Did another guest spot on Scott Capurro's show. It's getting addictive. If only I could be a guest all my life - venue a bit like a church hall. Expecting trestle tables with harvest fayre. But no - a pocket size audience with a couple of ladies from Finland and two from Dulwich.
Scott and David very ironic. I was in the middle being their feed. Scott said my boots looked "corrective" - good gag. Will steal.
Then it's time for my show... I'd like to say I stormed it. I'd be lying. But one older gentleman on the front row gave me lots of love. He may have been plugged into the football - but I'll give him the benefit.
Embarrassingly I went on too long then I heard lots of rustling like hamsters so I looked at the commotion. Had to put on my glasses so I could read the card held up by a more than frazzled producer. What did it say?
"Wind up now"
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Festival of Politics
This Saturday 27th August look out for:
In Defence of Politics: What is Comedy and Satire Doing to Our Politics?
Sat 27th August 18:30 – 19:30, Main Chamber, £6.00 (Concessions £3.50). Book in advance Does political comedy and satire undermine public support in democratic politics by constantly deriding politicians and under-playing the challenges of governing? Are comedians to some degree responsible for the existence of a large number of 'disaffected democrats'? Is there such a thing as 'civic comedy' and could it be funny? Should politicians spend more time reflecting on their responsibilities to the public and less time mocking politicians? This event explores these questions by bringing together a number of comedians, satirists and political scientists. On the panel: Comedienne Helen Lederer, Tim Telling of the Daily Mash, stand-up comic Matt Forde (invited) and Professor Steven Fielding of the University of Nottingham. http://www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk/day5.htm
Advanced Booking required for this event, I believe.
The festival of politics is on all week from Saturday 20th August through to Saturday 27th August with the main focus of events running from Thursday 25th.
In Defence of Politics: What is Comedy and Satire Doing to Our Politics?
Sat 27th August 18:30 – 19:30, Main Chamber, £6.00 (Concessions £3.50). Book in advance Does political comedy and satire undermine public support in democratic politics by constantly deriding politicians and under-playing the challenges of governing? Are comedians to some degree responsible for the existence of a large number of 'disaffected democrats'? Is there such a thing as 'civic comedy' and could it be funny? Should politicians spend more time reflecting on their responsibilities to the public and less time mocking politicians? This event explores these questions by bringing together a number of comedians, satirists and political scientists. On the panel: Comedienne Helen Lederer, Tim Telling of the Daily Mash, stand-up comic Matt Forde (invited) and Professor Steven Fielding of the University of Nottingham. http://www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk/day5.htm
Advanced Booking required for this event, I believe.
The festival of politics is on all week from Saturday 20th August through to Saturday 27th August with the main focus of events running from Thursday 25th.
Monday 22 August 2011
Edinburgh Book Festival
I will be on the judging panel at Edinburgh Book Festival Unbound's Literary Death Match which takes place today, Monday 22 August 9:00pm - 11:00pm Achieving cult status around the world from Beijing to San Francisco, and landing a literary punch here in Charlotte Square Gardens for one night only! The Literary Death Match sends four writers against one another with only words as their weapon, all in the hunt to win the LDM crown. These writers have to dazzle a panel off all-star judges and most importantly, you, the audience, with their most exciting, insightful, funny, moving writing. The top two go on to the evening’s finale, a death-defying battle of literary ridiculousness… There can be only one winner!
Unbound events happen every night from 14 to 29 August in the Spiegeltent in Charlotte Square Gardens as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. All Unbound events are FREE and unticketed. To get in, simply turn up and walk in. All events start at 9pm so arrive early to get a seat and the bar will be open until 1am.
The Edinburgh Book Festival runs from 13th to 29th August, so there's still lots more to come. Here's the event website:http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival
Unbound events happen every night from 14 to 29 August in the Spiegeltent in Charlotte Square Gardens as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival. All Unbound events are FREE and unticketed. To get in, simply turn up and walk in. All events start at 9pm so arrive early to get a seat and the bar will be open until 1am.
The Edinburgh Book Festival runs from 13th to 29th August, so there's still lots more to come. Here's the event website:http://www.edbookfest.co.uk/the-festival
Friday 19 August 2011
Queueing in Boots
As am now in Edinburgh it is to be expected when queuing in Boots for a surrogate boho chic sandy swept sea spray for my hair (having left precious item at home) to find the customer behind me wearing full clown make up and a hessian sack. Would have been amazed if the shops were full of shoppers.
Just done Hardeep Singh's show –he had very musty cold and had forgotten his shoes. I suggested he went on in socks –but he was not understandably going to listen to a bright and keen person fresh off the train while he's been slogging his curry skills for two weeks. Couldn’t work out how he'd got to the gig without shoes since he appeared to be wearing socks but hey –me and my London nit picking –anyway the man who was chopping the onions and chillies mercifully also boasted a size 10 and surrendered his red trainers which went rather fetchingly with the tartan kilt.
In other news...
No flyers of my show –haven't sold out yet and it’s only on for ONE NIGHT. bracing myself for humiliation.
Saw Lorraine Chase bending over table in the pizza express –couldn’t hear what she was saying to the diners but I think the central point was to come to her show.
That will be me tomorrow. Best eat first.
Oh... and before I go... in case you haven't got it worked out already: here's the link to buy tickets: http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/evening-with-helen-lederer
Just done Hardeep Singh's show –he had very musty cold and had forgotten his shoes. I suggested he went on in socks –but he was not understandably going to listen to a bright and keen person fresh off the train while he's been slogging his curry skills for two weeks. Couldn’t work out how he'd got to the gig without shoes since he appeared to be wearing socks but hey –me and my London nit picking –anyway the man who was chopping the onions and chillies mercifully also boasted a size 10 and surrendered his red trainers which went rather fetchingly with the tartan kilt.
In other news...
No flyers of my show –haven't sold out yet and it’s only on for ONE NIGHT. bracing myself for humiliation.
Saw Lorraine Chase bending over table in the pizza express –couldn’t hear what she was saying to the diners but I think the central point was to come to her show.
That will be me tomorrow. Best eat first.
Oh... and before I go... in case you haven't got it worked out already: here's the link to buy tickets: http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/evening-with-helen-lederer
Moovellous
Something for the little ones...
Cbeebies have some new friends. Their new series the Iconicles is on every weekday at 3.45.
Want to meet Miss Moo? http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/cbeebies/episode/b013r2r3/Iconicles_My_Ball_Your_Ball/
Check it out about four minutes in when I get to meet the lovely Nat!
Cbeebies have some new friends. Their new series the Iconicles is on every weekday at 3.45.
Want to meet Miss Moo? http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/cbeebies/episode/b013r2r3/Iconicles_My_Ball_Your_Ball/
Check it out about four minutes in when I get to meet the lovely Nat!
Thursday 18 August 2011
Ready for the off
Did the try out gig last night at Tabard Theatre. Nice pub attached as I later discovered. Forgot loads. Had to put my glasses on a lot –the act of putting on glasses seemed to cause hilarity –I may keep this in for Edinburgh
I am playing ‘Miss Moo’ -a cow - on Cbeebies Iconicles. My character breakdown said Miss moo is a kind warm cow. That’s me .Every single weekday 3.45 BBC. moo
Have been spray tanned for Edinburgh (medium to dark) . I may regret this especially as it's not known for being a tropical city - must wash off in a few hours or will resemble Judith Chalmers bless –didn’t have the back done as its only my neck that will be visible in my black clothes – but didn’t want to short change the sprayer - seemed a bit mean to ask for a ‘solo neck spray’.
This weekend I get to do lots of guest spots have made a list which is thus:
Hardeep Singh’s ‘Chat Masala’ at the Gilded Balloon Teviot
Event WebsiteFestivalHighlights.com
Date & Time Friday 19 Aug 2pm
Scott Capurro’s ‘Position’ at the Gilded Balloon Teviot
Event Website gildedballoon.co.uk
Date & Time Sunday 21st Aug 4.30pm
Edinburgh Book Festival Unbound's Literary Death Match
Monday 22 August 9:00pm - 11:00pm I will be on the judging panel. Achieving cult status around the world from Beijing to San Francisco, and landing a literary punch here in Charlotte Square Gardens for one night only! The Literary Death Match sends four writers against one another with only words as their weapon, all in the hunt to win the LDM crown. These writers have to dazzle a panel off all-star judges and most importantly, you, the audience, with their most exciting, insightful, funny, moving writing. The top two go on to the evening’s finale, a death-defying battle of literary ridiculousness… There can be only one winner!
In Defence of Politics: What is Comedy and Satire Doing to Our Politics?
Sat 27th August 18:30 – 19:30, Main Chamber, £6.00 (Concessions £3.50). Book in advance Does political comedy and satire undermine public support in democratic politics by constantly deriding politicians and under-playing the challenges of governing? Are comedians to some degree responsible for the existence of a large number of 'disaffected democrats'? Is there such a thing as 'civic comedy' and could it be funny? Should politicians spend more time reflecting on their responsibilities to the public and less time mocking politicians? This event explores these questions by bringing together a number of comedians, satirists and political scientists. On the panel: Comedienne Helen Lederer, Tim Telling of the Daily Mash, stand-up comic Matt Forde (invited) and Professor Steven Fielding of the University of Nottingham. http://www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk/day7.htm
Have been spray tanned for Edinburgh (medium to dark) . I may regret this especially as it's not known for being a tropical city - must wash off in a few hours or will resemble Judith Chalmers bless –didn’t have the back done as its only my neck that will be visible in my black clothes – but didn’t want to short change the sprayer - seemed a bit mean to ask for a ‘solo neck spray’.
This weekend I get to do lots of guest spots have made a list which is thus:
Hardeep Singh’s ‘Chat Masala’ at the Gilded Balloon Teviot
Event WebsiteFestivalHighlights.com
Date & Time Friday 19 Aug 2pm
Scott Capurro’s ‘Position’ at the Gilded Balloon Teviot
Event Website gildedballoon.co.uk
Date & Time Sunday 21st Aug 4.30pm
Edinburgh Book Festival Unbound's Literary Death Match
Monday 22 August 9:00pm - 11:00pm I will be on the judging panel. Achieving cult status around the world from Beijing to San Francisco, and landing a literary punch here in Charlotte Square Gardens for one night only! The Literary Death Match sends four writers against one another with only words as their weapon, all in the hunt to win the LDM crown. These writers have to dazzle a panel off all-star judges and most importantly, you, the audience, with their most exciting, insightful, funny, moving writing. The top two go on to the evening’s finale, a death-defying battle of literary ridiculousness… There can be only one winner!
In Defence of Politics: What is Comedy and Satire Doing to Our Politics?
Sat 27th August 18:30 – 19:30, Main Chamber, £6.00 (Concessions £3.50). Book in advance Does political comedy and satire undermine public support in democratic politics by constantly deriding politicians and under-playing the challenges of governing? Are comedians to some degree responsible for the existence of a large number of 'disaffected democrats'? Is there such a thing as 'civic comedy' and could it be funny? Should politicians spend more time reflecting on their responsibilities to the public and less time mocking politicians? This event explores these questions by bringing together a number of comedians, satirists and political scientists. On the panel: Comedienne Helen Lederer, Tim Telling of the Daily Mash, stand-up comic Matt Forde (invited) and Professor Steven Fielding of the University of Nottingham. http://www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk/day7.htm
Monday 15 August 2011
This and That
Time is closing in –what if no one one comes to my show …? Have used memory and hypnotist to nail the lines – the key is association - I am imagining a journey through my garden so when I'm sitting on my garden bench I’m really doing hilarious comedy about my divorce – and when I’m at my tomato plant I’m really doing my routine about a tantric couples' workshop in Finchley. Yes, it all makes sense.
PAPER REVIEW SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST
Broadcasting House BBC Radio 4
Early start with delectable Paddy Campbell –the brain box man who chairs it- he claims to also host a programme for the BBC world news about Guatemalan angling – but I don’t quite believe him.
 |
| Reviewing the papers comedian Reading Club Patrick Hennessy and Sky News reporter Mark Stone |
We three reviewers were given a pile of newspapers each, a pair of scissors and a spanking new file pad . These were not gifts. No. We were to choose 5 stories each, cut them out, write down the name and page number of the paper and then take away the number we first thought of – No I mean we were to conjure an interesting and original take on said item – I was exhausted and it was only 7.45am.
Patrick Hennessy and Mark Stone were both clever and brave people as well as heroes having been on the front line in urban and foreign wars - but also gallant. I bagsied the story about male pants – interestingly Mark Stone quite wanted that one too. Some things just find their own home though …
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnj3
Friday 12 August 2011
Comic Roots
From yesterday's Edinburgh Evening News ....
"Returning to her comic roots has set the comedian thinking. She still remembers that first visit, or rather one particular review..."
Here's the full article: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/features/Memory-can-play-funny-tricks.6816846.jp
Enjoy!
"Returning to her comic roots has set the comedian thinking. She still remembers that first visit, or rather one particular review..."
Here's the full article: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/features/Memory-can-play-funny-tricks.6816846.jp
Enjoy!
Thursday 11 August 2011
Comedy Connections
http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/drama/tv-news/interviews/ronnie-corbett-comedys-in-my-soul/13522
Well who’d have thought it - came upon this missive where the great Ronnie Corbett reveals how he first saw the also great Miranda ‘assisting me!’ in Edinburgh. I like this turn of phrase – perhaps one day I may be of service back –am good with carrying, fetching, wiping surfaces and small acting parts.
If memory serves I was doing a play with live food on stage – (truth be told can remember as if yesterday – and the reviews) one of those where the idea was better than the execution – but a great opportunity to get drunk in various windows of opportunities in Edinburgh.
Naturally I’m not one to trawl through the internet in search of my name (that often) – however google does have it that I am ‘the supply teacher of comedy’ – which I think is a plus.
Not only am I doing hypnosis –I’m now seeing memory man –to lock the lines down for Edinburgh that I have never done before - is this wise? – perhaps I should do what the young call ‘riffing’ and not lock it down …just a bit of pressing quite hard?
Here's the link to book tickets: http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/evening-with-helen-lederer
Oven man not come back with new part yet - bereft -it's microwave city here.
Monday 8 August 2011
Not too much exciting news has happened so am making some of this up.
Ventured to Osterley –which is not a town in Austria but a TV studio to review paper for Sky news. – Might need to turn 60 before I get my own current affairs programme – Miriam Oreilly is my role model keeping my hopes alive.
Needing to learn my Edinburgh show so wonder if drawing pictures to remember points will help? Drawing pictures does not excite me as I will need 5000.
Am about to have a lesson on Facebook – as have a phobia about the layout – this is better than having phobia about breathing but only just.
The film Horrid Henry got a stinky review – am shocked and appalled .. Does the reviewer write for The Spectator?
Thankfully have put the right staples in my stapler – but have not managed to read ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ - couldn’t manage it – too scared.
Ventured to Osterley –which is not a town in Austria but a TV studio to review paper for Sky news. – Might need to turn 60 before I get my own current affairs programme – Miriam Oreilly is my role model keeping my hopes alive.
Needing to learn my Edinburgh show so wonder if drawing pictures to remember points will help? Drawing pictures does not excite me as I will need 5000.
Am about to have a lesson on Facebook – as have a phobia about the layout – this is better than having phobia about breathing but only just.
The film Horrid Henry got a stinky review – am shocked and appalled .. Does the reviewer write for The Spectator?
Thankfully have put the right staples in my stapler – but have not managed to read ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’ - couldn’t manage it – too scared.
Thursday 4 August 2011
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Tuesday 2 August 2011
It was the quietest day of my life- I heard a fly give up and that’s without my spray which I keep handy on my desk…
However I did find out the most AMAZING coincidence –wait for this … Jenny Éclair and I have the same OVEN!!! I KNOW
How did I find this out? My man who came to fix it for the 2nd times said ‘oee I’ve just come from jenny éclairs house’ – so I cleverly deduced as he is an oven specialist….. Enough said
I decided not to probe what was the cause of her malfunction but suffice it to say we must both have been writing in our houses with our scrunchies in our day wear... he said we were both ‘down to earth’ which means we were both in our scrunchies and day wear etc …
Hard I know to belief that creative people have ovens that they put things in from time to time – but even Evelyn Waugh had a baby belling
However I did find out the most AMAZING coincidence –wait for this … Jenny Éclair and I have the same OVEN!!! I KNOW
How did I find this out? My man who came to fix it for the 2nd times said ‘oee I’ve just come from jenny éclairs house’ – so I cleverly deduced as he is an oven specialist….. Enough said
I decided not to probe what was the cause of her malfunction but suffice it to say we must both have been writing in our houses with our scrunchies in our day wear... he said we were both ‘down to earth’ which means we were both in our scrunchies and day wear etc …
Hard I know to belief that creative people have ovens that they put things in from time to time – but even Evelyn Waugh had a baby belling
Monday 1 August 2011
I went to the little Jermyn Street Theatre – and saw the musical of BEWITCHED, BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED. And may I say quality dancin singin and lightin….how DO people tap, sing and smile? NO IDEA. Sue Pollard was in the audience looking younger than me with impressively unusual clothes and I remember her doing that in ‘me and my girl’…we reminisced fondly until she told me that was 30 years ago. Nooooooo
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