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
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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
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