It was my first Edinburgh preview in over two weeks tonight. The last one was on the 11th July in Ruislip. The week in Montreal, plus the fact that I didn't have any gigs at the end of the week before I went or most of this week means I have taken a big step back in preparations.
Foolishly I thought it would all come back to me fine and due to some other distractions didn't really do any specific preparation for tonight's gig, which was stupid and arrogant of me. And all the routines need some fine tuning, so I am now regretting not working harder on the show when I was in Montreal. Or even since I got back. Tonight's show was by no means terrible and lots of the stuff went down well, but I was struggling to remember what came next and missing bits out and also haven't done any work on shaping the show. It's not the end of the world and I still have time to do everything I need and it's probably been a good kick up the arse for me not to get complacent. I only did about 45 minutes, even though I put on a new beginning and was a little embarrassed by this. Luckily the audience had already seen two previews and the room was very hot, so I am sure no-one minded too much, but it's a little scary given how soon Edinburgh begins.
Not to worry. It's fear and specifically the fear of embarrassment that gets most of my stuff together and it's far from the lease prepared I have been for the Fringe. The show is fine at the moment, but I think it could be really special and I don't want to screw it up due to laziness or tiredness (and I am tired, it's been a relentlessly busy year without any kind of break).
The audience were good though and enjoyed what I gave them, which hasn't always been the case at the Wimbledon previews (I think the Someone Likes Yoghurt one was particularly badly received). Towards the end as I took a breather to see if I could remember anything important that I had forgotten to say and a woman in the audience shouted "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, why not?" I replied, "It should fill a bit of time."
"OK," she replied, "What do you think of female pee cones?"
This was a bit left field. I hadn't been talking about anything really in that area, aside from mentioning in one routine that I had written a book about cocks. I was pretty sure these must be some kind of device to assist female urination, but thought I should check and indeed it was confirmed that's what they were, devices that helped women piss whilst standing up. I was a bit baffled. "Why do you want to know what I think about that?"
There was no answer.
"I think it's good. I think everyone should be allowed to urinate whilst standing up. I hope that answers your question. Does anyone else have a random enquiry to quiz me with?"
Unfortunately they didn't so I just did a bit of old material to try and fill up a bit more time. It was a strange line of inquiry. I wonder why she wanted to know.
Anyway I am going to go and try and make my show good. Back in Wimbledon Saturday, hopefully will make it to the hour mark!
