few messages, had to turn down a new fringe show as it clashes with one of my current ones...I've asked to renegotiate the time, hopefully it can still happen.
Evening had a house show around Michelle's. The plan was to run the new JJ show but she had so many lovely people over, having lovely food, having a lovely time, that I didn't want to give them a substandard show. Instead, I tried to do last year's show, with new bits thrown in. It kind of work but felt clunky. They all laughed at the right time but I feel annoyed with myself.
Caught up on a few messages, had to turn down a new fringe show as it clashes with one of my current ones...I've asked to renegotiate the time, hopefully it can still happen.
Evening had a house show around Michelle's. The plan was to run the new JJ show but she had so many lovely people over, having lovely food, having a lovely time, that I didn't want to give them a substandard show. Instead, I tried to do last year's show, with new bits thrown in. It kind of work but felt clunky. They all laughed at the right time but I feel annoyed with myself.
Saturday 2nd June 2018
My Saturday lessons were as fun as usual - I'm amazed I get paid for this sometimes. The 2 hour lesson around Vivienne's is a joy - 2 hours is a long time to be teaching in the same house but it's full of banter and new challenges and I always end up overrunning.
Over to Stu's, where alongside teaching him, we chat (a lot) about comedy, it's all such fun.
Got back, got frustrated by parking for a bit, then eventually made it over to Strawberry Fair to catch a couple of bands and drink ale, before we met up with A's friend in town for more late night boozing. I've drank too much this week, but it's half-term, I'm technically a teacher, it's what we do, yeah?
Over to Stu's, where alongside teaching him, we chat (a lot) about comedy, it's all such fun.
Got back, got frustrated by parking for a bit, then eventually made it over to Strawberry Fair to catch a couple of bands and drink ale, before we met up with A's friend in town for more late night boozing. I've drank too much this week, but it's half-term, I'm technically a teacher, it's what we do, yeah?
Friday 1st June 2018
Spent a lot of the morning putting together the slides for the JJ show (it's now a PowerPoint thing) and catching up on emails. Need to write the children's show at some point...it's June, this probably should have happened by now.
Over to A's to perform the new show in front of her, just her, to see what she thinks. There's some bits which don't work (the new song, 'The Bride Drank Blue Wicked' is ploddy and doesn't fit) but it's roughly like a show.
We then grabbed dinner and went to see the INCREDIBLE Play that Goes Wrong...how does something have a right to be this good? Literally laughed for 2 hours solid. And then had an idea...
After that we met up with Vix, Adam, Annie et al for late boozing. A near perfect night.
Over to A's to perform the new show in front of her, just her, to see what she thinks. There's some bits which don't work (the new song, 'The Bride Drank Blue Wicked' is ploddy and doesn't fit) but it's roughly like a show.
We then grabbed dinner and went to see the INCREDIBLE Play that Goes Wrong...how does something have a right to be this good? Literally laughed for 2 hours solid. And then had an idea...
After that we met up with Vix, Adam, Annie et al for late boozing. A near perfect night.
Friday, 1 June 2018
Thursday 31st May 2018
Good, productive writing day - the new show about Joe Jackson is finished, I've run it a couple times at home and whilst it feels a little disjointed in places (there's moments where it's clear I've shoehorned in a line or two just to get to the next subject - that's the case with any show, but it feels a bit obvious in places...it's always the same with a first draft though and will smoothen out after about 10 shit previews), it overruns and realises too much on the audience being up for some the interaction bits, but there's plenty of nice stuff in there - and because it runs 15 minutes over, plenty that can be cut.
Glad that's written. My plan for this week was to write both that and the children's show, but I'm only human and my brain is working as fast as possible.
A few fringe-type issues to deal with (our venue hire money hadn't gone through for the paid show - Alan is sorting that as he has the funding, so had to give him a nudge - hopefully he's done it by now as they (rightly) seemed a bit narky about it all), and also my venue for Comedians Learning how to Play Drums closed, but they're sorting me a new space.
Switched my emails off for a bit, seems like the right thing to do.
In the evening played a cracking jazz gig with Grace, who I hadn't seen for years (she moved to Wales but has a monthly residency in Cambridge). Jazz cajon works well, the pianist was awesome (and nice to chat to over beers afterwards), I can see myself doing more of this in the future. Maybe less comedian/rock star/bachelor loser and more playwright/jazz drummer/lover. Yep, that could be it.
Glad that's written. My plan for this week was to write both that and the children's show, but I'm only human and my brain is working as fast as possible.
A few fringe-type issues to deal with (our venue hire money hadn't gone through for the paid show - Alan is sorting that as he has the funding, so had to give him a nudge - hopefully he's done it by now as they (rightly) seemed a bit narky about it all), and also my venue for Comedians Learning how to Play Drums closed, but they're sorting me a new space.
Switched my emails off for a bit, seems like the right thing to do.
In the evening played a cracking jazz gig with Grace, who I hadn't seen for years (she moved to Wales but has a monthly residency in Cambridge). Jazz cajon works well, the pianist was awesome (and nice to chat to over beers afterwards), I can see myself doing more of this in the future. Maybe less comedian/rock star/bachelor loser and more playwright/jazz drummer/lover. Yep, that could be it.
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