I then wrote, constantly, for 8 hours. Nailed the Grotto script.
Monday, 31 December 2018
Sunday 30th December 2018
Nice walk with A, followed by a spot of lunch in a Waitrose cafe (FUCK I'VE CHANGED), and then a quick visit to her parents who are really making an effort with me.
Saturday 29th December 2018
Formal-ish brunch at Churchill College with some of A's friends, then I got back and totally re-built my website for all my projects. Looks absolutely brilliant now, and should be easy enough to maintain. That took HOURS, though.
Getting quite into films now, I think having a girlfriend has helped this. Before I never had the attention span to sit still for 90 minutes, or longer, but we watched a second film in 2 nights tonight and I loved it, and I've even bought a film magazine and everything.
Making good progress with the Grotto script. The plan was to just jot down my ideas, but actually I've ended up writing it word for word, as the dialogue is very clear to me. This could be a winner.
Getting quite into films now, I think having a girlfriend has helped this. Before I never had the attention span to sit still for 90 minutes, or longer, but we watched a second film in 2 nights tonight and I loved it, and I've even bought a film magazine and everything.
Making good progress with the Grotto script. The plan was to just jot down my ideas, but actually I've ended up writing it word for word, as the dialogue is very clear to me. This could be a winner.
Friday 28th December 2018
After a sluggish few days, getting back into the swing of things now.
Lovely lunch with some of A's friends, who were visiting from a few miles out, and then cracked on with the Grotto script. It's not one I can do anything with until next Christmas, but whilst it's all fresh in my mind I just needed to get these ideas down.
We watched The Greatest Showman for the first time tonight and I had an idea...
Lovely lunch with some of A's friends, who were visiting from a few miles out, and then cracked on with the Grotto script. It's not one I can do anything with until next Christmas, but whilst it's all fresh in my mind I just needed to get these ideas down.
We watched The Greatest Showman for the first time tonight and I had an idea...
Thursday 27th December 2018
Took Mum shopping, did the family thing for a bit and then finally home. It's nice that I have a place now I can actually call 'home' - A and I have worked very hard to make sure it suits both our needs (she's a bit OCD about cleaning, I just want some writing space), it feels cosy and nice.
Started writing the Grotto show.
Started writing the Grotto show.
Wednesday 26th December 2018
Boxing Day, which meant a bit of a lie-in, a long dog walk and then A came over for a few hours for awkward family chat and Mum enjoyed showing her old photos of me as a snotty-faced kid. Worryingly, my hairstyle hasn't changed at all.
Evening beers with Chris, Marcus and Michael, great to catch up with old friends I just don't see enough of these days. Got far too drunk, but it's mostly because I'm a happy boy.
Evening beers with Chris, Marcus and Michael, great to catch up with old friends I just don't see enough of these days. Got far too drunk, but it's mostly because I'm a happy boy.
Tuesday 25th December 2018
Christmas Day!
Doesn't quite have the same buzz as it did a few (okay, 20) years ago but still always nice, even if there is a Dad-shaped hole there. Mum seems in better spirits today, having had a bit of a wobble over the last few days.
Lovely day of presents, excessive meat and cat-naps.
Doesn't quite have the same buzz as it did a few (okay, 20) years ago but still always nice, even if there is a Dad-shaped hole there. Mum seems in better spirits today, having had a bit of a wobble over the last few days.
Lovely day of presents, excessive meat and cat-naps.
Monday 24th December 2018
Christmas Eve! Christmas Eve!
The perfect day to argue about me not entirely committing to my household chores, but I spent a couple hours hoovering and all is hunky dory again.
Given that A is Polish, it was a different sort of Christmas Eve - we had to have a formal dinner around her family home, where her parents, cousins, brother etc were there. Full of Polish traditions that I gradually got my head around, whilst wearing a full suit...felt strangely stressful but they've totally accepted me as "family" and gave me lots of lovely presents.
Then over to Mum's house, where I could on my jeans, old jumper and drink lager as the dog leapt all over me.
The perfect day to argue about me not entirely committing to my household chores, but I spent a couple hours hoovering and all is hunky dory again.
Given that A is Polish, it was a different sort of Christmas Eve - we had to have a formal dinner around her family home, where her parents, cousins, brother etc were there. Full of Polish traditions that I gradually got my head around, whilst wearing a full suit...felt strangely stressful but they've totally accepted me as "family" and gave me lots of lovely presents.
Then over to Mum's house, where I could on my jeans, old jumper and drink lager as the dog leapt all over me.
Sunday 23rd December 2018
Struggling to relax...I just don't relax, ever, it's really not my 'thing'. Everything is in shape for 2019, plenty of theatre/comedy work (even in talks with a festival in Sweden which follows on a week after Edinburgh...), probably not enough drumming stuff but that can always be fixed, plenty of teaching work...why don't I slow down?
It's because I'm just excited. About everything. Christmas isn't helping that, I still get excited more than your average 37-year-old should...
Spent most of the day making a to-do list of exciting things I want to achieve in 2019. Lots of little bits but in short, on top of growing the teaching business:
1 brilliant stage show that I'll be in (tour dates already booked and paid venue negotiations started)
1 movie (that will end up in the cinemas...I'm working on 4 ideas at the moment)
1 chatty podcast (ready to launch, am currently chatting to Paul M and Alan about which audio recorder to buy)
1 radio sitcom podcast (had a meeting with Alan H about this last month, am writing it)
1 novel
Finish my '100 Final Gigs' project
And lots, and lots of touring. And spending time with A, of course, who is just as busy as me - we've booked a holiday in Budapest for next year which blocks out some 'us' time, giving me the freedom to do my creative things guilt-free around that.
In the evening went to Rupert's party. I don't really know Rupert, but was made to feel very welcome and got into a long and surprisingly interesting chat with a stranger about corporation tax. I'm such a grown-up.
It's because I'm just excited. About everything. Christmas isn't helping that, I still get excited more than your average 37-year-old should...
Spent most of the day making a to-do list of exciting things I want to achieve in 2019. Lots of little bits but in short, on top of growing the teaching business:
1 brilliant stage show that I'll be in (tour dates already booked and paid venue negotiations started)
1 movie (that will end up in the cinemas...I'm working on 4 ideas at the moment)
1 chatty podcast (ready to launch, am currently chatting to Paul M and Alan about which audio recorder to buy)
1 radio sitcom podcast (had a meeting with Alan H about this last month, am writing it)
1 novel
Finish my '100 Final Gigs' project
And lots, and lots of touring. And spending time with A, of course, who is just as busy as me - we've booked a holiday in Budapest for next year which blocks out some 'us' time, giving me the freedom to do my creative things guilt-free around that.
In the evening went to Rupert's party. I don't really know Rupert, but was made to feel very welcome and got into a long and surprisingly interesting chat with a stranger about corporation tax. I'm such a grown-up.
Sunday, 23 December 2018
Saturday 22nd December 2018
After a lie-in to let the hangover go, I realised I was still missing a few things for Christmas - mostly cards and wrapping paper, so made the mistake of driving into town on the last Saturday before Christmas. Fuck. It just took hours. Hours and hours. To do anything.
Got back eventually and spent the rest of the day wrapping, listening to Christmas carols and thinking that things have worked out okay, I guess.
Made some more notes for my 'Grotto' play and watched festive telly, feeling dangerously relaxed...
Got back eventually and spent the rest of the day wrapping, listening to Christmas carols and thinking that things have worked out okay, I guess.
Made some more notes for my 'Grotto' play and watched festive telly, feeling dangerously relaxed...
Friday 21st December 2018
Final drum lessons of the year! I had never planned to be a teacher but, you know, it's all worked out okay I guess.
The first one was with my favourite Spanish family, who continue to be the warmest, happiest, easiest people to teach. The final one was with Z, which if anything. feels like more of a social these days (he even came to our party last weekend), a top bloke and weird to think I've only been teaching him since March as we've become such good mates.
In between that I drove down to St Ives to see Mum (she just needs a bit of support around this time of year) and popped by to get my tour money/payment off V - the last tour we did made a hefty profit, which is most unusual.
Date night with A, as, although we've been socialising a lot recently, it's not 'together' time as such - so we went for a fancy dinner and then went actual clubbing, even neither of us are into that sort of thing, but it was surprisingly good fun.
The first one was with my favourite Spanish family, who continue to be the warmest, happiest, easiest people to teach. The final one was with Z, which if anything. feels like more of a social these days (he even came to our party last weekend), a top bloke and weird to think I've only been teaching him since March as we've become such good mates.
In between that I drove down to St Ives to see Mum (she just needs a bit of support around this time of year) and popped by to get my tour money/payment off V - the last tour we did made a hefty profit, which is most unusual.
Date night with A, as, although we've been socialising a lot recently, it's not 'together' time as such - so we went for a fancy dinner and then went actual clubbing, even neither of us are into that sort of thing, but it was surprisingly good fun.
Thursday 20th December 2018
Busy day of teaching...even though I'm done with the schools until quite into January, the private students are still wanting an extra lesson or two before Christmas.
All of them in different places with no logic whatever, so 4 lessons but probably about 3 hours in the road. Next year I'll sit down with a list of my students and try and schedule them a bit more logically...I keep thinking that I'm snowed under without a moment to myself but in reality it's just terrible planning.
In the evening we had Edd and Emily over for dinner, it's been a while since I've seen them and I'm still grateful for everything that Edd has done for me, especially in the early days of being self-employed. Lovely to see them, as much as I'm niggled by how many times they've told me that I've "grown up" and that they are "proud" of me.
Then dash across town to A's mate's housewarming thing, which was lovely as they had beer and an awesome puppy. It's exhausting, all this socialising, isn't it?
Wednesday 19th December 2018
Yep, the BBC thing is a little exciting. We're not talking major career glory, here, but my work being recorded in a proper BBC studio by proper BBC actors, 4 episodes of a sitcom, is all very positive stuff.
Up early to teach a drum crash course to a friend who isn't a drummer but has a gig as a drummer coming up next year. He thinks like a drummer and got it really quickly, it was a lovely 2 hours that totally flew by.
Popped in to see A for a bit. she was cleaning her classroom in anticipation of a busy 2019, and then taught the final private lesson of the year with one of my regulars.
Dashed back, put on a suit then off to a formal dinner at a fancy Cambridge Uni. We were there because A's best mate's boyfriend is doing a PHD there so we were their guests; I think I held myself pretty well in such fancy company. Turns out I knew more people there, as well, which was nice.
Up early to teach a drum crash course to a friend who isn't a drummer but has a gig as a drummer coming up next year. He thinks like a drummer and got it really quickly, it was a lovely 2 hours that totally flew by.
Popped in to see A for a bit. she was cleaning her classroom in anticipation of a busy 2019, and then taught the final private lesson of the year with one of my regulars.
Dashed back, put on a suit then off to a formal dinner at a fancy Cambridge Uni. We were there because A's best mate's boyfriend is doing a PHD there so we were their guests; I think I held myself pretty well in such fancy company. Turns out I knew more people there, as well, which was nice.
Tuesday 18th December 2018
Final day of fringe admin stuff, for now at least. Tickets seem to have gone onsale for all the HOP tour dates, too, so 2019 is looking a bit busy already. I just need to be playing more gigs as a drummer, I'm teaching it too much and have dipped to the other side.
Final lesson of the year with one of my regulars, which was lovely as always.
Evening was my final show of the year - HOP in the village. Short on singers, I managed to get V in, but we had a genuine audience of 4 people, plus my mate Alan and the guest comedian's family. Of the four, one of them was a former Blue Peter presenter, but it's really hard doing a singalong show when nobody is up for actually joining in. We lost the four after about 20 minutes so just did the gig to ourselves and I bought whoever was left in the audience a round. During the show. It was that sort of night.
I've had a lot of good moments this year - glimmers of great things at the fringe, the award for Short Plays, the West End performances of HOP, stand up in San Francisco and, as of today, some really exciting stuff relating to the BBC about a script I wrote 7 years ago...but maybe it's time to let these little village shows go?
Final lesson of the year with one of my regulars, which was lovely as always.
Evening was my final show of the year - HOP in the village. Short on singers, I managed to get V in, but we had a genuine audience of 4 people, plus my mate Alan and the guest comedian's family. Of the four, one of them was a former Blue Peter presenter, but it's really hard doing a singalong show when nobody is up for actually joining in. We lost the four after about 20 minutes so just did the gig to ourselves and I bought whoever was left in the audience a round. During the show. It was that sort of night.
I've had a lot of good moments this year - glimmers of great things at the fringe, the award for Short Plays, the West End performances of HOP, stand up in San Francisco and, as of today, some really exciting stuff relating to the BBC about a script I wrote 7 years ago...but maybe it's time to let these little village shows go?
Monday 17th December 2018
Having this unexpected day free as Devon was cancelled again, I spent a chunk of the day working on admin for the shows next year - I now have fringe festivals in Devon, Brighton, Greater Manchester, Swindon and Buxton confirmed, with Edinburgh more than likely, of course (I'm chatting to a venue at the moment about this).
Also took Mum shopping and she seems fine...it's clear that going anywhere more than 5 miles from the house is freaking her out. Next year I think this needs to be addressed properly, but it's pretty much Christmas now so let's just pretend that everything is fine.
Got back and made notes for the three different plays that I'm trying to write at the same time and got myself needlessly stressed about it all.
Also took Mum shopping and she seems fine...it's clear that going anywhere more than 5 miles from the house is freaking her out. Next year I think this needs to be addressed properly, but it's pretty much Christmas now so let's just pretend that everything is fine.
Got back and made notes for the three different plays that I'm trying to write at the same time and got myself needlessly stressed about it all.
Sunday, 16 December 2018
Sunday 16th December 2018
Was supposed to be in Devon today but Mum pulled out, again, this time with a 'boiler' issue. This is the third time this year and it's sad not to be visiting dad's grave, again, and let the rest of the family down. Not sure what's going with Mum, maybe anxiety issues? I'll work on it this Christmas, I have plenty of time off.
Still, instead of driving 7 hours with a hangover, I got to spend a lovely day with A. We slept, a lot, had an amazing Sunday lunch out in a nearby restaurant and spent the evening watching Christmas movies. Yeah, she's the one.
Still, instead of driving 7 hours with a hangover, I got to spend a lovely day with A. We slept, a lot, had an amazing Sunday lunch out in a nearby restaurant and spent the evening watching Christmas movies. Yeah, she's the one.
Saturday 15th December 2018
Final lesson of the year with one of my regulars - well, two of them, a mother and a son who have 2 hour joint lessons. I've been teaching these guys since January, from scratch, and they're both amazing drummers now, really nailing the tricky stuff. I feel very proud and we have a brilliant working relationship to the extent that I spent an extra half an hour there today just chatting to them and their family. I like this teaching malarkey, I'm getting this right.
The rest of the day was spent preparing our big Christmas party. A gets very stressed about hosting, but she loves it all the same. Everything had to be perfect, the excessive ham, the cheese board, the decorations...but I see why, it's our first party we've hosted together, in 'our' house (as she calls it, she owns it) and it's Christmas. There was a certain amount of pressure, but it was truly a wonderful night with lots of lovely guests, all of whom mingled and got on so well. Bandmates, comedians, old school friends, just perfect. Felt festive, felt like we were good hosts, it was much fun all round. This adulting lark is actually quite nice, as is being all loved up with a girl who has totally changed my world.
The rest of the day was spent preparing our big Christmas party. A gets very stressed about hosting, but she loves it all the same. Everything had to be perfect, the excessive ham, the cheese board, the decorations...but I see why, it's our first party we've hosted together, in 'our' house (as she calls it, she owns it) and it's Christmas. There was a certain amount of pressure, but it was truly a wonderful night with lots of lovely guests, all of whom mingled and got on so well. Bandmates, comedians, old school friends, just perfect. Felt festive, felt like we were good hosts, it was much fun all round. This adulting lark is actually quite nice, as is being all loved up with a girl who has totally changed my world.
Friday 14th December 2018
Final day of teaching in the schools for the year, hurrah! Mustn't grumble really, it's only 14th December, all of the kids in all three schools were in really high, festive spirits, as were the other teachers.
Two private lessons followed and then a stand-up gig in town. Such an odd show. It's a gig I've done before and a gig I really like, with an MC who is a mate and usually a lovely audience. This time around it felt a little tense, the MC struggled (his act is very dark and the audience weren't onside) and then I was the first 'proper' act on. I didn't die or anything, but the punters, it turns out, were all Spanish and didn't get half my references. My ten minutes felt like a struggle at times, but only because the whole room felt so flat.
The other 4 acts after me had exactly the same problem...
Two private lessons followed and then a stand-up gig in town. Such an odd show. It's a gig I've done before and a gig I really like, with an MC who is a mate and usually a lovely audience. This time around it felt a little tense, the MC struggled (his act is very dark and the audience weren't onside) and then I was the first 'proper' act on. I didn't die or anything, but the punters, it turns out, were all Spanish and didn't get half my references. My ten minutes felt like a struggle at times, but only because the whole room felt so flat.
The other 4 acts after me had exactly the same problem...
Thursday, 13 December 2018
Thursday 13th December 2018
So it turns out a Santa in a neighbouring grotto did some naughty things at the weekend - told the children to fuck off, ripped off his beard etc. Naturally, a few people thought it was me, especially as I was so angry about the whole dog/photo thing the other day. I woke up to a load of messages from concerned friends asking what happened, am I okay, am I stressed...I had to put a post on Facebook announcing that it wasn't me. Madness. Utter madness. Not every day has to be an episode of a sitcom, does it?
Still, apart from that I had a nice morning. Popped into town to buy trainers and a new Christmas jumper, cleaned and tidied the bit of the house that is my responsibility, did a bit of work on a new script and then taught four brilliant lessons with four brilliant private students. Maybe teaching is my calling, I'm not sure. It works, either way.
Got back, started booking tour dates for next year because my head is buzzing full of ideas.
My Christmas jumper lights up and I am honestly thrilled about this.
Still, apart from that I had a nice morning. Popped into town to buy trainers and a new Christmas jumper, cleaned and tidied the bit of the house that is my responsibility, did a bit of work on a new script and then taught four brilliant lessons with four brilliant private students. Maybe teaching is my calling, I'm not sure. It works, either way.
Got back, started booking tour dates for next year because my head is buzzing full of ideas.
My Christmas jumper lights up and I am honestly thrilled about this.
Wednesday 12th December 2018
Cracking morning in the school; great students, totally on it.
Wasn't needed at the college till later so had a spare few hours and took Mum out for her big Christmas shop. She seems happy and I assembled the tree for her.
Resigned from the Santa job, mostly because it wasn't fun anymore but also because the FH tour made a hefty profit and I'm on a profit share...my cut is more than the Santa worked would have paid for the last 6 weeks so I'm very happy about all of this. And A is happy, too, because she actually gets to see me. Mad lady!
Christmas concert at the college was an absolute joy, my latest drumming student nailed it and I got to play bongos for the rapping cleaner.
Lovely lesson with one of my regulars and then back home to decorate the house ahead of the party this weekend. It feels homely and I feel alarmingly settled.
Wasn't needed at the college till later so had a spare few hours and took Mum out for her big Christmas shop. She seems happy and I assembled the tree for her.
Resigned from the Santa job, mostly because it wasn't fun anymore but also because the FH tour made a hefty profit and I'm on a profit share...my cut is more than the Santa worked would have paid for the last 6 weeks so I'm very happy about all of this. And A is happy, too, because she actually gets to see me. Mad lady!
Christmas concert at the college was an absolute joy, my latest drumming student nailed it and I got to play bongos for the rapping cleaner.
Lovely lesson with one of my regulars and then back home to decorate the house ahead of the party this weekend. It feels homely and I feel alarmingly settled.
Tuesday 11th December 2018
The Santa thing niggled me today. Just sat there for hours, chatting to the elf how about disorganised this whole place was.
The only 'customer' was a woman who came in with her baby, the baby being a dog. She insisted that Santa has a picture with the dog, and then she wasn't satisfied with the picture and came back in, the poor dog at this point was nervous and bit me several times and pissed on me...we had over twenty pictures taken, it took ages. She was never satisfied, mostly with my expressions and I was running out of patience. Eventually, nearly ten minutes later, we got one she liked. I decided then that I don't need the work, I'm 37, this isn't fun, this isn't for me and that I should quit as Santa...just as the others have done already. It was more enjoyable last year.
A couple of lovely private drum lessons after, all good there, and then the Christmas special of Bants. A small audience and my MC-ing skills were as haphazard as ever but all of the acts seemed to have a nice time. It's a nice gig, this one, it just needs more than 6 people to watch it.
The only 'customer' was a woman who came in with her baby, the baby being a dog. She insisted that Santa has a picture with the dog, and then she wasn't satisfied with the picture and came back in, the poor dog at this point was nervous and bit me several times and pissed on me...we had over twenty pictures taken, it took ages. She was never satisfied, mostly with my expressions and I was running out of patience. Eventually, nearly ten minutes later, we got one she liked. I decided then that I don't need the work, I'm 37, this isn't fun, this isn't for me and that I should quit as Santa...just as the others have done already. It was more enjoyable last year.
A couple of lovely private drum lessons after, all good there, and then the Christmas special of Bants. A small audience and my MC-ing skills were as haphazard as ever but all of the acts seemed to have a nice time. It's a nice gig, this one, it just needs more than 6 people to watch it.
Monday 10th December 2018
Went I quit the TA job it was to give me writing time, maybe it was a mistake to replace it with Santa? I don't need the work, I have enough coming in. I was only in for three hours, three kids came in, I spent the rest of time doing my Christmas shopping on my phone.
Then into Cambridge for four lovely lessons, all students on cracking form, all wanting extra lessons over Christmas which is great for my bank balance but less so for my relationship. I'll do my best to find a middle ground, somewhere...
Then into Cambridge for four lovely lessons, all students on cracking form, all wanting extra lessons over Christmas which is great for my bank balance but less so for my relationship. I'll do my best to find a middle ground, somewhere...
Sunday 9th December 2018
Hungover.
The other Santa was off sick, so it was just me today. Utterly crazy day, over 300 kids came in over the 8 hours I was there...I was like a festive machine, making dreams happen and all that. Kind of takes away the magic of Christmas at the same time, though, it's all a bit corporate. I knew this from last year.
Dashed into town to teach, which is clearly what I do best at the moment. Little Benjamin is a cracking student and, no matter how tired I am, his energy makes my job very easy.
Then into Cambridge for the HOP festive special. A bit different to the regular nights because I didn't have Rachel or Mel, as they're based in London and this was in a tiny room where I couldn't even justify paying their fuel. I had Dan, though, who was amazing, as were my makeshift choir of Josie, Beth and Amanda. I started the show too angry - I get the 'joke' is the time restraint but I didn't need to mention it in first five minutes nor did I need to start so urgently. I was bordering on aggressive at the start...too much Red Bull, but the choir kept it ticking over. It settled nicely about half way through and was more than fine; the audience were lovely throughout.
The other Santa was off sick, so it was just me today. Utterly crazy day, over 300 kids came in over the 8 hours I was there...I was like a festive machine, making dreams happen and all that. Kind of takes away the magic of Christmas at the same time, though, it's all a bit corporate. I knew this from last year.
Dashed into town to teach, which is clearly what I do best at the moment. Little Benjamin is a cracking student and, no matter how tired I am, his energy makes my job very easy.
Then into Cambridge for the HOP festive special. A bit different to the regular nights because I didn't have Rachel or Mel, as they're based in London and this was in a tiny room where I couldn't even justify paying their fuel. I had Dan, though, who was amazing, as were my makeshift choir of Josie, Beth and Amanda. I started the show too angry - I get the 'joke' is the time restraint but I didn't need to mention it in first five minutes nor did I need to start so urgently. I was bordering on aggressive at the start...too much Red Bull, but the choir kept it ticking over. It settled nicely about half way through and was more than fine; the audience were lovely throughout.
Saturday 8th December 2018
Long Santa shift, was so busy I didn't get my lunchbreak until 3pm and they ran out of presents by the end. I just sat there, getting through, thinking about the MacBook I'll get out of the cash I'm making from this...
Went to the old house to catch up with Phill (and others) over a few lovely beers, and then met A at her mate's surprise bash. A fun, drunken evening. I'm Santa again tomorrow. A hungover Santa.
Went to the old house to catch up with Phill (and others) over a few lovely beers, and then met A at her mate's surprise bash. A fun, drunken evening. I'm Santa again tomorrow. A hungover Santa.
Friday 7th December 2018
Standard ridiculous Friday, not helped by traffic delays everywhere and the fact I woke up late. 7 kids in the first school, 6 in the next and 7 in the final one, complete with frantic driving in between each location. Got away with it, just, as always.
Dashed over to Cambridge to watch A's school's wonderful carol service in an epic church, that made me feel mega festive, then over to teach one of my regulars for an hour before picking up a now drunk A from her post-concert celebrations.
Got back, wanted to write but seemed to fall asleep on the sofa with half a pizza on my jumper. Classy.
Dashed over to Cambridge to watch A's school's wonderful carol service in an epic church, that made me feel mega festive, then over to teach one of my regulars for an hour before picking up a now drunk A from her post-concert celebrations.
Got back, wanted to write but seemed to fall asleep on the sofa with half a pizza on my jumper. Classy.
Thursday, 6 December 2018
Thursday 6th December 2018
Slight lie-in for the first time in a while was an option, but I had to get up and crack on with writing/printing the lyrics for tonight's show. And cleaning the kitchen, because I'm domesticated these days.
Santa shift was quiet, basically Becky (the elf, now the manager even if she didn't want to be but everyone else has left) (becoming a good mate) and I chatting about why she isn't actually posh, even if she sounds it. That killed at least an hour. Only 2 kids came in, both of them cried.
Dashed back, dumped car and then got a train to Cambridge, and then to London, for the festive special of HOP. I don't know what I feel about tonight - it felt like a special occasion; we were the opening show of a huge festive season in that new venue (which features many famous comedians over the next few weeks) but our hands were tied because the venue said it couldn't be a Christmas show as such, because there's another show at the same festival which is a bit similar, but a festive special of the one we did there last month which they enjoyed. Ultimately, the format lost it's urgency when I kept trying to drip-feed in Christmas tunes to an existing show which works well as it does. I couldn't see the audience because the stage lights were so bright, and the first person I picked on, randomly, and dragged onstage, ended up being an amazing singer who totally stole the show and pissed off my own singers. I never felt like I had a connection with the audience tonight, it was a big crowd and from the stage I couldn't get 'in' to them as such, as much as I like to.
It all meant the show felt uneven, somehow, and I couldn't do my 'panicky we're about to run out of time so keep things moving' thing, which is a key part of the energy in the show, because we were given a longer slot.
Had beers with Dan and Mel to discuss it afterwards and they did their best to perk me up...I'm fine, it's just this show rarely fails me, but it wasn't as good as it could have been tonight.
The venue manager/producer loved it and we pretty much sold out a West End venue, so shouldn't grumble, really. I think I'm just tired.
Santa shift was quiet, basically Becky (the elf, now the manager even if she didn't want to be but everyone else has left) (becoming a good mate) and I chatting about why she isn't actually posh, even if she sounds it. That killed at least an hour. Only 2 kids came in, both of them cried.
Dashed back, dumped car and then got a train to Cambridge, and then to London, for the festive special of HOP. I don't know what I feel about tonight - it felt like a special occasion; we were the opening show of a huge festive season in that new venue (which features many famous comedians over the next few weeks) but our hands were tied because the venue said it couldn't be a Christmas show as such, because there's another show at the same festival which is a bit similar, but a festive special of the one we did there last month which they enjoyed. Ultimately, the format lost it's urgency when I kept trying to drip-feed in Christmas tunes to an existing show which works well as it does. I couldn't see the audience because the stage lights were so bright, and the first person I picked on, randomly, and dragged onstage, ended up being an amazing singer who totally stole the show and pissed off my own singers. I never felt like I had a connection with the audience tonight, it was a big crowd and from the stage I couldn't get 'in' to them as such, as much as I like to.
It all meant the show felt uneven, somehow, and I couldn't do my 'panicky we're about to run out of time so keep things moving' thing, which is a key part of the energy in the show, because we were given a longer slot.
Had beers with Dan and Mel to discuss it afterwards and they did their best to perk me up...I'm fine, it's just this show rarely fails me, but it wasn't as good as it could have been tonight.
The venue manager/producer loved it and we pretty much sold out a West End venue, so shouldn't grumble, really. I think I'm just tired.
Wednesday 5th December 2018
Long-ish morning at the school in which the kids are taking my paradiddle (a snare drum-based exercise) challenge a bit too seriously and are now competing against each other with it. I mean - they're all getting great at it, but I'm worried it'll lead to bullying at some point. They're even going in at lunchtimes and practising, just so they can get the highest score when I test them, and then taunting the loser.
Took Mum for a longer shop than normal as I wasn't at the college, so she managed to get some of her Christmas shopping done.
Then off to Norwich for the final FH gig with G. Almost felt like the final gig ever in some ways, but we'll see. After Saturday's anger and outbursts we were all a bit wary but actually it was lovely, everyone was in a good place I think and the gig was...pleasant, and stress-free. Just like Norwich as a whole, it's sleepy but very nice. I mean, totally emotional (as soon as the gig was done I found myself with V crying into my chest for about 5 minutes) but it was a great performance and a fitting end to our time with a complicated, but great man, who I'll miss working with.
Then the fucking A14 was closed and it took us HOURS to get home.
Took Mum for a longer shop than normal as I wasn't at the college, so she managed to get some of her Christmas shopping done.
Then off to Norwich for the final FH gig with G. Almost felt like the final gig ever in some ways, but we'll see. After Saturday's anger and outbursts we were all a bit wary but actually it was lovely, everyone was in a good place I think and the gig was...pleasant, and stress-free. Just like Norwich as a whole, it's sleepy but very nice. I mean, totally emotional (as soon as the gig was done I found myself with V crying into my chest for about 5 minutes) but it was a great performance and a fitting end to our time with a complicated, but great man, who I'll miss working with.
Then the fucking A14 was closed and it took us HOURS to get home.
Tuesday 4th December 2018
Another Santa shift in the morning - this one has probably been a mistake this year, it's costing me a bit in fuel, but they're very grateful all the same.
Decent drum lesson with one of my enthusiastic regulars, then one where we sat in a dark room and I think I may have fallen asleep briefly - not that the student actually notice. That followed an outstanding lesson with a student who is learning jazz, we totally nailed it and you can just feel the excitement in the room.
FH audition later on for a new singer, who we didn't really feel excited by. It's tough, trying to replace G. We should have sorted this by now.
Decent drum lesson with one of my enthusiastic regulars, then one where we sat in a dark room and I think I may have fallen asleep briefly - not that the student actually notice. That followed an outstanding lesson with a student who is learning jazz, we totally nailed it and you can just feel the excitement in the room.
FH audition later on for a new singer, who we didn't really feel excited by. It's tough, trying to replace G. We should have sorted this by now.
Monday 3rd December 2018
Three years since Dad passed away. Three years ago was by far the most difficult day of my life - I almost feel guilty for things getting easier, year on year, but they do. It doesn't take the love away, it just means that I am learning to accept it.
Called Mum very early on to check in; she's keeping herself busy. Just like I do.
My Monday was mega busy...hosted an assembly at a school in which my star student got so nervous he barely played (we need to work on that as he's a talented kid), and then over for a Santa shift. A lady was rude to me in the car park, and then when she came in with her daughter I promised her kid a pony for Christmas. Naughty of me, but needed to be done. I wouldn't have done that last year, when I really needed this work, this year I'm just enjoying myself with it. The Grotto is in a bit of a crisis with staff dropping off everywhere but we're getting the job done.
Then off for a comedy roast gig. I hate this format - basically comedians being vile to each other in the hope of getting cheap laughs. In a Weatherspoons in Ipswich.
Luckily, I was against Joe, who is a good friend and one of the nicest people around. We agreed early on that we're above this, so almost ruined the format by saying nice-ish things about each other. True, I made a few remarks about the fact a lot of my primary school kids are taller than him (with deeper voices and that his balls haven't dropped yet as he's a squeaky 31-year-old) and he called me a 'parsnip who has failed university' which is a cracking line, but all in all we were kind. Which, as the headline 'roast' probably disappointed the audience/judges but we kept our dignity, at least.
Called Mum very early on to check in; she's keeping herself busy. Just like I do.
My Monday was mega busy...hosted an assembly at a school in which my star student got so nervous he barely played (we need to work on that as he's a talented kid), and then over for a Santa shift. A lady was rude to me in the car park, and then when she came in with her daughter I promised her kid a pony for Christmas. Naughty of me, but needed to be done. I wouldn't have done that last year, when I really needed this work, this year I'm just enjoying myself with it. The Grotto is in a bit of a crisis with staff dropping off everywhere but we're getting the job done.
Then off for a comedy roast gig. I hate this format - basically comedians being vile to each other in the hope of getting cheap laughs. In a Weatherspoons in Ipswich.
Luckily, I was against Joe, who is a good friend and one of the nicest people around. We agreed early on that we're above this, so almost ruined the format by saying nice-ish things about each other. True, I made a few remarks about the fact a lot of my primary school kids are taller than him (with deeper voices and that his balls haven't dropped yet as he's a squeaky 31-year-old) and he called me a 'parsnip who has failed university' which is a cracking line, but all in all we were kind. Which, as the headline 'roast' probably disappointed the audience/judges but we kept our dignity, at least.
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
Sunday 2nd December 2018
Huzzah - it's Christmas! Got back from Hull at about 11am (nobody knew what happened to G last night, he made his own way home), and then A and I picked up our first Christmas tree together and I got all stressed with how big it is and how the pine needles ripped my hands to stress. But now it's all here, in the lounge, it looks brilliant.
Lunch with A's parents, and then I had a private drum lesson with one of my regulars which was fine.
Got back, started writing a masterpiece/watched I'm a Celeb.
Lunch with A's parents, and then I had a private drum lesson with one of my regulars which was fine.
Got back, started writing a masterpiece/watched I'm a Celeb.
Saturday 1st December 2018
Morning drum lesson with one of my regulars, was fine - I have a schedule for them, they regularly hit it, the two hours go quickly.
Long drive up to Hull with the band for tonight's sold-out show. Nice, big room, suspiciously slapdash soundcheck (turns out it was mostly drums in the mix) but made to feel very welcome. G totally lost the plot and attacked all of us in the dressing room beforehand, me in particular, and we're not sure why. He's emotional and soon to leave the band, but his outbursts were shocking and out of nowhere...nobody had no idea what happened there.
Did the gig, it was fine...tight, professional.
After the gig, G kicked off in the car park again. The boy needs help, it's just emotional rage with no facts to back it up, like he just wants to scream and shout for the sake of it. I wish I could help.
Got drunk with the locals and super fan, Ian, who has been following the band around a bit.
Long drive up to Hull with the band for tonight's sold-out show. Nice, big room, suspiciously slapdash soundcheck (turns out it was mostly drums in the mix) but made to feel very welcome. G totally lost the plot and attacked all of us in the dressing room beforehand, me in particular, and we're not sure why. He's emotional and soon to leave the band, but his outbursts were shocking and out of nowhere...nobody had no idea what happened there.
Did the gig, it was fine...tight, professional.
After the gig, G kicked off in the car park again. The boy needs help, it's just emotional rage with no facts to back it up, like he just wants to scream and shout for the sake of it. I wish I could help.
Got drunk with the locals and super fan, Ian, who has been following the band around a bit.
Friday 30th November 2018
Typical frantic Friday with the three schools - the one where the kids are nervous but friendly, the one where the kids are aggressive but surely mean well deep down and then the awesome school where the kids, if anything, question and challenge me a bit too much.
Exhausting stuff.
Fucking good money.
Private lesson with my favourite Spanish family...I keep telling A that when we settle down and do the whole 'having our own family thing' (which is totally a given by the way, even though we met in January, we're in this for life) we should aspire to be them and she agrees. So much joy in that house.
Evening had one of the strangest gigs ever...FH booked to play a private gig, an anniversary celebration. None of the other guests turned up, so we played the whole 2 hour gig to 2 people in a village hall and ate most of the buffet. One of G's final gigs and it was this one? An odd, bizarre evening that didn't feel half as bad as it should have done because the two who were there were actually really lovely.
On the way home in band people carrier, everyone was dozing off (apart from Gaf who was driving). Cat Stevens came on the radio, the song that was played at my dad's funeral. Sat in my corner of the car (back, left), I pretty much cried myself to sleep. Nobody noticed because they too were asleep, I'm glad this was the case.
Exhausting stuff.
Fucking good money.
Private lesson with my favourite Spanish family...I keep telling A that when we settle down and do the whole 'having our own family thing' (which is totally a given by the way, even though we met in January, we're in this for life) we should aspire to be them and she agrees. So much joy in that house.
Evening had one of the strangest gigs ever...FH booked to play a private gig, an anniversary celebration. None of the other guests turned up, so we played the whole 2 hour gig to 2 people in a village hall and ate most of the buffet. One of G's final gigs and it was this one? An odd, bizarre evening that didn't feel half as bad as it should have done because the two who were there were actually really lovely.
On the way home in band people carrier, everyone was dozing off (apart from Gaf who was driving). Cat Stevens came on the radio, the song that was played at my dad's funeral. Sat in my corner of the car (back, left), I pretty much cried myself to sleep. Nobody noticed because they too were asleep, I'm glad this was the case.
Thursday 29th November 2018
This weird thing on my eyelid just keeps on growing. I know a friend (who is an eye specialist) has dismissed it as being part of my bad diet, but I'm starting to worry a little...probably because I've googled it too much and there's so much stuff on there that I don't need to see.
Productive day, tying up Brighton Fringe stuff, and all other admin - feels like I'm already set for next year's fringe. Well, it's the usual, isn't it? I have one really good thing on the go, and about seven other projects which currently only exist as really cracking titles. The actors I'm writing shows for keep asking for the scripts, and asking when there will be ready...when I have more time. Any time I have left is spent booking tour dates for those shows, which aren't written yet. And so the typical cycle of panic nearer the time begins. I should learn by now.
Morning/afternoon spent sorting admin and making notes for the sitcom-podcast thing that Alan and I are doing next year.
After that four private lessons - all awesome today, brilliant stuff, brilliant students.
Productive day, tying up Brighton Fringe stuff, and all other admin - feels like I'm already set for next year's fringe. Well, it's the usual, isn't it? I have one really good thing on the go, and about seven other projects which currently only exist as really cracking titles. The actors I'm writing shows for keep asking for the scripts, and asking when there will be ready...when I have more time. Any time I have left is spent booking tour dates for those shows, which aren't written yet. And so the typical cycle of panic nearer the time begins. I should learn by now.
Morning/afternoon spent sorting admin and making notes for the sitcom-podcast thing that Alan and I are doing next year.
After that four private lessons - all awesome today, brilliant stuff, brilliant students.
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