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A tired day off between two days of double podcast records was probably not enough, but about 600 people in Hove were waiting for me and I do not like to disappoint people from Hove, so I decided not to stay in bed and go and do my stupid, cushy job instead.
And we got two more rip-roaring podcasts out of it, with Brighton locals and ex flatmates, Angela Barnes and Stephen Grant
I stuck a few of the early emergency questions in and there were greeted by the audience like I was Paul McCartney playing Yesterday, as were several of the running jokes from the long running series. There’s an amazing connection between this podcast and its audience and it’s really terrific to be taking this out on the road so we’re all able to appreciate each other.
Coincidentally both guests had recently received quite nasty injuries to their upper bodies, but only one removed their top to show it. You will have to tune into the video to see. They’re both great and hard working stand ups. Angela’s rise to success was incredibly rapid in today’s competitive market, whilst Stephen had stories of nearly getting two massive TV jobs that would have been life changing. There were great funny stories from both but we also covered more serious topics, such as Angela’s impressive work with the Home Safe Collective and whether comedians should write their own shows (as Stephen is one of the many great comics who semi-secretly work with TV comics on their panel show and tour appearances).
I was knackered but managed to keep my concentration. And was all dapper in my wedding suit, only remembering when it was too late that I’d partly stopped wearing this because the zipper was a bit unreliable. And also that there was a big hole in the back by one of the pockets. I think I got away without exposing my arse or bollocks though. And good to be able to comfortably fit back into this suit (it’s a little big if anything, though that might be from me wearing it when I was too fat and stretching it).
Of course comedy is always easier in a packed theatre, but the podcast is gaining momentum all the time and the hit rate is incredibly impressive for something that is done on the fly. I know the people of Hove have very little in their lives, but some of them seemed bedazzled by the magic of the tiny invisible man who talks to them through their phone taking physical form and appearing in front of them.
But it was a real pleasure meeting lots of them afterwards and I am very hopeful that this tour is going to be a thing of joy.
I forgot to mention to the second audience that I am back in Brighton on September 15th. Would love to see you all there again (and bring a friend each and we’ll sell it out)
A really great RHLSTP with the thoughtful and funny David Morrissey is now up
on video and
audio.
