Saturday night is alright for fighting. Or comedy

Just a quick one today as I am knackered as it is possible to be.

My show last night was excellent – a packed house and hopefully lots of enjoyment. It was the first time I had used much of the material and I was really pleased with the way that it went – it makes me think that I may have a pretty good show for Edinburgh now. I have been left very tired though because I get nervous enough before a normal show, when preparing for an hour long show it is even worse. I have been writing the damn thing for a while now and when you actually do it there are so many issues to sort out. Is it too long or too short, is it rambling, is it funny, will anyone get the concept of the show?  It turned out that I did have to miss a load of stuff out but perhaps that is for the best – perhaps that material should remain locked away forever. The good news is that the thing I wrote that I thought was really funny turned out to be quite good!  But the best thing is that I can now relax and enjoy the rest of the comedy festival without worrying about the solo show.

Friday night was the first time I had been in the city centre on a weekend evening during the festival and it really feels like a festival is on. Standing outside Blackfriars I encountered 6 comics in the space of 5 minutes, all running to and from various gigs. Sitting downstairs later I got a hug from Brendon Burns and drank a pint with a man who is no doubt very important in comedy but I didn’t catch his name or function. I often have these difficulties, as I am really quite deaf. However instead of asking people to repeat things just pretend I heard it. Problem is, of course, that you can’t then go back after an hour and say “I am so sorry, I haven’t heard anything of what you have said to me and most certainly not your name or what you do. Do you mind repeating everything for me?” 

Then a bunch of other comics turned up for the late show and it felt lovely to be part of a gathering of kindred spirits. I was a bit squiffy, hence why I was enjoying it as opposed to feeling bitter, twisted and jealous. Then I wimped out and went home at about 12.30 as I wanted to get noodles. The noodles place was shut. I got really upset and a bit teary. I then realised what I was doing and settled for a kebab.

Anyway – tonight I am MC’ing the BBC presents gig at Pacific Quay. Last year Frankie Boyle MC’d it. This year it’s me.

Mmmm. No pressure.