Like pulling teeth...

... last night at the Blue Cat in Stockport. It's normally a sweet little gig but the beautiful weather hurt the attendance, meaning I had to go on first to about 15 people. I got my laughs, but they did take some coaxing to abandon their initial predilection for icy staring.

Well, it's been a while... had a nice weekend in London. Bron and Chris were going down to see friends so I got a lift. We stopped in Oxford to see Bron's freind Katie on the way and I had my first experience of narrow boat punting. Katie navigated the waterways with expert aplomb but I have to admit to being terrified - never have I been so frightened on something moving so slowly. Every time someone moved the boat rocked and I felt like screaming at them to keep still.

The gig, at the Hob in Forest Hill, was cool - I compered and got into a dialogue with an old man on the front row. Or rather I didn't, as any attempt to engage him in banter was cut short with a gruff and quite threatening, "Don't bother". I was backstage during the last interval and found - of all the things - a real bullet proof jacket. I enquired with the landlord as to where he acquired this and he shrugged and said "Don't ask". 'Nuff said. Anyway, I put it on and went onstage for the last section, looked the old man in the eye and said, "Right, I've taken my precautions so I'll give it one last try - what's your name, mate?". It got a big laugh.

On Sunday night we went to see the Comedy Store Players, which was brilliant as, with my recent forays into improv, it was cool to see arguably the best troupe in the country in action. Paul Merton was playing, which was a special treat for me - I am an admirer of his.

Oh, Bron wants the computer so I'm off. I'll fill you in on the rest of my recent adventures soon.

Peace. X