Warming Up

I lay in bed this morning worried about whether I was going to manage to book guests in time for the upcoming run of RHLSTP. I always worry about this, but always get guests, but I am also keen to make the line ups as interesting as possible and get a balance between people who might sell tickets and people who might not, but will still be great. Plus I want a good mixture of male and female guests and represent the diversity of the human race (and aliens if they turn up). It's easily the most stressful and difficult part of doing this podcast.

There isn't time to ask guests one by one, especially as it's sometimes difficult to get an answer at all, so I have to send out multiple messages at a time and see what comes back - generally starting with the bigger names and then filling in the gaps with guests who will provide balance or be a good contrast. 

Of course I have no control over who replies or who is available or who wants to do it, so though, for example, I have probably asked approximately as many women as men to do the show, so far only two women have confirmed, versus six men. Three female acts have said they want to do it and that they'll check their diaries and then not got back to me with an actual date. This also happens with male acts, just this time, when I'd like more women on the bill, they are the ones dragging their heels. I have got in touch with two of those guests three times and they immediately say they will check the dates and then not come back to me. Thinking about it, this is a bit like dating again. 

A good portion of the male comedians I've emailed haven't even responded! I know how irritating it can be to be asked on podcasts (because I am asked a lot) and I am happy to take no response as a no. I do email some of these people every time I am doing a run of shows, so I am not expecting them to email me back every time.

People are very busy and I am very appreciative even if they just show an interest in being in the show, so this isn't a criticism of them. I am just pointing out how stressful things can be. And then usually someone on Twitter will say, why aren't you booking more women/young people/animals or whatever. I am trying my best.

Today I made great progress on bookings, though most of my hits came from middle-aged men, though at least mainly with a little diversity in their heritage. But I have put together one of my favourite RHLSTP line ups of all time. Joining historian and TV presenter Janina Ramirez on the 28th February will be Paul Chuckle from off the Chuckle Brothers. Both of these are sensational bookings on their own, but together? What a night that will be. 

There can't be many occasions in life where Paul Chuckle and Janina Ramirez would find themselves on the same bill - I suspect they have not crossed paths before. But somehow it's an amazing fit. I can't wait for them to meet in the dressing room between shows. I hope I can be overly serious with Paul and childishly silly with Janina. You really do not want to miss this show. It's going to be mind blowing.

You can buy tickets to the Leicester Square Theatre here 

Or you can buy a live stream ticket to this (or any of the other shows) for just £10 here  The videos will be available to watch live or any time you like after recording.

I went out on a very windy evening to walk the dog and decided to record a stone clearing podcast which reveals an incredible hidden secret and is only available to monthly badgers (in your secret area at rhlstp.co.uk). It changes everything. Become a badger here http://gofasterstripe.com/badges

RHLSTP with Ahir Shah is now up 

And here is news of all those bookings