House shows, cars, you know - the usual

That was one of those weeks where I'm not entirely sure how it's suddenly Saturday evening already. I seem to be in a pretty healthy routine of strong morning coffee > read over what I wrote last night > teach for 3 hours > walk Freddie and admin stuff for an hour > teach for 4 hours > write till my eyes are no longer open. 

I'm writing a lot at the moment but I have to. Having already written two new solo shows for the year, both of which have gone live and I've enjoyed, I've been stressing writing the show I'm performing with Esther. Stressing, because when there's someone else involved, it changes everything - I want the characters to be equal, I want the relationship to seem realistic. But it also has to be enjoyable for the audience, it can't just be two people talking or bickering. Writing for a bigger cast is easier, even a cast of three, as you can throw in a 'disruption character', which is what I'll be doing for another show that has Alex, Nicole and Paul M in it that I'll be writing next, rehearsals start for that in just over a week. In the meantime, rehearsals with Esther, and hopefully director Cara, start next Wednesday. I still need to nail the ending. 

But, all in all, a healthy creative schedule. 

What isn't so healthy is my car...so many noises, scrapes, rattling. I've spent over a grand and a half the last few months getting bits of it fixed (wheel stuff, timing belt, water pump, windscreen, brake pads) and I'm annoyed with the latest bangs and whistles. I've decided just to turn the stereo up for a bit. It may shudder a little, it may protest when I'm exceeding 50 miles an hour, but that's 'character', yeah? 

Also, what isn't healthy, I think, is me. I had to run for a train the other day and it absolutely knackered me out and I've realised that I'm just a bit out of shape at the moment...I think it's because I spend all say sat down when I'm teaching, and then sat in my car when I'm driving, and then sat down when I'm writing. I feel just a tad out of shape when doing all the normal life things (dog walking, 4-hour drumming sessions, sex, gardening) but...you know, I'm 43, it's not a given that just being a lively chap who does manic shows is in good shape. We've got the exercise bike, rowing machine, trampoline...it's time to get fit! 

The two-hour band gig last night with the blues band was great fun though and I barely broke into a sweat, I love a good hotel gig. 

Tonight I performed a two-hour solo show around Anna's house. An audience who didn't know me, even Anna barely knows me (she's in a choir I drum for and has always been very friendly) but it worked so well. The first half was 'No Dreams' and after the interval I performed "There's a Band Playing...' - both shows are so different, the audience were on side throughout. I've got a lot of house shows coming up, a majority of them are long double shows. Now, if that doesn't get me in shape...

Tomorrow I'm in Swindon catching up with my creative pal Helen for lunch. Must. Not. Get. Talked. In. To. More. Projects. 

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