I got a lovely email from Nicholas Parsons this morning thanking me for what I had written about him in
my latest Metro column. I'm glad he saw it, though now worried that he might give me too many benefits of the doubt if I'm ever on the show again. I had no ulterior motives. I have always been terrible at networking and playing the game to get on in this business and I not sure there is much value in schmoozing an 88 year old man anyway. So it's nice just to let him know he's appreciated.
He's twice my age and it'd be wonderful and mind-blowing to think that I might still be working and making people laugh in 44 years time. Maybe I am setting my sights too low with ten consecutive different Edinburgh stand up shows. Maybe I should aim for 50!
I quite like where I am, stuck in the middle of the young and the old performers, able to work and chat with either side. Once you've worked with Barry Cryer and Nicholas Parson you're just one degree of separation from the greats of the 1940s, but that baton passes in the other direction too and some of the younger comics I have performed with will themselves work with the as yet unborn greats of the future. You know that I love this relay race through time, as my ambition to
span three centuries with two kisses shows.
But it's cool to be in touch with the old and the new from a place where you have the security to be complimentary to both, looking backward and forward like some huge Janus. I recently recommended some (mainly)
newer acts for this year's Edinburgh There are some decent male comedians going up too, but good to see so many fantastic women in the cock-fearing Fringe programme - there wasn't even space to add Nina Conti, Lucy Porter and many others. Soon enough the Fringe programme will be censoring acts that have a penis, not just ones who use the words to describe it.
I will, of course, be showcasing the talents of many more newer and less new comics in
my Edinburgh Fringe podcasts (though please don't email me to apply - I will be picking these acts from people I have seen who are already a little bit established). Just as with Christmas people say it is better to give than receive. Though just like Christmas I say that, whilst knowing that I'd rather receive, so make sure you come and see my fucking show and then if you've got time you can see one of these whippersnappers.
Much as I'd love everyone to think I am the only funny person in the world (I would not in fact love this) it's good to acknowledge the many, many funnier people out there. I am hoping I get time to see a few more shows this year, but will certainly keep up the recommendations. Some comedians turn bitter and come to hate comedy and all other competitors, but I was a comedy fan before I was a comedian and I still love watching (and working with) people who can make me laugh. Something that makes doing a self-created job like the Leicester Square Theatre podcasts a bit of a joy. Maybe I've found my perfect gig.
Talking of which - the Leicester Square Theatre Podcast with David Bad-diel is now up
at the British Comedy Guide and
on iTunes.
I am also adding more and more of the tour gigs to
the Talking Cock pages. If your local theatre isn't there yet, then don't fret - there's about 50 gigs to add on the tour. It's worth booking ahead for some of these, as some of them (like Reading or Manchester or Bristol) tend to sell out super fast. I reckon you'll be able to get a ticket for York on the day though!
