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Woke up (too early) in Sheffield, home by lunchtime. One day off before the last three gigs, but I have to say it's been a breeze. Looks like there will be more in 2025, but not in Guildford or Andover, so if you want to see it in either of these places
BOOK NOW Great to be back with the family, though it's only two days since I saw them. Ernie has lost his first tooth (at last) and is very proud of the gap. And the tooth fairy came in spite of the tooth falling out relatively late (in the first couple of minutes of the football last night - was it a sign?) I am still awaiting payment for my bollock from the fairy folk. It's under my pillow and starting to smell a bit.
Looking forward to spending the summer with these guys - I shouldn't have much work to do in July and August (apart from moving house) so I hope to make up for my absence over the last few weeks.
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Michael "What are you doing in my garden?" Redmond this evening for the Book Club. It was a lot of fun reading his book Eamon, Older Brother of Jesus and researching its history, but also lovely to see some of his stand up again. He said how inspired he was by Stephen Wright (not that one, or that one) and they do have the same genius of finding brilliant and surprising one-liners, but also the book reminded me of Wright too, in creating a glorious and surreal world to do unexpected comedy and interesting ideas. I was also surprised to discover that Michael was only in one episode of Father Ted, but that's the strength of his performance and character. He's an utterly charming man and still producing the goods even in semi-retirement. I love his measured delivery and the way he embraces silliness, which is ever more enjoyable as he gets older and should be more sensible. Also his moustache is ever-increasing in size and remarkable. This one is out next week.
Before I talked to Father Stone,
I did some stone clearing, because why should I relax on a day off? I am hopeful that this podcast will continue after I've moved, but it may be approaching its end. Talking of old men doing stupid things - it will probably only be really effective when I am in my eighties and still trying.
