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