Really excited about my HG show...the feeling that something is working, coming together, is a lovely feeling indeed.
Spent the morning trying to book in more performances for it, whilst being frustrated with how busy I am with other stuff. I want to perform this show 100 times, I feel it deserves to be seen. Settled on booking a bunch of house/private shows instead, as that way I can at least keep on teaching without having to travel too far, yet the show keeps in good shape.
Slow drove to Guildford for the latest HOP show. Odd one, that - venue had worked really hard, billboards, everything, which was appreciated. Small but happy audience (20 or so), my little team of Rach, Mel, James and Dan were on excitable form, I was a bit sloppy. They all loved it and everyone left feeling happy, but the novelty of this show has warn off for me a bit and that clearly showed about 45 minutes in when I drifted a bit.
I need to get the novelty back though in my own performance because we've got 23 days of it in Edinburgh coming up, plus another West End date added. Without me even asking for it, which is a positive sign.
The drive home was horrible because they closed one junction on the M25 and I got into a panic and accidently found myself in Heathrow Airport car park. I was there for about 2 minutes, looking for the exit, and it cost me £4.20 to get out. Madness.
3 hours to get back. It should have been less than 2, but again when you're travelling overnight that's peak time for them to close all roads you'd ever want to drive on.
Tuesday, 30 April 2019
Sunday, 28 April 2019
Sunday 28th April 2019
Up early to teach a lesson (ON A SUNDAY MORNING, SERIOUSLY, RICHARDS, GET YOUR SCHEDULE INTO FUCKING SHAPE) which was great, she was really on it.
A and myself then went shopping to get me some nicer clothes, not that she's changing me or anything but I haven't really been clothes shopping in...well, 5 years? Tough buying clothes for a man this size, I'm all lumps and limbs. Got a new suit (various weddings coming up), a coat and some jeans. All very nice, whole lot for about £150 and should last me another...well, hopefully five years.
Got back, ran the HG show to make sure the lines are still there, then out to teach another lesson which felt tired but they enjoyed it.
Home, got changed and then off to Amanda's to perform HG to a room full of people who were expecting a stand-up show (Amanda knows me for my comedy work). Despite being baffled for the first few minutes, they really got onside. It's the best this show has ever looked. They gasped at the ending and 2 people cried. They believe in this character so obviously don't want something bad to happen to him...it was just glorious. Josie was there again to see the show for a second time and found more things in it that she didn't spot the first time around, it's that kind of show - it's multi-layered and even 3 hours after the performance the audience were discussing it. Found myself surrounded by people fascinated by it all. My ego is ridiculous at the moment.
This is the most work I've ever put into a show and it's really working out. The performance is now mega tight, lots of laughs, quite a lot of heartbreak. It feels important. I need more people to see it now, which is unlikely, but I can try.
A and myself then went shopping to get me some nicer clothes, not that she's changing me or anything but I haven't really been clothes shopping in...well, 5 years? Tough buying clothes for a man this size, I'm all lumps and limbs. Got a new suit (various weddings coming up), a coat and some jeans. All very nice, whole lot for about £150 and should last me another...well, hopefully five years.
Got back, ran the HG show to make sure the lines are still there, then out to teach another lesson which felt tired but they enjoyed it.
Home, got changed and then off to Amanda's to perform HG to a room full of people who were expecting a stand-up show (Amanda knows me for my comedy work). Despite being baffled for the first few minutes, they really got onside. It's the best this show has ever looked. They gasped at the ending and 2 people cried. They believe in this character so obviously don't want something bad to happen to him...it was just glorious. Josie was there again to see the show for a second time and found more things in it that she didn't spot the first time around, it's that kind of show - it's multi-layered and even 3 hours after the performance the audience were discussing it. Found myself surrounded by people fascinated by it all. My ego is ridiculous at the moment.
This is the most work I've ever put into a show and it's really working out. The performance is now mega tight, lots of laughs, quite a lot of heartbreak. It feels important. I need more people to see it now, which is unlikely, but I can try.
Saturday 27th April 2019
The thing I needed after a late night? An early morning, of course. Up super early to go filming, which I was pretty grumpy about but then again it was filmed in a pub so we had to pick a time when the pub itself was actually closed.
Had a brilliant time with a great (professional, multi award-winning) crew, brilliant actors and a crude but funny script. The production team hadn't met me before (I was cast by the writer, Josh) and were so into what I was doing - they pointed out how professional actors can't "do awkward" as well as I do and they want to keep in touch because, "we've finally found our awkward man." Looks like I'll be 'acting' for them in various films a lot in the future.
From that on to a double private lesson which totally flew by.
Evening; actually a chance to see A. Went for a lovely Indian meal in the village.
Had a brilliant time with a great (professional, multi award-winning) crew, brilliant actors and a crude but funny script. The production team hadn't met me before (I was cast by the writer, Josh) and were so into what I was doing - they pointed out how professional actors can't "do awkward" as well as I do and they want to keep in touch because, "we've finally found our awkward man." Looks like I'll be 'acting' for them in various films a lot in the future.
From that on to a double private lesson which totally flew by.
Evening; actually a chance to see A. Went for a lovely Indian meal in the village.
Saturday, 27 April 2019
Friday 26th April 2019
I can see this year tumbling by already. Booking a Christmas tour at the moment, which is both exciting but...well, it's April.
Long day, two schools - both awesome, all the kids starting to hit their stride and all is well.
Evening we had the FH four-piece gig in Northants. Odd little show, that, as it always is there. Sold out show (as expected), but the audience were so, so quiet. I think they enjoyed it, they flocked to us afterwards, but would it have been to hard to show it during the hour we were onstage? Either way, I thought we were awesome - much tighter than the Bedford show. We all like this 4-piece arrangement a lot, because we've been in a band together for so long we're practically telepathic. Which does of course raise a question about S, but I guess that'll work itself out in time.
Then all the roads were closed on the way home and we didn't get in till 1.30am, the journey home doubling in length.
Long day, two schools - both awesome, all the kids starting to hit their stride and all is well.
Evening we had the FH four-piece gig in Northants. Odd little show, that, as it always is there. Sold out show (as expected), but the audience were so, so quiet. I think they enjoyed it, they flocked to us afterwards, but would it have been to hard to show it during the hour we were onstage? Either way, I thought we were awesome - much tighter than the Bedford show. We all like this 4-piece arrangement a lot, because we've been in a band together for so long we're practically telepathic. Which does of course raise a question about S, but I guess that'll work itself out in time.
Then all the roads were closed on the way home and we didn't get in till 1.30am, the journey home doubling in length.
Thursday, 25 April 2019
Thursday 25th April 2019
Cancelled four lessons so I could go and do a gig that would probably make a loss next week, but that felt good...that felt like something I needed to do. I'm still an artist, at the end of the day. Artists lose money, we all know that, but I need to be doing my own thing, just sometimes. HOP is still my show, that I've had for three years, and, even though it's in a big arts centre, by the time I've paid my brilliant team (my 'a team', who I bring out for the bigger shows - Rachel, James, Dan, Mel) I barely make my fuel back. I'm fine with this.
Got my haircut because I had a mullet which had been creeping up considerably over the last few weeks.
The 'other' school was fine today, the kids are energetic and often aggressive but I can see their progress, which I don't always see. There's one kid who's parents can't afford lessons but he didn't know this and he turned up anyway all excited...I gave him a free lesson. It's 20 minutes of my time, that's all it is, it's not his fault his parents are a little skint. I was there anyway, it just felt right and he's one of the better ones.
The three private lessons today were all absolute crackers, but physically exhausting at the same time...so much covered, though, I'm really impressed with how they're all developing.
Evening we had a very different FH rehearsal...our latest recruit, S, is becoming somewhat of a problem on many levels. We'll be doing tomorrow's show without her, but you know what - we're awesome as a four-piece. So awesome. I can see this being our future. Proud of the band, we go through a lot together.
Lovely long catch up with V afterwards, the world has been put very much to rights, and we shall do more of that with beer soon.
Got my haircut because I had a mullet which had been creeping up considerably over the last few weeks.
The 'other' school was fine today, the kids are energetic and often aggressive but I can see their progress, which I don't always see. There's one kid who's parents can't afford lessons but he didn't know this and he turned up anyway all excited...I gave him a free lesson. It's 20 minutes of my time, that's all it is, it's not his fault his parents are a little skint. I was there anyway, it just felt right and he's one of the better ones.
The three private lessons today were all absolute crackers, but physically exhausting at the same time...so much covered, though, I'm really impressed with how they're all developing.
Evening we had a very different FH rehearsal...our latest recruit, S, is becoming somewhat of a problem on many levels. We'll be doing tomorrow's show without her, but you know what - we're awesome as a four-piece. So awesome. I can see this being our future. Proud of the band, we go through a lot together.
Lovely long catch up with V afterwards, the world has been put very much to rights, and we shall do more of that with beer soon.
Wednesday, 24 April 2019
Wednesday 24th April 2019
First early start in what feels like a long time (in reality, about two weeks). Horrible getting up at 7am isn't it? Lessons started at 8.30am this morning at the school, a majority of the kids forgot what we were working on pre-Easter but equally they all seemed happy to be back drumming again.
Took Mum shopping, popped home to stare at my schedule and try to work out my many double bookings (failed, I just have too much work coming in) and then back out again for another 2 private lessons - both of which felt really strong. I've spent a little time over Easter re-planning a few lessons for those who are pushing themselves, as both of these students are, and have found some new challenges for them. Both are students who I've made into drummers from scratch, which makes me particularly proud.
But the thing that's niggling me at the moment is my lack of creative time. I really enjoyed rehearsing Josh's short film last night because I could see how much work and thought he's put into it, and really enjoyed chatting to Alan H (a regular collaborator of mine, who has also been cast in this) on the way home about ideas, but I just felt...jealous, because I've not got the time to do everything I want to do myself. Creatively, that is.
True, so the HG show is becoming an absolute beast and I'm so proud of what it is, but I messaged Emma on Monday night explaining that the show I'm writing for her just isn't good enough and probably won't be ready for Edinburgh. A part of that is my own standards being higher; back in the day I'd write an Edinburgh show in June, but also part of that is because I don't have the time to write a top script for an amazing, amazing actress who I like very much. It's agreed now that it may end up in Edinburgh 2020, or at least performed elsewhere once I'm happy with it.
It never used to be this way.
Got home from teaching and carried on writing, but feel tired from all that leaping about at 'work.' Maybe I shouldn't leap about so much in my lessons? Do other teachers leap about as much as I do? Do I need to leap at all?
Took Mum shopping, popped home to stare at my schedule and try to work out my many double bookings (failed, I just have too much work coming in) and then back out again for another 2 private lessons - both of which felt really strong. I've spent a little time over Easter re-planning a few lessons for those who are pushing themselves, as both of these students are, and have found some new challenges for them. Both are students who I've made into drummers from scratch, which makes me particularly proud.
But the thing that's niggling me at the moment is my lack of creative time. I really enjoyed rehearsing Josh's short film last night because I could see how much work and thought he's put into it, and really enjoyed chatting to Alan H (a regular collaborator of mine, who has also been cast in this) on the way home about ideas, but I just felt...jealous, because I've not got the time to do everything I want to do myself. Creatively, that is.
True, so the HG show is becoming an absolute beast and I'm so proud of what it is, but I messaged Emma on Monday night explaining that the show I'm writing for her just isn't good enough and probably won't be ready for Edinburgh. A part of that is my own standards being higher; back in the day I'd write an Edinburgh show in June, but also part of that is because I don't have the time to write a top script for an amazing, amazing actress who I like very much. It's agreed now that it may end up in Edinburgh 2020, or at least performed elsewhere once I'm happy with it.
It never used to be this way.
Got home from teaching and carried on writing, but feel tired from all that leaping about at 'work.' Maybe I shouldn't leap about so much in my lessons? Do other teachers leap about as much as I do? Do I need to leap at all?
Tuesday 23rd April 2019
Last morning in before the teaching kicks off again, so enjoyed a slight lie-in and then did a bit more work on the HG show. Spent a couple hours chasing up former Spurs players for my fringe show, some useful contacts made but still, worryingly, I haven't met any of them yet.
Three private lessons, all fine, and then over to Earith to rehearse a short film that I've been cast in. Josh, the writer, is a good friend and he's written a very funny (if very crude) little script and I like my character, plus the rest of the cast. Had a lovely time with good socialising afterwards, too. We film on Saturday morning, it should be good fun.
Three private lessons, all fine, and then over to Earith to rehearse a short film that I've been cast in. Josh, the writer, is a good friend and he's written a very funny (if very crude) little script and I like my character, plus the rest of the cast. Had a lovely time with good socialising afterwards, too. We film on Saturday morning, it should be good fun.
Monday, 22 April 2019
Monday 22nd April 2019
Bank Holiday...it feels like this has been a long Easter break. I've enjoyed it, but equally I'm looking forward to cracking on with things again now.
Nice proper catch up with A, which involved breakfast in the garden and other such picturesque middle-class things us Shelford-types do.
I then panic-rehearsed the HG show ahead of tonight's house gig and was happy that I remembered all of it.
Evening performance around Steve and Clare's house is always stressful because they have so many pets...seriously, the show started and as soon as I started running on the spot a dog went for my crotch. It was a show full of disruptions but a nice challenge for me. Audience seemed shaken by the ending, but I think this show is getting stronger and stronger. I honestly want to perform this one for a very long time.
Nice proper catch up with A, which involved breakfast in the garden and other such picturesque middle-class things us Shelford-types do.
I then panic-rehearsed the HG show ahead of tonight's house gig and was happy that I remembered all of it.
Evening performance around Steve and Clare's house is always stressful because they have so many pets...seriously, the show started and as soon as I started running on the spot a dog went for my crotch. It was a show full of disruptions but a nice challenge for me. Audience seemed shaken by the ending, but I think this show is getting stronger and stronger. I honestly want to perform this one for a very long time.
Sunday 21st April 2019
Slept for 11 hours. I needed that. Drove 800 miles over the weekend in sweltering heat in a 19-year-old car that doesn't have air con or a stereo.
Long rehearsal with Greg and band, even though it's Easter day we've got work to do with the gigs coming up. 5 hour session, absolutely awesome throughout - outstanding musicians all working so hard, it's getting really tight now. The humour and camaraderie within the band is slowly getting there, too.
Home, showered, smartened up and then off to A's mum's house for Easter dinner, which was very nice.
Long rehearsal with Greg and band, even though it's Easter day we've got work to do with the gigs coming up. 5 hour session, absolutely awesome throughout - outstanding musicians all working so hard, it's getting really tight now. The humour and camaraderie within the band is slowly getting there, too.
Home, showered, smartened up and then off to A's mum's house for Easter dinner, which was very nice.
Saturday 20th April 2019
Up early, feeling weirdly stressed about yesterday. Drove around Devon and found the two houses that Mum wanted to look at, only for her to really dislike both of them. The usual.
400 mile drove home, everyone grumpy.
Got back, replied to emails, drank beer. I like home, it's nice to have a home like this. I'm very lucky.
400 mile drove home, everyone grumpy.
Got back, replied to emails, drank beer. I like home, it's nice to have a home like this. I'm very lucky.
Saturday, 20 April 2019
Friday 19th April 2019
After yesterday's 'good boyfriend' duties, today I was being the good son. Mum has long wanted to buy a house in Devon and we keep going down there to look at properties but the harsh reality is: she'll never find one.
Still, we have to go along with it, because without hope, what does she have?
This was a tough one because my car is so rubbish. 400 miles in a rubbish car with a snotty (literally, she has a cold) sister, an overexcited mum and a dog that is totally out of control. All stress, all of it.
Got to Devon, laid some flowers on Dad's grave, met up with an aunt for a bit.
Got to the hotel, checked in to our respective rooms, tried to take the dog for a walk but she was just attacking everything. in the end it was easier for me to just go and fetch everyone a takeaway by myself. Thought I'd walk and find one along the seafront but everywhere was shut and before I knew it I'd walked 3 miles, losing the plot slightly. Found the chaviest, grubbiest takeaway imaginable where two strangers took the piss out of how big my balls are. These trousers don't do them any favours but still...this is happening a lot at the moment. I don't think they've got bigger, but more people seem to be noticing them. (by more I mean a lady at a gig a few weeks back and a security man at Toronto airport last year). They're just balls. Slightly big, but just balls.
I'm too tired for this shit.
Still, we have to go along with it, because without hope, what does she have?
This was a tough one because my car is so rubbish. 400 miles in a rubbish car with a snotty (literally, she has a cold) sister, an overexcited mum and a dog that is totally out of control. All stress, all of it.
Got to Devon, laid some flowers on Dad's grave, met up with an aunt for a bit.
Got to the hotel, checked in to our respective rooms, tried to take the dog for a walk but she was just attacking everything. in the end it was easier for me to just go and fetch everyone a takeaway by myself. Thought I'd walk and find one along the seafront but everywhere was shut and before I knew it I'd walked 3 miles, losing the plot slightly. Found the chaviest, grubbiest takeaway imaginable where two strangers took the piss out of how big my balls are. These trousers don't do them any favours but still...this is happening a lot at the moment. I don't think they've got bigger, but more people seem to be noticing them. (by more I mean a lady at a gig a few weeks back and a security man at Toronto airport last year). They're just balls. Slightly big, but just balls.
I'm too tired for this shit.
Thursday 18th April 2019
A has been, well, complaining recently that I'm never about enough. I get it, totally. Because let's be honest...I'm never in. And given my forthcoming schedule, I'm not likely to be in a lot. Evenings, after 11pm, but that's about it.
So today I did the good boyfriend thing and spent the day being a good boyfriend like the good boyfriend I am.
Turns out that means going to Homebase, Asda, a little gardening and church.
Easy enough.
So today I did the good boyfriend thing and spent the day being a good boyfriend like the good boyfriend I am.
Turns out that means going to Homebase, Asda, a little gardening and church.
Easy enough.
Wednesday 17th April 2019
Slept in for a bit because I can and then took Mum shopping...it may be Easter but nothing really changes. She seems happy enough.
4 hours there in which I was mostly sat in Waitrose car park replying to emails on my phone and then back home to load up drums.
4 hours there in which I was mostly sat in Waitrose car park replying to emails on my phone and then back home to load up drums.
Long rehearsal with Greg and the bassist just to get things extra tight ahead of full band session on Sunday and then gigs starting in a few weeks. As always, fun but fucking hard work.
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Tuesday 16th April 2019
Final day in France, went back over to see what was left of the Notre-Dame, but in reality couldn't get anywhere near it for obvious reasons. Did see a pretty host from CNN do her thing, though.
I like Paris but it has far too many pickpockets. Twice today someone tried to steal from my pocket - firstly a young girl (can't have been older than 16) then an old man in a suit, both times I managed to stop them and they fled with nothing. It's unnerving and amazing I returned back to the UK with my wallet, phone, passport and bollocks (which one of them was almost certainly going for, assuming it was something else). It seems to be a big problem over there.
Still, we had a nice time. Various protests from the staff at Eurostar threatened to derail our journey home (no pun intended) (totally intended it) but despite delays all over the place we got back with a combined trip (Paris - London - Cambridge - Shelford) of about 4 and a half hours, which felt much longer.
Home, back to planning. I'm in a happy place, I've had a lovely time with A, but equally...I've got stuff to do, things to achieve.
I like Paris but it has far too many pickpockets. Twice today someone tried to steal from my pocket - firstly a young girl (can't have been older than 16) then an old man in a suit, both times I managed to stop them and they fled with nothing. It's unnerving and amazing I returned back to the UK with my wallet, phone, passport and bollocks (which one of them was almost certainly going for, assuming it was something else). It seems to be a big problem over there.
Still, we had a nice time. Various protests from the staff at Eurostar threatened to derail our journey home (no pun intended) (totally intended it) but despite delays all over the place we got back with a combined trip (Paris - London - Cambridge - Shelford) of about 4 and a half hours, which felt much longer.
Home, back to planning. I'm in a happy place, I've had a lovely time with A, but equally...I've got stuff to do, things to achieve.
Monday 15th April 2019
A full day of touristing...literally site after site, coupled with probably too much walking but - you know, we're in Paris, and only a short trip, so great to get in as much as possible.
Went to the Notre-Dame at about 1pm, it was very nice, posed for a photo etc, then went and got some lunch before heading back for a bit of a mid-afternoon snooze/other stuff (I'll spare you the details).
Text from A's mum saying that the Notre-Dame is on fire! We put on the TV and were fascinated by it all...we were staying literally 2 miles down the road. We sat, in our Paris apartment, watching history unfold, aware that we were there only a few hours earlier. All a bit eerie.
Eventually we went out for evening drinks around Moulin Rouge but everything felt so...quiet, and sad, like a nation in mourning.
Went to the Notre-Dame at about 1pm, it was very nice, posed for a photo etc, then went and got some lunch before heading back for a bit of a mid-afternoon snooze/other stuff (I'll spare you the details).
Text from A's mum saying that the Notre-Dame is on fire! We put on the TV and were fascinated by it all...we were staying literally 2 miles down the road. We sat, in our Paris apartment, watching history unfold, aware that we were there only a few hours earlier. All a bit eerie.
Eventually we went out for evening drinks around Moulin Rouge but everything felt so...quiet, and sad, like a nation in mourning.
Sunday 14th April 2019
Woke up late, strolled around Paris for a bit...it's not such a bad life, is it? Took a boat trip, went to see that big tower thingy that everyone raves about. Had an excessive lunch, had a few beers.
In the evening went to see Joe Jackson, which was the main reason why we were there, really. Well, it's certainly an excuse to head over there at least. JJ has been my idol since I first heard music, his Night and Day album was the reason why I became a drummer. Seeing him in a different country is just an unreal opportunity.
Massive ticket cock-up, and it turns out all of us who bought from a certain website (a legitimate one, as recommended by JJ on his own page) had huge delays getting in as the tickets themselves weren't printed. A lot of us got angry, having to wait 40 minutes in the hallway of the venue and fearing we'd miss the show, but they eventually got everyone in just before the start.
The gig itself was just 2 hours of absolute bliss. A musician who is now in his 60s but still has so much desire to be creative...I mean, he could just go onstage and play the hits every night, but instead he's still writing, arranging, putting on a glorious show. So much to enjoy, so inspiring.
Wow.
I want go again.
(Paris is also generally quite nice).
In the evening went to see Joe Jackson, which was the main reason why we were there, really. Well, it's certainly an excuse to head over there at least. JJ has been my idol since I first heard music, his Night and Day album was the reason why I became a drummer. Seeing him in a different country is just an unreal opportunity.
Massive ticket cock-up, and it turns out all of us who bought from a certain website (a legitimate one, as recommended by JJ on his own page) had huge delays getting in as the tickets themselves weren't printed. A lot of us got angry, having to wait 40 minutes in the hallway of the venue and fearing we'd miss the show, but they eventually got everyone in just before the start.
The gig itself was just 2 hours of absolute bliss. A musician who is now in his 60s but still has so much desire to be creative...I mean, he could just go onstage and play the hits every night, but instead he's still writing, arranging, putting on a glorious show. So much to enjoy, so inspiring.
Wow.
I want go again.
(Paris is also generally quite nice).
Saturday 13th April 2019
Somehow we woke up late which put us in a major panic as we headed off on holiday today. A's mum very kindly gave us a lift to the station, and then from there to London and then we got the Eurostar over to Paris.
The Eurostar is great, isn't it? So much easier than flying. Genuinely fascinated by the whole thing.
Checked in to our lovely but tiny accommodation, which was up a draining four flights of stairs, and ate in an overpriced restaurant that was clearly targetted and tourists like us.
The Eurostar is great, isn't it? So much easier than flying. Genuinely fascinated by the whole thing.
Checked in to our lovely but tiny accommodation, which was up a draining four flights of stairs, and ate in an overpriced restaurant that was clearly targetted and tourists like us.
Friday 12th April 2019
I'm sleeping a lot these days. Maybe that's just because I'm 'training' so much for the HG show and my body is just so physically exhausted from it?
Either way, a bit of a rest day, with one lesson in the middle which was fine to keep the pennies coming in.
Caught up on as many emails as possible, finished invoicing parents and then A and I went out to watch a lovely Tom Stoppard play in the evening. Despite the stress of parking, great fun.
Either way, a bit of a rest day, with one lesson in the middle which was fine to keep the pennies coming in.
Caught up on as many emails as possible, finished invoicing parents and then A and I went out to watch a lovely Tom Stoppard play in the evening. Despite the stress of parking, great fun.
Thursday, 11 April 2019
Thursday 11th April 2019
Last night's show was great, not being arrogant or anything, but I could just feel it working...better than it has done in the house shows, because I could shout a bit louder, and also because I know the script a bit better.
The review came in from a local newspaper which said some very lovely things about it, which confirms that I'm onto a good thing with this show. Spent a bit of my day tidying up my website and then I'll book in some tour dates for it. Well, I'd love to, but Greg keeps booking me for amazing festivals with his band (all in lovely places) and I have no idea what's going on with FH at the moment so I'll hold fire. Either way, lots of exciting things happening, and lots of potentially exciting things also about to happen.
Still need to finish the script for Emma.
Spent a few hours invoicing parents for drum lessons, as is the case at half term, and then I did a bit of work in my 'meeting footballers' project - that all needs to move a bit quicker. Popped out to teach one lesson, my old buddy Z, and we worked on a Radiohead song. He's having a few noise issues - his drums are causing problems for the neighbours, but also, and luckily for him, he's built and looks like a psycho so their complaints aren't going too far. Z is also really medically informed, and when I told him about the strange feeling I've been getting when I go to sleep at the moment (in short my body feels really heavy, like a deadweight) he was quick to tell me that it's a sign of exhaustion and I should probably slow down a little.
Unlikely, given how excited I am about everything.
In the evening A had her old housemate Lauren over for dinner (she's temporarily moving back in to the house for August when A is in Africa and I'm at the fringe, she'll be house sitting and looking after the cats) and then I got back to tour planning. I want to do this show for a long time.
The review came in from a local newspaper which said some very lovely things about it, which confirms that I'm onto a good thing with this show. Spent a bit of my day tidying up my website and then I'll book in some tour dates for it. Well, I'd love to, but Greg keeps booking me for amazing festivals with his band (all in lovely places) and I have no idea what's going on with FH at the moment so I'll hold fire. Either way, lots of exciting things happening, and lots of potentially exciting things also about to happen.
Still need to finish the script for Emma.
Spent a few hours invoicing parents for drum lessons, as is the case at half term, and then I did a bit of work in my 'meeting footballers' project - that all needs to move a bit quicker. Popped out to teach one lesson, my old buddy Z, and we worked on a Radiohead song. He's having a few noise issues - his drums are causing problems for the neighbours, but also, and luckily for him, he's built and looks like a psycho so their complaints aren't going too far. Z is also really medically informed, and when I told him about the strange feeling I've been getting when I go to sleep at the moment (in short my body feels really heavy, like a deadweight) he was quick to tell me that it's a sign of exhaustion and I should probably slow down a little.
Unlikely, given how excited I am about everything.
In the evening A had her old housemate Lauren over for dinner (she's temporarily moving back in to the house for August when A is in Africa and I'm at the fringe, she'll be house sitting and looking after the cats) and then I got back to tour planning. I want to do this show for a long time.
Wednesday 10th April 2019
Spent the morning rehearsing the show, and then driving over to Swindon for the debut performance. I was a bit worried about this one.
Swindon is much further way than I thought, eventually made it just in time for my tech. Had an hour slot allocated but it took less than 10 minutes.
Killed an hour in Nando's and then back to the venue. I was on the double bill with another show but didn't watch it, instead sitting backstage (technically a corridor with a toilet), and then pacing around a lot.
The show was lovely. Absolutely lovely. Cracking audience who 'got it', nice big performance area to run around in, laughs in all the right places and I shocked them all with 'that' ending. Most exhausting performance ever but one of my best. With a couple more performances this will be the best show I've written/performed. The intro still needs more work, but it was better tonight. By the summer this will be really, really strong.
Buzzing, drove home and got frustrated by road closures. Home by 1am, which isn't too bad in the scale of things.
Swindon is much further way than I thought, eventually made it just in time for my tech. Had an hour slot allocated but it took less than 10 minutes.
Killed an hour in Nando's and then back to the venue. I was on the double bill with another show but didn't watch it, instead sitting backstage (technically a corridor with a toilet), and then pacing around a lot.
The show was lovely. Absolutely lovely. Cracking audience who 'got it', nice big performance area to run around in, laughs in all the right places and I shocked them all with 'that' ending. Most exhausting performance ever but one of my best. With a couple more performances this will be the best show I've written/performed. The intro still needs more work, but it was better tonight. By the summer this will be really, really strong.
Buzzing, drove home and got frustrated by road closures. Home by 1am, which isn't too bad in the scale of things.
Tuesday 9th April 2019
Up early-ish (by half-term standards) (you know, 10am-ish) and quickly ran my lines for the show and then over to Izzy's house to run it. Great to catch up (and meet her baby, who was remarkably well-behaved throughout the whole time).
This is the first time I've run it in front of people without the script anywhere near me. A few timing issues, but generally seems to be taking shape - it's all progress. I just need progress a bit quicker.
Home, showered as this is the sweatiest show ever, then off to teach one of my private students. I'm technically on 'holiday' at the moment but still teaching the odd private lesson that meets my 'on holiday criteria' - which is either:
a) it's with a fortnightly student and due to the way the schedules have panned out, it would a month inbetween lessons which is too long
b) the student 'needs' a lesson
c) I have lots of ideas and like teaching this student
d) the student is pretty local so I don't have to go too far
In this case, the student in question pretty much ticked all of the above. It was an hour lesson, but went remarkably quickly and they have an awesome dog.
Then off to Josie's house for my second preview of the day. I don't know why, but it just didn't feel right tonight - 4 people in her lounge, usually a great atmosphere there, but it just felt a bit flat. Everyone was polite but still, it felt like it went down a notch, rather than up.
It opens publicly tomorrow.
This is the first time I've run it in front of people without the script anywhere near me. A few timing issues, but generally seems to be taking shape - it's all progress. I just need progress a bit quicker.
Home, showered as this is the sweatiest show ever, then off to teach one of my private students. I'm technically on 'holiday' at the moment but still teaching the odd private lesson that meets my 'on holiday criteria' - which is either:
a) it's with a fortnightly student and due to the way the schedules have panned out, it would a month inbetween lessons which is too long
b) the student 'needs' a lesson
c) I have lots of ideas and like teaching this student
d) the student is pretty local so I don't have to go too far
In this case, the student in question pretty much ticked all of the above. It was an hour lesson, but went remarkably quickly and they have an awesome dog.
Then off to Josie's house for my second preview of the day. I don't know why, but it just didn't feel right tonight - 4 people in her lounge, usually a great atmosphere there, but it just felt a bit flat. Everyone was polite but still, it felt like it went down a notch, rather than up.
It opens publicly tomorrow.
Monday, 8 April 2019
Monday 8th April 2019
Up super early, I mean, we're talking 5.15am here, to drive A to the station, because I'm an awesome boyfriend. She's in Edinburgh for a few days as her mate has just had a baby up there. I'm cool with not going, all new babies look the same anyway and I need to rehearse as the new opens on WEDNESDAY.
Yet, it's a struggle, isn't it? Because, having dropped A off, I went back to bed at 6am, slept for another 3 hours and then Mum needed me to take her shopping. I do wish Mum would stop saying how amazing my ex-girlfriend is. We're talking about an ex from 10 years ago here. My current partner is more than amazing, she puts up with so much (I'm really difficult to date, in case you hadn't had guessed) and is so calm about everything, including when I write a character which is a 'bit' like her in my new show. She lets it all go.
Home after shopping and wanted to rehearse but for some reason played Tetris for 2 hours. Hate it when that happens.
Taught two private lessons. The first one felt awkward, not sure why, but J is a mature student who has since got obsessed with YouTube drum lesson videos and, despite the fact that I taught him from scratch and he's now an AMAZING drummer, it's difficult to tell who is teaching who at the moment. I mean, he still pays me at the end, but I didn't feel comfortable with that.
The other lesson was an absolute stormer, though. There's something really great about teaching an 8-year-old how to play 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' - it works, and his mum is one of the nicest (and artistically well-informed) people I know.
Got back and accepted a fringe offer for my show about meeting all the Spurs players from the first ever game I went to. Shit, this means I actually have to do it now.
Rehearsed the show, it wasn't as good as yesterday.
Yet, it's a struggle, isn't it? Because, having dropped A off, I went back to bed at 6am, slept for another 3 hours and then Mum needed me to take her shopping. I do wish Mum would stop saying how amazing my ex-girlfriend is. We're talking about an ex from 10 years ago here. My current partner is more than amazing, she puts up with so much (I'm really difficult to date, in case you hadn't had guessed) and is so calm about everything, including when I write a character which is a 'bit' like her in my new show. She lets it all go.
Home after shopping and wanted to rehearse but for some reason played Tetris for 2 hours. Hate it when that happens.
Taught two private lessons. The first one felt awkward, not sure why, but J is a mature student who has since got obsessed with YouTube drum lesson videos and, despite the fact that I taught him from scratch and he's now an AMAZING drummer, it's difficult to tell who is teaching who at the moment. I mean, he still pays me at the end, but I didn't feel comfortable with that.
The other lesson was an absolute stormer, though. There's something really great about teaching an 8-year-old how to play 'It's the End of the World as We Know It' - it works, and his mum is one of the nicest (and artistically well-informed) people I know.
Got back and accepted a fringe offer for my show about meeting all the Spurs players from the first ever game I went to. Shit, this means I actually have to do it now.
Rehearsed the show, it wasn't as good as yesterday.
Sunday 7th April 2019
Last night was weird, we were all buzzing, caught up in the adrenaline of live performance again with a big crowd, many of whom surrounded us at the merch desk afterwards. Like the old days. But the drive home was more, well, practical. Technically, there is a lot to be done before FH can tour properly. It's mostly down to rehearsals. We need lots and lots of rehearsals to get it smooth. We have time, and as far the FH supporters are concerned, we're back and it's all hunky dory. But we can't ever assume that just because we've had a nice show, we're okay now. We got away with it, that's all.
Didn't sleep till late and then had an early-ish rehearsal with Greg and band. My third rehearsal with them, with the gigs starting later this month. Now I know how S feels in FH. It's tough being the new guy, isn't it? Mostly because everyone else is so tight having been in the band for ages and I'm...well, a bit loose around the edges. One song in particular is totally throwing me and reminding me that I'm not as good as I often think I am. I mean, it's fucking difficult - it changes time signature SEVEN TIMES, but still, my brain is still about four beats behind.
We had a beer aftewards and everyone is so complimentary about my playing, which is nice but probably false. I'd be frustrated with me sometimes. Two rehearsals until the first gig.
Got back, ran lines for the HG show, and then ran them again. I have no idea how this is going to go.
Didn't sleep till late and then had an early-ish rehearsal with Greg and band. My third rehearsal with them, with the gigs starting later this month. Now I know how S feels in FH. It's tough being the new guy, isn't it? Mostly because everyone else is so tight having been in the band for ages and I'm...well, a bit loose around the edges. One song in particular is totally throwing me and reminding me that I'm not as good as I often think I am. I mean, it's fucking difficult - it changes time signature SEVEN TIMES, but still, my brain is still about four beats behind.
We had a beer aftewards and everyone is so complimentary about my playing, which is nice but probably false. I'd be frustrated with me sometimes. Two rehearsals until the first gig.
Got back, ran lines for the HG show, and then ran them again. I have no idea how this is going to go.
Saturday 6th April 2019
Such a long day. Double lesson in the morning, which was lovely. I fear sometimes these students have progressed too...quickly. and I'm running out of things to teach them (they get to a certain level where they understand everything, especially after a year, and start learning songs simply by listening to them...where does this leave me?) but this was a goodun - they'd hit stumbling blocks with tracks they've been working on and I'm very happy to help.
From that over to FH rehearsal, S was feeling better and we ran the set and then ran the songs again which weren't working.
Then off to the gig. First gig with the new line-up, and, despite having four months, terribly underrehearsed. How did we get in this mess? We've had so much time. I get FH is a tricky beast to join, especially filling the shoes of G (who is a genius, a difficult genius), but somehow it's all been left to the last minute.
The gig itself was lovely, but it was very much like a 'home' show - a sold-out, sweaty, packed venue who were always going to be onside. We were a bit sloppy in places but everyone let that go, they just want us to succeed. It's a lovely feeling and a lovely first gig for S (who is awesome, I just wish she'd turn up to more rehearsals), she was nervous and the audience could see it but they embraced her and welcomed her with open arms.
A great night, but still very much a work in progress. In the meantime, the good ship that is FH survives another day, to another big crowd. We're a total success, but it's not always easy behind the scenes. Saying that, what is?
From that over to FH rehearsal, S was feeling better and we ran the set and then ran the songs again which weren't working.
Then off to the gig. First gig with the new line-up, and, despite having four months, terribly underrehearsed. How did we get in this mess? We've had so much time. I get FH is a tricky beast to join, especially filling the shoes of G (who is a genius, a difficult genius), but somehow it's all been left to the last minute.
The gig itself was lovely, but it was very much like a 'home' show - a sold-out, sweaty, packed venue who were always going to be onside. We were a bit sloppy in places but everyone let that go, they just want us to succeed. It's a lovely feeling and a lovely first gig for S (who is awesome, I just wish she'd turn up to more rehearsals), she was nervous and the audience could see it but they embraced her and welcomed her with open arms.
A great night, but still very much a work in progress. In the meantime, the good ship that is FH survives another day, to another big crowd. We're a total success, but it's not always easy behind the scenes. Saying that, what is?
Friday 5th April 2019
The last Friday of school stuff before Easter, which gives us all 2 weeks off. Teachers and students both need it.
Got through it, with both schools, in a lazy sort of way - the kids are knackered and the teachers are dragging their feet a bit. We're all on the same side, really.
Two private lessons, both of which were really good - I like the private lessons more than the school stuff because longer sessions mean you can really get into the songs and actually learn them, rather than the 20 minute a kid lessons in which we barely get past basic rudiments.
In the evening A and myself went to the theatre, as we do a lot these days. This one was a total dud, though. Some long-winded thing about the death of Samuel Beckett that lasted over 2 hours. There was one actress in it who totally stood out and, on checking on Facebook, we have 20-odd mutual friends, so I'll try and find out more about her but I think she could be a good fit as she seemed to have a nice rhythm to her performance that I could work with, but I spent most of the time waiting for it to end.
Got through it, with both schools, in a lazy sort of way - the kids are knackered and the teachers are dragging their feet a bit. We're all on the same side, really.
Two private lessons, both of which were really good - I like the private lessons more than the school stuff because longer sessions mean you can really get into the songs and actually learn them, rather than the 20 minute a kid lessons in which we barely get past basic rudiments.
In the evening A and myself went to the theatre, as we do a lot these days. This one was a total dud, though. Some long-winded thing about the death of Samuel Beckett that lasted over 2 hours. There was one actress in it who totally stood out and, on checking on Facebook, we have 20-odd mutual friends, so I'll try and find out more about her but I think she could be a good fit as she seemed to have a nice rhythm to her performance that I could work with, but I spent most of the time waiting for it to end.
Thursday 4th April 2019
Early morning rehearsal of the HG show. This show is an absolute bastard. But by far the best thing I've ever done.
Back at the 'other' school for another 2 and a bit hours of slightly aggressive students (and one really awesome one who I reckon could be a professional if he keeps this going for the next 20 years or so).
Three absolutely brilliant private lessons later on - all students who performed at the showcase gig and are still boasting about their awesomeness from it a week later. I really like this and actively encourage it. Brilliant, brilliant lessons today, especially with Z, not just one of my rare adult students, but it feels very much like a mate.
FH rehearsal cancelled because S has pulled out with a sickness bug. Our first gig with this new line-up is Saturday. I'm sure her reasons are genuine and she is ill, but it's the fourth rehearsal she's missed since joining. Doesn't bode well?
Dinner with A's parents instead, then, which was fine but I was tense and worried about the band.
Back at the 'other' school for another 2 and a bit hours of slightly aggressive students (and one really awesome one who I reckon could be a professional if he keeps this going for the next 20 years or so).
Three absolutely brilliant private lessons later on - all students who performed at the showcase gig and are still boasting about their awesomeness from it a week later. I really like this and actively encourage it. Brilliant, brilliant lessons today, especially with Z, not just one of my rare adult students, but it feels very much like a mate.
FH rehearsal cancelled because S has pulled out with a sickness bug. Our first gig with this new line-up is Saturday. I'm sure her reasons are genuine and she is ill, but it's the fourth rehearsal she's missed since joining. Doesn't bode well?
Dinner with A's parents instead, then, which was fine but I was tense and worried about the band.
Wednesday 3rd April 2019
Basically all teaching, whilst making notes for a sitcom in the gaps. The school was fine today - I like that school, I used to go there myself when I was a kid, I know it well and I feel that we've got a lot of great young drummers there.
At the college for a private lesson (the girl I teach there is very chatty and told me an amazing story about how her grandparents still communicate in morse code...I feel a fringe show coming on) (a fringe musical about drummers, drummers who have to save a lady from a tree or something but she only responds with morse code so they have to learn how to morse code it with a snare drum) (this can happen) (no, Richards, no) (maybe). The lesson was great, as was drum club afterwards where we spent an hour looking at American Idiot.
2 private lessons after and then home for dinner with A, before a late night rehearsal of the HG show again. The neighbours must be very confused by me.
At the college for a private lesson (the girl I teach there is very chatty and told me an amazing story about how her grandparents still communicate in morse code...I feel a fringe show coming on) (a fringe musical about drummers, drummers who have to save a lady from a tree or something but she only responds with morse code so they have to learn how to morse code it with a snare drum) (this can happen) (no, Richards, no) (maybe). The lesson was great, as was drum club afterwards where we spent an hour looking at American Idiot.
2 private lessons after and then home for dinner with A, before a late night rehearsal of the HG show again. The neighbours must be very confused by me.
Tuesday 2nd April 2019
The show I'm writing for Emma is slowly coming together - there's a scene in there that can really break a few people. I just need to write the rest of the show around it, really. It'll get there, but I'm well behind schedule.
Rehearsed the HG play twice but it's not just a play, is it? It's a proper workout. The lines are kinda there, but the timing is still well out. Opens next week.
Still waiting for venue offers for my two other fringe shows.
Three private lessons, all more than fine - the latter one in particular was great.
Rehearsed the HG play twice but it's not just a play, is it? It's a proper workout. The lines are kinda there, but the timing is still well out. Opens next week.
Still waiting for venue offers for my two other fringe shows.
Three private lessons, all more than fine - the latter one in particular was great.
Tuesday, 2 April 2019
Monday 1st April 2019
I say no excuses not to learn my lines this week, but last week was just so full-on I spent quite a bit of this morning sleeping instead of 'working'. Got woken up by the postman ringing the doorbell, was so tired that when I opened the door I shook his hand and said, "nice to meet you," which confused him greatly.
Early afternoon lesson with one of my not-so-regular students, a drummer friend who needed a few pointers/ideas sessions (we meet up roughly every six months) which was fun, and then three private lessons after that which were fun.
Home, spent an hour working on the script for Emma and then tried to work out my many double bookings for this week. I need a PA.
Early afternoon lesson with one of my not-so-regular students, a drummer friend who needed a few pointers/ideas sessions (we meet up roughly every six months) which was fun, and then three private lessons after that which were fun.
Home, spent an hour working on the script for Emma and then tried to work out my many double bookings for this week. I need a PA.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)