Tonight's show was better attended. There was a late surge in sales and there might have been over 300 in, which is a bit of a relief. The Olympics was on the TVs as I arrived but it was all turned off before my show, which I was glad about as I had been considering stopping the show if I got interrupted again. Clearly the stress of Edinburgh is making me slightly grumpy, but I don't think even with my brain as fully sane as it can go that I'd think too much differently. Having only the dull sound of a thousand drunken conversations as the backdrop to my show was almost pleasant in comparison, though there was a fireworks display from the Tattoo behind me and one massive explosion came exactly as I revealed what percentage of women think that size is important. I was able to claim that I had paid thousands of pounds to have these bangs synchronised with the show and was annoyed that so many of them seemed to have come in at random. At last they got it right.
Tomorrow is the Olympic Closing Ceremony and will probably be another dark day for ticket sales. Generally speaking this is hitting everyone and we're all hoping that next week might be better (though of course the Paralympics is starting next). This is far worse for others than for me. It will be interesting to see what effect it has on the future. I do love the Fringe, but was again idly considering whether for the sake of the new comedians old farts like me should leave it behind (or maybe play smaller venues to free up that kind of audience). One of the main things I like about it is that it gives me a deadline to create a show by, but there's no reason why that HAS to be in Edinburgh. I could book a theatre in London for three weeks, save myself all kinds of expense and sleep in my own bed. I quite liked the idea of taking an ad out in the Fringe programme anyway!
It wouldn't be as much fun and ultimately I doubt I would do it and suspect I will keep coming back here. And maybe after 25 years some of us have earned the right to (in my case try to) fill bigger venues. As always with this blog (especially in Edinburgh) I am attempting to give you a snapshot of my mood and how I am feeling. Sometimes I will be overwrought or self-indulgent (me?). I am aware that outside of the heightened atmosphere of the Fringe I might feel differently. I am a bit anxious, but actually feeling pretty happy. The show is good and I know that nearly everyone is in the same boat. It's hard to get it across in a written blog (especially when people will read their own emphasis) but I am having a good time up here and am much more at peace with myself than I've ever been. I am merely trying to discuss some of the issues as I see them, not moaning or complaining (too much).
All right I'll shut up about that now. I'm even annoying myself now!
I got to see another show today, by dint of being in it. And it's a really brilliant one - The Horne Section, in which Alex Horne and his band mess around and improvise with each other and with guests. I attempted to do a cock version of Peter and the Wolf by getting the band to create musical stings to bring the various different-shaped cocks to life. I hoped that in doing so I would be able to create a version of the show that was suitable for school children. It was all unrehearsed and quite a tough ask for the band but one they rose to. I then did my bit about where men have put their penis for fun with a sleazy musical backing. It was interesting performing with rhythm behind me, but I perhaps should have done something else as it didn't feel I utilised the band as much as I could have. But the rest of the show was a heart-warming joy - fun, impressive and a genuine group experience. They were in the massive Pleasance Grand and it was sold out, so not everyone is suffering. Massively recommended. I hope I can get to see some other stuff too. It is inspiring to see what everyone else is up to, but tiring - so tiring. But unless I get involved then I might as well just do the shows in London.
Another extremely lovely comedian was on my podcast today - Craig Campbell. He's a real individual and a man with a big heart and a crazy brain and he's very funny too. His story about having to kill a badger is a masterpiece in a good man being doomed by his own kindness. All details for all the podcasts
are here. It's Janet Ellis tommorrow (Sunday). Things could get messy.
