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I felt wiped out all day, even though I was child free from about 9.30am as Ernie was whisked away by his grandparents and Phoebe went to the cinema with her mum. I was worried that I might be dead to the world by the time I’d got to Bristol, but weirdly the podcasts turned out to be invigorating and I wasn’t even that weary when I got home again at 1.30am.
But Bristol will always lift my spirits and the Old Vic is an almost unbeatable venue, especially when packed to the rafters and the guests today were absolute class. On our way in we drove past Bristol Temple Meads and I had a little Time Quake as I thought of all the times that this station was the start and end of an adventure in the 1980s. I probably hadn’t got a train to or from there since the late 90s, but even with work going on all around it the place was so familiar and I couldn’t escape the excitement in my heart that this unlikely building still generates.
I spent a little time wandering round the centre of Bristol and trying to come up with jokes about stools and bungee jumping and prepping for Mark Olver and Jayde Adams. As it turned out my notes would remain largely unused for both of them as chat flowed organically and easily, buoyed along by the enthusiasm of the audience. Both interviews (obviously the second one happened next week) were magic. Mark is a top comedian who has concentrated on TV warm up work (but man, what stories) and Jayde is a phenomenon in every sense. As well as being very funny, things got emotional and the electricity in the room was palpable. It’s wonderful to make a show out of nothing but the force of personality of me and my guests. Jayde was excited that this was her first gig on this stage, but though I’ve been here a few times, it is still a thrill to be here and to see people high up in the top tier. If I ever forget how fortunate I am to have this life then I need only remember nights like tonight.
Bristol can be very proud of these two people, and of itself. I have the best gigs here. I might buy the Young One’s house and come and live there. If I can slip out without the rest of my family noticing then all the better.
It was a long drive home and a late, late bed time. And I have to get up early to go into London for an interview. But it will be worth falling asleep at 5.30pm tomorrow. Thanks to my guests and to Bristol for a really memorable night. You’ll have to wait til the end of the year or the start of the next one to hear these. Worth the wait.
And more guests announced - Mike Wozniak for Exeter on 6th October and Sara Pascoe for Leicester Square Theatre on 28th October.
Details here.
