Took Mum shopping and her dog to the vets.
Went to look at a new car, found issues with it. Decided to try and keep the old one going. How long will it go on for? If it can get me to Edinburgh and back then I'll be happy/amazed.
Taught a private lesson, did some fringe admin and then met up with the band for an evening festival gig in Milton Keynes. Despite all of the many 'issues' that we have in this line-up, we were outstanding tonight.
Wednesday, 25 July 2018
Tuesday 24th July 2018
You know you're short on time when you find yourself writing your Edinburgh show on your phone inbetween lessons.
I really wanted to say I was leaving my TA job today - my contract ends at the end of August anyway and I've not signed a new one, as much as they assume that I'm coming back. Just as I was about to hand my notice in, two other people did it too. We're a team of 5; I can't leave the boss (the only person I like there) in the shit, so I'll work there till October half-term I guess.
Anyway, last day till September. The kids were so rude today, so incredibly rude. I flipped out - I shouted, aggressively at one of them, but that's only because he had spent the whole day digging at me. I loudly informed him: this is why you have no friends; it's because you act like a prat.
He seemed to understand.
Two great drum lessons followed, just to confirm this is my future.
Finished the Jazz Otter script.
Picked up A from the airport and got confused by Stanstead, just generally.
I really wanted to say I was leaving my TA job today - my contract ends at the end of August anyway and I've not signed a new one, as much as they assume that I'm coming back. Just as I was about to hand my notice in, two other people did it too. We're a team of 5; I can't leave the boss (the only person I like there) in the shit, so I'll work there till October half-term I guess.
Anyway, last day till September. The kids were so rude today, so incredibly rude. I flipped out - I shouted, aggressively at one of them, but that's only because he had spent the whole day digging at me. I loudly informed him: this is why you have no friends; it's because you act like a prat.
He seemed to understand.
Two great drum lessons followed, just to confirm this is my future.
Finished the Jazz Otter script.
Picked up A from the airport and got confused by Stanstead, just generally.
Monday 23rd July 2018
Penultimate day as a TA; it can't end quick enough.
Three brilliant private drum lessons followed, in three different places.
I then fell asleep, but we can't cope with the heat.
I need to write these shows.
Three brilliant private drum lessons followed, in three different places.
I then fell asleep, but we can't cope with the heat.
I need to write these shows.
Sunday 22nd August 2018
My mum's sister (my aunt) has taken a turn for the worst, possibly days to go, so I cancelled my plans and took Mum down to Brighton to see her. Horrible day, this all feels so brutal.
Was late for my evening show but it still happened - an Edinburgh preview for Comedians Learning How to Play Drums. An absolute treat tonight, after last week's no-show. Small audience but totally onside, the format already feels flawless...I may have created something wonderful here.
Discussed and formed new band with Stu. It'll be good fun...
Was late for my evening show but it still happened - an Edinburgh preview for Comedians Learning How to Play Drums. An absolute treat tonight, after last week's no-show. Small audience but totally onside, the format already feels flawless...I may have created something wonderful here.
Discussed and formed new band with Stu. It'll be good fun...
Saturday 21st August 2018
Longer Saturday drum lessons than normal, but only because these are the last ones until September. Loved it as always - fast learning students who want to learn, and learn, and it's so easy to teach them. Even in this excessive heat.
Got back, quickly designed a poster that a fringe venue was requesting, wrote three scenes for the Jazz Otter show and then treated myself to a bit of music shopping. Picked up 2 CDs I've been meaning to get for a while, then some new shoes, and then the greasiest pizza I could find...I've worked hard this week, I deserve it.
A 'quiet' drink with my housemate, Jordan, ended up being a bit of a late boozy night when Annabel turned up, but as far as housemates go, they're pretty cool.
Got back, quickly designed a poster that a fringe venue was requesting, wrote three scenes for the Jazz Otter show and then treated myself to a bit of music shopping. Picked up 2 CDs I've been meaning to get for a while, then some new shoes, and then the greasiest pizza I could find...I've worked hard this week, I deserve it.
A 'quiet' drink with my housemate, Jordan, ended up being a bit of a late boozy night when Annabel turned up, but as far as housemates go, they're pretty cool.
Friday 20th August 2018
When am I gonna write these fucking shows? The fringe is like...2 weeks away.
Final day of teaching drums at two of my schools - a bit of a mad dash but I honestly enjoy it, they're all so responsive and I know it works well there.
Took Mum shopping again, this time to Cambridge, as she's stocking up for when I'm away.
In the evening had 2 meetings about the fringe; the first with Joe about our compilation show, and then with the two Alan's about Little Sparks. Ended up being a drunken evening, as it often is with Alan and Alan, but much has been resolved, especially the financial stuff. This show is in a really good place, on many levels.
Final day of teaching drums at two of my schools - a bit of a mad dash but I honestly enjoy it, they're all so responsive and I know it works well there.
Took Mum shopping again, this time to Cambridge, as she's stocking up for when I'm away.
In the evening had 2 meetings about the fringe; the first with Joe about our compilation show, and then with the two Alan's about Little Sparks. Ended up being a drunken evening, as it often is with Alan and Alan, but much has been resolved, especially the financial stuff. This show is in a really good place, on many levels.
Thursday 19th July 2018
Nearly done as a TA; new schools for drum teaching confirmed, so there's no need for me to be doing this after the summer.
It's still activities week so the kids naturally acted like little shits and we ended up putting on a movie. Eventually went to the gym with one of the better students and I bust a gut on the exercise bike for an hour.
Sweaty, I popped home for a shower, spent a couple of hours writing and then back out to gig with Claudia and the band. Nice gig, small crowd, but we all had a good time.
It's still activities week so the kids naturally acted like little shits and we ended up putting on a movie. Eventually went to the gym with one of the better students and I bust a gut on the exercise bike for an hour.
Sweaty, I popped home for a shower, spent a couple of hours writing and then back out to gig with Claudia and the band. Nice gig, small crowd, but we all had a good time.
Wednesday 18th July 2018
Up early and over into town for an interview with a Cardiff magazine about my Edinburgh run, and also my book, and for some reason the 50 Ways... film, which for some reason, the journalist was really into. I'd first met this reporter last year at the fringe and we've kept in loose touch. He was up this way visiting family so wanted to grab a quick interview. The interview lasted nearly two hours but it was lovely and I'm grateful that he cares so much about what I do.
I need to write my shows.
Took Mum shopping, and then taught two private drum lessons. In this heat, that was me pretty much done for the day and this writing goes out of the window.
I need to write my shows.
Took Mum shopping, and then taught two private drum lessons. In this heat, that was me pretty much done for the day and this writing goes out of the window.
Tuesday, 17 July 2018
Tuesday 17th July 2018
How is it the 17th already? How is it this close to the fringe and I've still got 2 shows to write? Why am I not panicking as much about this as I should be? It's because it's too hot to care! This heatwave is dragging us all down a bit.
TA stuff was fine, kids a bit annoying but that's part of the job.
Irish radio station seem very keen on a script I've written, which is nice.
2 great private lessons tonight and caught up by email with all the many people wanting to be guests in my various shows. It's the admin that takes up all the time.
I need sleep.
I need to nail those shows this week; A is away for 7 days and my teaching is calming down, there's really no excuses.
TA stuff was fine, kids a bit annoying but that's part of the job.
Irish radio station seem very keen on a script I've written, which is nice.
2 great private lessons tonight and caught up by email with all the many people wanting to be guests in my various shows. It's the admin that takes up all the time.
I need sleep.
I need to nail those shows this week; A is away for 7 days and my teaching is calming down, there's really no excuses.
Monday 16th July 2018
I mean, I've been very, very lucky with my fringe accommodation situation, haven't I? That was all cutting it a bit fine this year but, having paid the deposit for the new place, we're now staying in a really central but cheaper place. How did I get away with that?
That's a big thing ticked off my to-do list, but I still have two shows to write. It's all getting a bit close, now.
As the school enters it's last week and a bit before the summer, my TA job was easier today - activities week. We watched a film, I gave a drum lesson, we played a lot of football. It's days like this when I actually enjoy it all there.
After that - three private lessons in a row, two regular students, one student in for his second lesson which was totally bonkers. I love doing this stuff, it works.
Nice long discussion with Kate about all things Edinburgh and great dinner with A. The heat is slowing me down a bit, though.
That's a big thing ticked off my to-do list, but I still have two shows to write. It's all getting a bit close, now.
As the school enters it's last week and a bit before the summer, my TA job was easier today - activities week. We watched a film, I gave a drum lesson, we played a lot of football. It's days like this when I actually enjoy it all there.
After that - three private lessons in a row, two regular students, one student in for his second lesson which was totally bonkers. I love doing this stuff, it works.
Nice long discussion with Kate about all things Edinburgh and great dinner with A. The heat is slowing me down a bit, though.
Sunday, 15 July 2018
Sunday 15th July 2018
I'm probably the only fringe performer who, three weeks before the festival, can lose his accommodation (which is also for the full cast) but find somewhere else for £200 cheaper and more central. Phew!
Woke up in lovely Tunbridge Wells and we all went to a cafe for a late breakfast.
Then back to Cambridge, where I played a sweaty stormer of a gig with Claudia, that was a goodun.
A and I visited the French market and had dinner in the sun, before I dashed back to work on tonight's preview.
It was the first Comedians Drumming... show. Only one person (my mate Jon) turned up, so we cancelled the show. Nice to catch up with David, though, and chat industry stuff.
Woke up in lovely Tunbridge Wells and we all went to a cafe for a late breakfast.
Then back to Cambridge, where I played a sweaty stormer of a gig with Claudia, that was a goodun.
A and I visited the French market and had dinner in the sun, before I dashed back to work on tonight's preview.
It was the first Comedians Drumming... show. Only one person (my mate Jon) turned up, so we cancelled the show. Nice to catch up with David, though, and chat industry stuff.
Saturday 14th July 2018
Saturday drum lessons are always my favourite - the double one at the start is such great fun. This isn't work, this is pleasure.
Then over to play a sweaty festival with the band; we sound amazing but we're totally going through the motions.
Brilliant, almost emotional chat with V on the way back about how things are. She needs new challenges and wants to be an actress again, I told her this big, big idea for a solo show (for a lady) that I want to bring to life and we pretty much workshopped it in the car. Okay, so I've kind of already discussed the role with Kate, but V can really, really do this justice. I'm going to write it as soon as I get back from Edinburgh and then we'll bring in Emily to direct and have it out there before the end of the year. We're both very excited.
I'm also very excited about LA being confirmed for October. There's much to be happy about.
Evening went with A to spend the night with her friends in Tunbridge Wells. Lovely evening.
Then over to play a sweaty festival with the band; we sound amazing but we're totally going through the motions.
Brilliant, almost emotional chat with V on the way back about how things are. She needs new challenges and wants to be an actress again, I told her this big, big idea for a solo show (for a lady) that I want to bring to life and we pretty much workshopped it in the car. Okay, so I've kind of already discussed the role with Kate, but V can really, really do this justice. I'm going to write it as soon as I get back from Edinburgh and then we'll bring in Emily to direct and have it out there before the end of the year. We're both very excited.
I'm also very excited about LA being confirmed for October. There's much to be happy about.
Evening went with A to spend the night with her friends in Tunbridge Wells. Lovely evening.
Friday 13th July 2018
My typically frantic Friday - 3 schools, lots of excited drum students, just about enough time to grab a sandwich inbetween schools 2 and 3. Hard work, but I seem to know what I'm doing with this.
After that, took Mum for her weekly food shop, got stressed about the lack of time I have to myself, then off to headline a comedy night in town.
Small audience but totally onside, I did well tonight - and got paid very well for it, too.
After that, took Mum for her weekly food shop, got stressed about the lack of time I have to myself, then off to headline a comedy night in town.
Small audience but totally onside, I did well tonight - and got paid very well for it, too.
Thursday 12th July 2018
I just need some time...some time to write, some time to admin my life, it's all running away from me a bit at the moment. Felt distant from my fellow teaching assistants today, probably because my mind is all wrapped up in the shows. Especially the shows I haven't had time to write, yet.
Three really nice drum lessons in the afternoons, all with my regulars who look set to be my regulars for a long time. That stuff is all cool.
Amazing dinner with A; I'm going out with a girl who can cook, and has this wonderful knack of hiding vegetables inside food I actually like. Like a child, I fall for it every time.
Three really nice drum lessons in the afternoons, all with my regulars who look set to be my regulars for a long time. That stuff is all cool.
Amazing dinner with A; I'm going out with a girl who can cook, and has this wonderful knack of hiding vegetables inside food I actually like. Like a child, I fall for it every time.
Wednesday 11th July 2018
The fringe is getting a bit close now. I'VE STILL GOT TWO SHOWS TO WRITE AND I'M LOSING MY MIND.
Still, put that aside for a bit, let's just pretend it's all okay. Taught at my regular school for a bit, great students, easy times, and was then a guest tutor at a fancy college in Cambridge. 90 students over four and a half hours, with just seven drums...this guy pulled it off, though. Just sayin'. I couldn't have done this a year ago. They were great - really respectful, worked hard, created imaginative drum parts, just did what they were told. I like international students, more of them, please - these guys have manners.
Then off to the pub with Annabel and Avene to watch the football. We lost, but a fun night was had.
Still, put that aside for a bit, let's just pretend it's all okay. Taught at my regular school for a bit, great students, easy times, and was then a guest tutor at a fancy college in Cambridge. 90 students over four and a half hours, with just seven drums...this guy pulled it off, though. Just sayin'. I couldn't have done this a year ago. They were great - really respectful, worked hard, created imaginative drum parts, just did what they were told. I like international students, more of them, please - these guys have manners.
Then off to the pub with Annabel and Avene to watch the football. We lost, but a fun night was had.
Tuesday 10th July 2018
Another half day of TA stuff - I think it could be a nice job for someone, but just not in this heat. So hot, I'm barely standing at times. Which, when you have to go to the gym for an hour because a student you're looking after wants to go, isn't ideal. Also, one of the other kids I have to sit next to/look out for, just keeps on farting. I mean, constantly, loudly, for 5 hours. How is this even possible?
Two great drum lessons with two of my regulars, and then our regular 'Bants' night. We had a great line-up this evening; I opened, a newcomer did a cracking set, a Mock the Week act did 20 minutes and then an award-winning comic closed the show. 4 people in the audience. The acts were so lovely about it...they were grateful to try out new material, where there's no pressure, but seriously - fuck you, Cambridgeshire.
Two great drum lessons with two of my regulars, and then our regular 'Bants' night. We had a great line-up this evening; I opened, a newcomer did a cracking set, a Mock the Week act did 20 minutes and then an award-winning comic closed the show. 4 people in the audience. The acts were so lovely about it...they were grateful to try out new material, where there's no pressure, but seriously - fuck you, Cambridgeshire.
Monday 9th July 2018
My contract as a TA is nearly over, and whilst there's been moments I've enjoyed (well, I've got content for novel out of it, at least...) I've just accepted an additional school as a drum teacher for September onwards, meaning I'll have enough work so my time here is nearly done.
It was fine today. I was tired, the kids run amok to a certain extent, but it's hot and I'm drifting a bit.
Three sweaty private lessons follows - two with regular students, with the middle one being a brand new pupil for me and it was both lovely and bizarre in equal measures. I mean, lovely, totally lovely, but giving me a 'thank you' card after the first lesson? They're so nice, too nice? Either way, I have them weekly now - the kid is picking it up, there won't be any problems there.
Got back and spent 4 hours working on the Jazzy Otter script. Not finished, but it's a fucking masterpiece.
It was fine today. I was tired, the kids run amok to a certain extent, but it's hot and I'm drifting a bit.
Three sweaty private lessons follows - two with regular students, with the middle one being a brand new pupil for me and it was both lovely and bizarre in equal measures. I mean, lovely, totally lovely, but giving me a 'thank you' card after the first lesson? They're so nice, too nice? Either way, I have them weekly now - the kid is picking it up, there won't be any problems there.
Got back and spent 4 hours working on the Jazzy Otter script. Not finished, but it's a fucking masterpiece.
Sunday 8th July 2018
That was quite a frantic week, so nice to calm for a moment, have some sleep and catch up with A. We did normal 'couple' things, such as sit in the garden, have a nice lunch etc. Naturally, I couldn't help but bring my laptop with me and caught up on a bit of work, but it was still technically time together, yeah?
In the evening we drove up to Northamptonshire for my History of Pop show. The event is a new venture from my friend Tom and he had a nice audience, all very supportive, and my 45 minutes went down a storm - everyone joined in at the right times, it was just such a good fit. I can totally tour this show, you know, it's a joy to perform.
In the evening we drove up to Northamptonshire for my History of Pop show. The event is a new venture from my friend Tom and he had a nice audience, all very supportive, and my 45 minutes went down a storm - everyone joined in at the right times, it was just such a good fit. I can totally tour this show, you know, it's a joy to perform.
Sunday, 8 July 2018
Saturday 7th July 2018
Such is my schedule, I actually missed the England match due to teaching today. Still, 3 really good hours with attentive students, I should be grateful, I guess.
Final Little Sparks performance, 30 in the audience, was a cracker - cast back on form, audience onside, lovely stuff. It's been a good run.
De-rigged the venue and then myself and the two Alan's went for a couple of drinks. Discussed future productions with Alan H and made some very exciting plans - he's such a great actor and I'm flattered that he likes working with my scripts.
Got back home and then drank with Avene till 4am, putting the world to rights.
Final Little Sparks performance, 30 in the audience, was a cracker - cast back on form, audience onside, lovely stuff. It's been a good run.
De-rigged the venue and then myself and the two Alan's went for a couple of drinks. Discussed future productions with Alan H and made some very exciting plans - he's such a great actor and I'm flattered that he likes working with my scripts.
Got back home and then drank with Avene till 4am, putting the world to rights.
Friday 6th July 2018
My typical trio of three schools on a Friday - all of which were great fun, even if all of this running around is quite exhausting. Taught 14 different kids today.
Little Sparks felt a little flat tonight, we still had 26 in which is fine, but the cast seem knackered. The show is still great, the audience really enjoyed it but we all know in the team that it was a bit flat.
Nice pub trip later on, including making next year's fringe plans with Kate - it's a killer of an idea and she seems interested.
Really should be worried about this year's fringe, though. So much to do...
Little Sparks felt a little flat tonight, we still had 26 in which is fine, but the cast seem knackered. The show is still great, the audience really enjoyed it but we all know in the team that it was a bit flat.
Nice pub trip later on, including making next year's fringe plans with Kate - it's a killer of an idea and she seems interested.
Really should be worried about this year's fringe, though. So much to do...
Thursday 5th July 2018
TA stuff was fine, drifted by in a typical flurry of rude kids and stressed teachers.
Over to the other end of town for a 90 minute lesson with one of my favourite students, as always when I'm teaching Stu (a fellow comedy writer of a similar age) it feels more like a social. We've also got an amazing idea for a film, and randomly he seems to have got me a stand-up gig in a prestigious venue in LA for October...
54 in for Little Sparks, a lot of them students who struggled to not look at their phones for 48 minutes and I got annoyed by their rustling. Show was great, though.
Over to the other end of town for a 90 minute lesson with one of my favourite students, as always when I'm teaching Stu (a fellow comedy writer of a similar age) it feels more like a social. We've also got an amazing idea for a film, and randomly he seems to have got me a stand-up gig in a prestigious venue in LA for October...
54 in for Little Sparks, a lot of them students who struggled to not look at their phones for 48 minutes and I got annoyed by their rustling. Show was great, though.
Wednesday 4th July 2018
Fun teaching in St Ives in the morning; all of the students on good form and playing England football songs is great for morale.
Took mum shopping, then dashed over to Cottenham to teach for an hour there.
Second performance of Little Sparks, 57 in the audience which is great, show felt a little rushed tonight. It'll settle, I'm sure - this cast are amazing.
Took mum shopping, then dashed over to Cottenham to teach for an hour there.
Second performance of Little Sparks, 57 in the audience which is great, show felt a little rushed tonight. It'll settle, I'm sure - this cast are amazing.
Tuesday 3rd July 2018
TA stuff in the morning/early afternoon, quick drum lesson and then off to the first Little Sparks performance.
Clashed with the England game, so a tiny audience - 12 were in (80 capacity proper theatre) but everyone seemed to enjoy it.
This feels like I'm the writer of an actual proper show, and it feels lovely.
Clashed with the England game, so a tiny audience - 12 were in (80 capacity proper theatre) but everyone seemed to enjoy it.
This feels like I'm the writer of an actual proper show, and it feels lovely.
Monday 2nd July 2018
Back at the college in the morning for TA stuff, one of the kids did something VERY serious last week so spent a bit of time trying to, well, punish him I guess. Our plan was to make him bored - we achieved it.
Two great drum lessons with two of my regulars followed, and then Little Sparks final rehearsals. It's looking awesome, the show runs all week and I'm flattered how much work they're putting into it. Amazing stuff.
Two great drum lessons with two of my regulars followed, and then Little Sparks final rehearsals. It's looking awesome, the show runs all week and I'm flattered how much work they're putting into it. Amazing stuff.
Sunday 1st July 2018
Final day in Devon; more walking around - went to the seaside in the morning and it rained but still felt lovely. It feels like I have Devon in my bones. We've also seen some great shows at this festival - some brilliant comedy, it's like a very small Edinburgh Fringe.
Watched a fun play in the afternoon, then had my final show. Nailed it today - 21 in the audience (40 capacity room), everyone onside, my best performance of this yet and the reviews afterwards were great.
Even had a hassle-free drive home and was home by midnight. Knackered, but that was a great few days.
Watched a fun play in the afternoon, then had my final show. Nailed it today - 21 in the audience (40 capacity room), everyone onside, my best performance of this yet and the reviews afterwards were great.
Even had a hassle-free drive home and was home by midnight. Knackered, but that was a great few days.
Saturday 30th June 2018
A lovely, often romantic day in Devon - chilling out, eating in a nice restaurant, a bit of vinyl shopping, the sun was shining, all very lovely. This is a great festival and a great chance to get away for a bit.
My show in the evening sold out but it was nowhere near the same standard as yesterday. Because it sold out the whole room felt mega humid and the whole thing felt uncomfortable. Didn't enjoy that and it never felt like I had the audience totally onside.
Then spent the evening moaning to A about it, she listened like the wonderful girlfriend she is.
My show in the evening sold out but it was nowhere near the same standard as yesterday. Because it sold out the whole room felt mega humid and the whole thing felt uncomfortable. Didn't enjoy that and it never felt like I had the audience totally onside.
Then spent the evening moaning to A about it, she listened like the wonderful girlfriend she is.
Friday 29th June 2018
Long drive down to north Devon to perform at the theatre festival there - my Short Plays...show. The car did well, considering how unwell it's been recently. I mean, yeah, it overheats and struggles to turn left, but it still got me there unscathed.
Due to the stupidly busy traffic it took me over six hours to get there, meaning I only made it with an hour to spare. Had a quick tech, a quick Red Bull, and then the show opened at 4.15pm to 9 people. Really worked, they were totally onside, great fun.
Checked in to my accommodation, which was a farm about 10 miles down the road, and then picked up A from the station. A long day, later than planned due to her train delays, but eventually we were settled in by midnight.
Due to the stupidly busy traffic it took me over six hours to get there, meaning I only made it with an hour to spare. Had a quick tech, a quick Red Bull, and then the show opened at 4.15pm to 9 people. Really worked, they were totally onside, great fun.
Checked in to my accommodation, which was a farm about 10 miles down the road, and then picked up A from the station. A long day, later than planned due to her train delays, but eventually we were settled in by midnight.
Thursday 28th June 2018
Long day at the college for the TA stuff; the kids seemed to have had a lot of sugar or something. Just so much running around...if anything, though, I'll be physically fitter after working here.
Such an uncomfortably hot day, three solid hours of drum lessons in a row nearly pushed me over the edge. Luckily, the students felt as exhausted as me so we all went easy on each other.
Great evening with housemates Annabel and Avene watching the England match - both girls have moved in recently but we're all clicking really well. The game itself was a bit dull, mind.
Such an uncomfortably hot day, three solid hours of drum lessons in a row nearly pushed me over the edge. Luckily, the students felt as exhausted as me so we all went easy on each other.
Great evening with housemates Annabel and Avene watching the England match - both girls have moved in recently but we're all clicking really well. The game itself was a bit dull, mind.
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