Yesterday I did something I have never done in my professional career, I cancelled a show due to illness. That was not cool. Spent almost all of yesterday just sleeping and wishing I was better. Today was a slightly easier day, whilst still not 100% I was just well enough to do the show, but annoyed it wasn't up to my normal standards. So the last two days have been a bit of a roller-coaster. Thankfully my right-hand woman, Jo, has been around to make sure I survived. 

All in all I have been loving the Fringe, but with only two days left I am quite looking forward to heading home. I have missed my adopted home town of Sheffield (originally being from North London), and missed those who I have left behind. Having directed an improv troupe for the first half of the Fringe, and performed my one-man show for the second half I am in awe of those who manage to perform everyday for a month whilst also flyering.  It has been great though, and have met some cracking people and seen some cracking shows. 

 I think one of the things I have loved the most is sharing my all new show with great audiences each day. When you write a totally new piece of work, especially one that is a bit of a departure from what you have done before it's always a bit stressful. To have it met with great comments however is a great feeling, and gives me hope for the impending tour with it. But the run isn't over yet! Two more shows, and I am looking forward to giving them all I've got before I return home. Sadly not too much rest however, as I am off to Spain not long after I get back for a weeks performing there, before jetting off to Las Vegas. So it's all go, but for the time being, I think I might just enjoy the rest of my time in Edinburgh.

Speak soon

Pete 

I have completed 5 shows, 8 more to go. And I am really loving it. The new show now feels comfortable, and I am having loads of fun with it. The audiences seem not only to enjoy it, but to love getting involved in it too. I love an audience who are just up for a bit of fun, and so far none of them have disappointed. 

The extreme tiredness has set in now though. Doing the show, and flyering either side of it, with only a tiny team around the show, has really taken it out of me. Thankfully my right hand woman Jo has also reached that level of tiredness, so now we are both resigned to early nights, and very slow quiet conversation, where both of us just try not to fall asleep mid-sentence. I think it is flyering that takes all the energy. If anything doing shows gives me energy, and makes me feel really happy. I love meeting people on the mile, and having a chat. In no other context is it acceptable to just start chatting to a total stranger, and not be met with either a punch, or being sectioned. However it certainly is difficult, it's long hours on feet, and occasionally met with incredibly grumpy or just rude people. But do you know what? I probably wouldn't change anything. Despite exhaustion setting in and no longer being able to feel anything other than pain below my knees, I am so happy. For a performer, just getting to perform every day for new and different audiences is a great experience. It is like no other experience. Not even when working professionally do I do this much intense work. And it's great getting to refine and change little things each night. But that is probably me just being nerdy. 

In other news I am about to start doing a few more puzzles, so keep an eye on my twitter for a chance to win. But most importantly how are you? That is what I want to know.  I think the problem with this blog is that I talk about myself loads. I mean you never get a word in edgeways. I mean that is the problem with it in a nutshell. It's like that friend that never lets you get a word in when you are talking.  So I want a word from you! Comment below, speak to me in person or tweet at me. I want to hear your experiences of the Fringe etc, and I might include stuff in my blog!

Until next time, I am off to have a Belgian waffle and go to bed. Rock and roll.

Pete 

Howdy,

Having lots of fun today. Flyering on the mile, whilst exhausting is a good laugh. In no other context is it so socially acceptable to approach total strangers and just start a conversation. I have had some great banter with people just chatting about shows, etc. That isn't to say there isn't Edinburgh's fair share of grumpy people though. But they only slightly damper the amazing mood that is on the mile. I am yet however to meet anyone who has come down to say hello because they have read my blog or my twitter. So that is what I'd love to ask for. If you are in Edinburgh or know anyone who is, just let them know that I flyer most days from 11-2 on the Mile next to the statue of Adam Smith (He is the guy that replaced Elgar on the £20 note, an occurrence that music enthusiasts have not forgotten, myself included.) So come and say hello. If you have a few hours free, you can even join the flyering fun! I am sure we can find a way to repay you. 

 The show today went very well also. I am constantly surprised and touched by all the people that turn out for the show, and we were SO close to a sell out today. The changes to the show went down well, and have made it all much more comfortable. I am really enjoying the show, and the great fun with audiences. Hopefully critics will feel the same way, so let's wait and see!

Would love to stay and chat, but my director, Jo, and I are going to sit down and watch Batman Begins. Fun times.

Chat again soon.

Pete 

Hey!

How are you? Today is a great day. After my birthday on the 16th I've been madly preparing for my show.  Today was the first day, and it was a lovely show. The audience was almost full, and they were a great audience. In a mind reading show, the entire show is based on the audience taking part, so having a great audience makes the whole show such a pleasure. We have had a post-show discussion and are making a few changes to make it even better for tomorrow, so excited to try them out!

Later off we are off to see Sammy J, an act I've managed to miss for the last two years. I am looking really forward to it. I've not seen many shows in the last few days, but I have managed to catch a few which include the very funny Piff The Magic Dragon.

 I have also helpfully injured my toe quite a lot, making it massive, purple, and very painful. On the upside I have developed a House MD style limp. I doubt it will make me like House, but it is worth a try. That's just what happens I suppose when you party a little too hard and then trip over your own feet and stub your toe. If you are thinking you weren't invited to the birthday drinks, never fear. There will be thought thief events soon enough.

 And mentioning  the birthday, I received a very special present for my birthday from my director. He bought me the word 'mind-reader'. Sound strange? It is. It was from the Charity 'Adopt-a-word', which allows you to adopt a word for a year, with the proceeds going to helping children with communication difficulties. So I am now the proud owner of the word 'Mind-Reader'. Pretty exciting!

I have to shoot now.Will chat again soon.

Pete