46. Very belated reports of CPT & Performing Lives Gigs

PART ONE: SPRINT FESTIVAL AT CAMDEN PEOPLE'S THEATRE

First night at Camden People's Theatre, about ten in the audience, mostly on comps. A quiet show but do-able. Difficult to get warmed up when there's three quarters of the seats empty, but it was alright. We got through it. Top drinks afterwards with Sylvia, who we were double-billed with, Kate A and my mates Em and Paul (Banjo). Plus, Sylvia really pulled out the stops. I had seen her show at SPILL but this was really, relly funny, bringing out a humour and warmth for us and, I think, for the Sylvia that was there, but not there, in 2003. Anyway, it was fucking fantastic.
Second night four people showed up, three of whom had already seen it. We decided to pull it, so Sylvia and I were taken out by Matt Ball and Robert Pacitti (thanks chaps!) and, I for one, was drunker than I care to be by the end of it. The next day was all anxiety attacks and difficult travelling. I heard that Sprit was poorly attended throughout, which seemed like nobody's fault, just London summer, expensive tickets, a culture of 'A Night Less Ordinary' and a cheaper West End to contend with. So, the Kings are writing that off to experience.
For our trouble, Sylvia and I received £10.70 in ticket sales, which we have promised to keep in special envelopes and open them when we next drink togther. I hope it isn't too long, what with inflation and everything.

PART TWO: PERFORMING LIVES CONFERENCE

A quiet conference and a split panel meant we performed to about ten people, again, but it was fairly well-received But we took the low turnout on the chin. and I got to meet Simon Ellis and the estimable Kristin Frederickson, who is performing her own Dad show, which was literally astonishing. Dad, the bloody hero, came down & up again in a day. I stopped off at my cousins, which was grand, and stayed in the next day and watched about seven episodes of The Wire Series 1, which was probably better than sight-seeing.