I was quite nervous about doing the radio show tonight. Even during this afternoon we were re-ordering, re-writing and dropping items as we went. I began to seriously doubt that there was a single funny line in the entire thing.
We listened to the Magnus Magnusson intro and, unfortunately, it just wasn't quite right. Magnus had changed some of the lines for grammatic reasons, but consequently removed any comedy rhythm from them. Given that part of the point was that is should sound clunky and oddly written, to correct these issues just made it a rather long monologue. This wasn't entirely Magnus' fault, the piece was too long anyway and possibly too negative as well and it suddenly seemed inappropriate. Nice to think that I have put a bit of cash in Mr Magnusson's pocket though.
We also had a live band in the show who were working very hard to make my (also deliberately) clunky and non-scanning jingles fit to music. They were very good though and it really helped give the show a certain feel.
It was weird being back at the Riverside, along with Emma Kennedy and difficult to believe it is very nearly five years since we recorded TMWRNJ here. The Sunday afternoons drinking vodka and Red Bull on the terrace came flooding back (though thanks to the vodka and Red Bull I have some difficulty remembering the Sunday evenings).
It is even longer since I have done a radio sketch show and I was surprised about how difficult I found it. I had forgotten a lot of the technical stuff like not rustling your script and trying to speak without slurring. The full audience in the small studio theatre really seemed to enjoy the experience though; the band were an especial favourite. Most of the stuff worked and once we relaxed the cast had some fun banter amongst ourselves when things went wrong.
Apparently we'll find out quite soon if we have a series. I think we've learnt enough from the pilot to correct some of the mistakes and have established a style that will work.
We retired to the Riverside bar for a drink or two. Wisely I didn't ask for anything involving Red Bull.
