First of all, may I take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for you and yours in 2009. It’s going to be a belter; I feel it in my water.
Usually, my newsletters are longer and are spiked with what, I hope, is humour. However, I’m saving the humour for something else because… You’ll never guess what… Scotsman Publications have given me my own weekly column!
I can’t believe that somebody has been daft enough to give me the opportunity to vent my spleen in public. The series is called “Drew’s Views”, and you will be able to access it online soon. In the meantime, please take the time to click here… http://www.westlothianhp.co.uk/14824/Gritter-Critters.4800408.jp
and here http://www.westlothianhp.co.uk/opinion/HALLY-FLAMIN-LOOYAH.4820475.jp
where we are getting it sorted out, and see if you like my style. Comments and views can be sent straight from the site, will be carefully vetted by the editor, then dumped into cyberspace.
THIS MONTH IN BRIEF:
I had another meeting with the BBC, (Hello, Peter!) so we now have a couple of format ideas going forward for consideration by the commissioning editors. It seems that the earlier series of which I was the subject met all expectations and left a bit of an impression, so there should be more of the same, riding on the back of that. (Of course, the success of the series was not down to me, but to the excellent skills of Anne, Peter, Lucy and Vic – well done, one and all.)
Gigs this month included Deer Park, a great stage show in Edinburgh, and another at a plush venue in Glasgow where I performed for about 40 males who, I was reliably informed were “Glasgow’s most ‘colourful’ characters… if you understand what I’m saying.” I DID understand what I was being told, so I’m sure you can appreciate that I ingratiated myself and made no sudden moves!
There was also a private gig at an Indian Restaurant (they have a stage area for performances upstairs and asked me if I would consider doing a “public” show there... You know, I think I just might.) There was also another wee gig at a hospice (Rachel House for those who know it) and one at the Dunkeld Hilton.
I’m sure that those of you who receive – and read - this newsletter will remember my mention of Pat Quinn earlier in the year. Well, I was delighted to find that Pat’s daughter and son-in-law (Viv and Mike) were at my New Year gig. It just made the New Year celebrations all the more enjoyable, and all the more poignant.
Highlights of 2008
Good grief, where to start? I can only select a few of the many special moments that the year held, but that list would have to include the start of my work as “The Interrogator” on The Trisha Goddard Show. You can watch one of the trailers here: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=j8rXVvNzsbI
This year also saw a host of newspaper and magazine interviews, and for a while a non-stop succession of radio interviews which, I have to say, I really enjoyed. There is something very personal and intimate about radio, I find.
Then there was the flight in a microlight – kinda’ like being at 1000ft in a bucket – over my old hometown of North Berwick. And, of course, there was the 4-part BBC radio series “School for Genius”.
Although you can no longer listen to the series, you can still see the four little videos that were made with the kids here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/news_views/2008/08/11/school_genius
There was also a truly wonderful trip by steam train from Linlithgow, up across Glencoe, and on to Mallaig. Truly memorable. And of course I would have to include the Bathgate Theatre show, where my mum actually ended up on stage during one of the demonstrations. I know I’ll pay for THAT one!
So, 2008 was a rollicking adventure, and I’m determined to cram even more into 2009. I hope yours is a firecracker, too! Go for it!
Peace to you, yours, and your neighbours.
Drew
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Thursday, December 11, 2008
November 2008
GIGS THIS MONTH:
I had the usual mixed bag of gigs this month, but every one of them thoroughly enjoyable in their own way. There really are NEVER two days or two gigs the same. I LIKE that.
For example: I had four days in Manchester doing a trade show. Sure it was work, but Jay Tailor who owns the company I was doing the work for always finds great ways to make things interesting. Jay also runs the charity U Foundation for whom David Tod and I cycled from London to Paris last year. At the moment he is raising money to buy hi-tech but inexpensive solar lamps for the mud huts in which the Zambian children live in total, total darkness… and now there is light!
Anyway, while I was in Manchester, miles from the action, my grandson was being taken by air ambulance to King’s College Hospital in London. There were biopsies and the removal of gall bladder, parts of the intestine and parts of the liver. It’s left him with an impressive scar, but well – and back home again.
xxx
I also had a gig at Troon (It’s on the west coast of Scotland, for those who don’t know and don’t golf!) The comedian I was on with told us that a joiner had accidentally shot himself in the head with his nail gun – yet, surprisingly, felt no pain. He only discovered the problem when he tried to take his hat off!
That CAN’T be true. Can it?
xxx
On one busy day I had three gigs and a manic drive around the country. First off was a lunchtime gig at The Balbirnie House Hotel in Fife. (It’s lovely… the hotel, that is, not Fife.) Then on to a private party in Linlithgow, and then straight away again to a remarkable gathering on the outskirts of Glasgow. This gig was attended by a couple of directors and a couple of Celtic FC players (I’m sorry, but I don’t follow football so I didn’t know who they were, though apparently they are striker – ex-captain or something, and very famous) and their wives and girlfriends. It was a lovely, relaxed, intimate gig; a thoroughly enjoyable time with some very nice people.
I also had a charity “do” in Colinton, Edinburgh. This was a close-knit gathering of friends and family of the organiser. Just GREAT fun!
ART FOR ART’S SAKE
Okay, so I had a day off… and went to Inchinan (right beside Glasgow Airport) and an art exhibition. Now, the art industry is something about which I know… well, nothing. So, fast-becoming-famous – and utterly delightful - artist Elena Kourenkova (she’s from Russia) kindly showed me round the gallery. I wanted to learn a bit more, but I can never take these things – or much else for that matter - too seriously. At least we didn’t get thrown out. However, I was mightily impressed by her paintings which she describes as: “…aesthetically grotesque characters going about their everyday business. In other words, life as we see it but don't always notice.”
Indeed, only a few of the exhibition paintings had sold when we were there on the second day, but ALL six of hers had sold! Why? Because her work is increasingly becoming sought after, both for its style, content and investment opportunity. You can check out some of her stuff at www.elenakourenkova.com
Oh, and she has encouraged me to put a couple of my watercolour paintings into a future exhibition – my chance to wear a beret and look “arty”! Wooo-hooo (I am going to get SUCH a showing up!)
PANTOMIME
I had a fantastic time reviewing a pantomime for The Edinburgh Evening News. It’s The Sleeping Beauty and it’s on at The Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh – and I gave it 5 stars. It’s a real return to the old-style pantomime of loads of fun characters and whizzing action, gags and slapstick spurred on by a hullabaloo from the audience and ecstatic screams of “Behind you!” If you have kids and you live anywhere near Edinburgh, get your tickets now. (They really ARE going fast.) www.bruntontheatre.co.uk where you can book online, or phone the box office on 0131 665 2240. I might even see you there, because I’m going again… “Oh no you’re not!” … “Oh, yes I am!” etcetera.
TV STUFF
I had a busy time filming in Maidstone for The Trisha Show – in my alter-ego as The Interrogator. You know, I really do love doing these shows (there were five “interviews” which will be transmitted some time in the early New Year) There is an incredible buzz in the studio; everybody somehow just “knows” what they are supposed to be doing and are so incredibly enthusiastic about it all. It’s a wonderful environment to find yourself in. That said, I still haven’t grown accustomed to getting makeup applied!
By the way, apparently, Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle claimed that Trisha’s chat show lie detector tests involve “hooking chavs up to toasters”. Okay, it’s funny.
RADIO STUFF
All four videos from the BBC radio series “School for Genius” are now up and running at http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/news_views/2008/08/11/school_genius Further news: there is the possibility of another programme with the BBC. I’ll keep you informed.
AND FINALLY
We are heading fast towards the Festive Season, so may I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a fantastic break. Peace to you and your neighbours… God knows, we could do with it.
Best wishes,
Drew McAdam
I had the usual mixed bag of gigs this month, but every one of them thoroughly enjoyable in their own way. There really are NEVER two days or two gigs the same. I LIKE that.
For example: I had four days in Manchester doing a trade show. Sure it was work, but Jay Tailor who owns the company I was doing the work for always finds great ways to make things interesting. Jay also runs the charity U Foundation for whom David Tod and I cycled from London to Paris last year. At the moment he is raising money to buy hi-tech but inexpensive solar lamps for the mud huts in which the Zambian children live in total, total darkness… and now there is light!
Anyway, while I was in Manchester, miles from the action, my grandson was being taken by air ambulance to King’s College Hospital in London. There were biopsies and the removal of gall bladder, parts of the intestine and parts of the liver. It’s left him with an impressive scar, but well – and back home again.
xxx
I also had a gig at Troon (It’s on the west coast of Scotland, for those who don’t know and don’t golf!) The comedian I was on with told us that a joiner had accidentally shot himself in the head with his nail gun – yet, surprisingly, felt no pain. He only discovered the problem when he tried to take his hat off!
That CAN’T be true. Can it?
xxx
On one busy day I had three gigs and a manic drive around the country. First off was a lunchtime gig at The Balbirnie House Hotel in Fife. (It’s lovely… the hotel, that is, not Fife.) Then on to a private party in Linlithgow, and then straight away again to a remarkable gathering on the outskirts of Glasgow. This gig was attended by a couple of directors and a couple of Celtic FC players (I’m sorry, but I don’t follow football so I didn’t know who they were, though apparently they are striker – ex-captain or something, and very famous) and their wives and girlfriends. It was a lovely, relaxed, intimate gig; a thoroughly enjoyable time with some very nice people.
I also had a charity “do” in Colinton, Edinburgh. This was a close-knit gathering of friends and family of the organiser. Just GREAT fun!
ART FOR ART’S SAKE
Okay, so I had a day off… and went to Inchinan (right beside Glasgow Airport) and an art exhibition. Now, the art industry is something about which I know… well, nothing. So, fast-becoming-famous – and utterly delightful - artist Elena Kourenkova (she’s from Russia) kindly showed me round the gallery. I wanted to learn a bit more, but I can never take these things – or much else for that matter - too seriously. At least we didn’t get thrown out. However, I was mightily impressed by her paintings which she describes as: “…aesthetically grotesque characters going about their everyday business. In other words, life as we see it but don't always notice.”
Indeed, only a few of the exhibition paintings had sold when we were there on the second day, but ALL six of hers had sold! Why? Because her work is increasingly becoming sought after, both for its style, content and investment opportunity. You can check out some of her stuff at www.elenakourenkova.com
Oh, and she has encouraged me to put a couple of my watercolour paintings into a future exhibition – my chance to wear a beret and look “arty”! Wooo-hooo (I am going to get SUCH a showing up!)
PANTOMIME
I had a fantastic time reviewing a pantomime for The Edinburgh Evening News. It’s The Sleeping Beauty and it’s on at The Brunton Theatre in Musselburgh – and I gave it 5 stars. It’s a real return to the old-style pantomime of loads of fun characters and whizzing action, gags and slapstick spurred on by a hullabaloo from the audience and ecstatic screams of “Behind you!” If you have kids and you live anywhere near Edinburgh, get your tickets now. (They really ARE going fast.) www.bruntontheatre.co.uk where you can book online, or phone the box office on 0131 665 2240. I might even see you there, because I’m going again… “Oh no you’re not!” … “Oh, yes I am!” etcetera.
TV STUFF
I had a busy time filming in Maidstone for The Trisha Show – in my alter-ego as The Interrogator. You know, I really do love doing these shows (there were five “interviews” which will be transmitted some time in the early New Year) There is an incredible buzz in the studio; everybody somehow just “knows” what they are supposed to be doing and are so incredibly enthusiastic about it all. It’s a wonderful environment to find yourself in. That said, I still haven’t grown accustomed to getting makeup applied!
By the way, apparently, Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle claimed that Trisha’s chat show lie detector tests involve “hooking chavs up to toasters”. Okay, it’s funny.
RADIO STUFF
All four videos from the BBC radio series “School for Genius” are now up and running at http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/news_views/2008/08/11/school_genius Further news: there is the possibility of another programme with the BBC. I’ll keep you informed.
AND FINALLY
We are heading fast towards the Festive Season, so may I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a fantastic break. Peace to you and your neighbours… God knows, we could do with it.
Best wishes,
Drew McAdam
October 2008
MINDPLAY THEATRE SHOW
Well, THAT worked! Thanks to all who helped make the One Man Theatre Show in Bathgate such a success. Three GREAT reviews – five stars! Whoopee! And thanks to all who actually took the time to come along and especiall those who ended up on the stage by way of Katch the Kitten. (If you were there, you know what I’m talking about.) It would have been a bit drab without you all!
Drew plays spellbinding mind games
Published Date: 27 October 2008
By LIAM RUDDEN
Drew McAdam - An Evening of Mindplay
Regal Theatre, Bathgate
*****
THUNDERING helicopter blades, disjointed ethereal voices and eerie footfalls welcomed Drew McAdam to the stage of Bathgate's Regal Theatre, at the start of his debut one man show.Best known to TV audiences as The Interrogator on The Trisha Show, McAdam introduced himself with a request: Hands up if you have never had a paranormal experience. Surprisingly few in the sold-out venue raised an arm. By the end of what would be an astonishing evening, even they would be having second thoughts.
Choosing his 'volunteers' by randomly throwing a toy into the audience, McAdam then forecast the responses of those who caught the cuddly kitten. Time and time again he defied reason to provide information he could not possibly have known – even telling one woman the number of the house in which she lived. However, his most impressive feat involved seven audience members – including this reviewer – choosing items from (a tissue, actor's names and coins) a transparent plastic pocket.Moments before the curtain fell he opened a large envelope which had been on stage throughout and produced from it a large piece of paper, on which he had written before the show: 'The pink tissue will be chosen, the third actor's name will be Harrison Ford and two silver coins and one bronze will be picked out. PS Liam will get the penny.' Right on all counts, it was a fitting end to a spellbinding evening.
ENDS
Not only was it a full house, but the box office said they could have filled the place twice over. Very gratifying. And judging by the feedback, people seem to have generally enjoyed themselves. I certainly did. So, thanks again to everybody who contributed to making it such a roaring success.
Thanks, also to all who plugged the show, not least Scott McAngus for a great preview and a fantastic review. Liam Rudden, tow massive previews and a stunning review. Jay Crawford, for an unexpected and very welcome plug on real Radio, Eddie Anderson for all your articles, all at Talk FM and Dougie Jackson at Smooth FM and Paul Johnson at The Sunday Post. You filled the place to overflowing!
Other gigs this month included Cameron House Hotel on the bank of Loch Lomond (you take the high road…) The Holt Inn Hotel near Oxford – what a fabby (return) gig that was! Always a pleasure, fella’s. There was also a wonderful (though incredibly short) gig at Dynamic Earth and another episode on Trisha the Trisha Goddard Show.
Managed to catch up with the crew who worked on the School For Genius series. Great company – Lucy Peter, Anne and the way-too-energetic Vic Galloway. Can we do it again some time, please?!
Next Month: 4 days trade show in Manchester International Convention Centre and GMEX. There is also a gig in Troon, a possible gig in Carnoustie, one in Colinton, Edinburgh, Balbirnie House in Fife and a private party in Linlithgow.
Oh, I will also be recording another couple of episodes of The Interrogator on The Trisha Show.
and if all works out well, I will be reviewing The Sleeping Beauty pantomime at The Brunton Theatre. (I’m looking forward to getting back to scribbling for a while!)
And that’s it/ It’s been busy and it’s about to get even busier, so I’m keeping it short. Just like me.
Drew
Well, THAT worked! Thanks to all who helped make the One Man Theatre Show in Bathgate such a success. Three GREAT reviews – five stars! Whoopee! And thanks to all who actually took the time to come along and especiall those who ended up on the stage by way of Katch the Kitten. (If you were there, you know what I’m talking about.) It would have been a bit drab without you all!
Drew plays spellbinding mind games
Published Date: 27 October 2008
By LIAM RUDDEN
Drew McAdam - An Evening of Mindplay
Regal Theatre, Bathgate
*****
THUNDERING helicopter blades, disjointed ethereal voices and eerie footfalls welcomed Drew McAdam to the stage of Bathgate's Regal Theatre, at the start of his debut one man show.Best known to TV audiences as The Interrogator on The Trisha Show, McAdam introduced himself with a request: Hands up if you have never had a paranormal experience. Surprisingly few in the sold-out venue raised an arm. By the end of what would be an astonishing evening, even they would be having second thoughts.
Choosing his 'volunteers' by randomly throwing a toy into the audience, McAdam then forecast the responses of those who caught the cuddly kitten. Time and time again he defied reason to provide information he could not possibly have known – even telling one woman the number of the house in which she lived. However, his most impressive feat involved seven audience members – including this reviewer – choosing items from (a tissue, actor's names and coins) a transparent plastic pocket.Moments before the curtain fell he opened a large envelope which had been on stage throughout and produced from it a large piece of paper, on which he had written before the show: 'The pink tissue will be chosen, the third actor's name will be Harrison Ford and two silver coins and one bronze will be picked out. PS Liam will get the penny.' Right on all counts, it was a fitting end to a spellbinding evening.
ENDS
Not only was it a full house, but the box office said they could have filled the place twice over. Very gratifying. And judging by the feedback, people seem to have generally enjoyed themselves. I certainly did. So, thanks again to everybody who contributed to making it such a roaring success.
Thanks, also to all who plugged the show, not least Scott McAngus for a great preview and a fantastic review. Liam Rudden, tow massive previews and a stunning review. Jay Crawford, for an unexpected and very welcome plug on real Radio, Eddie Anderson for all your articles, all at Talk FM and Dougie Jackson at Smooth FM and Paul Johnson at The Sunday Post. You filled the place to overflowing!
Other gigs this month included Cameron House Hotel on the bank of Loch Lomond (you take the high road…) The Holt Inn Hotel near Oxford – what a fabby (return) gig that was! Always a pleasure, fella’s. There was also a wonderful (though incredibly short) gig at Dynamic Earth and another episode on Trisha the Trisha Goddard Show.
Managed to catch up with the crew who worked on the School For Genius series. Great company – Lucy Peter, Anne and the way-too-energetic Vic Galloway. Can we do it again some time, please?!
Next Month: 4 days trade show in Manchester International Convention Centre and GMEX. There is also a gig in Troon, a possible gig in Carnoustie, one in Colinton, Edinburgh, Balbirnie House in Fife and a private party in Linlithgow.
Oh, I will also be recording another couple of episodes of The Interrogator on The Trisha Show.
and if all works out well, I will be reviewing The Sleeping Beauty pantomime at The Brunton Theatre. (I’m looking forward to getting back to scribbling for a while!)
And that’s it/ It’s been busy and it’s about to get even busier, so I’m keeping it short. Just like me.
Drew
September 2008
Hello again!
Drew McAdam Newsletter / Diary / General gossip sheet : SEPTEMBER 2008
This month, you can meet:
DOUGIE JACKSON
SEAN (THE SHEEP) ELDER AND FIONA
LIAM RUDDEN AND ANDREW
EWAN AND WENDY McALLISTER
SARAH AND JAYESH
HIS EXCELLENCY, ZAMBIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER, ANDERSON K. CHIBWA.
J.K. ROWLING
PAUL DABEK
VIC, PETER, LUCY AND ANNE
GORDON GILTRAP
MARIE CARTER
First and foremost, this is for all of you who live within striking distance of Central Scotland. As you may or may not know, I am performing the full theatre show FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY at the Regal Theatre in Bathgate. I must say, I am VERY much looking forward to this, not least because a large section of the audience will comprise of friends and acquaintances… It will be great to see so many friends all in one place. The bar will be the place to be after the show!
Details: Friday OCTOBER 24. Doors open 7pm (bar available.) Show starts 8pm. You can get tickets by phoning the box office on 01506 433634. Tickets £10 and £8 for concessions. Go on, do it NOW!
---------------------- Besides interviews about the show with the newspapers, there are also a couple of Radio Shows going out in the next few days. I’ve already recorded one with Dougie Jackson at Smooth FM. It goes out on Friday drivetime (4pm until 8pm) on 105.2fm. You can also listen live on the internet at: Smooth Radio Glasgow - 105.2fm :: Home . You can even send comments online while the show is being broadcast by clicking on "Contact the Studio." Of course, I won't actually BE there, because the show was recorded earlier in the week. I will be getting ready to go onstage in Oxford - so I will miss it. There is also a “Listen Again” facility.
The second programme and interview goes out from 11am until around noon on Tuesday, 7th October on talk 107. You can listen live on the internet at talk107 - local radio, news and sport for Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians by clicking the "Listen Live" button. Just below the little player you can click on "Click Here to email the studio" and you can make a comment or ask a question... I'll be able to respond live on air. That should be fun! Just keep it clean, folks!
SOMEBODY ONCE SAID: “SOME DAYS YOU’RE THE PIGEON: OTHER DAYS YOU’RE THE STATUE.” THIS MONTH HAS CERTAINLY PROVED THE TRUTH OF THAT STATEMENT:
---------------------- I became a grandfather…. Again. Two more grandchildren born within three days of each other, bringing the total to 10… That’s right TEN.
---------------------- I had a great meal with two old friends, Sean (The Sheep) Elder – from my paragliding days - and his lovely wife Fiona, at a great place called “The Chop and Ale House.” What a GREAT evening we all had. Thanks, Sean!
---------------------- Car trouble. Following a great night out at the theatre (Thanks to Liam Rudden, Entertainment Editor at the Edinburgh Evening News) I returned to my car to find the driver’s window had been smashed and my iPod nicked. Great. There followed a three hour wait for the rescue service to appear, and then all the usual palaver of insurance claims and window replacement. As if THAT were not enough, a few days later I had a bump (not my fault. Honest.) that seriously messed up my bumper. Sheeeghh!
---------------------- I had a nice piece in the Edinburgh Evening News this month, and I was also asked to contribute a piece to MORE Magazine. They even paid me!
---------------------- I also had the pleasure of attending the 25th Anniversary celebrations of one of the nicest couples I know, Ewan and Wendy McAllister at the Karma Restaurant and function suite… what a GREAT evening that was. Thanks guys!
---------------------- Another couple of episodes of me in my role as The Interrogator were broadcast – nice meaty ones they were, too. I still squirm when I see myself on telly, though. In my mind, I’m a LOT more handsome and debonair.
---------------------- It was good fun, the meeting at the BBC Headquarters – a brainstorming session in which some really great ideas and suggestions were considered. Watch this space!
---------------------- I drove down to Leicester for a charity evening. And what a wonderful time I had. Funds were being raised for the very worthy U-foundation (remember I cycled from London to Paris for them last year?) Sarah and Jayesh, who have become good friends, organised the whole thing with an Arabian theme.
While at the U-Foundation dinner, I was introduced to a lovely fellow who insisted I call him “Anderson”. We had a long and fascinating chat before I discovered that this fella was His Excellency, Zambian High Commissioner, Anderson K. Chibwa. I was wearing my kilt and found it hilarious to curtsy and refer to him from time to time as “Your Grace.” Not the protocol, apparently, but – hey – it made ME laugh!
Oh, and as result of all this, you will be receiving a newsletter from Zambia some time next year!
----------------------On my return from Leicester, it was straight through to Edinburgh to help celebrate the loving relationship of Liam and Andrew at The Dome. Another great evening.
---------------------- I happened to be at the Sheraton Spa, and had a bun and coffee in the bistro area. I spied a very well dressed lady who was totally engrossed, filling a large notebook with writing. As I passed – being rather nosy – I tried to see what on earth she was writing. She looked up, and I realised it was none other than J.K. Rowling! How cool is THAT?!
---------------------- All the videos from the BBC programme “School for Genius” are up on the web site. You can get a little taste of what I was up to by visiting: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/news_views/2008/08/11/school_genius
---------------------- What a great interview on Smooth FM Glasgow, which goes out on Friday, October 3. And what a lovely fella the presenter Dougie Jackson is – seriously. At one point during the interview – and I can only hope this works on the radio – I had six photographs of Smooth FM presenters, with their name below. Dougie selected one – Dave Marshall - and I turned it over to reveal the words on the back: “You will pick Dave Marshall.” After a moment, he demanded to see the reverse of the other photographs… You guessed: the back of every other photograph ALSO had “You will pick Dave Marshall.” Printed across the back. Phew! That only works about one in every six attempts J
---------------------- Gigs this month included: Houston House, Airth Castle with magician and top comedian Steven Dick, the sumptuous Archerfield House and Stirling Castle – thanks to Mark Fiskin for that one; it was so much fun to work with so many talented people including one of the most professional magicians (and all-round nice guys) it has been my pleasure to work with, Paul Dabek – though it was terrifying following HIM! To all who shared the experience… hello, and thank you.
---------------------- Next Month I have more newspaper and radio interviews, a gig at Cameron House on Loch Lomond (well, not ON it, but BESIDE it, of course!), a return gig in Oxford, and a gig at Dynamic Earth. I will also be having a meal with Vic, Peter, Lucy and Anne – the wonderful BBC crew that worked so hard on “School for Genius” – I am SO looking forward to that!
---------------------- My latest appearance on The Trisha Show will be shown later in the month, and there are a couple of things I’m not going to miss.. And you may want to be there, too.
---------------------- The first is a gig by Gordon Giltrap at Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh on Saturday, October 25th. “Gordon’s technical skill and wide ranging compositional output makes him one of the British guitar scene’s foremost class acts and one of the most able acoustic guitarists of our time. Doors open 6.45. Tickets available from 0131 448 0878. By the way, Gordon, I will see you the night before at MY show for a change! I look forward to it.
---------------------- Also, a lady I knew a while back – and sort of kept in touch - has written a very successful book The Trapeze Diaries. Now living in New York, Marie Carter is returning to Edinburgh for a short time and will be reading at Blackwell, 52-63 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YS on Tuesday October 7th at 6.30pm
Okay, that’s enough for now. I hope to see you at the Regal Theatre in Bathgate on Friday October 24. Don’t forget to say “Hello!” – but not in the middle of the show!
Best wishes,
Drew McAdam
Drew McAdam Newsletter / Diary / General gossip sheet : SEPTEMBER 2008
This month, you can meet:
DOUGIE JACKSON
SEAN (THE SHEEP) ELDER AND FIONA
LIAM RUDDEN AND ANDREW
EWAN AND WENDY McALLISTER
SARAH AND JAYESH
HIS EXCELLENCY, ZAMBIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER, ANDERSON K. CHIBWA.
J.K. ROWLING
PAUL DABEK
VIC, PETER, LUCY AND ANNE
GORDON GILTRAP
MARIE CARTER
First and foremost, this is for all of you who live within striking distance of Central Scotland. As you may or may not know, I am performing the full theatre show FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY at the Regal Theatre in Bathgate. I must say, I am VERY much looking forward to this, not least because a large section of the audience will comprise of friends and acquaintances… It will be great to see so many friends all in one place. The bar will be the place to be after the show!
Details: Friday OCTOBER 24. Doors open 7pm (bar available.) Show starts 8pm. You can get tickets by phoning the box office on 01506 433634. Tickets £10 and £8 for concessions. Go on, do it NOW!
---------------------- Besides interviews about the show with the newspapers, there are also a couple of Radio Shows going out in the next few days. I’ve already recorded one with Dougie Jackson at Smooth FM. It goes out on Friday drivetime (4pm until 8pm) on 105.2fm. You can also listen live on the internet at: Smooth Radio Glasgow - 105.2fm :: Home . You can even send comments online while the show is being broadcast by clicking on "Contact the Studio." Of course, I won't actually BE there, because the show was recorded earlier in the week. I will be getting ready to go onstage in Oxford - so I will miss it. There is also a “Listen Again” facility.
The second programme and interview goes out from 11am until around noon on Tuesday, 7th October on talk 107. You can listen live on the internet at talk107 - local radio, news and sport for Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians by clicking the "Listen Live" button. Just below the little player you can click on "Click Here to email the studio" and you can make a comment or ask a question... I'll be able to respond live on air. That should be fun! Just keep it clean, folks!
SOMEBODY ONCE SAID: “SOME DAYS YOU’RE THE PIGEON: OTHER DAYS YOU’RE THE STATUE.” THIS MONTH HAS CERTAINLY PROVED THE TRUTH OF THAT STATEMENT:
---------------------- I became a grandfather…. Again. Two more grandchildren born within three days of each other, bringing the total to 10… That’s right TEN.
---------------------- I had a great meal with two old friends, Sean (The Sheep) Elder – from my paragliding days - and his lovely wife Fiona, at a great place called “The Chop and Ale House.” What a GREAT evening we all had. Thanks, Sean!
---------------------- Car trouble. Following a great night out at the theatre (Thanks to Liam Rudden, Entertainment Editor at the Edinburgh Evening News) I returned to my car to find the driver’s window had been smashed and my iPod nicked. Great. There followed a three hour wait for the rescue service to appear, and then all the usual palaver of insurance claims and window replacement. As if THAT were not enough, a few days later I had a bump (not my fault. Honest.) that seriously messed up my bumper. Sheeeghh!
---------------------- I had a nice piece in the Edinburgh Evening News this month, and I was also asked to contribute a piece to MORE Magazine. They even paid me!
---------------------- I also had the pleasure of attending the 25th Anniversary celebrations of one of the nicest couples I know, Ewan and Wendy McAllister at the Karma Restaurant and function suite… what a GREAT evening that was. Thanks guys!
---------------------- Another couple of episodes of me in my role as The Interrogator were broadcast – nice meaty ones they were, too. I still squirm when I see myself on telly, though. In my mind, I’m a LOT more handsome and debonair.
---------------------- It was good fun, the meeting at the BBC Headquarters – a brainstorming session in which some really great ideas and suggestions were considered. Watch this space!
---------------------- I drove down to Leicester for a charity evening. And what a wonderful time I had. Funds were being raised for the very worthy U-foundation (remember I cycled from London to Paris for them last year?) Sarah and Jayesh, who have become good friends, organised the whole thing with an Arabian theme.
While at the U-Foundation dinner, I was introduced to a lovely fellow who insisted I call him “Anderson”. We had a long and fascinating chat before I discovered that this fella was His Excellency, Zambian High Commissioner, Anderson K. Chibwa. I was wearing my kilt and found it hilarious to curtsy and refer to him from time to time as “Your Grace.” Not the protocol, apparently, but – hey – it made ME laugh!
Oh, and as result of all this, you will be receiving a newsletter from Zambia some time next year!
----------------------On my return from Leicester, it was straight through to Edinburgh to help celebrate the loving relationship of Liam and Andrew at The Dome. Another great evening.
---------------------- I happened to be at the Sheraton Spa, and had a bun and coffee in the bistro area. I spied a very well dressed lady who was totally engrossed, filling a large notebook with writing. As I passed – being rather nosy – I tried to see what on earth she was writing. She looked up, and I realised it was none other than J.K. Rowling! How cool is THAT?!
---------------------- All the videos from the BBC programme “School for Genius” are up on the web site. You can get a little taste of what I was up to by visiting: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/news_views/2008/08/11/school_genius
---------------------- What a great interview on Smooth FM Glasgow, which goes out on Friday, October 3. And what a lovely fella the presenter Dougie Jackson is – seriously. At one point during the interview – and I can only hope this works on the radio – I had six photographs of Smooth FM presenters, with their name below. Dougie selected one – Dave Marshall - and I turned it over to reveal the words on the back: “You will pick Dave Marshall.” After a moment, he demanded to see the reverse of the other photographs… You guessed: the back of every other photograph ALSO had “You will pick Dave Marshall.” Printed across the back. Phew! That only works about one in every six attempts J
---------------------- Gigs this month included: Houston House, Airth Castle with magician and top comedian Steven Dick, the sumptuous Archerfield House and Stirling Castle – thanks to Mark Fiskin for that one; it was so much fun to work with so many talented people including one of the most professional magicians (and all-round nice guys) it has been my pleasure to work with, Paul Dabek – though it was terrifying following HIM! To all who shared the experience… hello, and thank you.
---------------------- Next Month I have more newspaper and radio interviews, a gig at Cameron House on Loch Lomond (well, not ON it, but BESIDE it, of course!), a return gig in Oxford, and a gig at Dynamic Earth. I will also be having a meal with Vic, Peter, Lucy and Anne – the wonderful BBC crew that worked so hard on “School for Genius” – I am SO looking forward to that!
---------------------- My latest appearance on The Trisha Show will be shown later in the month, and there are a couple of things I’m not going to miss.. And you may want to be there, too.
---------------------- The first is a gig by Gordon Giltrap at Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh on Saturday, October 25th. “Gordon’s technical skill and wide ranging compositional output makes him one of the British guitar scene’s foremost class acts and one of the most able acoustic guitarists of our time. Doors open 6.45. Tickets available from 0131 448 0878. By the way, Gordon, I will see you the night before at MY show for a change! I look forward to it.
---------------------- Also, a lady I knew a while back – and sort of kept in touch - has written a very successful book The Trapeze Diaries. Now living in New York, Marie Carter is returning to Edinburgh for a short time and will be reading at Blackwell, 52-63 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YS on Tuesday October 7th at 6.30pm
Okay, that’s enough for now. I hope to see you at the Regal Theatre in Bathgate on Friday October 24. Don’t forget to say “Hello!” – but not in the middle of the show!
Best wishes,
Drew McAdam
August 2008
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, I met you in a pub, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
www.drewmcadam.co.uk
AUGUST 2008 Newsletter / Diary.
Mentioned in dispatches this month:
LIVE THEATRE SHOW: An evening of MindPlay
Upcoming episodes of the TRISHA GODDARD SHOW
Two months too early - BILLY MCMURRAY
Wedding of DOUGLAS CAIRNS
Meeting up with JOHN SIMONETT at last.
The wacky world of PAUL ZENON
The COLIN MCLEOD show
Hello, KENNEDY and KEVIN MCMAHON
The impossible PHILIP ESCOFFEY
Meat and Eat with DOUGLAS GILLESPIE
JAY ALEXANDER and the show shine
Loads of crumpet with ANDY TURNER at Lakeland Bake
LIAM RUDDEN and his blog
TRICKY RICKY and hello to Harris
COMING UP ON TRISHA GODDARD…
For those of you with hard drive recorders and / or video recorders that you can actually set, my next appearance (well, The Interrogator) - on the TRISHA SHOW is Friday the 5th of September (this is a repeat, but it’s a REALLY good one!) and two new ones on September 24th and / or 25th. 10.30am. Channel 5.
JUST THOUGHT I’D FLAG THIS ONE UP FOR OCTOBER… ‘CAUSE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.
AN EVENING OF MINDPLAY with Drew McAdam
This is only of interest if you live around the Central Scotland area. Having been harassed by numerous people who wanted to see the live show (I work almost exclusively in the corporate market, so it has never been possible) now is your chance. I am appearing at The Bathgate Regal Theatre on Friday October 24. (That’s OCTOBER 24, Billy McMurray… though I did appreciate the “Break a leg” text two months early!)
Tickets are £10 and £8 concession. You can book tickets by phoning the box office on 01506 433634
Doors open 7pm (There IS a bar). Show starts 8pm.
I hope to see you there… and if you DO make it along, please take the time to say “Hello.” It might even lead to an invite to the after-show party!
E-mail flyer for the show
AUGUST GIGS…
Included Inchyra Grange, and a special for the wedding of DOUGLAS CAIRNS (brother of my very good friend DAVE CAIRNS) at Harburn House. There was also a truly awesome gig at Copthorne Hotel near Gatwick, and more filming for The Trisha Goddard Show – always fun, and no less so this time. (Though thanks to an incredible combination of roadworks, accidents and a supplied driver who refused to believe his Satnav, I only JUST made it to the airport in time for the flight. The gate had actually closed but the kind lady with the telephone and the clipboard managed to get me on. Phew!)
There was a lovely wee gig at the Dalmahoy Hotel, where I had the great pleasure of finally meeting up with JOHN SIMONETT. We have spoken often by ‘phone, and at last we actually managed to meet up. It was no disappointment (for me, anyway!) Besides being one of the most amazing memory men / after dinner speakers on the circuit (take note, bookers!) he is also a livewire and a thoroughly charming man. John, it was a real pleasure. You can check out John’s website at www.johnsimonett.co.uk
I thoroughly enjoyed myself at a gig at Dunkeld Hilton and then raced back to Edinburgh to take part in what has to be the weirdest gig I’ve ever played – part of the Edinburgh Festival. My good friend PAUL ZENON (“Television’s Mr Television”, he says) star of “Countdown” and numerous highly entertaining TV specials has never hidden his love of The Carnies of old. He had specially built a Carnie tent and brought it up to Edinburgh; the Marquee De Sideshow at The Spiegel Garden, where he spent his time on a megaphone “Roll up, roll up. See it right here, right now… The most incredible spectacle…” and so on.
And so it was that I found myself stepping through a curtain into a tiny, packed, circular tent, below a massive revolving skull mirror – I kid you not - to demonstrate mindreading and metal-bending. I was on with three other acts that included a female fire-eating singer. What fun… what great fun. Thank you, Paul, for the opportunity to add THAT to my CV.
WANNA SEE REAL MAGIC?
I’m not sure why I’m doing this, but it IS down to my ridiculous habit of: “The answer is ‘Yes’. What’s the question?” The event is, as I understand it, “The UK’s largest Festival of Magic” held this year at Stirling Castle, and I was asked if I wanted to take part. Now, I enjoy magic (I don’t understand it, but I enjoy it) and even though I’m not a magician, it just seemed like too good a chance to miss. Mind, Mystery and Magic at Stirling Castle. How cool is THAT?
So, as a result, I will be doing two twenty minute gigs, in the Great Hall and/or Chapel Royal. It’s part of Historic Scotland and takes place on the 20th and the 21st of September. Entrance fee to the castle is £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for children. However, if you tell them you know me the combined price for adult and child will be £12.75.
Performers include Paul Dabek – I caught his act last year, and he was absolutely wonderful. Real, classy magic – with doves. (Where do they come from, where do they go, and how does he get them back?) There is also Ali Bongo (‘oooray!) – yes THE Ali Bongo. Ali’s real name is William Wallace; rather appropriate that he should be performing at Stirling Castle, don’t you think? Other performers include Max Marshall, Astro Aladino, Shirley Ray - astonishing balloon sculptures – David Lees, Michael McMillan, Alex Proctor. Mick Magic and a genuine, real wizard: Kramus Nexifius.
Details can be found here: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/events/event_detail.htm?eventid=16006
Got kids? Bring ‘em along! Not got kids? You can still visit the face painting tent!
MORE MINDREADING AT THE FESTIVAL
I didn’t manage to see very much of The Edinburgh Festival this year. However, I DID get to see “Young” COLIN MCLEOD’S show. Forty minutes of fabulous, entertaining, mind mystery that went down a storm with the audience. What made it even better was that I hid in the audience with two very nice people, “KENNEDY” and KEVIN MCMAHON from “Faking It”. A great evening all round.
One other act that I caught at the Festival was the fantastic “Six Impossible Things Before Dinner” with PHILIP ESCOFFEY. And, even better, we had time to grab a pint and a blether – he is very free with his performance suggestions; always handy. A lovely, lovely fella’ with a truly superb – not to mention mystifying – show. You can check out his rather swish web site here: www.thegreyman.com
A DAY OFF
Okay, I admit it, I took a day off. Yes, I did! And so did my manager, DOUGLAS GILLESPIE… well, sort of. First of all, let me say, Douglas is a great manager and a great friend – he has kept me on the straight and narrow more times than you can shake a stick at. He is a mensch. Anyway, he took me out for lunch – and what a lunch – at the finest dining establishment in the area. (Kevin Costner and Sean Connery regularly drop in there.) And, of course, the owners recognised him and spent time blethering – as did one of the diners who is a member of The Soul Kings. Typical.
Anyway, he treated me to a fabby lunch (T-bone steak if you must know, followed by waffles.) It was the most delicious steak I have ever tasted… and guess what; I’m going back there on Saturday with an old friend, so I’m not telling you where it is just yet! From there we went to the grand Georgian residence that is Hopetoun House for a quick business meeting, then on to the Regal Theatre (venue for my show next month) for a familiarisation visit.
What a great day, just gadding around doing nothing – I do it all too seldom.
Thanks, DG!
SHOE SHINE MAGICIAN
One of the acts that I didn’t manage to get along to see at the Edinburgh Festival was that of JAY ALEXANDER. Jay hails from San Francisco, and is the guy The Rolling Stones, Robin Williams and Bono get in when THEY want to be entertained. However, I did bump into him briefly and we had a chat at one of the venues.
A few days later, I was at Edinburgh Airport waiting for my flight to London, when who comes striding through the airport, but Jay - you can’t miss this fella’ by the way! Now, as it happened, I was with the shoe-shine chap (I’ve got to know him quite well over the years) and I noticed that Jay’s rather fine Amercian winkle-picker boots were rather shoddy (It’s been raining a LOT in Edinburgh recently) and I suggested he get his shoes buffed up. However, Jay had just managed to spend the last of his UK cash and only had dollars. Nevertheless, Mr Shoe-shine offered to do them free of charge – though I slipped him what change I had and later bought him a cuppa.
I’ve since had an email from Jay saying that he is hoping to return to the festival next year. If he does I’ll let you know, and we can all go along and check out the state of his boots!
In the meantime, here is his website. www.sfmagic.com
NICE PIECE OF CRUMPET
I sometimes write press releases and article for my very good friend JOHN MORTON (www.aquameter.co.uk). Now, as it happens, I had written a piece about one of the water meters John manufacturers that had been fitted at Carlisle-based “Just Crumpets” Lakeland Bake. I interviewed ANDY TURNER, who very kindly sent me a huge box of crumpets (I DO love crumpets: toasted with butter and strawberry jam!) I have an arrangement that the next time I’m heading down over The Border into Englandshire I will stop of and give a short show. Not a bad arrangement, I reckon!
BLOGGER
One of those writers whose work I really enjoy is LIAM RUDDEN, entertainment editor at The Edinburgh Evening News and probably the busiest guy in the city come Festival time. However, he has been keeping a blog which is well worth reading. You couldn’t meet a nicer, more genuine bloke than Liam, but he doesn’t suffer fools gladly – he doesn’t have the time! He meets some of the most amazing celebrities and performers, and isn’t afraid to say what he actually thinks of them. His wanderings are well worth reading and you can find them here.
http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/features/Liam-Rudden--Fringed-Out.4350163.jp
Click on Liam’s silly hat and it should take you to his blog (You’ll find ME there, too!)
BABY TALK
Congratulations to TRICKY RICKY MCLEOD. Born unto him, a son, by the name of Harris. Nice name that. Born 7.57am on August 28, weighting 9lbs. Mum and baby all well – daddy a bit fraught, though!
GIGS IN THE COMING WEEKS…
include Carlton Hotel in Edinburgh, Houston House, Archerfield near Gullane and Stirling Castle
See you all next month. Till then, remember: any day spent above ground, is a good one!
Now, hit reply and let me know what’s going on in YOUR life.
Drew
X
ENDS
www.drewmcadam.co.uk
AUGUST 2008 Newsletter / Diary.
Mentioned in dispatches this month:
LIVE THEATRE SHOW: An evening of MindPlay
Upcoming episodes of the TRISHA GODDARD SHOW
Two months too early - BILLY MCMURRAY
Wedding of DOUGLAS CAIRNS
Meeting up with JOHN SIMONETT at last.
The wacky world of PAUL ZENON
The COLIN MCLEOD show
Hello, KENNEDY and KEVIN MCMAHON
The impossible PHILIP ESCOFFEY
Meat and Eat with DOUGLAS GILLESPIE
JAY ALEXANDER and the show shine
Loads of crumpet with ANDY TURNER at Lakeland Bake
LIAM RUDDEN and his blog
TRICKY RICKY and hello to Harris
COMING UP ON TRISHA GODDARD…
For those of you with hard drive recorders and / or video recorders that you can actually set, my next appearance (well, The Interrogator) - on the TRISHA SHOW is Friday the 5th of September (this is a repeat, but it’s a REALLY good one!) and two new ones on September 24th and / or 25th. 10.30am. Channel 5.
JUST THOUGHT I’D FLAG THIS ONE UP FOR OCTOBER… ‘CAUSE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.
AN EVENING OF MINDPLAY with Drew McAdam
This is only of interest if you live around the Central Scotland area. Having been harassed by numerous people who wanted to see the live show (I work almost exclusively in the corporate market, so it has never been possible) now is your chance. I am appearing at The Bathgate Regal Theatre on Friday October 24. (That’s OCTOBER 24, Billy McMurray… though I did appreciate the “Break a leg” text two months early!)
Tickets are £10 and £8 concession. You can book tickets by phoning the box office on 01506 433634
Doors open 7pm (There IS a bar). Show starts 8pm.
I hope to see you there… and if you DO make it along, please take the time to say “Hello.” It might even lead to an invite to the after-show party!
E-mail flyer for the show
AUGUST GIGS…
Included Inchyra Grange, and a special for the wedding of DOUGLAS CAIRNS (brother of my very good friend DAVE CAIRNS) at Harburn House. There was also a truly awesome gig at Copthorne Hotel near Gatwick, and more filming for The Trisha Goddard Show – always fun, and no less so this time. (Though thanks to an incredible combination of roadworks, accidents and a supplied driver who refused to believe his Satnav, I only JUST made it to the airport in time for the flight. The gate had actually closed but the kind lady with the telephone and the clipboard managed to get me on. Phew!)
There was a lovely wee gig at the Dalmahoy Hotel, where I had the great pleasure of finally meeting up with JOHN SIMONETT. We have spoken often by ‘phone, and at last we actually managed to meet up. It was no disappointment (for me, anyway!) Besides being one of the most amazing memory men / after dinner speakers on the circuit (take note, bookers!) he is also a livewire and a thoroughly charming man. John, it was a real pleasure. You can check out John’s website at www.johnsimonett.co.uk
I thoroughly enjoyed myself at a gig at Dunkeld Hilton and then raced back to Edinburgh to take part in what has to be the weirdest gig I’ve ever played – part of the Edinburgh Festival. My good friend PAUL ZENON (“Television’s Mr Television”, he says) star of “Countdown” and numerous highly entertaining TV specials has never hidden his love of The Carnies of old. He had specially built a Carnie tent and brought it up to Edinburgh; the Marquee De Sideshow at The Spiegel Garden, where he spent his time on a megaphone “Roll up, roll up. See it right here, right now… The most incredible spectacle…” and so on.
And so it was that I found myself stepping through a curtain into a tiny, packed, circular tent, below a massive revolving skull mirror – I kid you not - to demonstrate mindreading and metal-bending. I was on with three other acts that included a female fire-eating singer. What fun… what great fun. Thank you, Paul, for the opportunity to add THAT to my CV.
WANNA SEE REAL MAGIC?
I’m not sure why I’m doing this, but it IS down to my ridiculous habit of: “The answer is ‘Yes’. What’s the question?” The event is, as I understand it, “The UK’s largest Festival of Magic” held this year at Stirling Castle, and I was asked if I wanted to take part. Now, I enjoy magic (I don’t understand it, but I enjoy it) and even though I’m not a magician, it just seemed like too good a chance to miss. Mind, Mystery and Magic at Stirling Castle. How cool is THAT?
So, as a result, I will be doing two twenty minute gigs, in the Great Hall and/or Chapel Royal. It’s part of Historic Scotland and takes place on the 20th and the 21st of September. Entrance fee to the castle is £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for children. However, if you tell them you know me the combined price for adult and child will be £12.75.
Performers include Paul Dabek – I caught his act last year, and he was absolutely wonderful. Real, classy magic – with doves. (Where do they come from, where do they go, and how does he get them back?) There is also Ali Bongo (‘oooray!) – yes THE Ali Bongo. Ali’s real name is William Wallace; rather appropriate that he should be performing at Stirling Castle, don’t you think? Other performers include Max Marshall, Astro Aladino, Shirley Ray - astonishing balloon sculptures – David Lees, Michael McMillan, Alex Proctor. Mick Magic and a genuine, real wizard: Kramus Nexifius.
Details can be found here: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/events/event_detail.htm?eventid=16006
Got kids? Bring ‘em along! Not got kids? You can still visit the face painting tent!
MORE MINDREADING AT THE FESTIVAL
I didn’t manage to see very much of The Edinburgh Festival this year. However, I DID get to see “Young” COLIN MCLEOD’S show. Forty minutes of fabulous, entertaining, mind mystery that went down a storm with the audience. What made it even better was that I hid in the audience with two very nice people, “KENNEDY” and KEVIN MCMAHON from “Faking It”. A great evening all round.
One other act that I caught at the Festival was the fantastic “Six Impossible Things Before Dinner” with PHILIP ESCOFFEY. And, even better, we had time to grab a pint and a blether – he is very free with his performance suggestions; always handy. A lovely, lovely fella’ with a truly superb – not to mention mystifying – show. You can check out his rather swish web site here: www.thegreyman.com
A DAY OFF
Okay, I admit it, I took a day off. Yes, I did! And so did my manager, DOUGLAS GILLESPIE… well, sort of. First of all, let me say, Douglas is a great manager and a great friend – he has kept me on the straight and narrow more times than you can shake a stick at. He is a mensch. Anyway, he took me out for lunch – and what a lunch – at the finest dining establishment in the area. (Kevin Costner and Sean Connery regularly drop in there.) And, of course, the owners recognised him and spent time blethering – as did one of the diners who is a member of The Soul Kings. Typical.
Anyway, he treated me to a fabby lunch (T-bone steak if you must know, followed by waffles.) It was the most delicious steak I have ever tasted… and guess what; I’m going back there on Saturday with an old friend, so I’m not telling you where it is just yet! From there we went to the grand Georgian residence that is Hopetoun House for a quick business meeting, then on to the Regal Theatre (venue for my show next month) for a familiarisation visit.
What a great day, just gadding around doing nothing – I do it all too seldom.
Thanks, DG!
SHOE SHINE MAGICIAN
One of the acts that I didn’t manage to get along to see at the Edinburgh Festival was that of JAY ALEXANDER. Jay hails from San Francisco, and is the guy The Rolling Stones, Robin Williams and Bono get in when THEY want to be entertained. However, I did bump into him briefly and we had a chat at one of the venues.
A few days later, I was at Edinburgh Airport waiting for my flight to London, when who comes striding through the airport, but Jay - you can’t miss this fella’ by the way! Now, as it happened, I was with the shoe-shine chap (I’ve got to know him quite well over the years) and I noticed that Jay’s rather fine Amercian winkle-picker boots were rather shoddy (It’s been raining a LOT in Edinburgh recently) and I suggested he get his shoes buffed up. However, Jay had just managed to spend the last of his UK cash and only had dollars. Nevertheless, Mr Shoe-shine offered to do them free of charge – though I slipped him what change I had and later bought him a cuppa.
I’ve since had an email from Jay saying that he is hoping to return to the festival next year. If he does I’ll let you know, and we can all go along and check out the state of his boots!
In the meantime, here is his website. www.sfmagic.com
NICE PIECE OF CRUMPET
I sometimes write press releases and article for my very good friend JOHN MORTON (www.aquameter.co.uk). Now, as it happens, I had written a piece about one of the water meters John manufacturers that had been fitted at Carlisle-based “Just Crumpets” Lakeland Bake. I interviewed ANDY TURNER, who very kindly sent me a huge box of crumpets (I DO love crumpets: toasted with butter and strawberry jam!) I have an arrangement that the next time I’m heading down over The Border into Englandshire I will stop of and give a short show. Not a bad arrangement, I reckon!
BLOGGER
One of those writers whose work I really enjoy is LIAM RUDDEN, entertainment editor at The Edinburgh Evening News and probably the busiest guy in the city come Festival time. However, he has been keeping a blog which is well worth reading. You couldn’t meet a nicer, more genuine bloke than Liam, but he doesn’t suffer fools gladly – he doesn’t have the time! He meets some of the most amazing celebrities and performers, and isn’t afraid to say what he actually thinks of them. His wanderings are well worth reading and you can find them here.
http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/features/Liam-Rudden--Fringed-Out.4350163.jp
Click on Liam’s silly hat and it should take you to his blog (You’ll find ME there, too!)
BABY TALK
Congratulations to TRICKY RICKY MCLEOD. Born unto him, a son, by the name of Harris. Nice name that. Born 7.57am on August 28, weighting 9lbs. Mum and baby all well – daddy a bit fraught, though!
GIGS IN THE COMING WEEKS…
include Carlton Hotel in Edinburgh, Houston House, Archerfield near Gullane and Stirling Castle
See you all next month. Till then, remember: any day spent above ground, is a good one!
Now, hit reply and let me know what’s going on in YOUR life.
Drew
X
ENDS
Sunday, August 03, 2008
July 2008
BBC BROADCAST
School For Genius is a current 4-part series on the BBC in which I visit Primary 7 kids at various schools and teach them some of the techniques employed in my shows - everything from memory techniques to understanding body language and beyond. These same techniques were also been taught to a musician, a 5-times bowls world champion, a karate champion, and a trainee solicitor so that they can use these skills within their own fields of expertise. The whole thing is edited, pruned down into snappy 30-minute programmes, and broadcast each week. It’s just so much FUN!
A repeat of episode 2 goes out on BBC Radio Scotland this Sunday at 3.05pm, and then Episode 3 goes out on Monday Morning at 11.30am.
You can catch up on a couple of the past programmes here, though each episode only remains “live” for a week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cp4dr
And you can see the video shorts here… http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/news_views/2008/07/28/school_genius
Enjoy!
(One of the rather nice by-products of the programme is that it was heard by my cousin, and he got in contact… after almost 40 years! Reunited. Now, we have a flurry of emails going back and forth between myself and my cousins, DEREK and JUNE.) Cool!
FESTIVAL FROLICKS
Wasn’t July great? There was terrific weather – a lot of the time - and suddenly we knew that summer was here. And with summer comes… well, wasps, yes, but also the Edinburgh Festival. Now, one young mind-reader on whom I’ve been keeping an eye is “Young” COLIN MCLEOD. I know that some of you have seen Colin’s talents – and he IS one of the freshest thinkers in our art at this time. The Daily Record has mentioned the word “Incredible”. Chat Magazine: “You’ll be amazed.” Uri Geller has described him as one of the greatest thought readers of our time.” And Scotland’s foremost mind-reader has said of him that he is a “ba’ heid.” (Sorry, Colin. Just kidding!)
Anyway, Colin is putting on a week-long run of shows in Edinburgh. If you live within striking distance, and you like the kind of stuff I do, then I urge you to catch the performance if you possibly can. Let’s support the young up-and-coming talent out there! You’ll find details at www.mentalentertainment.co.uk. The show runs from the 1st till the 7th of August (no show on the 4th) kicking off at 7pm each evening at Tea Tree Tea, 13 Bread Street Edinburgh EH3 9AL. The show lasts one hour, and tickets cost £5 – either reserved, or on the door. See you there!
I was given the opportunity of performing at BBC HEADQUARTERS in GLASGOW this month to promote my series “School For Genius” within the BBC organisation -and as a way of saying thanks to the fantastic BBC crew. (That’s ANNE, PETE, VIC and LUCY.) Now, JEFF ZYCINSKI is the Big Cheese at BBC Scotland and he backed this project all the way… He has a remarkably funny online blog in which he displays a wonderful turn of phrase - and you all know how much I take delight in that. You can check out his brilliant blog here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jeffzycinski/
AND…RELAX
I managed to get away for a few days this month, and travelled by car, ferry and bus through the splendour that is our West Coast, exploring the history, the hills, the lochs and the islands. And generally relaxing. Braw!
On another day off (all too rare) I spent a great afternoon at the home of Jazz Guitar Supremo MARCUS FORD. (Remember, he took me a trip across the Southern Highlands in his ‘plane last year?) It was relaxing – and, as always with Marcus, great fun. Thanks chum!
GIGS THIS MONTH
It was a weird and wonderful collection of gigs this month; and all the more fun for that. There was a very swish private party just outside PERTH. Then there was GLEDDOCH HOUSE, Hotel and Golf Club. I had a wonderful time, and an equally wonderful gig, at KEELE UNIVERSITY in Staffordshire. (I’m looking forward to a return gig there at the beginning of next year. I just hope Dan the Sound Man will be there again!) There was the aforementioned gig in the impressive BBC Headquarters, and then it was straight on to a training session at KENMORE, a trip during which my GPS took me by way of Glen Quaich. This is a steep – and I mean pucker-factor 9 steep - single-track road up and over a mountain by way of blind hairpin bends. (If you stall, you’re going to hurtle backwards and drop 1200 feet… It’s not something you want to do. Really, it’s not.)
I also had the pleasure of appearing in a marquee at the KENWICK PARK HOTEL near LOUTH. It was a great gig, despite the fact that we were in a massive marquee and the temperature during the day had been up to a sweltering 29 degrees. Sweaty suit time. And in yet another marquee event, this time at ABERDOUR, I was on with Dorothy Paul – a real stalwart of Scottish TV and theatre. And a funny, funny lady.
What was really nice was that some people who I haven’t seen in a long time found themselves at the venue that evening, though we didn’t have too much time to talk. Hello to SEAN THE SHEEP. And hello to KAREN nee MITCHELL, who grew up just one house away from me in North Berwick, and her husband WILLIE CROWE – we were in the same class at school. It was GREAT to meet up with you after all this time!
The Aberdour show is one of, oh, let me think, yes ONE public performances I have given. Everything else is private and/or corporate… That’s what I’ve always concentrated on. That’s what I like. (My comfort zone!)
However, here’s a heads-up for those who don’t mind a drive into West Lothian. Local theatre. October 24th… Public performance. Stick it in your diary. Details to follow later. (And to GORDON and HILARY GILTRAP… that’s the evening before you’re on in Roslyn Chapel, Edinburgh. You see me… I see you… Hey, how about the UK’s top guitarist as my support act? How cool would THAT be? As long as I get to open for YOU!)
Next month, I’m recording another couple of episodes on The Trisha Show – always exciting, that - along with a few other interesting gigs and projects.
It really has been another great month… For those with whom I have shared a little bit of it, and you with me. Thanks!
Drew
X
School For Genius is a current 4-part series on the BBC in which I visit Primary 7 kids at various schools and teach them some of the techniques employed in my shows - everything from memory techniques to understanding body language and beyond. These same techniques were also been taught to a musician, a 5-times bowls world champion, a karate champion, and a trainee solicitor so that they can use these skills within their own fields of expertise. The whole thing is edited, pruned down into snappy 30-minute programmes, and broadcast each week. It’s just so much FUN!
A repeat of episode 2 goes out on BBC Radio Scotland this Sunday at 3.05pm, and then Episode 3 goes out on Monday Morning at 11.30am.
You can catch up on a couple of the past programmes here, though each episode only remains “live” for a week. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00cp4dr
And you can see the video shorts here… http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/learning/news_views/2008/07/28/school_genius
Enjoy!
(One of the rather nice by-products of the programme is that it was heard by my cousin, and he got in contact… after almost 40 years! Reunited. Now, we have a flurry of emails going back and forth between myself and my cousins, DEREK and JUNE.) Cool!
FESTIVAL FROLICKS
Wasn’t July great? There was terrific weather – a lot of the time - and suddenly we knew that summer was here. And with summer comes… well, wasps, yes, but also the Edinburgh Festival. Now, one young mind-reader on whom I’ve been keeping an eye is “Young” COLIN MCLEOD. I know that some of you have seen Colin’s talents – and he IS one of the freshest thinkers in our art at this time. The Daily Record has mentioned the word “Incredible”. Chat Magazine: “You’ll be amazed.” Uri Geller has described him as one of the greatest thought readers of our time.” And Scotland’s foremost mind-reader has said of him that he is a “ba’ heid.” (Sorry, Colin. Just kidding!)
Anyway, Colin is putting on a week-long run of shows in Edinburgh. If you live within striking distance, and you like the kind of stuff I do, then I urge you to catch the performance if you possibly can. Let’s support the young up-and-coming talent out there! You’ll find details at www.mentalentertainment.co.uk. The show runs from the 1st till the 7th of August (no show on the 4th) kicking off at 7pm each evening at Tea Tree Tea, 13 Bread Street Edinburgh EH3 9AL. The show lasts one hour, and tickets cost £5 – either reserved, or on the door. See you there!
I was given the opportunity of performing at BBC HEADQUARTERS in GLASGOW this month to promote my series “School For Genius” within the BBC organisation -and as a way of saying thanks to the fantastic BBC crew. (That’s ANNE, PETE, VIC and LUCY.) Now, JEFF ZYCINSKI is the Big Cheese at BBC Scotland and he backed this project all the way… He has a remarkably funny online blog in which he displays a wonderful turn of phrase - and you all know how much I take delight in that. You can check out his brilliant blog here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jeffzycinski/
AND…RELAX
I managed to get away for a few days this month, and travelled by car, ferry and bus through the splendour that is our West Coast, exploring the history, the hills, the lochs and the islands. And generally relaxing. Braw!
On another day off (all too rare) I spent a great afternoon at the home of Jazz Guitar Supremo MARCUS FORD. (Remember, he took me a trip across the Southern Highlands in his ‘plane last year?) It was relaxing – and, as always with Marcus, great fun. Thanks chum!
GIGS THIS MONTH
It was a weird and wonderful collection of gigs this month; and all the more fun for that. There was a very swish private party just outside PERTH. Then there was GLEDDOCH HOUSE, Hotel and Golf Club. I had a wonderful time, and an equally wonderful gig, at KEELE UNIVERSITY in Staffordshire. (I’m looking forward to a return gig there at the beginning of next year. I just hope Dan the Sound Man will be there again!) There was the aforementioned gig in the impressive BBC Headquarters, and then it was straight on to a training session at KENMORE, a trip during which my GPS took me by way of Glen Quaich. This is a steep – and I mean pucker-factor 9 steep - single-track road up and over a mountain by way of blind hairpin bends. (If you stall, you’re going to hurtle backwards and drop 1200 feet… It’s not something you want to do. Really, it’s not.)
I also had the pleasure of appearing in a marquee at the KENWICK PARK HOTEL near LOUTH. It was a great gig, despite the fact that we were in a massive marquee and the temperature during the day had been up to a sweltering 29 degrees. Sweaty suit time. And in yet another marquee event, this time at ABERDOUR, I was on with Dorothy Paul – a real stalwart of Scottish TV and theatre. And a funny, funny lady.
What was really nice was that some people who I haven’t seen in a long time found themselves at the venue that evening, though we didn’t have too much time to talk. Hello to SEAN THE SHEEP. And hello to KAREN nee MITCHELL, who grew up just one house away from me in North Berwick, and her husband WILLIE CROWE – we were in the same class at school. It was GREAT to meet up with you after all this time!
The Aberdour show is one of, oh, let me think, yes ONE public performances I have given. Everything else is private and/or corporate… That’s what I’ve always concentrated on. That’s what I like. (My comfort zone!)
However, here’s a heads-up for those who don’t mind a drive into West Lothian. Local theatre. October 24th… Public performance. Stick it in your diary. Details to follow later. (And to GORDON and HILARY GILTRAP… that’s the evening before you’re on in Roslyn Chapel, Edinburgh. You see me… I see you… Hey, how about the UK’s top guitarist as my support act? How cool would THAT be? As long as I get to open for YOU!)
Next month, I’m recording another couple of episodes on The Trisha Show – always exciting, that - along with a few other interesting gigs and projects.
It really has been another great month… For those with whom I have shared a little bit of it, and you with me. Thanks!
Drew
X
Saturday, July 12, 2008
June 2008
JUNE 2008
If you receive this newsletter it's because…
(a) I like you, and want to keep in touch.
(b) you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter/diary – so I like you anyway!
(c) I met you in a pub and you bought me a pint. Or…
(d) all of the above.
However, if you have no wish to hear from me any more - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!
The main purpose of me writing to you is for you to hit “reply” and let me know what’s going on in your life. Please don’t lose touch. That’s important to me.
http://www.drewmcadam.co.uk/
This month:
PAT QUINN
STEVE HARLEY, along with The Cockney Rebel Crew: BARRY WICKENS JAMES LASCELLES, LINCOLN ANDERSON, ROBBIE GLADWELL and STUART ELLIOT
MARTHA and DAVID TOD
DOUGLAS GILLESPIE
STEVE MASON
GARY JAMES
ANNE MCNAUGHT
VIC GALLOWAY
PETER MCMANUS
AILEEN JOHNSON
RICKY MACZKA
JULIAN DISMORE
SCOTT McANGUS
DOROTHY PAUL
SAM MacKAY
NEIL GRANT
MIKE PICKFORD
DOROTHY PAUL
FIRST, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT PAT.
I have had the honour of getting to know many wonderful, wonderful people. Unique individuals who add something special to this world in which we live. I have always taken delight in seeking out such people and spending time in their company. What’s more, some of you are reading this right now. You have no idea how much you mean to me (I hope you know who you are. If you THINK you are, then you probably are – I don’t spend time getting to know people I wouldn’t want to have a pint with. Know what I mean?) And because of you, I am truly blessed.
But holding such individuals in close affection has a downside… when you lose one.
And this month, we lost Pat. The world is a sadder place for that.
Let me tell a tiny little bit about Pat Quinn - and please realise that what few words I say can never even hope to get close to capturing the essence of the man. Some of you reading this have had the pleasure of meeting Pat – sharing his presence, and his love of jazz - and of course his wonderful wife, Marion. To those, I know you will nod your heads in agreement.
You will know how much enthusiasm and energy he brought to you. His ridiculous sense of humour. His childlike joy in… well, everything. His infectious love of life that left you trailing breathlessly in his wake. He could inspire confidence like few I have ever known. He just accepted that you were a genius in your chosen field, and treated you as such! It’s no exaggeration to say that he changed my life.
Over the years, as a copywriter, he helped win for his clients just about every advertising award worth winning. And that includes the prestigious Cork Film Festival Grand Prix for Kerrygold Butter – the only British holder of this award. As if that were not enough, in later life his persistent quest for life and learning brought him a combined M.A Ph D. All this, and he took great delight in playing drums on the Edinburgh jazz scene with The Standard Bearers.
For some reason, Pat recognised that I had a modicum of writing talent. Besides editing and publishing my Short Story book, he moulded our friendship into a place where, together, we formed The Association of British Copywriters. We took young hopefuls and gave them the skills that allowed them to jack in their humdrum jobs, get out there, and start their own business in the writing game. Many are still thankful of Pat’s freely given help, advice, natural enthusiasm and encouragement. As am I.
All very impressive. But Pat was much, much more than that. He was a man’s man. When he taught you, he entertained. When he entertained, he taught you. “There’s no future in history…”
I have to confess that Pat had been a hero of mine from the very first moment I clapped eyes on him. 1975. He had just started as a copywriter with Edinburgh-based advertising agency Woolward Royds. Up in the studio, somebody called out that “the new guy – the detective novelist” was outside. During my lunch breaks, I used to take myself off to the typing pool and would bash out my early attempts at short stories on one of the typewriters… and here was somebody; a REAL author! (He was the author of 13 novels with New English Library and Robert Hale.) I joined the others at the window and saw this chap, dressed in a trenchcoat, collar turned up against the drizzle. He looked exactly like a character from one of his books. In that moment, he became one of my heroes, and he remains a hero to this day.
I often had the sheer pleasure of his company as he regaled me with anecdotes that were so funny I occasionally though I might pass out. The story goes that he gained his Private Pilot License, and took Marion up as his first passenger. As he cleared the runway, pierced a cloud, and emerged into the blue yonder, he turned to her and, in mock panic, said: “Where the f*** are we?!”
That’s my kind of humour!
And if you want to hear a real belter of a story when we next meet up, ask me about his Robert Mitchum story… or better yet, his 1976 trip over Bing Crosby’s luggage and the ensuing carnage (an event in which I played a small part.)
At a Burns Night in his lovely house in the Scottish Borders we started with the letter “A” and then worked our way through the alphabet, taking turns to tell jokes about subjects beginning with each letter. He won hands down.
Pat may be gone – a victim of prostate cancer. And there may be a gap in this world – a Pat Quinn shaped gap. But I take a little of what he shared with me. Everywhere. Not just a writing skill (“Of course you can start a sentence with the word “And”. In Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde starts 75 sentences with the word “And”. If it’s good enough for Oscar Wilde…”) So, if you see a twinkle in my eye, it may not be mine, but an echo of Pat. A hero. A mentor. A friend.
I wish you could all have known him. Your life would have been so much richer.
TALKING ABOUT SPECIAL PEOPLE...
I met up with the wonderful STEVE HARLEY and the bunch of reprobates he has for a (Cockney Rebel) band (Only kidding – they are lovely guys. And more than a little talented, it has to be said.) after their outstanding Sold Out gig at The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow. (Just to give you a taster of this, somebody writing on Steve’s forum stated that he had never seen Steve live before, but he HAD seen Dylan’s famous Glasgow gig, Pink Floyd’s Earl’s Court gig and Springsteen Wembley, and he “genuinely rates this evening with those.” He’s not wrong, you know!
It was great to meet up again with BARRY WICKENS (violin virtuoso) JAMES LASCELLES (Master of percussion and keyboards), LINCOLN ANDERSON (Bass maestro) ROBBIE GLADWELL (Guitar God) and STUART ELLIOT (Drums. Lots of drums.)
But what really made it special is that SH had arranged for a clutch of tickets to be left for me, and so I was in the enviable position of being able to take along one of my favourite music-mad couples, MARTHA and DAVID TOD. (David is the young man who kept me going on the London to Paris bike ride – you’ll no doubt remember THAT tale.) The post-gig banter was up to its usual high standard. Always a joy.
I was telling somebody (Norma, if you must know) about the meeting, and told her how much fun it had been. I was also enthusing how it had been such a joy to introduce really nice people to other really nice people… As she said: “That’s something that happens all too seldom.” A wise lady is Norma. I want to do more of that nice people / nice people introducing thing.
Oh, and while we are on the subject, Steve has a book out published by Halstar entitled “The Impression of Being Relaxed”. It’s a collection of his diary pieces (which I have been following on-line for some time.) The point is, I decided I really wanted a copy, so I sent off my cheque as per the instructions. The book dully arrived with the inscription: “Your cheque has been shredded.” Cool!
And if YOU want a copy, you can find out more at: www.steveharley.com
DOUGLAS’ GIFT
A surprise Birthday present. Delivered to my office. A parcel. From my manager, DOUGLAS GILLESPIE. Inside was a presentation box containing a bottle of 1989 Bowmore single malt (cask strength). A friend asked me if I had tasted it yet, and I told them, “No”, I was saving it for a special occasion. I was told: “Tasting it IS a special occasion.” He’s got a point there!
SCHOOL FOR GENIUS - RADIO
There was a lot of work being put into this one over the past month. I’m just winding up the last little bits for this 4-part series for BBC Radio Scotland. The project involved a mini-gig plus interviews at Lauder Primary School in the Borders, another recording session at Killearn Primary School, and one more at a school in Cambuslang. Radio One DJ VIC GALLOWAY was the presenter for each of those – he is just such a fun bloke, with more energy than a drunken monkey. Hard to keep up with!
I had a great time with another of the BBC recording sessions – this time near St Andrews with the amazing STEVE MASON. Steve is the former front man with the Beta Band (and now Black Affair – album out soon, and I’m sure I’ll keep you up to speed with how that progresses) described as “One of the UK’s great musical pioneers.” And rightly so. But despite all his accolades, Steve has difficulty remembering the lyrics to his own songs. He told me: “At the last gig I sang verse one, then verse three, then verse three…” I taught him several quick-and-easy memory techniques, similar to those taught during the session at a Dundee primary school last month. The whole recording session, with the lovely producer ANNE MCNAUGHT in charge, was just so much fun! Honestly, it can hardly be described as work.
Another recording session took place with a young trainee solicitor, improving her client / social skills by altering her paralanguage and body language to project a more confident image. This time it was PETER MCMANUS on the headphones and giving the whole session a recognisable direction. Thanks also to AILEEN JOHNSON (long suffering wife of my good mate PAUL JOHNSON - who offered such eminently sensible suggestions and contacts. Much obliged, mate.) Aileen played the part of the client, and played it with a really professional flair. She was perfect for the job. Actually, she’s just perfect…
Sadly, I only have one more session to record next month – though it’s a real goodie – and then the project will be tidied up, the team will finish off their editing magic, and it will all be over. I’ll miss the fun. And even more, I’ll miss working with this fun-loving, energetic, enthusiastic BBC crew. To Lucy, Peter, Anne and Vic: thank you for making it such an amazing and enjoyable experience.
Of course, it’s not all over just yet. I’m doing a gig for BBC staff and journalists to help promote the programme. It’s taking place inside the new BBC headquarters at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. If you know the building, you’ll appreciate what a fantastic venue THAT is! (I know quite a few news agencies and journalists receive this newsletter – so if you’re interested, email me back and I’ll give you the details of the when and the where. I’ll also find out if the press department is laying on sandwiches – always a plus, I find.)
Additionally, there’s the transmission. The programme will be going out each Monday morning at 11.30 am for 4 weeks, starting on the 21st of this month (July). You will also be able to use the “Listen Again” facility on the BBC Radio Scotland web site.
And, as if that were not enough, the videos of the experiments and demonstrations that I carried out and were shot for the BBC Education Department during the school gigs will be available to be viewed somewhere online at www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotland once the whole thing kicks off
TRISHA GODDARD – TELEVISION
I flew down to the studios in Maidstone this month to record another two episodes on The Trisha Show in my role as The Interrogator. I’m getting the hang of it now, and a bit of tinkering with the format means it works even better than before. (Well done, JULIAN DISMORE) And thank you one and all to those of you who watched the episodes that were aired this month and offered such lovely and encouraging comments. It really DOES work, doesn’t it? Of course, that’s down to the crew; from sound and lighting to the runners, the camera crew, and the loony guys in the gallery - and everyone in between. It is THEY who work the magic: I just ask the questions!
Oh, and I must mention a small incident that took place with one of the programme’s counsellors, RICKY MACZKA. Having finished the Wednesday night’s filming we retired to the hotel, to discover that we all had rooms on the same floor. As I got to my room – room 225 – I inserted my key card and opened the door to a spacious room with a flat-screen TV and a huge double bed. Ricky was suddenly behind me in the doorway. “Room 225,” he said, looking at his key card. “This is us…” For a moment, for one horrible moment, he had me going. Apparently my face was a picture.
Nice one, Ricky. I don’t often get caught out!
GIGS AN’ OTHER STUFF FROM THIS MONTH
I had a great little “client night” gig in the DALMAHOY HOTEL – it was loads of fun, as those intimate little gigs always are.
And there was a cracking feature in the Herald and Post following an interview with journalist (and great writer, I have to say) SCOTT McANGUS. By the way, Scott, remember Ella Todd – the lady who passed her driving test, with no faults, at the age of 75? It looks like we’re going to be using her in “School For Genius”. There might be another story there for you!
There were other gigs at ARDOE HOUSE near Aberdeen, and one in the CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, Glasgow. The gig at GLENEAGLES was just so much fun, as was my annual gig for SAM MacKAY at BATHGATE GOLF CLUB (I was also invited to Sam’s 50th birthday party – what a hoot! – and, lovely man that he is, I could just enjoy myself; not perform. I think it was my only night off this month! Cheers, mate. Good company and good food. What could be better?)
There were also gigs at the MANSFIELD HOTEL in ELGIN, and two gigs at the KINLOSS RAF AIRBASE (one for the annual sergeant’s ball, and one for the annual officers’ ball. Not sure which I enjoyed most!) I tell you, these people could teach event organisers a thing or two. The venue. The setting. The food… and the free dodgem rides!
What was great about being in this area was that I got to meet up with NEIL GRANT (With whom I’ve been friends since 1973) and to take advantage of the generosity and hospitality (and free beer) of MIKE PICKFORD, manager of THE EIGHT ACRES HOTEL in ELGIN. Thanks, Mike… I would have been sleeping in a bus shelter – or MOD accommodation - on these nights had it not been for you! Again, I am in your debt. (Mike. October 31. Hallow’een. Still free – call me. Get the message?)
NEXT MONTH
Last recording for “School For Genius” with the 5 times world bowling champion, PLUS the first two episodes of the programme being transmitted. I look forward to seeing how the editing geniuses have taken my shambolic meanderings and turned them into something useful!
I also have jobs on in PERTH, and in GLASGOW, and at KEELE UNIVERSITY. There is a show at the BBC HQ in Glasgow (see above) and I’m plying my skills and techniques for a group in a training session in KENMORE - right in the heart of glorious Perthshire - in a hotel near the shore of Loch Tay, in the shadow of the magnificent Ben Lawers. Heaven.
There is also a gig at Kenwick Park Hotel. Louth?
I am SO looking forward to a gig on Tuesday, July 29 – part of the Aberdour Festival (info at http://www.aberdour-festival/. org.) I’m going to be on in the Festival Marquee in the evening, with that great Scottish icon, DOROTHY PAUL. (Oddly, I am reading her autobiography “Revelations of a Rejected Soprano” at the moment.) I note that my friend GARY JAMES is on in the morning… He had a great interview on Talk107 Radio this month – really funny. He won the accolade of Best Magician in Scotland recently, so he’s well worth catching, he really is. In fact, I might go along early, just to heckle him! Care to join me?
That aside, I’m going away for a few days – can’t believe it. I need a break, but invariably find that just three or four days does the trick. Batteries recharged and back into it at 100mph. So, if you can’t raise me by usual methods of communication it’s because I’m up a mountain / in a river / camping in a wood / on a ferry. Take your pick.
THE END?
As you have no doubt gathered, if you’ve made it this far, it’s been a hectic month. Busy and fun-packed. I have made new friends, and met up with old ones who I treasure beyond anything else.
Finishing as we started, I also lost a dear friend.
So long, Pat. I’ll see you on the other side…
Drew
If you receive this newsletter it's because…
(a) I like you, and want to keep in touch.
(b) you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter/diary – so I like you anyway!
(c) I met you in a pub and you bought me a pint. Or…
(d) all of the above.
However, if you have no wish to hear from me any more - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!
The main purpose of me writing to you is for you to hit “reply” and let me know what’s going on in your life. Please don’t lose touch. That’s important to me.
http://www.drewmcadam.co.uk/
This month:
PAT QUINN
STEVE HARLEY, along with The Cockney Rebel Crew: BARRY WICKENS JAMES LASCELLES, LINCOLN ANDERSON, ROBBIE GLADWELL and STUART ELLIOT
MARTHA and DAVID TOD
DOUGLAS GILLESPIE
STEVE MASON
GARY JAMES
ANNE MCNAUGHT
VIC GALLOWAY
PETER MCMANUS
AILEEN JOHNSON
RICKY MACZKA
JULIAN DISMORE
SCOTT McANGUS
DOROTHY PAUL
SAM MacKAY
NEIL GRANT
MIKE PICKFORD
DOROTHY PAUL
FIRST, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT PAT.
I have had the honour of getting to know many wonderful, wonderful people. Unique individuals who add something special to this world in which we live. I have always taken delight in seeking out such people and spending time in their company. What’s more, some of you are reading this right now. You have no idea how much you mean to me (I hope you know who you are. If you THINK you are, then you probably are – I don’t spend time getting to know people I wouldn’t want to have a pint with. Know what I mean?) And because of you, I am truly blessed.
But holding such individuals in close affection has a downside… when you lose one.
And this month, we lost Pat. The world is a sadder place for that.
Let me tell a tiny little bit about Pat Quinn - and please realise that what few words I say can never even hope to get close to capturing the essence of the man. Some of you reading this have had the pleasure of meeting Pat – sharing his presence, and his love of jazz - and of course his wonderful wife, Marion. To those, I know you will nod your heads in agreement.
You will know how much enthusiasm and energy he brought to you. His ridiculous sense of humour. His childlike joy in… well, everything. His infectious love of life that left you trailing breathlessly in his wake. He could inspire confidence like few I have ever known. He just accepted that you were a genius in your chosen field, and treated you as such! It’s no exaggeration to say that he changed my life.
Over the years, as a copywriter, he helped win for his clients just about every advertising award worth winning. And that includes the prestigious Cork Film Festival Grand Prix for Kerrygold Butter – the only British holder of this award. As if that were not enough, in later life his persistent quest for life and learning brought him a combined M.A Ph D. All this, and he took great delight in playing drums on the Edinburgh jazz scene with The Standard Bearers.
For some reason, Pat recognised that I had a modicum of writing talent. Besides editing and publishing my Short Story book, he moulded our friendship into a place where, together, we formed The Association of British Copywriters. We took young hopefuls and gave them the skills that allowed them to jack in their humdrum jobs, get out there, and start their own business in the writing game. Many are still thankful of Pat’s freely given help, advice, natural enthusiasm and encouragement. As am I.
All very impressive. But Pat was much, much more than that. He was a man’s man. When he taught you, he entertained. When he entertained, he taught you. “There’s no future in history…”
I have to confess that Pat had been a hero of mine from the very first moment I clapped eyes on him. 1975. He had just started as a copywriter with Edinburgh-based advertising agency Woolward Royds. Up in the studio, somebody called out that “the new guy – the detective novelist” was outside. During my lunch breaks, I used to take myself off to the typing pool and would bash out my early attempts at short stories on one of the typewriters… and here was somebody; a REAL author! (He was the author of 13 novels with New English Library and Robert Hale.) I joined the others at the window and saw this chap, dressed in a trenchcoat, collar turned up against the drizzle. He looked exactly like a character from one of his books. In that moment, he became one of my heroes, and he remains a hero to this day.
I often had the sheer pleasure of his company as he regaled me with anecdotes that were so funny I occasionally though I might pass out. The story goes that he gained his Private Pilot License, and took Marion up as his first passenger. As he cleared the runway, pierced a cloud, and emerged into the blue yonder, he turned to her and, in mock panic, said: “Where the f*** are we?!”
That’s my kind of humour!
And if you want to hear a real belter of a story when we next meet up, ask me about his Robert Mitchum story… or better yet, his 1976 trip over Bing Crosby’s luggage and the ensuing carnage (an event in which I played a small part.)
At a Burns Night in his lovely house in the Scottish Borders we started with the letter “A” and then worked our way through the alphabet, taking turns to tell jokes about subjects beginning with each letter. He won hands down.
Pat may be gone – a victim of prostate cancer. And there may be a gap in this world – a Pat Quinn shaped gap. But I take a little of what he shared with me. Everywhere. Not just a writing skill (“Of course you can start a sentence with the word “And”. In Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde starts 75 sentences with the word “And”. If it’s good enough for Oscar Wilde…”) So, if you see a twinkle in my eye, it may not be mine, but an echo of Pat. A hero. A mentor. A friend.
I wish you could all have known him. Your life would have been so much richer.
TALKING ABOUT SPECIAL PEOPLE...
I met up with the wonderful STEVE HARLEY and the bunch of reprobates he has for a (Cockney Rebel) band (Only kidding – they are lovely guys. And more than a little talented, it has to be said.) after their outstanding Sold Out gig at The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow. (Just to give you a taster of this, somebody writing on Steve’s forum stated that he had never seen Steve live before, but he HAD seen Dylan’s famous Glasgow gig, Pink Floyd’s Earl’s Court gig and Springsteen Wembley, and he “genuinely rates this evening with those.” He’s not wrong, you know!
It was great to meet up again with BARRY WICKENS (violin virtuoso) JAMES LASCELLES (Master of percussion and keyboards), LINCOLN ANDERSON (Bass maestro) ROBBIE GLADWELL (Guitar God) and STUART ELLIOT (Drums. Lots of drums.)
But what really made it special is that SH had arranged for a clutch of tickets to be left for me, and so I was in the enviable position of being able to take along one of my favourite music-mad couples, MARTHA and DAVID TOD. (David is the young man who kept me going on the London to Paris bike ride – you’ll no doubt remember THAT tale.) The post-gig banter was up to its usual high standard. Always a joy.
I was telling somebody (Norma, if you must know) about the meeting, and told her how much fun it had been. I was also enthusing how it had been such a joy to introduce really nice people to other really nice people… As she said: “That’s something that happens all too seldom.” A wise lady is Norma. I want to do more of that nice people / nice people introducing thing.
Oh, and while we are on the subject, Steve has a book out published by Halstar entitled “The Impression of Being Relaxed”. It’s a collection of his diary pieces (which I have been following on-line for some time.) The point is, I decided I really wanted a copy, so I sent off my cheque as per the instructions. The book dully arrived with the inscription: “Your cheque has been shredded.” Cool!
And if YOU want a copy, you can find out more at: www.steveharley.com
DOUGLAS’ GIFT
A surprise Birthday present. Delivered to my office. A parcel. From my manager, DOUGLAS GILLESPIE. Inside was a presentation box containing a bottle of 1989 Bowmore single malt (cask strength). A friend asked me if I had tasted it yet, and I told them, “No”, I was saving it for a special occasion. I was told: “Tasting it IS a special occasion.” He’s got a point there!
SCHOOL FOR GENIUS - RADIO
There was a lot of work being put into this one over the past month. I’m just winding up the last little bits for this 4-part series for BBC Radio Scotland. The project involved a mini-gig plus interviews at Lauder Primary School in the Borders, another recording session at Killearn Primary School, and one more at a school in Cambuslang. Radio One DJ VIC GALLOWAY was the presenter for each of those – he is just such a fun bloke, with more energy than a drunken monkey. Hard to keep up with!
I had a great time with another of the BBC recording sessions – this time near St Andrews with the amazing STEVE MASON. Steve is the former front man with the Beta Band (and now Black Affair – album out soon, and I’m sure I’ll keep you up to speed with how that progresses) described as “One of the UK’s great musical pioneers.” And rightly so. But despite all his accolades, Steve has difficulty remembering the lyrics to his own songs. He told me: “At the last gig I sang verse one, then verse three, then verse three…” I taught him several quick-and-easy memory techniques, similar to those taught during the session at a Dundee primary school last month. The whole recording session, with the lovely producer ANNE MCNAUGHT in charge, was just so much fun! Honestly, it can hardly be described as work.
Another recording session took place with a young trainee solicitor, improving her client / social skills by altering her paralanguage and body language to project a more confident image. This time it was PETER MCMANUS on the headphones and giving the whole session a recognisable direction. Thanks also to AILEEN JOHNSON (long suffering wife of my good mate PAUL JOHNSON - who offered such eminently sensible suggestions and contacts. Much obliged, mate.) Aileen played the part of the client, and played it with a really professional flair. She was perfect for the job. Actually, she’s just perfect…
Sadly, I only have one more session to record next month – though it’s a real goodie – and then the project will be tidied up, the team will finish off their editing magic, and it will all be over. I’ll miss the fun. And even more, I’ll miss working with this fun-loving, energetic, enthusiastic BBC crew. To Lucy, Peter, Anne and Vic: thank you for making it such an amazing and enjoyable experience.
Of course, it’s not all over just yet. I’m doing a gig for BBC staff and journalists to help promote the programme. It’s taking place inside the new BBC headquarters at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. If you know the building, you’ll appreciate what a fantastic venue THAT is! (I know quite a few news agencies and journalists receive this newsletter – so if you’re interested, email me back and I’ll give you the details of the when and the where. I’ll also find out if the press department is laying on sandwiches – always a plus, I find.)
Additionally, there’s the transmission. The programme will be going out each Monday morning at 11.30 am for 4 weeks, starting on the 21st of this month (July). You will also be able to use the “Listen Again” facility on the BBC Radio Scotland web site.
And, as if that were not enough, the videos of the experiments and demonstrations that I carried out and were shot for the BBC Education Department during the school gigs will be available to be viewed somewhere online at www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/radioscotland once the whole thing kicks off
TRISHA GODDARD – TELEVISION
I flew down to the studios in Maidstone this month to record another two episodes on The Trisha Show in my role as The Interrogator. I’m getting the hang of it now, and a bit of tinkering with the format means it works even better than before. (Well done, JULIAN DISMORE) And thank you one and all to those of you who watched the episodes that were aired this month and offered such lovely and encouraging comments. It really DOES work, doesn’t it? Of course, that’s down to the crew; from sound and lighting to the runners, the camera crew, and the loony guys in the gallery - and everyone in between. It is THEY who work the magic: I just ask the questions!
Oh, and I must mention a small incident that took place with one of the programme’s counsellors, RICKY MACZKA. Having finished the Wednesday night’s filming we retired to the hotel, to discover that we all had rooms on the same floor. As I got to my room – room 225 – I inserted my key card and opened the door to a spacious room with a flat-screen TV and a huge double bed. Ricky was suddenly behind me in the doorway. “Room 225,” he said, looking at his key card. “This is us…” For a moment, for one horrible moment, he had me going. Apparently my face was a picture.
Nice one, Ricky. I don’t often get caught out!
GIGS AN’ OTHER STUFF FROM THIS MONTH
I had a great little “client night” gig in the DALMAHOY HOTEL – it was loads of fun, as those intimate little gigs always are.
And there was a cracking feature in the Herald and Post following an interview with journalist (and great writer, I have to say) SCOTT McANGUS. By the way, Scott, remember Ella Todd – the lady who passed her driving test, with no faults, at the age of 75? It looks like we’re going to be using her in “School For Genius”. There might be another story there for you!
There were other gigs at ARDOE HOUSE near Aberdeen, and one in the CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, Glasgow. The gig at GLENEAGLES was just so much fun, as was my annual gig for SAM MacKAY at BATHGATE GOLF CLUB (I was also invited to Sam’s 50th birthday party – what a hoot! – and, lovely man that he is, I could just enjoy myself; not perform. I think it was my only night off this month! Cheers, mate. Good company and good food. What could be better?)
There were also gigs at the MANSFIELD HOTEL in ELGIN, and two gigs at the KINLOSS RAF AIRBASE (one for the annual sergeant’s ball, and one for the annual officers’ ball. Not sure which I enjoyed most!) I tell you, these people could teach event organisers a thing or two. The venue. The setting. The food… and the free dodgem rides!
What was great about being in this area was that I got to meet up with NEIL GRANT (With whom I’ve been friends since 1973) and to take advantage of the generosity and hospitality (and free beer) of MIKE PICKFORD, manager of THE EIGHT ACRES HOTEL in ELGIN. Thanks, Mike… I would have been sleeping in a bus shelter – or MOD accommodation - on these nights had it not been for you! Again, I am in your debt. (Mike. October 31. Hallow’een. Still free – call me. Get the message?)
NEXT MONTH
Last recording for “School For Genius” with the 5 times world bowling champion, PLUS the first two episodes of the programme being transmitted. I look forward to seeing how the editing geniuses have taken my shambolic meanderings and turned them into something useful!
I also have jobs on in PERTH, and in GLASGOW, and at KEELE UNIVERSITY. There is a show at the BBC HQ in Glasgow (see above) and I’m plying my skills and techniques for a group in a training session in KENMORE - right in the heart of glorious Perthshire - in a hotel near the shore of Loch Tay, in the shadow of the magnificent Ben Lawers. Heaven.
There is also a gig at Kenwick Park Hotel. Louth?
I am SO looking forward to a gig on Tuesday, July 29 – part of the Aberdour Festival (info at http://www.aberdour-festival/. org.) I’m going to be on in the Festival Marquee in the evening, with that great Scottish icon, DOROTHY PAUL. (Oddly, I am reading her autobiography “Revelations of a Rejected Soprano” at the moment.) I note that my friend GARY JAMES is on in the morning… He had a great interview on Talk107 Radio this month – really funny. He won the accolade of Best Magician in Scotland recently, so he’s well worth catching, he really is. In fact, I might go along early, just to heckle him! Care to join me?
That aside, I’m going away for a few days – can’t believe it. I need a break, but invariably find that just three or four days does the trick. Batteries recharged and back into it at 100mph. So, if you can’t raise me by usual methods of communication it’s because I’m up a mountain / in a river / camping in a wood / on a ferry. Take your pick.
THE END?
As you have no doubt gathered, if you’ve made it this far, it’s been a hectic month. Busy and fun-packed. I have made new friends, and met up with old ones who I treasure beyond anything else.
Finishing as we started, I also lost a dear friend.
So long, Pat. I’ll see you on the other side…
Drew
May 2008
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, I met you in a pub, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
Tel: 01506 873013www.drewmcadam.co.uk
THIS MONTH:
Do you live in the ABERDEEN area? If the answer is “yes” then this might be of interest. If “no” then you can safely skip this section.
All my gigs tend to be private/corporate and a lot of you have been asking where it’s possible to catch a show. In fact, I’ve been asked so often that I’ve decided to do something about it… Well, here is your answer. On June 25th I will be doing a supper cabaret gig at THE STAGE DOOR IN ABERDEEN. (That’s a restaurant, not an actual stage door!) Here is the flyer…
My friend EAN JONES of XS promotions runs The Sorbet Club, “Scotland’s Premier Dining and Live Entertainment Experience”. His idea is to offer his customers nice surroundings, great entertainment, and fantastic food – all at a reasonable price. And he has succeeded.
More information and tickets are available from the ABERDEEN BOX OFFICE. Tel: 01224 641122 Mon-Sat 9.30am to 6pm or click here: http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/prod-productions_details.asp?pid=1260&venueid=274
Hope to see you there.
Oh, and by the way, for those of you NOT in the Aberdeen area (and that being the case, why are you reading this section?) on 20th and 21st of September there is A TWO DAY FESTIVAL AT STIRLING CASTLE – and I’ll be there. Also, on Friday, 24th of October I will be playing the BATHGATE REGAL THEATRE. So, that covers North of Scotland, the Central Region, and West Lothian… gigs that will be open to everybody. Don’t say I’m not good to you.
Details of the September and October gigs will follow in later newsletters… I bet you can’t wait!
xxx
GIGS THIS MONTH
I had the pleasure of a wee private party gig in BO’NESS. What fun that was! Socialising and showing off – it’s a strange way to make a living. But, honestly, there can be no better. And this little gig just highlighted that. “Bad” Drew also recorded another three episodes as The Interrogator for TRISHA to be shown over the next few weeks – no, I don’t know when they will be transmitted.
I also recorded the first part of “SCHOOL FOR GENIUS” to be transmitted as a four-part programme starting late July on the BBC. What a hoot that was! Making up the crew there is the delicious ANNE, PETER, LOVELY LUCY and Radio 1 and BBC Scotland DJ VIC GALLOWAY as the presenter (You can listen to him on BBC Radio 1 Wednesday/Thursday Midnight till 2am, and on BBC Radio Scotland on Mondays from 8pm until 10pm.) We ended up at a primary school in Dundee, where I demonstrated the art of the impossible and taught them all a system to develop a super-memory. Great fun, and in the coming month we have another three schools to do, plus record the sections with adults putting these skills to use.
Recording “School For genius” led to a spot on the popular FRED MACAULAY morning show during which I gave a demonstration, and Vic plugged our search for adults to attend School For Genius.
Other gigs included one at CAMERON HOUSE ON THE SHORE OF LOCH LOMOND, and another fun presentation at the swanky NORTON HOUSE HOTEL. And my favourite: EIGHT ACRES HOTEL IN ELGIN for my mate, MIKE PICKFORD. Mike, always a pleasure!
xxx
TRAINS
I’ve had a lot of experience of trains lately. (I had a friend whose ambition it was to be run down by a steam train. When it eventually happened, he was chuffed to bits!) Firstly, I took a trip on a steam train. The train followed a circle around Edinburgh, then crossed the mighty Forth Bridge before completing a circle round Fife before returning a few hours later.
Great fun. But this was followed by a very early rise in order to catch an ancient diesel (complete with the old, comfy carriages from the Sixties) at Linlithgow. From there, the train headed out past Glasgow, past Helensburgh and then North along the bank of Loch Lomond. And from there… it was off into the wild blue yonder. And I DO mean wild! The train runs over a viaduct, round the back of Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor, the track resting on piles of stakes to stop the whole lot sinking into the bogs. (It was about the only location where there were no bands of people with cameras and video equipment to capture the sight of the train passing through a Highland landscape.) Onwards along the banks of lochs, through woods, across moor and under the shadow of mighty (still snow-capped!) mountains – and all in glorious sunshine. There was a short stop in Fort William, and then we left Ben Nevis behind, crossed the Glenfinnan viaduct, along the shore past the islands of Eigg and Rhum, and on to Mallaig, a short hop across the water from the island of Skye. All-in-all the return journey took fifteen hours. That’s a lot of time to relax, sleep, read, eat (meals were delivered by the stewards) and watch the wonderful world go by. Literally.
Xxxx
A NOT-TO-BE MISSED SHOW IF YOU LIVE IN THE CENTRAL BELT OF SCOTLAND
Get this. Do you want to see an OUTSTANDING show? Then do yourself a mammoth favour. Get yourself along to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on June 10, and see STEVE HARLEY AND COCKNEY REBEL. I promise you, you will experience a performer and a performance that will stick in your mind for years to come. He’s a true professional, an outstanding entertainer, a fantastic singer/songwriter, and a jolly nice bloke. The band will knock your socks off – guaranteed. Tickets available here…http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1700404E9C6B62DB
What are you waiting for?
Xxx
Amazing simple home remedies
1. If you're choking on an ice cube, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you chop.3. Avoid arguments with the females about lifting the toilet seat - by using the sink.4. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure on your veins. Remember to use a timer.5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you'll be afraid to cough.7. You only need two tools in life - wd-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the wd-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.8. Remember - everyone seems normal until you get to know them.9. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.Daily thought:some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Xxxx
A DAY OFF!
I had a day off. Oh, yes, I did. Just for ME. And what a great day it turned out to be. It started with a meal at the very swanky CENTO TRE RESTAURANT in George Street, Edinburgh. In the company of my manager Douglas (who paid!) and John the manager of the Dunkeld Hilton. Coincidentally, top chef Nick Nairn was at the next table but one… He was my chef when I did a spot on Ready Steady Cook, so we it was nice to say “hello” again.
After a great meal and a couple of glasses of fine wine, I headed off to Another Planet, a shop run by two of the flakiest people I know – Tom and Brendan. Coffee, a laugh and a browse around the shop… they sell some of the amazing gadgets and toys you’ll find this side of La-la land. Make no mistake, this is a shop well worth a visit. However, they are closing down the shop side of things to concentrate on their next project… so they are having a sale! DO get yourself along to Another Planet, 34 Ashley Terrace, Edinburgh… Alternatively, pay a visit to www.toogoodforkids.com and DO check out the X-sail.
In the early evening I met up with BILLY McMURRAY at the Sheraton Hotel where we indulged ourselves exploring the outside, rooftop hydropool and the hammams, laconium, and saunas of the thermal suite (I do wish he hadn’t told his daughter that we were going on a hot date, though!). Let me assure you that seeing Billy lying back in the massive, bubbling hydropool singing “I’m in Heaven” at the top of his voice is NOT a pretty sight!) Good fun, though! And afterwards… a beer.
What a fantastic day.
XXX
AND NOW TO NEXT MONTH…
It’s shaping up to be one of the busiest months ever.
I’m recording more of the BBC’s SCHOOL FOR GENIUS episodes at schools IN LAUDER, KILSYTH and CAMBUSLANG.
I have gigs at, among others, DALMAHOY HOTEL, Edinburgh and ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL just outside Aberdeen.
I am also performing at THE CROWN PLAZA in Glasgow, and at GLENEAGLES in Perthshire. There is a wee private gig at BATHGATE GOLF CLUB for a very good friend of mine, and two gigs at KINLOSS AIR BASE. Oh, yes, and THE STAGE DOOR IN ABERDEEN.
As if all that were not enough, I have two BBQ’s, a recording with Steve Mason, previous front man of THE BETA BAND, and another two episodes of THE TRISHA SHOW to record at THE MAIDSTONE TELEVISION STUDIOS…
Other than that, my time is my own!
Xxxx
FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH BROADBAND A BIT OF TIME ON YOUR HANDS…
Click on this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBsOeLcUARw
The Power of Ten – mind blowing.
Xxx
SO, THERE WE GO… I cannot believe that’s another month flown past. How scary! But I suppose that’s the way I like it. I’m nowhere near ready yet to “take it easy”.
And remember, the whole point of this newsletter is so that you can hit the REPLY button and let me know what’s going on in YOUR life. It can be really hard to keep in touch with everybody... so, please, drop me a line.
Over and out.
Drew
X
Tel: 01506 873013www.drewmcadam.co.uk
THIS MONTH:
Do you live in the ABERDEEN area? If the answer is “yes” then this might be of interest. If “no” then you can safely skip this section.
All my gigs tend to be private/corporate and a lot of you have been asking where it’s possible to catch a show. In fact, I’ve been asked so often that I’ve decided to do something about it… Well, here is your answer. On June 25th I will be doing a supper cabaret gig at THE STAGE DOOR IN ABERDEEN. (That’s a restaurant, not an actual stage door!) Here is the flyer…
My friend EAN JONES of XS promotions runs The Sorbet Club, “Scotland’s Premier Dining and Live Entertainment Experience”. His idea is to offer his customers nice surroundings, great entertainment, and fantastic food – all at a reasonable price. And he has succeeded.
More information and tickets are available from the ABERDEEN BOX OFFICE. Tel: 01224 641122 Mon-Sat 9.30am to 6pm or click here: http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/prod-productions_details.asp?pid=1260&venueid=274
Hope to see you there.
Oh, and by the way, for those of you NOT in the Aberdeen area (and that being the case, why are you reading this section?) on 20th and 21st of September there is A TWO DAY FESTIVAL AT STIRLING CASTLE – and I’ll be there. Also, on Friday, 24th of October I will be playing the BATHGATE REGAL THEATRE. So, that covers North of Scotland, the Central Region, and West Lothian… gigs that will be open to everybody. Don’t say I’m not good to you.
Details of the September and October gigs will follow in later newsletters… I bet you can’t wait!
xxx
GIGS THIS MONTH
I had the pleasure of a wee private party gig in BO’NESS. What fun that was! Socialising and showing off – it’s a strange way to make a living. But, honestly, there can be no better. And this little gig just highlighted that. “Bad” Drew also recorded another three episodes as The Interrogator for TRISHA to be shown over the next few weeks – no, I don’t know when they will be transmitted.
I also recorded the first part of “SCHOOL FOR GENIUS” to be transmitted as a four-part programme starting late July on the BBC. What a hoot that was! Making up the crew there is the delicious ANNE, PETER, LOVELY LUCY and Radio 1 and BBC Scotland DJ VIC GALLOWAY as the presenter (You can listen to him on BBC Radio 1 Wednesday/Thursday Midnight till 2am, and on BBC Radio Scotland on Mondays from 8pm until 10pm.) We ended up at a primary school in Dundee, where I demonstrated the art of the impossible and taught them all a system to develop a super-memory. Great fun, and in the coming month we have another three schools to do, plus record the sections with adults putting these skills to use.
Recording “School For genius” led to a spot on the popular FRED MACAULAY morning show during which I gave a demonstration, and Vic plugged our search for adults to attend School For Genius.
Other gigs included one at CAMERON HOUSE ON THE SHORE OF LOCH LOMOND, and another fun presentation at the swanky NORTON HOUSE HOTEL. And my favourite: EIGHT ACRES HOTEL IN ELGIN for my mate, MIKE PICKFORD. Mike, always a pleasure!
xxx
TRAINS
I’ve had a lot of experience of trains lately. (I had a friend whose ambition it was to be run down by a steam train. When it eventually happened, he was chuffed to bits!) Firstly, I took a trip on a steam train. The train followed a circle around Edinburgh, then crossed the mighty Forth Bridge before completing a circle round Fife before returning a few hours later.
Great fun. But this was followed by a very early rise in order to catch an ancient diesel (complete with the old, comfy carriages from the Sixties) at Linlithgow. From there, the train headed out past Glasgow, past Helensburgh and then North along the bank of Loch Lomond. And from there… it was off into the wild blue yonder. And I DO mean wild! The train runs over a viaduct, round the back of Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor, the track resting on piles of stakes to stop the whole lot sinking into the bogs. (It was about the only location where there were no bands of people with cameras and video equipment to capture the sight of the train passing through a Highland landscape.) Onwards along the banks of lochs, through woods, across moor and under the shadow of mighty (still snow-capped!) mountains – and all in glorious sunshine. There was a short stop in Fort William, and then we left Ben Nevis behind, crossed the Glenfinnan viaduct, along the shore past the islands of Eigg and Rhum, and on to Mallaig, a short hop across the water from the island of Skye. All-in-all the return journey took fifteen hours. That’s a lot of time to relax, sleep, read, eat (meals were delivered by the stewards) and watch the wonderful world go by. Literally.
Xxxx
A NOT-TO-BE MISSED SHOW IF YOU LIVE IN THE CENTRAL BELT OF SCOTLAND
Get this. Do you want to see an OUTSTANDING show? Then do yourself a mammoth favour. Get yourself along to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow on June 10, and see STEVE HARLEY AND COCKNEY REBEL. I promise you, you will experience a performer and a performance that will stick in your mind for years to come. He’s a true professional, an outstanding entertainer, a fantastic singer/songwriter, and a jolly nice bloke. The band will knock your socks off – guaranteed. Tickets available here…http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1700404E9C6B62DB
What are you waiting for?
Xxx
Amazing simple home remedies
1. If you're choking on an ice cube, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself.2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold the vegetables while you chop.3. Avoid arguments with the females about lifting the toilet seat - by using the sink.4. For high blood pressure sufferers ~ simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure on your veins. Remember to use a timer.5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you'll be afraid to cough.7. You only need two tools in life - wd-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the wd-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.8. Remember - everyone seems normal until you get to know them.9. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.Daily thought:some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs.
Xxxx
A DAY OFF!
I had a day off. Oh, yes, I did. Just for ME. And what a great day it turned out to be. It started with a meal at the very swanky CENTO TRE RESTAURANT in George Street, Edinburgh. In the company of my manager Douglas (who paid!) and John the manager of the Dunkeld Hilton. Coincidentally, top chef Nick Nairn was at the next table but one… He was my chef when I did a spot on Ready Steady Cook, so we it was nice to say “hello” again.
After a great meal and a couple of glasses of fine wine, I headed off to Another Planet, a shop run by two of the flakiest people I know – Tom and Brendan. Coffee, a laugh and a browse around the shop… they sell some of the amazing gadgets and toys you’ll find this side of La-la land. Make no mistake, this is a shop well worth a visit. However, they are closing down the shop side of things to concentrate on their next project… so they are having a sale! DO get yourself along to Another Planet, 34 Ashley Terrace, Edinburgh… Alternatively, pay a visit to www.toogoodforkids.com and DO check out the X-sail.
In the early evening I met up with BILLY McMURRAY at the Sheraton Hotel where we indulged ourselves exploring the outside, rooftop hydropool and the hammams, laconium, and saunas of the thermal suite (I do wish he hadn’t told his daughter that we were going on a hot date, though!). Let me assure you that seeing Billy lying back in the massive, bubbling hydropool singing “I’m in Heaven” at the top of his voice is NOT a pretty sight!) Good fun, though! And afterwards… a beer.
What a fantastic day.
XXX
AND NOW TO NEXT MONTH…
It’s shaping up to be one of the busiest months ever.
I’m recording more of the BBC’s SCHOOL FOR GENIUS episodes at schools IN LAUDER, KILSYTH and CAMBUSLANG.
I have gigs at, among others, DALMAHOY HOTEL, Edinburgh and ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL just outside Aberdeen.
I am also performing at THE CROWN PLAZA in Glasgow, and at GLENEAGLES in Perthshire. There is a wee private gig at BATHGATE GOLF CLUB for a very good friend of mine, and two gigs at KINLOSS AIR BASE. Oh, yes, and THE STAGE DOOR IN ABERDEEN.
As if all that were not enough, I have two BBQ’s, a recording with Steve Mason, previous front man of THE BETA BAND, and another two episodes of THE TRISHA SHOW to record at THE MAIDSTONE TELEVISION STUDIOS…
Other than that, my time is my own!
Xxxx
FOR THOSE OF YOU WITH BROADBAND A BIT OF TIME ON YOUR HANDS…
Click on this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBsOeLcUARw
The Power of Ten – mind blowing.
Xxx
SO, THERE WE GO… I cannot believe that’s another month flown past. How scary! But I suppose that’s the way I like it. I’m nowhere near ready yet to “take it easy”.
And remember, the whole point of this newsletter is so that you can hit the REPLY button and let me know what’s going on in YOUR life. It can be really hard to keep in touch with everybody... so, please, drop me a line.
Over and out.
Drew
X
April 2008
Drew McAdam: APRIL 2008 NEWSLETTERTel: 01506 873013www.drewmcadam.co.uk
Hi there, and welcome to the April 2008 newsletter/diary.
This is the only way I can think of keeping in touch with everybody; by that I mean I want YOU to keep in touch with me! So, take a moment or two and let me know what’s going on in your life. Please.
By the way, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!
STARTS
Just a quick heads up – at short notice… My next appearance on The Trisha Show is on Thursday May 1st. Channel 5. 10.30am. (Aye, that’s tomorrow. Or today, if you’re reading it today… is this making sense to anybody?)
GIGS THIS MONTH…
I had some truly memorable gigs during April, starting with the launch of the new Lamborghini. I was also back on stage for a medical crowd (remember the travelling gynaecologists?) who just keep bringing me back, at Edinburgh University. I did another for a local charity group – I had promised to do it some time ago, so it was time to keep that promise – and I had a ball!
There were also gigs at Dalmahoy Hotel (seems like I’m never away from that place, and that’s no bad thing!) and another fantastic night – for another medical group – at the very swish Balbirnie House in Fife.
I don’t know why, but I seem to be enjoying performing even more than usual these days… It’s great when you get a run of really fun gigs when the participants and the audience are simply “up for it”. Best job in the world, mate!
PAPERS
The papers took an unusual level of interest in my wanderings lately, including the locals and the nationals, with a couple of huge features and the usual spooky photographs. I also had the fun of answering ten questions for one of our evening papers, about Edinburgh… You can check out my inane answers here: http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Ten-Questions-Drew-McAdam.4020852.jp
RADIO
I also had a great meeting with the producers of the show we’re working on at the moment: School for Genius (working title) for BBC radio. They are a great team, and I’m honoured to be working with such fertile, creative minds who have such great enthusiasm for the project. Recording of part-1 begins next month.
THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN…
I rarely mention family – mine, or yours – in my newsletter, but I have to tell you about my son, Andy. He is the luckiest soul alive. He enters competitions and wins them… regularly and always. He’s won more stuff than you can imagine, including travel and tickets for top gigs, days out in sports cars and so on. He has landed himself prizes too many to mention. Anyway, one of his recent wins was microlight flights for two… So, this month saw me take to the air over my old stamping ground of East Lothian. From the tiny airfield we buzzed off towards Edinburgh, and then back along the coast line past my old home town of North Berwick, over Tantallon Castle, and then out to the amazing Bas Rock, which looks positively alive with seabird life. Honestly, words can’t describe it.
So, if you’re looking for an unusual gift certificate for somebody, check out the guys at www.eosm.co.uk by the way, thank you for the wonderful experience, George and Gordon… and Andy for the free flight ticket!
That’s me in the back waving – glad you can’t see the fixed grin.
That’s NOT me, but it IS The Bass Rock. See all the white stuff? That, believe it or not is gannets – millions of ‘em.
PLAY
Thanks to the entertainment editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, Liam Rudden, I was invited along with some of his friends to see the play: Mrs Brown’s last Wedding, written by and starring Brendan O’Carroll. You know when you come out of the theatre and your cheek muscles are glowing and your sides still aching from laughter? It happens all too infrequently, doesn’t it? But what a thrill when it does… and this is one funny, funny play that just hit all the right buttons for me.
TELLY
Two episodes of The Interrogator on the Trisha show aired this week – thanks for all the feedback from those who receive this newsletter. I’m not a great fan of watching myself on the TV; I tend to squint out from between the cracks in my fingers. So, your feedback meant a lot.
WEB
I was interested to discover that lightning-fast chef Ainsley Harriot (If you live in the UK, you know who he is!) has a Bebo web page… I don’t understand these social networking thingummys, but I was delighted that he has chosen my appearance on ready Steady Cook as his video clip. Cool!
http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=4026062878
NEXT MONTH:
I’m looking forward to a fun-packed month ahead. We will be recording and filming School For Genius in Dundee, I have more Trisha to film, I’m off over the Forth Rail Bridge on a steam train, and taking another trip waaaay up North to Fort William and Mallaig by train. There are also gigs, including one at Norton House in Edinburgh and a gig I’m really looking forward to in Elgin.
Have a great May, one and all. The sun is on its way… surely.
Drew
Hi there, and welcome to the April 2008 newsletter/diary.
This is the only way I can think of keeping in touch with everybody; by that I mean I want YOU to keep in touch with me! So, take a moment or two and let me know what’s going on in your life. Please.
By the way, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!
STARTS
Just a quick heads up – at short notice… My next appearance on The Trisha Show is on Thursday May 1st. Channel 5. 10.30am. (Aye, that’s tomorrow. Or today, if you’re reading it today… is this making sense to anybody?)
GIGS THIS MONTH…
I had some truly memorable gigs during April, starting with the launch of the new Lamborghini. I was also back on stage for a medical crowd (remember the travelling gynaecologists?) who just keep bringing me back, at Edinburgh University. I did another for a local charity group – I had promised to do it some time ago, so it was time to keep that promise – and I had a ball!
There were also gigs at Dalmahoy Hotel (seems like I’m never away from that place, and that’s no bad thing!) and another fantastic night – for another medical group – at the very swish Balbirnie House in Fife.
I don’t know why, but I seem to be enjoying performing even more than usual these days… It’s great when you get a run of really fun gigs when the participants and the audience are simply “up for it”. Best job in the world, mate!
PAPERS
The papers took an unusual level of interest in my wanderings lately, including the locals and the nationals, with a couple of huge features and the usual spooky photographs. I also had the fun of answering ten questions for one of our evening papers, about Edinburgh… You can check out my inane answers here: http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Ten-Questions-Drew-McAdam.4020852.jp
RADIO
I also had a great meeting with the producers of the show we’re working on at the moment: School for Genius (working title) for BBC radio. They are a great team, and I’m honoured to be working with such fertile, creative minds who have such great enthusiasm for the project. Recording of part-1 begins next month.
THOSE MAGNIFICENT MEN…
I rarely mention family – mine, or yours – in my newsletter, but I have to tell you about my son, Andy. He is the luckiest soul alive. He enters competitions and wins them… regularly and always. He’s won more stuff than you can imagine, including travel and tickets for top gigs, days out in sports cars and so on. He has landed himself prizes too many to mention. Anyway, one of his recent wins was microlight flights for two… So, this month saw me take to the air over my old stamping ground of East Lothian. From the tiny airfield we buzzed off towards Edinburgh, and then back along the coast line past my old home town of North Berwick, over Tantallon Castle, and then out to the amazing Bas Rock, which looks positively alive with seabird life. Honestly, words can’t describe it.
So, if you’re looking for an unusual gift certificate for somebody, check out the guys at www.eosm.co.uk by the way, thank you for the wonderful experience, George and Gordon… and Andy for the free flight ticket!
That’s me in the back waving – glad you can’t see the fixed grin.
That’s NOT me, but it IS The Bass Rock. See all the white stuff? That, believe it or not is gannets – millions of ‘em.
PLAY
Thanks to the entertainment editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, Liam Rudden, I was invited along with some of his friends to see the play: Mrs Brown’s last Wedding, written by and starring Brendan O’Carroll. You know when you come out of the theatre and your cheek muscles are glowing and your sides still aching from laughter? It happens all too infrequently, doesn’t it? But what a thrill when it does… and this is one funny, funny play that just hit all the right buttons for me.
TELLY
Two episodes of The Interrogator on the Trisha show aired this week – thanks for all the feedback from those who receive this newsletter. I’m not a great fan of watching myself on the TV; I tend to squint out from between the cracks in my fingers. So, your feedback meant a lot.
WEB
I was interested to discover that lightning-fast chef Ainsley Harriot (If you live in the UK, you know who he is!) has a Bebo web page… I don’t understand these social networking thingummys, but I was delighted that he has chosen my appearance on ready Steady Cook as his video clip. Cool!
http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=4026062878
NEXT MONTH:
I’m looking forward to a fun-packed month ahead. We will be recording and filming School For Genius in Dundee, I have more Trisha to film, I’m off over the Forth Rail Bridge on a steam train, and taking another trip waaaay up North to Fort William and Mallaig by train. There are also gigs, including one at Norton House in Edinburgh and a gig I’m really looking forward to in Elgin.
Have a great May, one and all. The sun is on its way… surely.
Drew
March 2008
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
www.mindplay.co.uk
Drew McAdam: MARCH 2008 NEWSLETTER
‘ello, again!
There was a fair amount of travelling this month again – nothing wrong with that; it’s easier than digging ditches, I reckon!
I spent a couple of days at Maidstone TV studios recording a few episodes of the “Trisha Show”. For those outside the UK who don’t know what that is, it’s a remarkably popular daytime chat show that’s been running here for years. I am being used as a Human Lie Detector, (I AM the Interrogator) and for those who have seen my show you’ll know how much I enjoy that facet of my presentation! It was a real thrill to work with the team there – and they really ARE a team. I spent the day with them making the promotional short videos that will be played on some of the other episodes, and the rest of my time in the Interrogation Suite, where the cameras were running while I was “doing my thing” to get at the truth of the situation.
I also spent a bit of time in The Gallery, with some really fun people who seemed to spend their time pointing at a bank of monitors and shouting camera numbers… I’m sure it’s actually more complicated than that, and I certainly didn’t have a clue what they were actually doing. For my part, the pieces to camera and reading the auto-cue was a doddle!
The day meant I had the great pleasure of working with John Redshaw and the Counsellors - the lovely Tina Kirk, and Ricky Maczka, one of the most fascinating people I have ever met.
ALL FOR MARTHA’S WEDDING
It was a huge delight for me to attend the wedding of Dave and Martha, two of the sweetest people you could hope to meet. Dave, you may recall, was the chap with whom I completed the charity cycle from London to Paris last year. The happy couple were heading off to Paris for their honeymoon and David turned to me and said: “It won’t be the same without you!”
I’ll bet it won’t!
GIGS
Had a great gig at Cameron House by Loch Lomond for top chef-proprietor of Gleneagles, Andrew Fairley. What a lovely, charming fella’ he is. And his staff members are great, too. Must sample their wares at Gleneagles some time!
I also had a wonderful gig at “29” in Royal Exchange Squarer, Glasgow for a banquet room full of insurance people. I had a ball, and I reckon they did, too.
There was a wee lecture in West Lothian (hi, guys!) and then it was off to the Avonbridge Hotel near Hamilton for a cracking gig – despite starting off fighting with a crackling PA… Hotel PA systems, they should all be burned! I also had a weird – but very enjoyable - little gig at a showhouse in Braehead, Glasgow.
With all that out of the way, there was a walkabout-gig at The Sheraton in Edinburgh. Weird, occasionally I find it hard to really get “in the mood” - it’s like you’re just not firing on all cylinders - and this was one such time. However, the client wrote a lovely, glowing testimonial so I must have done something right!
I also had a meeting with the BBC (Radio Scotland) about a 4-part series we’re working on. This meant coffee and sandwiches in the company of the lovely Anne McNaught – I could think of worse ways of spending a couple of hours!
OUT OF LINE
I bought a new phone for my office. Well, actually, an OLD phone. It’s red and its bakelite; it looks like the Hot Line from these old films. It has the double-bell ring and the old clunky whrr-whrr-whrrclick dialling disk. But nostalgia ain’t what it used to be… although it works on the new ‘phone lines, things come to a complete halt when you contact one of these call trees: “For general enquiries, press one, followed by hash…” because it doesn’t HAVE a hash symbol. And as for retrieving my voice mail “press button one”… There IS no button to press! (Sigh!)
KILTS ACROSS AMERICA
Let me introduce Colin Read. He’s a photographer whom I met at a gig in Glasgow a while back. He’s doing something remarkable by attempting to raise £250,000 for Moebius research after his son George was born with this rare congenital disorder which, to date, has no cure. Basically, the main feature is the absence of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves which control facial expression. These nerves allow us to blink and move our eyes laterally… and to smile. Imagine never being able to smile. Anyway Colin and his pal Iain are doing a TWO MEN, TWO BIKES, TWA’ KILTS ride across America. You can read about it here: www.kiltsacrossamerica.co.uk. DO visit the site.
AND TALKING ABOUT KILTS AND STUFF…
You know you are a true Jock if.......
1. Ye can properly pronounce McConnochie, Ecclefechan, Milngavie, Sauchiehall, Auchtermuchty and Awfurfuksake
2. Ye actually like deep fried pizza fae the chippie
3. Yer used tae four seasons in wan day
4. Ye cannae pass a chip/kebab shop withoot sleverin when yer blootert.
5. Ye kin fall aboot pished withoot spillin yer drink.
6. Ye see people wearin shell suits wi Burberry accessories - Pure Dead Class!
7. Ye measure distance in minutes.
8. Ye kin understaun Rab C. Nesbitt and know characters jist like him in yer ain family
9. Ye go tae Saltcoats cos ye think its like gaun tae the ocean
10. Ye kin make hael sentences jist wae sweer words
11. Ye know whit haggis is made of and still like eating it.
12. Somedy ye ken his used a fitba schedule tae plan thur weddin date.
13. Ye've been at a wedding and fitba scores are announced in the church/Chapel
14. Ye urny surprised tae find curries, pizzas, kebabs, fish n chips, irn-bru, fags and nappies all in the wan shop.
15. Ye know Irn-bru is a hangover cure.
16. Ye learnt tae sweer afore ye learnt tae dae sums.
17. Ye actually understaun this and ur gonnae send this tae yer pals.
18. Finally, you are 100% True Jock if you have ever said/heard thesephrases:Hoos it hingin?Clarty, Boggin, Cludgie, Pished, Get it up ye, Wee beasties, Erse bandit, Amurny, Away an bile yer heid, Peely-wally, Humphy backit, Ba' heid, Baw bag, Dubble nugget
Cheers, and see you next month. Have a good one!
Best wishes,
Drew
www.mindplay.co.uk
Drew McAdam: MARCH 2008 NEWSLETTER
‘ello, again!
There was a fair amount of travelling this month again – nothing wrong with that; it’s easier than digging ditches, I reckon!
I spent a couple of days at Maidstone TV studios recording a few episodes of the “Trisha Show”. For those outside the UK who don’t know what that is, it’s a remarkably popular daytime chat show that’s been running here for years. I am being used as a Human Lie Detector, (I AM the Interrogator) and for those who have seen my show you’ll know how much I enjoy that facet of my presentation! It was a real thrill to work with the team there – and they really ARE a team. I spent the day with them making the promotional short videos that will be played on some of the other episodes, and the rest of my time in the Interrogation Suite, where the cameras were running while I was “doing my thing” to get at the truth of the situation.
I also spent a bit of time in The Gallery, with some really fun people who seemed to spend their time pointing at a bank of monitors and shouting camera numbers… I’m sure it’s actually more complicated than that, and I certainly didn’t have a clue what they were actually doing. For my part, the pieces to camera and reading the auto-cue was a doddle!
The day meant I had the great pleasure of working with John Redshaw and the Counsellors - the lovely Tina Kirk, and Ricky Maczka, one of the most fascinating people I have ever met.
ALL FOR MARTHA’S WEDDING
It was a huge delight for me to attend the wedding of Dave and Martha, two of the sweetest people you could hope to meet. Dave, you may recall, was the chap with whom I completed the charity cycle from London to Paris last year. The happy couple were heading off to Paris for their honeymoon and David turned to me and said: “It won’t be the same without you!”
I’ll bet it won’t!
GIGS
Had a great gig at Cameron House by Loch Lomond for top chef-proprietor of Gleneagles, Andrew Fairley. What a lovely, charming fella’ he is. And his staff members are great, too. Must sample their wares at Gleneagles some time!
I also had a wonderful gig at “29” in Royal Exchange Squarer, Glasgow for a banquet room full of insurance people. I had a ball, and I reckon they did, too.
There was a wee lecture in West Lothian (hi, guys!) and then it was off to the Avonbridge Hotel near Hamilton for a cracking gig – despite starting off fighting with a crackling PA… Hotel PA systems, they should all be burned! I also had a weird – but very enjoyable - little gig at a showhouse in Braehead, Glasgow.
With all that out of the way, there was a walkabout-gig at The Sheraton in Edinburgh. Weird, occasionally I find it hard to really get “in the mood” - it’s like you’re just not firing on all cylinders - and this was one such time. However, the client wrote a lovely, glowing testimonial so I must have done something right!
I also had a meeting with the BBC (Radio Scotland) about a 4-part series we’re working on. This meant coffee and sandwiches in the company of the lovely Anne McNaught – I could think of worse ways of spending a couple of hours!
OUT OF LINE
I bought a new phone for my office. Well, actually, an OLD phone. It’s red and its bakelite; it looks like the Hot Line from these old films. It has the double-bell ring and the old clunky whrr-whrr-whrrclick dialling disk. But nostalgia ain’t what it used to be… although it works on the new ‘phone lines, things come to a complete halt when you contact one of these call trees: “For general enquiries, press one, followed by hash…” because it doesn’t HAVE a hash symbol. And as for retrieving my voice mail “press button one”… There IS no button to press! (Sigh!)
KILTS ACROSS AMERICA
Let me introduce Colin Read. He’s a photographer whom I met at a gig in Glasgow a while back. He’s doing something remarkable by attempting to raise £250,000 for Moebius research after his son George was born with this rare congenital disorder which, to date, has no cure. Basically, the main feature is the absence of the 6th and 7th cranial nerves which control facial expression. These nerves allow us to blink and move our eyes laterally… and to smile. Imagine never being able to smile. Anyway Colin and his pal Iain are doing a TWO MEN, TWO BIKES, TWA’ KILTS ride across America. You can read about it here: www.kiltsacrossamerica.co.uk. DO visit the site.
AND TALKING ABOUT KILTS AND STUFF…
You know you are a true Jock if.......
1. Ye can properly pronounce McConnochie, Ecclefechan, Milngavie, Sauchiehall, Auchtermuchty and Awfurfuksake
2. Ye actually like deep fried pizza fae the chippie
3. Yer used tae four seasons in wan day
4. Ye cannae pass a chip/kebab shop withoot sleverin when yer blootert.
5. Ye kin fall aboot pished withoot spillin yer drink.
6. Ye see people wearin shell suits wi Burberry accessories - Pure Dead Class!
7. Ye measure distance in minutes.
8. Ye kin understaun Rab C. Nesbitt and know characters jist like him in yer ain family
9. Ye go tae Saltcoats cos ye think its like gaun tae the ocean
10. Ye kin make hael sentences jist wae sweer words
11. Ye know whit haggis is made of and still like eating it.
12. Somedy ye ken his used a fitba schedule tae plan thur weddin date.
13. Ye've been at a wedding and fitba scores are announced in the church/Chapel
14. Ye urny surprised tae find curries, pizzas, kebabs, fish n chips, irn-bru, fags and nappies all in the wan shop.
15. Ye know Irn-bru is a hangover cure.
16. Ye learnt tae sweer afore ye learnt tae dae sums.
17. Ye actually understaun this and ur gonnae send this tae yer pals.
18. Finally, you are 100% True Jock if you have ever said/heard thesephrases:Hoos it hingin?Clarty, Boggin, Cludgie, Pished, Get it up ye, Wee beasties, Erse bandit, Amurny, Away an bile yer heid, Peely-wally, Humphy backit, Ba' heid, Baw bag, Dubble nugget
Cheers, and see you next month. Have a good one!
Best wishes,
Drew
February 2008
Drew McAdam: FEBRUARY 2008 NEWSLETTERTel: 01506 873013
www.mindplay.co.uk
Hi, how are you? In fine fettle and bursting with energy, I hope. Anyway, here’s what’s been happening in my strange little world this month… Oh, and I have included some definitions as some of you seem to really like ‘em.
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
Mentioned in dispatches…
DR SUNIL SHARMA PHD
SCOTT CUTHBERTSON
FRANK ROBB
BOB BURNS
JAY TAILOR
RON McMANUS
MALCOLM ALLSOP
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BASKET (N): A SHORT NAP IN THE SUN.
I had a cracking little gig at the exclusive 1 Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow. That gave me the opportunity to meet up with DR SUNIL SHARMA PHD, (author of “From Here To Happiness” and a new TV personality – well done, mate!) We had a great little meeting with lots to discuss, and the possibility of working with him on a future project. A few nights later I was back in the Glasgow area for a charity bash at the Glynhill Hotel. It was a roaring success, due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of top magician SCOTT CUTHBERTSON.
ASSASSINATION (N): AN ARRANGEMENT TO MEET A DONKEY.
And then it was on to Falkirk where I had the really great pleasure of meeting, and performing alongside, the amazing FRANK ROBB – a funny, funny man. “…the most original and truly different act in Scotland just now” says The Stage. Suffice it to say, I’m glad I didn’t have to follow him!
DICTATOR (N): HILARIOUSLY SHAPED, EDIBLE TUBER.
I was back at The Dalmahoy Hotel AGAIN for a private after-dinner gig, and I must say it was one of the most enjoyable I’ve had in a long time. Dunno’ why, but sometimes everything just works out sweet, and you know you’ve had a really special time… And, more importantly, so have those who attended. I was also at Gleneagles in the company of my fine manager, where I met top chef Andrew Fairley. (Long story.)
INNUENDO (N): ITALIAN SUPPOSITORY.
I was up in Aberdeen this month where I gave a lecture to a bunch of some of the nicest people I’ve met in a long time (you know who you are!) Thank you for your hospitality… it was fun, wasn’t it? While there, I stayed with fellow exponent of the Dark Arts, BOB BURNS and his wife, LEIGH. Great company. Great conversation – and a lot of laughs. Thank you for your overwhelming hospitality.
DIPTHONG (V): TO WASH A LADY'S UNDERGARMENT.
I seem to have been in Glasgow a great deal this month; not that this is a bad thing. But one of the real pleasures was a night off and a great meal with friends including DAVE, MARTHA, SUNIL, and KENNY. The whole thing was organised by JAY TAILOR. And what a very special person he is. Besides running a very successful medical company, Jay is also the driving force behind a remarkable charity called the U Foundation which works in Zambia. It was he who talked me into cycling the 300 miles to Paris from London last year. … And while we are on the subject. If you visit www.theufoundation.org you will see a photograph of several cyclists pushing on along the road.. the one who is obviously struggling is me. Nice one! And while you are on the page you can click on the section labelled “click here to view the full brochure” and give serious consideration to pedalling from London to Paris this year. It IS possible, you’ll enjoy it (when it’s all over and you’re drinking beer under the Eiffel Tower) and you’ll be doing something good for a very worthwhile cause. I recommend it!
PROPAGANDA (N): A WOODEN SUPPORT FOR ONE-LEGGED MALE GEESE.
I was interviewed by a lovely fella’ called RON MCMANUS for a feature in The Weekly News. Ron is fascinating company, who has a wealth of knowledge about everything, a great sense of humour, and more stories to tell than you can shake a stick at. By the way, the article is, I am reliably informed, to be published this week. You’ll be able to read it by picking up a copy of The Weekly news from Thursday onwards. I only hope he has been kind to me!
DUMPLING (N): SMALL LUMP OF EXCREMENT.
I rarely mention my family or personal matters (mine or anybody else’s) in these newsletters. However, my youngest is off to Australia for five months before settling down into the real world. Now I always thought that backpacking would be arduous and challenging… so how come I keep getting stories of surfing and sunbathing along with photographs of cocktails and swimming pools overlooking incredible scenery? Still, it was hard to wave goodbye for that length of time.
GASTRONOME (N): SMALL PERSON PRONE TO EXCESS WIND.
I had a great meeting with a fascinating guy called MALCOLM ALLSOP, executive producer of the ever-popular Trisha Goddard Show (did you know that besides Channel 5 it also goes out in Australia, New Zealand and throughout Africa? No, neither did I.) Anyway, the upshot is that I will be filming as one of the team’s “specialists” on a couple of episodes next month. I am SO looking forward to this project, I can’t tell you. They seem like a lovely bunch to work with.
However… the production company is based in Norwich. So, I was driven back to Norwich airport and dropped by the driver at the terminal building. On entering, I was greeted by a huge queue at the ticket desk. Uh-oh, that can’t be good… All flights cancelled due to fog.
BMI, give them their due, organised transport to a local hotel, where we would be picked up the following morning. However, I checked on the web and discovered that the thick fog which had caused all the trouble was unlikely to lift for AT LEAST 24 hours. So, smart little me, I went and rented a car to drive back to Edinburgh.
Anybody spot the flaw in all of this?
Yeah, if the fog was bad enough to ground all the aircraft, then the roads were likely to be foggy, too. In fact, it was so bad that I only found the car in the car park by wandering around with the remote key fob, pressing the unlock button till I could make out the amber indicators flashing at me. I felt like I was the only person in the world; though there was probably a bunch of us doing the same thing.
Eighty eye-straining miles in thick fog (and -5c temperatures) where I would have been quicker getting out and feeling my way along the white lines (not recommended) before the fog thinned. The result? It was 4.30am in the morning before I made it home.
…and of course MY car was still at Edinburgh Secure Airpark.
Seen the film Trains, Planes and Automobiles? I’ve lived it, mate!
AND NEXT MONTH…
As already mentioned there is an interview and feature in The Weekly News (due out on Thursday) and two episodes of the Trisha show. Dave and Martha are getting married (‘ray!) Other highlights include Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond. I’m back in Glasgow for another gig, and a lecture in West Lothian. There is also a private gig at the Avonbridge Hotel and another in Renfrew and another in Edinburgh.
It’s hotting up to be another cracking month. I hope yours is, too.
And remember, it would be lovely to hear from you, with YOUR news. It’s the only way I can keep in touch these days.
Best wishes to you,
Drew
www.mindplay.co.uk
www.mindplay.co.uk
Hi, how are you? In fine fettle and bursting with energy, I hope. Anyway, here’s what’s been happening in my strange little world this month… Oh, and I have included some definitions as some of you seem to really like ‘em.
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
Mentioned in dispatches…
DR SUNIL SHARMA PHD
SCOTT CUTHBERTSON
FRANK ROBB
BOB BURNS
JAY TAILOR
RON McMANUS
MALCOLM ALLSOP
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BASKET (N): A SHORT NAP IN THE SUN.
I had a cracking little gig at the exclusive 1 Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow. That gave me the opportunity to meet up with DR SUNIL SHARMA PHD, (author of “From Here To Happiness” and a new TV personality – well done, mate!) We had a great little meeting with lots to discuss, and the possibility of working with him on a future project. A few nights later I was back in the Glasgow area for a charity bash at the Glynhill Hotel. It was a roaring success, due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of top magician SCOTT CUTHBERTSON.
ASSASSINATION (N): AN ARRANGEMENT TO MEET A DONKEY.
And then it was on to Falkirk where I had the really great pleasure of meeting, and performing alongside, the amazing FRANK ROBB – a funny, funny man. “…the most original and truly different act in Scotland just now” says The Stage. Suffice it to say, I’m glad I didn’t have to follow him!
DICTATOR (N): HILARIOUSLY SHAPED, EDIBLE TUBER.
I was back at The Dalmahoy Hotel AGAIN for a private after-dinner gig, and I must say it was one of the most enjoyable I’ve had in a long time. Dunno’ why, but sometimes everything just works out sweet, and you know you’ve had a really special time… And, more importantly, so have those who attended. I was also at Gleneagles in the company of my fine manager, where I met top chef Andrew Fairley. (Long story.)
INNUENDO (N): ITALIAN SUPPOSITORY.
I was up in Aberdeen this month where I gave a lecture to a bunch of some of the nicest people I’ve met in a long time (you know who you are!) Thank you for your hospitality… it was fun, wasn’t it? While there, I stayed with fellow exponent of the Dark Arts, BOB BURNS and his wife, LEIGH. Great company. Great conversation – and a lot of laughs. Thank you for your overwhelming hospitality.
DIPTHONG (V): TO WASH A LADY'S UNDERGARMENT.
I seem to have been in Glasgow a great deal this month; not that this is a bad thing. But one of the real pleasures was a night off and a great meal with friends including DAVE, MARTHA, SUNIL, and KENNY. The whole thing was organised by JAY TAILOR. And what a very special person he is. Besides running a very successful medical company, Jay is also the driving force behind a remarkable charity called the U Foundation which works in Zambia. It was he who talked me into cycling the 300 miles to Paris from London last year. … And while we are on the subject. If you visit www.theufoundation.org you will see a photograph of several cyclists pushing on along the road.. the one who is obviously struggling is me. Nice one! And while you are on the page you can click on the section labelled “click here to view the full brochure” and give serious consideration to pedalling from London to Paris this year. It IS possible, you’ll enjoy it (when it’s all over and you’re drinking beer under the Eiffel Tower) and you’ll be doing something good for a very worthwhile cause. I recommend it!
PROPAGANDA (N): A WOODEN SUPPORT FOR ONE-LEGGED MALE GEESE.
I was interviewed by a lovely fella’ called RON MCMANUS for a feature in The Weekly News. Ron is fascinating company, who has a wealth of knowledge about everything, a great sense of humour, and more stories to tell than you can shake a stick at. By the way, the article is, I am reliably informed, to be published this week. You’ll be able to read it by picking up a copy of The Weekly news from Thursday onwards. I only hope he has been kind to me!
DUMPLING (N): SMALL LUMP OF EXCREMENT.
I rarely mention my family or personal matters (mine or anybody else’s) in these newsletters. However, my youngest is off to Australia for five months before settling down into the real world. Now I always thought that backpacking would be arduous and challenging… so how come I keep getting stories of surfing and sunbathing along with photographs of cocktails and swimming pools overlooking incredible scenery? Still, it was hard to wave goodbye for that length of time.
GASTRONOME (N): SMALL PERSON PRONE TO EXCESS WIND.
I had a great meeting with a fascinating guy called MALCOLM ALLSOP, executive producer of the ever-popular Trisha Goddard Show (did you know that besides Channel 5 it also goes out in Australia, New Zealand and throughout Africa? No, neither did I.) Anyway, the upshot is that I will be filming as one of the team’s “specialists” on a couple of episodes next month. I am SO looking forward to this project, I can’t tell you. They seem like a lovely bunch to work with.
However… the production company is based in Norwich. So, I was driven back to Norwich airport and dropped by the driver at the terminal building. On entering, I was greeted by a huge queue at the ticket desk. Uh-oh, that can’t be good… All flights cancelled due to fog.
BMI, give them their due, organised transport to a local hotel, where we would be picked up the following morning. However, I checked on the web and discovered that the thick fog which had caused all the trouble was unlikely to lift for AT LEAST 24 hours. So, smart little me, I went and rented a car to drive back to Edinburgh.
Anybody spot the flaw in all of this?
Yeah, if the fog was bad enough to ground all the aircraft, then the roads were likely to be foggy, too. In fact, it was so bad that I only found the car in the car park by wandering around with the remote key fob, pressing the unlock button till I could make out the amber indicators flashing at me. I felt like I was the only person in the world; though there was probably a bunch of us doing the same thing.
Eighty eye-straining miles in thick fog (and -5c temperatures) where I would have been quicker getting out and feeling my way along the white lines (not recommended) before the fog thinned. The result? It was 4.30am in the morning before I made it home.
…and of course MY car was still at Edinburgh Secure Airpark.
Seen the film Trains, Planes and Automobiles? I’ve lived it, mate!
AND NEXT MONTH…
As already mentioned there is an interview and feature in The Weekly News (due out on Thursday) and two episodes of the Trisha show. Dave and Martha are getting married (‘ray!) Other highlights include Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond. I’m back in Glasgow for another gig, and a lecture in West Lothian. There is also a private gig at the Avonbridge Hotel and another in Renfrew and another in Edinburgh.
It’s hotting up to be another cracking month. I hope yours is, too.
And remember, it would be lovely to hear from you, with YOUR news. It’s the only way I can keep in touch these days.
Best wishes to you,
Drew
www.mindplay.co.uk
January 2008
JANUARY 2008 NEWSLETTER.
Hello again!
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, I met you in a pub, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
www.mindplay.co.uk
I HEARD ON THE NEWS THAT THE JANUARY STORMS HAD COST THIS COUNTRY A BILLION POUNDS. WHAT AN UTTER WASTE OF MONEY. IF ANYTHING, THEY DID MORE HARM THAN GOOD.
This Month’s Gigs
There were some really cracking gigs this month. It all started when I awoke with a slightly fuzzy head on New Years Morning at Dunkeld Hydro following my return gig to the place – and a great, celebratory night was had by one and all. And what a firework display there was at Midnight. There was also a gig at Glenbervie House Hotel. And a cracking little gig for the Bathgate Rotary which led to the offer of a theatre show. Lovely! There was also a private party in Fife, and another private party in Stirling. Then there was a performance at a Hindu Centre – complete with temple – in Preston.
I had a truly wonderful time on a return trip to the beautiful Ballathie House, north of Perth and another after dinner gig at the prestige 1 Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow.
Thanks to all who were behind the scenes organising the gigs, and to all who attended. You all make my life very easy!
QUESTION
A question emailed to me from my brother: Is aibohphobia a fear of palindromes?
BEADLE
It’s a bit sad this one. I will be attending – and doing my thing - at a charity gig in Glasgow this month. The MC, auctioneer, general banter-merchant and quiz master was to be Jeremy Beadle… What can I say? There is nobody reading this in the UK who has NOT heard of Jeremy, and of his very sad and early demise.
“As a stalwart of ITV for many years, Beadle regularly pulled in television audiences in excess of 15 million for Beadle's About and You've Been Framed. Beadle, who was 59, was a significant fundraiser for Children with Leukaemia throughout his life and is estimated to have raised more than £100 million (YES, you read that right one hundred million quid!) for charities of all description. He was awarded an MBE in 2001.
Beadle was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, but never allowed the condition to affect him. Last autumn, he released three new books and prior to his illness he was working on a series of television formats.”
For those abroad who haven’t seen this prankster in action, check THIS out.
http://www.funny-videos.co.uk/videobeadlesaboutxrayspecs.html
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U0q9gD1lYBk
AND…RELAX
Went for a spa at The Balmoral Hotel this month. Part of the treatment was a facial… During the pre-treatment questioning the “therapist” asked: “Do you do anything to your face?” I didn’t have to think long. “Yeah, I shave it.”
“No, I mean, do you use moisturiser?”
“Lady, do I look like a moisturiser kinda’ guy to you?”
Anyway, after the hour-long treatment I checked my features in the mirror, and guess what!? That’s right; It was still the same old leather-handbag complexion that was staring back at me.
ARCARI
I know I’m always banging on about blues performer Dave Arcari, but he really IS a spectacle worth catching (Some of you already know that!) Anyway, he has a mammoth tour coming up that’s going to take in everywhere between Cannes and Oban. Catch him if you can (Details at http://www.davearcari.com)
EXAM
One night, four college students were playing till late night and didn't study for the test which was scheduled for the next day.
In the morning they thought of a plan.
They made themselves look dirty and tired, caked with grease and dirt. They then went up to the Dean and said that they had gone out to a wedding last night and on their return the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back, and that they were in no condition to appear for the test.
So the Dean said they could take their examination three days later. They thanked him and said they would be ready by that time.
On the third day they appeared before the Dean. The Dean said that as this was a Special Condition Test. All four were required to sit in separate classrooms for the test.
They all agreed as they had prepared well in the last 3 days.
The Test consisted of 2 questions with the total of 100 Marks.
Q.1. Your Name (2 MARKS)
Q.2. Which tyre burst? (98 MARKS)
A) Front Left
B) Front Right
C) Back Left
D) Back Right.
…AND NEXT MONTH
Highlights for next month include: Glenhill Hotel, Renfrew. Western Park, Falkirk. Meeting with a TV Production team in Norwich. Lecture in Aberdeen. Interview and feature with the WEEKLY NEWS. And a trip to Kent. Wheee! Here we go again.
Hope all is well with you and yours. And remember, I want to hear YOU news.
Best wishes,
Drew McAdam
Hello again!
(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, I met you in a pub, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
www.mindplay.co.uk
I HEARD ON THE NEWS THAT THE JANUARY STORMS HAD COST THIS COUNTRY A BILLION POUNDS. WHAT AN UTTER WASTE OF MONEY. IF ANYTHING, THEY DID MORE HARM THAN GOOD.
This Month’s Gigs
There were some really cracking gigs this month. It all started when I awoke with a slightly fuzzy head on New Years Morning at Dunkeld Hydro following my return gig to the place – and a great, celebratory night was had by one and all. And what a firework display there was at Midnight. There was also a gig at Glenbervie House Hotel. And a cracking little gig for the Bathgate Rotary which led to the offer of a theatre show. Lovely! There was also a private party in Fife, and another private party in Stirling. Then there was a performance at a Hindu Centre – complete with temple – in Preston.
I had a truly wonderful time on a return trip to the beautiful Ballathie House, north of Perth and another after dinner gig at the prestige 1 Devonshire Gardens in Glasgow.
Thanks to all who were behind the scenes organising the gigs, and to all who attended. You all make my life very easy!
QUESTION
A question emailed to me from my brother: Is aibohphobia a fear of palindromes?
BEADLE
It’s a bit sad this one. I will be attending – and doing my thing - at a charity gig in Glasgow this month. The MC, auctioneer, general banter-merchant and quiz master was to be Jeremy Beadle… What can I say? There is nobody reading this in the UK who has NOT heard of Jeremy, and of his very sad and early demise.
“As a stalwart of ITV for many years, Beadle regularly pulled in television audiences in excess of 15 million for Beadle's About and You've Been Framed. Beadle, who was 59, was a significant fundraiser for Children with Leukaemia throughout his life and is estimated to have raised more than £100 million (YES, you read that right one hundred million quid!) for charities of all description. He was awarded an MBE in 2001.
Beadle was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, but never allowed the condition to affect him. Last autumn, he released three new books and prior to his illness he was working on a series of television formats.”
For those abroad who haven’t seen this prankster in action, check THIS out.
http://www.funny-videos.co.uk/videobeadlesaboutxrayspecs.html
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U0q9gD1lYBk
AND…RELAX
Went for a spa at The Balmoral Hotel this month. Part of the treatment was a facial… During the pre-treatment questioning the “therapist” asked: “Do you do anything to your face?” I didn’t have to think long. “Yeah, I shave it.”
“No, I mean, do you use moisturiser?”
“Lady, do I look like a moisturiser kinda’ guy to you?”
Anyway, after the hour-long treatment I checked my features in the mirror, and guess what!? That’s right; It was still the same old leather-handbag complexion that was staring back at me.
ARCARI
I know I’m always banging on about blues performer Dave Arcari, but he really IS a spectacle worth catching (Some of you already know that!) Anyway, he has a mammoth tour coming up that’s going to take in everywhere between Cannes and Oban. Catch him if you can (Details at http://www.davearcari.com)
EXAM
One night, four college students were playing till late night and didn't study for the test which was scheduled for the next day.
In the morning they thought of a plan.
They made themselves look dirty and tired, caked with grease and dirt. They then went up to the Dean and said that they had gone out to a wedding last night and on their return the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back, and that they were in no condition to appear for the test.
So the Dean said they could take their examination three days later. They thanked him and said they would be ready by that time.
On the third day they appeared before the Dean. The Dean said that as this was a Special Condition Test. All four were required to sit in separate classrooms for the test.
They all agreed as they had prepared well in the last 3 days.
The Test consisted of 2 questions with the total of 100 Marks.
Q.1. Your Name (2 MARKS)
Q.2. Which tyre burst? (98 MARKS)
A) Front Left
B) Front Right
C) Back Left
D) Back Right.
…AND NEXT MONTH
Highlights for next month include: Glenhill Hotel, Renfrew. Western Park, Falkirk. Meeting with a TV Production team in Norwich. Lecture in Aberdeen. Interview and feature with the WEEKLY NEWS. And a trip to Kent. Wheee! Here we go again.
Hope all is well with you and yours. And remember, I want to hear YOU news.
Best wishes,
Drew McAdam
December 2007
Drew McAdam: DECEMBER 2007 NEWSLETTER / DIARY
Tel: 01506 873013www.drewmcadam.co.uk
Hi, how are you? In great spirits, I hope. Here is the DECEMBER Newsletter.(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE…
So there I was, returning to my house on a freezing cold afternoon when one of my neighbours stopped me and asked if I could hear running water… I certainly could. “Sounds like it’s coming from YOUR house,” he said. And it certainly was.
The copper pipe for the garden hose – fortunately on the outside of the building – had ruptured in such a way that it was playing an impressive jet of water that reached the apex of the gable. An instant water feature that could have been so much worse!
SPOOKY
It’s been an incredibly busy December – most of it spent performing at Falkirk Stadium. But there was also a gig at the sooper-dooper Shrigley Hall, overlooking the edge of the Peak District. Part of the building is an old monastery, and that’s where I was performing. There is a plethora of ghost stories surrounding the venue, so I allowed the performance to reflect that – much spookier than usual. But great fun!
DUNKELD
Was once again the guest of the wonderful John McLaughlin, Manager and driving force behind the Dunkeld Hilton. This is the second year that I’ve been invited up there to bring in the New Year, given accommodation and food (and thanks for the Champagne, John!) Of course, it’s work – I provide part of the entertainment. But after that there’s the bands and the fireworks – and what fireworks!
I’m living the dream!
LOOKING BACK
All in all, it’s been a really wonderful year – much of that, thanks to my manager Douglas Gillespie. Besides the gigs, highlights included the trip to London to meet up with some of my heroes in the mindreading community, which included a quick trip with Colin McLeod out to Uri Geller’s pad. Then there was the sled-dogs escapade in The Highlands, and the cycle trip from London to Paris with the amazing David Tod. And the ongoing planning with BBC Radio for a wee series.
PICTURE PERFECT
I realised that the very nature of my work (work?) takes me all over the place, and I was seeing all sorts of wonderful things and having a host of fantastic experiences with nothing to capture it all but my newsletter and my memory. So, I treated myself to a camera in the early winter… and if you want to see the results, check this: http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/drewmcadam
And here is a partial list of 2007 gigs for you to run your eye over… Melville Castle, Craigellachie. St Andrews. Airth Castle. Elgin. North Berwick. Sittingbourne. The Sheraton, Edinburgh. Dunkeld. Glasgow. Ardoe House. Aberdeen. Hinckley. Oban. Stirling. London. Forres. East Kilbride. Prestonfiled House. Gullane. Norwood Hotel. Marcliffe Hotel. Stirling. Cheltenham Race Course. Houston House. Creiff. Deerpark. Glasgow Hilton. Ayr. Telford International Centre. Belfast. Isle of Skye. Dalmahoy. Cambridge University. Lossiemouth RAF base. Hopetoun House. Glencalvie Lodge in Sutherland. Carsebridge. Fawsley Hall, Daventry. Coventry. Whiski in Edinburgh. Marine Hotel, Troon. Manchester. Southampton. Norton House. Cardiff. Old Meldrum. Aviemore. Balmoral Hotel. Birmingham, Macclesfield, Manchester, Dunkeld Hydro and Falkirk Stadium.
Kinda makes you wonder where next year is going to lead - well, very probably with a tour – my manager and a PR guru are working on the details. But whatever happens, it’s going to be a blast… I sincerely hope that you can join me along the way!
Best wishes,
Drew
Tel: 01506 873013www.drewmcadam.co.uk
Hi, how are you? In great spirits, I hope. Here is the DECEMBER Newsletter.(If you receive this it's because we've had some dealings in the past, you're a personal friend, or because you've expressed an interest in receiving the newsletter… or all of the above. However, if you have no wish to receive further issues - just hit reply and enter "unsubscribe" in the subject box. I won't take offence!)
BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE…
So there I was, returning to my house on a freezing cold afternoon when one of my neighbours stopped me and asked if I could hear running water… I certainly could. “Sounds like it’s coming from YOUR house,” he said. And it certainly was.
The copper pipe for the garden hose – fortunately on the outside of the building – had ruptured in such a way that it was playing an impressive jet of water that reached the apex of the gable. An instant water feature that could have been so much worse!
SPOOKY
It’s been an incredibly busy December – most of it spent performing at Falkirk Stadium. But there was also a gig at the sooper-dooper Shrigley Hall, overlooking the edge of the Peak District. Part of the building is an old monastery, and that’s where I was performing. There is a plethora of ghost stories surrounding the venue, so I allowed the performance to reflect that – much spookier than usual. But great fun!
DUNKELD
Was once again the guest of the wonderful John McLaughlin, Manager and driving force behind the Dunkeld Hilton. This is the second year that I’ve been invited up there to bring in the New Year, given accommodation and food (and thanks for the Champagne, John!) Of course, it’s work – I provide part of the entertainment. But after that there’s the bands and the fireworks – and what fireworks!
I’m living the dream!
LOOKING BACK
All in all, it’s been a really wonderful year – much of that, thanks to my manager Douglas Gillespie. Besides the gigs, highlights included the trip to London to meet up with some of my heroes in the mindreading community, which included a quick trip with Colin McLeod out to Uri Geller’s pad. Then there was the sled-dogs escapade in The Highlands, and the cycle trip from London to Paris with the amazing David Tod. And the ongoing planning with BBC Radio for a wee series.
PICTURE PERFECT
I realised that the very nature of my work (work?) takes me all over the place, and I was seeing all sorts of wonderful things and having a host of fantastic experiences with nothing to capture it all but my newsletter and my memory. So, I treated myself to a camera in the early winter… and if you want to see the results, check this: http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/drewmcadam
And here is a partial list of 2007 gigs for you to run your eye over… Melville Castle, Craigellachie. St Andrews. Airth Castle. Elgin. North Berwick. Sittingbourne. The Sheraton, Edinburgh. Dunkeld. Glasgow. Ardoe House. Aberdeen. Hinckley. Oban. Stirling. London. Forres. East Kilbride. Prestonfiled House. Gullane. Norwood Hotel. Marcliffe Hotel. Stirling. Cheltenham Race Course. Houston House. Creiff. Deerpark. Glasgow Hilton. Ayr. Telford International Centre. Belfast. Isle of Skye. Dalmahoy. Cambridge University. Lossiemouth RAF base. Hopetoun House. Glencalvie Lodge in Sutherland. Carsebridge. Fawsley Hall, Daventry. Coventry. Whiski in Edinburgh. Marine Hotel, Troon. Manchester. Southampton. Norton House. Cardiff. Old Meldrum. Aviemore. Balmoral Hotel. Birmingham, Macclesfield, Manchester, Dunkeld Hydro and Falkirk Stadium.
Kinda makes you wonder where next year is going to lead - well, very probably with a tour – my manager and a PR guru are working on the details. But whatever happens, it’s going to be a blast… I sincerely hope that you can join me along the way!
Best wishes,
Drew
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