A play I wrote is being performed in America. That's pretty cool, yeah?
Anyway, Mother's Day, so took the old girl shopping and she had a lovely day.
Back in time for a catnap and then off to teach a lovely double lesson. Home by 7pm and actually a night in with A. The first time in a long time we've had a chance to do this, it was much needed.
Next week looks calm-ish, so, you know, no excuses about line-learning and stuff.
Sunday, 31 March 2019
Saturday 30th March 2019
Regular Saturday morning double lesson which was great - they were buzzing about Thursday's gig.
Quick jass rehearsal with the lads (the first time in about a month I could make it) and then the first of two HG preview shows. The first one was around Claire's house - her son was my first ever student and Claire and myself have become very good friends. She invited a lot of people over, which freaked me out a bit, but they were all totally onside and got what I was trying to achieve straight away. It's a show that involves me running a lot on stage and is physically exhausting but it makes for good entertainment. I was given a fancy bottle of wine as a thank you and I think I've made a few more 'admirers' there.
Dashed home and then the next performance, this time at our house. Much tighter, as much as it can be considering I still have a script in my hand. Doing this show twice in a row nearly killed me. It's really starting to work, I just need to learn it and it's 34 pages of dialogue. The show opens properly on April 10th. Help.
Got a bit merry with our guests afterwards, especially J, the head of music at the college, and we found ourselves having an impromptu jam at 1am.
Quick jass rehearsal with the lads (the first time in about a month I could make it) and then the first of two HG preview shows. The first one was around Claire's house - her son was my first ever student and Claire and myself have become very good friends. She invited a lot of people over, which freaked me out a bit, but they were all totally onside and got what I was trying to achieve straight away. It's a show that involves me running a lot on stage and is physically exhausting but it makes for good entertainment. I was given a fancy bottle of wine as a thank you and I think I've made a few more 'admirers' there.
Dashed home and then the next performance, this time at our house. Much tighter, as much as it can be considering I still have a script in my hand. Doing this show twice in a row nearly killed me. It's really starting to work, I just need to learn it and it's 34 pages of dialogue. The show opens properly on April 10th. Help.
Got a bit merry with our guests afterwards, especially J, the head of music at the college, and we found ourselves having an impromptu jam at 1am.
Friday 29th March 2019
Buzzing from last night.
Two schools today, both great, I feel on good life form. Cashed in my wages in the gap and also had a chance to pop in and see Mum.
First lesson with yet another new private student - I'm at the point where I'm turning down many at the moment, but I know the girl's dad and she lives next to the school I'm at on Friday afternoons so we've managed to make it work. She was great - really got into it, got the drumming bug and now wants weekly lessons, which I can just about do.
Evening FH rehearsal, lots of nerves as the new line-up launches soon with a big sold-out show but it's mostly there. Three quarters, I'd say. Two rehearsals left before the gig, one of which I can actually make.
Two schools today, both great, I feel on good life form. Cashed in my wages in the gap and also had a chance to pop in and see Mum.
First lesson with yet another new private student - I'm at the point where I'm turning down many at the moment, but I know the girl's dad and she lives next to the school I'm at on Friday afternoons so we've managed to make it work. She was great - really got into it, got the drumming bug and now wants weekly lessons, which I can just about do.
Evening FH rehearsal, lots of nerves as the new line-up launches soon with a big sold-out show but it's mostly there. Three quarters, I'd say. Two rehearsals left before the gig, one of which I can actually make.
Thursday 28th March 2019
Didn't have to work till midday today, which was great because, you know, drinking with Jack is tough. In a fun way.
The school was fine today, new bass pedal is working well.
Got back, loaded up my 'bigger' kit and then over for the students gig. 19 of my (29) private students all playing live for the first time. Well, one pulled out through nerves, but still 18 debuts in one night. My FH bandmates were the backing band, having learnt a whole new set especially for the night (L and G even took days off work...I'm very grateful) and ably supported my young drummers as they nervously took to the stage.
I'm not just saying this, but they all totally, 100% stormed it. They all did exactly what I have been teaching them over the last few months, they stayed focused and they even all smiled a lot. I've created a lot of new drummers here and the pride is indescribable. It was a 90 minute gig, 23 songs, with rock, pop and jazz all covered. Made over £250 for charity in the process whilst fulfiling (in the words of one of my students) "life milestones" for the drummers. The venue had to bring in extra bar staff because it was so busy.
All in all, an absolutely glorious night. I feel like I'm doing some good things with my life at the moment.
The school was fine today, new bass pedal is working well.
Got back, loaded up my 'bigger' kit and then over for the students gig. 19 of my (29) private students all playing live for the first time. Well, one pulled out through nerves, but still 18 debuts in one night. My FH bandmates were the backing band, having learnt a whole new set especially for the night (L and G even took days off work...I'm very grateful) and ably supported my young drummers as they nervously took to the stage.
I'm not just saying this, but they all totally, 100% stormed it. They all did exactly what I have been teaching them over the last few months, they stayed focused and they even all smiled a lot. I've created a lot of new drummers here and the pride is indescribable. It was a 90 minute gig, 23 songs, with rock, pop and jazz all covered. Made over £250 for charity in the process whilst fulfiling (in the words of one of my students) "life milestones" for the drummers. The venue had to bring in extra bar staff because it was so busy.
All in all, an absolutely glorious night. I feel like I'm doing some good things with my life at the moment.
Wednesday 27th March 2019
Spent a lot of the morning getting slightly nervous about tomorrow night's gig where my students get to perform for the first time. So much can go wrong and there's so much admin.
The school was fine this morning; basically find a song that works/is popular/has a few clever bits but isn't out of their ability/has a tricky fill that sounds clever...and then teach all of them it. Pompeii is very much ticking that box at the moment.
Took mum shopping and then off to the college for a private lesson before a (quite tired and little sloppy) drum club, followed by a cracking lesson just down the road.
Got home, dumped off car, caught the train into town and then into town to catch up with my old mate Jack, who is back from the US for a few days. Great to see him, Bryan, Kate and everyone else...in true Jack style, we ended up drinking till 2am. Wonderful to catch up, a lot has happened since the last time we spoke.
The school was fine this morning; basically find a song that works/is popular/has a few clever bits but isn't out of their ability/has a tricky fill that sounds clever...and then teach all of them it. Pompeii is very much ticking that box at the moment.
Took mum shopping and then off to the college for a private lesson before a (quite tired and little sloppy) drum club, followed by a cracking lesson just down the road.
Got home, dumped off car, caught the train into town and then into town to catch up with my old mate Jack, who is back from the US for a few days. Great to see him, Bryan, Kate and everyone else...in true Jack style, we ended up drinking till 2am. Wonderful to catch up, a lot has happened since the last time we spoke.
Tuesday, 26 March 2019
Tuesday 26th March 2019
I'm spending so much money on props for this new show and it feels like a quieter week for lessons, too (one cancellation as the student has a French exchange kid over, 4 lost lessons due to the concert etc) so I should probably stop spending so much on it all.
The rehearsals for the play today felt so much better - I've bought a few pairs of tight cycling shorts which help keep my massive balls in the right place when running so much, that's actually helped the show a lot. Ran it twice and my fitness levels are generally improving. Cut one scene and am still running at a good time, a few bits of dialogue are off the pace but it's coming together. I really believe in this piece and am investigating other fringe festivals worldwide...
First lesson of the day was hard work because the kid was indecisive, but the parents really appreciated how much effort I put in there. The second one was cancelled (not the first time this student has done this...I have a waiting list, will replace them with one from there, I've had enough of them), the third one was great.
Back, more rehearsing. The rest of my week is pretty much all lessons and drinking, so needed today to get this show in shape.
The rehearsals for the play today felt so much better - I've bought a few pairs of tight cycling shorts which help keep my massive balls in the right place when running so much, that's actually helped the show a lot. Ran it twice and my fitness levels are generally improving. Cut one scene and am still running at a good time, a few bits of dialogue are off the pace but it's coming together. I really believe in this piece and am investigating other fringe festivals worldwide...
First lesson of the day was hard work because the kid was indecisive, but the parents really appreciated how much effort I put in there. The second one was cancelled (not the first time this student has done this...I have a waiting list, will replace them with one from there, I've had enough of them), the third one was great.
Back, more rehearsing. The rest of my week is pretty much all lessons and drinking, so needed today to get this show in shape.
Monday 25th March 2019
Spent the whole morning ignoring emails (so many of them) and rehearsing the HG show, which has it's first two house show previews this Saturday - the first one around Claire's, the second at our house with a 'selected' audience (which is pretty much just Rob, Alison, Alan and Alan).
I can't stress how proud I am of this show. I've long been confused about where I fit; I'm not really a stand-up (but have just about been getting away with it, and Ali keeps booking me up for nice gigs), I get bored by conventional theatre (the whole...well, vibe, of am-dram is just so village-ee and community spirit and all the things I generally get frustrated by) (I appreciate I live in a village, go to daffodil fairs and have recently found a new 'local', but let it go, okay?), I just want to write something that both entertains but has a point to it. This one does - it really does, there's enough stand-up bits in there to keep those who watch my shows happy, but it's really giving out a strong message, as well.
But to rehearse it has been an absolute bastard. Not only does it involve running, in a suit, for a majority of the 56 minutes, but it involves tight, fast conversations with pre-recorded dialogue which is always a risk (but played so brilliantly by Alan H and Kate, and mixed so well by Alan H who has really got into this one). It's also prop heavy and the ending is so dark. There's actual tears, I am actually crying at the end.
There were moments during the first run-through today when I thought, "shit yeah, this is it - this can work." And then during the second run-through I just had to sit down, it's physically RIDICULOUS.
It's a long way off, but I'm going to push this one.
All of that stuff doesn't make any money, though, of course, so I then went out and taught 4 private lessons in a row - the first three felt slow and were merely rehearsals for Thursday's gig, the final one, with a pair of siblings who don't want to play the showcase, was actually really great. They're both struggling for confidence so have declined the gig offer (which is fair enough, as I have 20 performers already which is 10 more than I wanted) and I always feel like I'm on the verge of losing their interest but this is really starting to work now. And Georgina, the mum, is great and something she said triggered an awesome sitcom idea which I then went home and started making notes for...
Still need to finish the script for Emma.
I can't stress how proud I am of this show. I've long been confused about where I fit; I'm not really a stand-up (but have just about been getting away with it, and Ali keeps booking me up for nice gigs), I get bored by conventional theatre (the whole...well, vibe, of am-dram is just so village-ee and community spirit and all the things I generally get frustrated by) (I appreciate I live in a village, go to daffodil fairs and have recently found a new 'local', but let it go, okay?), I just want to write something that both entertains but has a point to it. This one does - it really does, there's enough stand-up bits in there to keep those who watch my shows happy, but it's really giving out a strong message, as well.
But to rehearse it has been an absolute bastard. Not only does it involve running, in a suit, for a majority of the 56 minutes, but it involves tight, fast conversations with pre-recorded dialogue which is always a risk (but played so brilliantly by Alan H and Kate, and mixed so well by Alan H who has really got into this one). It's also prop heavy and the ending is so dark. There's actual tears, I am actually crying at the end.
There were moments during the first run-through today when I thought, "shit yeah, this is it - this can work." And then during the second run-through I just had to sit down, it's physically RIDICULOUS.
It's a long way off, but I'm going to push this one.
All of that stuff doesn't make any money, though, of course, so I then went out and taught 4 private lessons in a row - the first three felt slow and were merely rehearsals for Thursday's gig, the final one, with a pair of siblings who don't want to play the showcase, was actually really great. They're both struggling for confidence so have declined the gig offer (which is fair enough, as I have 20 performers already which is 10 more than I wanted) and I always feel like I'm on the verge of losing their interest but this is really starting to work now. And Georgina, the mum, is great and something she said triggered an awesome sitcom idea which I then went home and started making notes for...
Still need to finish the script for Emma.
Sunday, 24 March 2019
Sunday 24th March 2019
Wanted a lie-in, but instead lay in bed trying to rejig my teaching schedule as I have even more students wanting lessons. I've said no to a few recently, but I know the parents of this kid and the dad is a mate so I want this to work out. I think I've found a solution, not sure.
Went to a flower festival thing with A and her parents, which was a good bonding thing to do I think - her parents seem onside. The food was nice and we saw lots of dogs jump over bails of hay, which was cool.
Then off to a private lesson, the same student as yesterday afternoon but she requested double this week to get her into 'gig mode.' She's totally there, her parents are proud.
After that we filmed more of the Comedians Drumming show. Final one tonight, to an audience of 2 people. The guests are great, but this is another reminder as to why I shouldn't bother trying to do anything in Cambridge. Really happy that my HG play is running in Swindon, Barnstaple, Reading, Brighton, Manchester, Buxton, Edinburgh and Finland, but coming nowhere near Cambs as it just gets depressing when nobody turns up.
Went to a flower festival thing with A and her parents, which was a good bonding thing to do I think - her parents seem onside. The food was nice and we saw lots of dogs jump over bails of hay, which was cool.
Then off to a private lesson, the same student as yesterday afternoon but she requested double this week to get her into 'gig mode.' She's totally there, her parents are proud.
After that we filmed more of the Comedians Drumming show. Final one tonight, to an audience of 2 people. The guests are great, but this is another reminder as to why I shouldn't bother trying to do anything in Cambridge. Really happy that my HG play is running in Swindon, Barnstaple, Reading, Brighton, Manchester, Buxton, Edinburgh and Finland, but coming nowhere near Cambs as it just gets depressing when nobody turns up.
Saturday 23rd March 2019
Regular Saturday morning lesson in which the student was freaking out about the gig next Saturday and I had to do a lot of pep-talking.
Over to Alan M's place to work on the Harvey G audio, which, 3 hours of editing later, was sounding amazing.
Then to a private lesson for another nervous student who is also worried about the gig, but she was easily won over and was totally starting to get excited about it all by the end.
Evening actually spent a second night in a row with A, which is unheard of given our busy lives. We've found a pub in the village, which we are now calling our 'local'. I quite like all of this, really.
Over to Alan M's place to work on the Harvey G audio, which, 3 hours of editing later, was sounding amazing.
Then to a private lesson for another nervous student who is also worried about the gig, but she was easily won over and was totally starting to get excited about it all by the end.
Evening actually spent a second night in a row with A, which is unheard of given our busy lives. We've found a pub in the village, which we are now calling our 'local'. I quite like all of this, really.
Friday 22nd March 2019
Up early and off to the nice primary school, where the lessons went quickly and everyone seems happy with what I'm doing.
Cashed in my wages, replied to about 15 emails about shows and then off to the next school.
Quick private lesson which was honestly one of my most favourite things ever. The student is 9, and he had a girl over who he wanted to impress. He played drums for her (the two songs he's doing at the gig next week) and she was smiling a lot...it's just all so lovely. The mum was very proud. We're making dreams happen, here.
Met up with A and over to watch an Agatha Christie play, which wasn't normally my sort of thing but the production was awesome and I was totally gripped for two hours.
Got back to a lovely email confirming that I have been accepted into a fringe festival in Finland! 186 applications from overseas and I'm one of the few international acts they've booked...life is exciting, sometimes, isn't it?
Cashed in my wages, replied to about 15 emails about shows and then off to the next school.
Quick private lesson which was honestly one of my most favourite things ever. The student is 9, and he had a girl over who he wanted to impress. He played drums for her (the two songs he's doing at the gig next week) and she was smiling a lot...it's just all so lovely. The mum was very proud. We're making dreams happen, here.
Met up with A and over to watch an Agatha Christie play, which wasn't normally my sort of thing but the production was awesome and I was totally gripped for two hours.
Got back to a lovely email confirming that I have been accepted into a fringe festival in Finland! 186 applications from overseas and I'm one of the few international acts they've booked...life is exciting, sometimes, isn't it?
Thursday 21st March 2019
Up early for a phone meeting with Andrea about all things fringe, and then off to the 'other' primary school for 3 hours. The usual, there.
3 great private lessons in which everyone was getting a bit excited about our showcase gig next week and then long FH rehearsal which felt...well, I don't know. I've seen the live video from a festival we did last year (with G) and it feels like we're missing a bit of energy at the moment. Or maybe we're just getting softer, but there's nothing wrong with that?
Either way, bloody long day. Got back at midnight, wrote for another 2 hours.
3 great private lessons in which everyone was getting a bit excited about our showcase gig next week and then long FH rehearsal which felt...well, I don't know. I've seen the live video from a festival we did last year (with G) and it feels like we're missing a bit of energy at the moment. Or maybe we're just getting softer, but there's nothing wrong with that?
Either way, bloody long day. Got back at midnight, wrote for another 2 hours.
Wednesday 20th March 2019
Up early, over to the school, which was fine, and then took Mum shopping, which was stressful, and then over the college for a private lesson and then drum workshop which felt tired but fine, and then two top-notch private lessons.
I've got so much to do, so many things I want to write but I never have enough time these days.
The answer? Make more time. Was up till late, writing the show for Emma, that is really working out. She'd better bloody like it.
I've got so much to do, so many things I want to write but I never have enough time these days.
The answer? Make more time. Was up till late, writing the show for Emma, that is really working out. She'd better bloody like it.
Tuesday 19th March 2019
Started trying to recruit talent for my new musical, even though I've only written one 'song' for it - a piece called 'The Gap Between Christmas and New Year' which works really well. We'll see, maybe Edinburgh this year is pushing a bit, or maybe I really enjoy this sort of pressure.
The script for Emma is coming along nicely, it's gone mega dark and I need to inject more humour into it, but she's a dramatic actress anyway so I can't see this being out of her range.
Three excellent private lessons in a row, all in different places, driving so much, especially in a car that bumps and rattles constantly.
Evening, I was a guest on a panel show in town, which was enormously good fun - I felt suited to the environment and all of the comics gave each other enough space to do our 'thing'.
The script for Emma is coming along nicely, it's gone mega dark and I need to inject more humour into it, but she's a dramatic actress anyway so I can't see this being out of her range.
Three excellent private lessons in a row, all in different places, driving so much, especially in a car that bumps and rattles constantly.
Evening, I was a guest on a panel show in town, which was enormously good fun - I felt suited to the environment and all of the comics gave each other enough space to do our 'thing'.
Monday, 18 March 2019
Monday 18th March 2019
Up early, spent the morning replying to teaching emails (I have so much work coming in it's almost draining) and drafting ideas for the show I'm writing for Emma. It's a one-woman play, which it totally new territory for me.
Cooked (yep, you heard) myself a nice lunch and then exercised (yep, you heard) for an hour as my HG show needs me to be in good shape.
3 private lessons, should have been 4 but one of the kids had chickenpox, all the lessons were fine - the last one in particular was really good fun, the other 2 felt tired but that's Monday students for you.
Have decided I really want to take a musical to the fringe, and have realised I've got just about enough time to make this happen.
Cooked (yep, you heard) myself a nice lunch and then exercised (yep, you heard) for an hour as my HG show needs me to be in good shape.
3 private lessons, should have been 4 but one of the kids had chickenpox, all the lessons were fine - the last one in particular was really good fun, the other 2 felt tired but that's Monday students for you.
Have decided I really want to take a musical to the fringe, and have realised I've got just about enough time to make this happen.
Sunday, 17 March 2019
Sunday 17th March 2019
Slept in for a bit and had a lovely breakfast in the conservatory with A. We have a nice life, you know, even if she did drunkenly call me "husband" on Friday night and hasn't stop apologising for it since.
Popped out briefly for a double drum lesson, which was great fun, back to a bit of writing/emails and then off for the comedians drumming filming show.
Four great comedians, all from London/out of town, but just one audience member. Why do we fucking bother?
It was fine, it was great to catch up with Tom (the audience member) and Phill (who was filming it), honestly lovely social, but I fear that, because of the lack of atmosphere, my own performance was really flat.
Popped out briefly for a double drum lesson, which was great fun, back to a bit of writing/emails and then off for the comedians drumming filming show.
Four great comedians, all from London/out of town, but just one audience member. Why do we fucking bother?
It was fine, it was great to catch up with Tom (the audience member) and Phill (who was filming it), honestly lovely social, but I fear that, because of the lack of atmosphere, my own performance was really flat.
Saturday 16th March 2019
Because of the school concert and the Amazon gig, I lost two lessons but managed to make them up this morning (helped by the fact that my regular Saturday morning student is off sick). In between those lessons I got angry with traffic and a cyclist went into the back of me on a roundabout, but he was fine and it was just scuff marks on my bumper so no harm done. He was very apologetic.
At a petrol station the lady on the till seemed a bit...well, distant. She snapped out of it and said, "sorry if I seem lost, I've just been watching the news. All of it. It's horrible, isn't it?"
We ended up having a bit of a chat and I reckon we'll be friends, I like people like that.
Long drive up to Derbyshire to host a drum workshop for a 60th birthday party. I didn't want to do this one; I was there for the money and because it was a friend of a friend. But it was bloody amazing - I was made to feel so welcome, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with them and had a great catch up with Inge. The workshop, which often at times felt like a show, lasted a couple hours and everyone really got into it. In the end we had 20-odd pensioners bashing away as Inge sang/shouted Firestarter at them and it was glorious chaos. I'd like to think I'm getting quite good at creating chaos.
Left feeling like a hero, everyone was so...grateful. Drive home dragged and I struggled a bit, and then they closed the A14. Still, home by 1am.
At a petrol station the lady on the till seemed a bit...well, distant. She snapped out of it and said, "sorry if I seem lost, I've just been watching the news. All of it. It's horrible, isn't it?"
We ended up having a bit of a chat and I reckon we'll be friends, I like people like that.
Long drive up to Derbyshire to host a drum workshop for a 60th birthday party. I didn't want to do this one; I was there for the money and because it was a friend of a friend. But it was bloody amazing - I was made to feel so welcome, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner with them and had a great catch up with Inge. The workshop, which often at times felt like a show, lasted a couple hours and everyone really got into it. In the end we had 20-odd pensioners bashing away as Inge sang/shouted Firestarter at them and it was glorious chaos. I'd like to think I'm getting quite good at creating chaos.
Left feeling like a hero, everyone was so...grateful. Drive home dragged and I struggled a bit, and then they closed the A14. Still, home by 1am.
Friday 15th March 2019
Early start at the small school, my regular Friday place where I've never had any issues. Until today. Nobody told me there was a school trip on, so 5 of my 7 students were unavailable.
That left me with 3 hours to spare in the town, so cashed in some wages, had some lunch, replied to a bunch of emails and started working on a novel whilst sat in a supermarket carpark.
Regular Friday school was great, an easy two hours.
Then dashed back into Cambridge for a private lesson but there was absolutely no parking outside or near the house whatsoever so the lesson had to be pulled. Got home and sent quite a passive aggressive email to the parents about the logistics of it all. I lost two hours of all of this.
Corporate gig with Amazon next - I don't normally do corporate stuff, and, as I'm far from conventional, this wasn't a gig I was particularly looking forward to (but great for the CV). It was actually really fine - they were quite a nervous audience and I went in quite loud on them, but it all settled and it was a tight 15 minutes with big laughs in the right places. Massive audience, not used to this, but lots of people said nice things afterwards.
From there over to record the audio bits for the HG show. It's so complex, but luckily I have Alan H and Kate at my disposal, alongside Alan M. They all TOTALLY get my work, much laughter in the room, everyone happy. This show needs a lot of learning from me, but it'll come together just about in time.
That left me with 3 hours to spare in the town, so cashed in some wages, had some lunch, replied to a bunch of emails and started working on a novel whilst sat in a supermarket carpark.
Regular Friday school was great, an easy two hours.
Then dashed back into Cambridge for a private lesson but there was absolutely no parking outside or near the house whatsoever so the lesson had to be pulled. Got home and sent quite a passive aggressive email to the parents about the logistics of it all. I lost two hours of all of this.
Corporate gig with Amazon next - I don't normally do corporate stuff, and, as I'm far from conventional, this wasn't a gig I was particularly looking forward to (but great for the CV). It was actually really fine - they were quite a nervous audience and I went in quite loud on them, but it all settled and it was a tight 15 minutes with big laughs in the right places. Massive audience, not used to this, but lots of people said nice things afterwards.
From there over to record the audio bits for the HG show. It's so complex, but luckily I have Alan H and Kate at my disposal, alongside Alan M. They all TOTALLY get my work, much laughter in the room, everyone happy. This show needs a lot of learning from me, but it'll come together just about in time.
Thursday 14th March 2019
Thing is, I've got shows to write for Alan and Emma, as well as keeping an eye on my own stuff as it all opens a bit soon. Yet, I still find myself writing a sitcom till the early hours instead.
At the school which I'm never fond of for a few hours of lessons, made easier by a mum of one of the students coming in, hugging me, and telling me "thank god we found you." It turns out the kid has lots of issues but drumming has saved him a bit. I hear that a lot these days. It's good for my ego, but it's very much drums, not me, that's saving him.
Three excellent private lessons tonight, everyone seems to be on form this week.
Home, finished episode one of the sitcom.
At the school which I'm never fond of for a few hours of lessons, made easier by a mum of one of the students coming in, hugging me, and telling me "thank god we found you." It turns out the kid has lots of issues but drumming has saved him a bit. I hear that a lot these days. It's good for my ego, but it's very much drums, not me, that's saving him.
Three excellent private lessons tonight, everyone seems to be on form this week.
Home, finished episode one of the sitcom.
Wednesday 13th March 2019
I think there's possibly a decent amount of theatrical content in the whole 'weird, slightly overbearing messages I've received from my recently single longterm ex-girlfriend'. Lots of material in that.
It would be fiction.
Of course.
Hhmm.
Anyway, the school was great this morning, really good lessons, and then took Mum shopping and she seemed happier than normal, but that's probably because it was sunny and that's all it takes.
Private lesson at the college followed by a fun drum workshop, and then back to the school for the concert where two of my students were playing. So exhausting, so stressful...and that's just me, pacing around. The kids were fine, more than fine, I've moulded them into confident little drummers who are as cocky as shit. just like I was that age.
Got home, had the best idea for a sitcom ever and wrote till the early hours...
It would be fiction.
Of course.
Hhmm.
Anyway, the school was great this morning, really good lessons, and then took Mum shopping and she seemed happier than normal, but that's probably because it was sunny and that's all it takes.
Private lesson at the college followed by a fun drum workshop, and then back to the school for the concert where two of my students were playing. So exhausting, so stressful...and that's just me, pacing around. The kids were fine, more than fine, I've moulded them into confident little drummers who are as cocky as shit. just like I was that age.
Got home, had the best idea for a sitcom ever and wrote till the early hours...
Tuesday 12th March 2019
I think my Edinburgh plans are pretty much sorted - I mean, I've only got two of my four productions (all full runs) confirmed, but the other two will get over the line at some point, I know how it works.
For the HG play, there's management, and together we worked on my blurb and made it into the big programme for the early bird deadline. They've been absolutely brilliant to work with so far, and so incredibly patient with me when I keep changing my mind about things.
Just need to write something for Alan. If I get a move on, we can still get something in time and he wants me to write a show for him and he's the best actor in Cambridge. Emma H also wants a show from me and she's amazing. I need more hours.
I feel in-demand at the moment; Greg is booking me for shows, Andrea has booked me up for more stuff with the choir (it's been a while but I've been told they've missed me, which is lovely), FH seems to be kicking back into gear and there's a lot of theatre/comedy stuff in the diary.
In the meantime, all three private lessons were great - all of my students seem onside at the moment. I seem to be in a nice position where I can confidently survive on three private lessons a day.
Evening, our regular comedy night in the village. Tiny audience, it all felt a bit hen party and I didn't do badly, but felt like I was the weakest of all four acts. We all get bad gigs, I appreciate that, but I came away quite downbeat about it all - the other three were younger than me, and just more excited to be doing this. I think I prefer 'theatre comedy' as my future, probably done with stand-up now.
For the HG play, there's management, and together we worked on my blurb and made it into the big programme for the early bird deadline. They've been absolutely brilliant to work with so far, and so incredibly patient with me when I keep changing my mind about things.
Just need to write something for Alan. If I get a move on, we can still get something in time and he wants me to write a show for him and he's the best actor in Cambridge. Emma H also wants a show from me and she's amazing. I need more hours.
I feel in-demand at the moment; Greg is booking me for shows, Andrea has booked me up for more stuff with the choir (it's been a while but I've been told they've missed me, which is lovely), FH seems to be kicking back into gear and there's a lot of theatre/comedy stuff in the diary.
In the meantime, all three private lessons were great - all of my students seem onside at the moment. I seem to be in a nice position where I can confidently survive on three private lessons a day.
Evening, our regular comedy night in the village. Tiny audience, it all felt a bit hen party and I didn't do badly, but felt like I was the weakest of all four acts. We all get bad gigs, I appreciate that, but I came away quite downbeat about it all - the other three were younger than me, and just more excited to be doing this. I think I prefer 'theatre comedy' as my future, probably done with stand-up now.
Monday 11th March 2019
Excited after last night's meeting...I work with lovely people, you know. A lot.
Still tired after the weekend's fun, A is off sick and I got annoyed by all her coughing, which makes me a bad boyfriend but I went out for a bit. It did me good anyway, I spend too much in my car which has a weird gas smell.
All four private lessons were crackers today, following this I had a brilliant (if very late) rehearsal with FH. Sara is fitting in well, sounding big as a band.
Back late, spent an hour working out this week's reschedules...
Still tired after the weekend's fun, A is off sick and I got annoyed by all her coughing, which makes me a bad boyfriend but I went out for a bit. It did me good anyway, I spend too much in my car which has a weird gas smell.
All four private lessons were crackers today, following this I had a brilliant (if very late) rehearsal with FH. Sara is fitting in well, sounding big as a band.
Back late, spent an hour working out this week's reschedules...
Monday, 11 March 2019
Sunday 10th March 2019
Such fun last night, which is a huge relief considering the faith the venue had put in us. But the proof is there - this show is consistently starting to work in big venues. Everyone is buzzing a bit.
Caught an early flight home and A picked me up from Stansted. A couple hours kip and then back out again to teach a double lesson, before meeting up with Alan H and Alan M to discuss future plans. Mostly my HG show, which we had a read through...the general feeling is that the script is really strong, but wow - how ambitious is this one? In short, I'm gonna have to work really hard to pull this off, it's complicated and needs so much focus. But if I do, it could be amazing. I'm up for the challenge. It opens a month today.
We're recording the audio backing track (all 54 minutes of it) next weekend. It's cutting it fine, but the mutual feeling is that this could be a great, great show. Or a total disaster.
Then discussed another show idea with Alan H which has got us both excited.
There's almost too much excitement at the moment...
Caught an early flight home and A picked me up from Stansted. A couple hours kip and then back out again to teach a double lesson, before meeting up with Alan H and Alan M to discuss future plans. Mostly my HG show, which we had a read through...the general feeling is that the script is really strong, but wow - how ambitious is this one? In short, I'm gonna have to work really hard to pull this off, it's complicated and needs so much focus. But if I do, it could be amazing. I'm up for the challenge. It opens a month today.
We're recording the audio backing track (all 54 minutes of it) next weekend. It's cutting it fine, but the mutual feeling is that this could be a great, great show. Or a total disaster.
Then discussed another show idea with Alan H which has got us both excited.
There's almost too much excitement at the moment...
Saturday 9th March 2019
Not gonna lie, bit hungover.
Still, made it out of the hotel in good time and then James and I got confused by the busses from Dublin to Belfast. The first one never turned up (turns out it was full so the driver didn't even pass our stop) so we waited an hour in the pissing rain.
Eventually caught the 2.30pm bus to Belfast, which took just under two and half hours.
Short walk to my hotel; the hotel the venue have put me in is pretty swanky - it had my own stairs down to my bed and everything. It's all lovely, but equally puts extra pressure on the show as they're throwing so much money at me.
Met up with James, Mel and Dan at the venue, alongside the lovely staff there who were keen to make this as big a show as possible with great sound and a smoke machine and fancy lights.
Good advanced ticket sales, an audience who were very drunk. I loved this show - I ran on, asked who's up for a "sing-song" and literally everyone roared in favour of this. They were just onside from the very start, in particular the front row. We were totally on fire tonight; they were so responsive to James' vocal solo stuff, Dan got a standing ovation for his rendition of Firestarter, we formed a girl band, we had a poetry version of Leona Lewis stuff, we had more cowbell solos than is possibly acceptable, I had two pretty Irish girls onstage who ended up staying there for most of the second half...it was just a party, a huge party. It took us over half an hour to leave at the end because everyone wanted to chat to us. My ego has never been bigger.
Thing is, it just man, with a small drum, a book of handwritten lyrics and three mates on stage singing. It shouldn't work as a show, it needs the audience to be up for it and we can collectively create and embrace chaos...but I think we're getting pretty good at chaos; it seems to be ramping up every gig. After the Newcastle show last month, which felt weird as the room and audience were so dry, I had my doubts and nearly cancelled this tour. Now, after this one (and our other really big show in Manchester which was another stormer) I think it can run forever...Mel and I were in the bar afterwards putting together a European tour...
Friday 8th March 2019
I'm 37 yet this is the first time I've ever actually flown by myself - up until about 2 years ago I'd barely left the country but I've got the travelling bug now.
I mean, this is only to Ireland, but still, it's all life progress. I'm just used to driving everywhere, see?
Anyway, train from the village to Cambridge, train from Cambridge to Stansted and then a flight to Dublin. Apart from my cowbell causing issues at security, and the fact that my bag was so small I couldn't fit any clothes in there (as I'd filled it with percussion) I had to wear all of my clothes at the same time (four layers), it was fine. Cramped, but fine.
Got to Dublin, caught an hour bus into town and then a 20-minute walk to the Travelodge.
Small show tonight, and, due to the confusion of show dates, my choir was only one person - James. Tomorrow we have James, Dan and Mel, sadly Rachel had a family bereavement so pulled out yesterday.
Grabbed a beer with James to discuss how it's all gonna work, before catching up with Chris - the promoter, who is a longterm friend of mine from the fringe. Lovely room, a small cave below a pub. It's very Edinburgh. We only had 5 in tonight, but they were a lovely 5 who joined in with everything and the whole show felt very relaxed.
Drank more beer with James and Chris. Probably more beer than was needed, but we're in Dublin on a Friday night, it felt right. Lovely evening.
I mean, this is only to Ireland, but still, it's all life progress. I'm just used to driving everywhere, see?
Anyway, train from the village to Cambridge, train from Cambridge to Stansted and then a flight to Dublin. Apart from my cowbell causing issues at security, and the fact that my bag was so small I couldn't fit any clothes in there (as I'd filled it with percussion) I had to wear all of my clothes at the same time (four layers), it was fine. Cramped, but fine.
Got to Dublin, caught an hour bus into town and then a 20-minute walk to the Travelodge.
Small show tonight, and, due to the confusion of show dates, my choir was only one person - James. Tomorrow we have James, Dan and Mel, sadly Rachel had a family bereavement so pulled out yesterday.
Grabbed a beer with James to discuss how it's all gonna work, before catching up with Chris - the promoter, who is a longterm friend of mine from the fringe. Lovely room, a small cave below a pub. It's very Edinburgh. We only had 5 in tonight, but they were a lovely 5 who joined in with everything and the whole show felt very relaxed.
Drank more beer with James and Chris. Probably more beer than was needed, but we're in Dublin on a Friday night, it felt right. Lovely evening.
Thursday 7th March 2019
As I didn't sleep last night, I stayed up and pulled an all-nighter, writing lots of stuff. The HG script is my finest work, as it should be as I'm on draft 7 now and I never normally get that far.
Back to the school I'm less keen on for the final time this week and then 4 private lessons, all of which were fine. I was double booked for the last one so was over an hour late but they're very lovely and appreciate what I do so it was all cool.
Got back, spent actual time with A, packed my bags and panicked about the shows this weekend.
Back to the school I'm less keen on for the final time this week and then 4 private lessons, all of which were fine. I was double booked for the last one so was over an hour late but they're very lovely and appreciate what I do so it was all cool.
Got back, spent actual time with A, packed my bags and panicked about the shows this weekend.
Wednesday 6th March 2019
Back to my 'nice' school, as I always am for Wednesdays. I like it there, it's just so well run and the kids do what they're told - more of this sort of thing, please.
Took Mum shopping and finally booked my flights for this weekend...I've left it late and got a shitty deal, but at least the Belfast side of things is being covered by the venue.
Private lesson at the college followed by drum club and then 2 private lessons.
Got back, exhausted and got attacked by a bee in the bathroom. It's March. Why is there a bee in our bathroom in March? Ran around the hallway naked as it hovered before A came up and tried to solve the problem. I was doing so well at being a 'proper man' up to this point, as well. I mean, I've been having cooking lessons recently and I hang about the shed quite often and I take the bins out but then...well, it's always nature, isn't it?
Didn't sleep, aware that the bee was still in the house.
Took Mum shopping and finally booked my flights for this weekend...I've left it late and got a shitty deal, but at least the Belfast side of things is being covered by the venue.
Private lesson at the college followed by drum club and then 2 private lessons.
Got back, exhausted and got attacked by a bee in the bathroom. It's March. Why is there a bee in our bathroom in March? Ran around the hallway naked as it hovered before A came up and tried to solve the problem. I was doing so well at being a 'proper man' up to this point, as well. I mean, I've been having cooking lessons recently and I hang about the shed quite often and I take the bins out but then...well, it's always nature, isn't it?
Didn't sleep, aware that the bee was still in the house.
Tuesday 5th March 2019
Back at the same school as yesterday for a bit to finish off the extra lessons (back on schedule now), then off to my regular Friday school to run my lessons a few days early as I'm in Dublin this Friday with the show.
Three cracking private lessons later in three different places. My day has been: Shelford > St Ives > Huntingdon > Bottisham > Cambourne > Cottenham > Shelford.
All for teaching, and all without a car stereo as mine no longer works since the electronics were re-set. It's easy to go slightly mad, isn't it?
Just think of the money, it all goes towards the fringe, a new car, engagement stuff, the tour, the film.
The new FH stuff has come out lovely.
Greg is booking me up for lots of shows.
Finally booked accommodation for Dublin. Need to sort flights.
Three cracking private lessons later in three different places. My day has been: Shelford > St Ives > Huntingdon > Bottisham > Cambourne > Cottenham > Shelford.
All for teaching, and all without a car stereo as mine no longer works since the electronics were re-set. It's easy to go slightly mad, isn't it?
Just think of the money, it all goes towards the fringe, a new car, engagement stuff, the tour, the film.
The new FH stuff has come out lovely.
Greg is booking me up for lots of shows.
Finally booked accommodation for Dublin. Need to sort flights.
Monday 4th March 2019
This is a very teaching-heavy week, due to the car issues last week that cost me quite a lot of time. Spent the morning at the school I'm not so keen on, but it was fine - I'm there for three days this week so I'd better get used to those students.
Home for an hour to reply to a bunch of tour/fringe emails and then off out to four private lessons in a row - the first three were awesome, the last one just dragged and I could see the students struggling a bit to get into it. They're teenagers, they'd rather be staring at a screen instead, but the parents want them to be drumming...we'll see.
Still haven't booked my flights or hotels for this week. Never enough time - I'm getting back late, I'm obsessed with rewriting this HG script, my admin is seriously lacking.
Home for an hour to reply to a bunch of tour/fringe emails and then off out to four private lessons in a row - the first three were awesome, the last one just dragged and I could see the students struggling a bit to get into it. They're teenagers, they'd rather be staring at a screen instead, but the parents want them to be drumming...we'll see.
Still haven't booked my flights or hotels for this week. Never enough time - I'm getting back late, I'm obsessed with rewriting this HG script, my admin is seriously lacking.
Sunday, 3 March 2019
Sunday 3rd March 2019
So tired because I was writing so late.
Got up early-ish, picked up V and off to a FH photoshoot in Cambridge. A long session, but much laughter was had in the process and you can just feel that socially we're all getting along really well. I had my doubts, but we're getting a bit of momentum now. Our future feels exciting again.
Three private lessons in a row - on a Sunday, which is ridiculous, but two of those were to make up for the time I lost on Wednesday when my car broke down. The middle lesson today was amazing, one of my favourites ever...a mother/son duo (half an hour each), my second lesson with them and they're at that perfect stage where the basics are just starting to click and it's all very new with endless possibility. That was an hour, but I would have happily have taught them for double of that.
Confirmed two extra festivals for HG, also a corporate stand-up gig for Amazon. Some nice, big offers coming in.
Just realised I haven't booked my flights to Ireland for next week's shows, or my accommodation for the Dublin leg. It can wait until tomorrow; I need sleep first. Once I've finished writing this new scene...
Got up early-ish, picked up V and off to a FH photoshoot in Cambridge. A long session, but much laughter was had in the process and you can just feel that socially we're all getting along really well. I had my doubts, but we're getting a bit of momentum now. Our future feels exciting again.
Three private lessons in a row - on a Sunday, which is ridiculous, but two of those were to make up for the time I lost on Wednesday when my car broke down. The middle lesson today was amazing, one of my favourites ever...a mother/son duo (half an hour each), my second lesson with them and they're at that perfect stage where the basics are just starting to click and it's all very new with endless possibility. That was an hour, but I would have happily have taught them for double of that.
Confirmed two extra festivals for HG, also a corporate stand-up gig for Amazon. Some nice, big offers coming in.
Just realised I haven't booked my flights to Ireland for next week's shows, or my accommodation for the Dublin leg. It can wait until tomorrow; I need sleep first. Once I've finished writing this new scene...
Saturday 2nd March 2019
How is it March already? Although I'm sure I said the same about February...this year is quickly spiralling out of control, so much to do, never enough time...
Lovely double lesson with one of my regulars, and then recording/filming session with FH. Nice little studio and a producer who was totally brilliant in the way in which he understood what we were about. Recording and filmed three songs for a live session - Carless (new version), a new track and a track by Sara. All in all, a brilliant 3 and a bit hours...we are sounding awesome at the moment. The FH love is very much back.
Dashed back, changed shirt and then off to the theatre with A to watch The Play About a Bank Robbery which totally blew my mind...so good. So, so good.
Walked back through the beautiful streets of Cambridge and realised just how lucky we are.
Lovely message from Alan H about how we should be doing stuff like this together - him as an actor, me as the writer, and he's totally right. That was plan, roughly about this time last year, but then life got complicated. But the plan can work.
I started writing new stuff...
Lovely double lesson with one of my regulars, and then recording/filming session with FH. Nice little studio and a producer who was totally brilliant in the way in which he understood what we were about. Recording and filmed three songs for a live session - Carless (new version), a new track and a track by Sara. All in all, a brilliant 3 and a bit hours...we are sounding awesome at the moment. The FH love is very much back.
Dashed back, changed shirt and then off to the theatre with A to watch The Play About a Bank Robbery which totally blew my mind...so good. So, so good.
Walked back through the beautiful streets of Cambridge and realised just how lucky we are.
Lovely message from Alan H about how we should be doing stuff like this together - him as an actor, me as the writer, and he's totally right. That was plan, roughly about this time last year, but then life got complicated. But the plan can work.
I started writing new stuff...
Friday 1st March 2019
I always enjoy my Friday mornings/early afternoons as both schools are lovely - all of the kids are so polite and totally get that all of this hard work is getting them somewhere. By 'hard work', I mean, learning Madness songs, but it's all good fun.
Taught a lovely double private lesson afterwards and then another one after that. Dinner with A's parents in which her dad was determined to sort out my car situation (both of her parents seem to have really taken to me, which is wonderful) and then wrote new material until the early hours...
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