Festival has ended. Well, the Fringe Festival at least, and Edinburgh is like a ghost town now. I am sure the locals will be happy to see the backsides of us. 26 shows in 28 days...I wish i could reflect on what that actually means, but I am so f'ing wiped out I can barely string a sentence together.
Sunday's show was a delight- Chrissy, my director, made a 7 hr train journey just to see the show at the end of the run and give me her verdict. (positive!) Then I took the "team"- Chrissy, Steve (producer) and Nancy (press/pr) out for a slap up meal at Harvey Nicks- and we watched the sun set over Edinburgh from the Forth Floor. Gorgeous!
Monday should have been a recovery day but had the pleasure of lunching with Mary Contini, owner of Valvona & Crolla, the most AMAZING Italian deli/wine merchants/restaurant. Turned out her family is from same region in Italy mine is, and the Scotsman wanted to do an article along the lines of "Mary and Amy in conversation...."which was SUCH hard work in between mouthfuls of neapolitan ice cream, let me tell you. Had to scoot off to the last show, which was ok. A final visit to Monster Mash for dinner and home to pack.I will be SOOO happy to leave this beige box full of bad art and bent cutlery.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
Legal Tender
it's been a few days since my last posting, but as it is the end of the festival it's all gone a bit crazy. Well, actually, thursday and friday nights were relatively quiet- stayed in and read Philip Roth's 'American Pastoral' a novel about the complete breakdown of a picture perfect family and the implosion of the American Dream, set against the backdrop of race riots and the Vietnam War- the deterioration of the American pastoral into the American "beserk", as Roth calls it.
Saturday night went to Monster Mash for dinner after my show- with Mark (Chelsea Kelsey) and a big posse of his friends, plus Alan, and a big posse of his friends. Wound up in a bar with possbibly THE rudest staff- Fingers Piano Bar, then on to Planet Out for a loungey recovery drink, and to the IF.Commeddies- basically a complicated name for the new Perrier Awards. Tried to meet Demetri Martin but he was surrounded by blonde babes so thought it best NOT to go up to him and try to engeage him in a conversation about New Jersey.
Best thing thant happened all night?
Alan found some money in the street.
First, a Five pound note.
then.....
HALF of a HUNDRED POUND NOTE!!!
Pedants might think..."well, all very good you eagle eyed young man, but you can't spend HALF a 100 pound note!"
WRONG!
yes, you can.... (well, Alan can)
As long as you have at least half of a torn banknote, with the serial number, watermark, etc. you can take it into any bank, fill out a form and the note will be replaced.
How cool is that?
I didn't even know 100 pound notes existed! Apparently, just in Scotland. Quirky - crazy Scotland, always doing things just that *little* bit different to surprise you when you least expect it!
Saturday night went to Monster Mash for dinner after my show- with Mark (Chelsea Kelsey) and a big posse of his friends, plus Alan, and a big posse of his friends. Wound up in a bar with possbibly THE rudest staff- Fingers Piano Bar, then on to Planet Out for a loungey recovery drink, and to the IF.Commeddies- basically a complicated name for the new Perrier Awards. Tried to meet Demetri Martin but he was surrounded by blonde babes so thought it best NOT to go up to him and try to engeage him in a conversation about New Jersey.
Best thing thant happened all night?
Alan found some money in the street.
First, a Five pound note.
then.....
HALF of a HUNDRED POUND NOTE!!!
Pedants might think..."well, all very good you eagle eyed young man, but you can't spend HALF a 100 pound note!"
WRONG!
yes, you can.... (well, Alan can)
As long as you have at least half of a torn banknote, with the serial number, watermark, etc. you can take it into any bank, fill out a form and the note will be replaced.
How cool is that?
I didn't even know 100 pound notes existed! Apparently, just in Scotland. Quirky - crazy Scotland, always doing things just that *little* bit different to surprise you when you least expect it!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Christine Hamilton, Transsexuals & Dale Winton
Wed eve I had a big group of people in to see the show from Stonewall Scotland, and I hosted a little drinks do afterwards for them. If you don't know what Stonewall do, then have a look here.
www.stonewall.org.uk
Abolishing Section 28, lowering age of consent, getting immigration rights for foreign partners of UK homos, ending ban on gays in the military, securing civil partnerships....that's just for starters. Basically, if you are gay, really gay, a bit gay, or just know someone who is, then Stonewall is the cornerstone organisation that helped achieve your equal rights. Support them if you can! I host a lot of events for them to rally the troops, and we've raised well over 600 pounds for Stonewall at Duckie this year with our weekly veggie barbecue.
Yesterday was much better than monday. Did a photo shoot with Nicholas Parsons (!!!) for an Edinburgh Fringe photo competition, and then was a guest on "Lunch with the Hamiltons" - you know, Neil and Christine. Shelley Cooper, a performer who is also a transsexual, was on the show too. Christine just couldn't get her head round it, and said "Surely that's every parent's nightmare to find out your child wants a sex change!" Ummm......no Christine, I think it's every parent's nightmare to find out their child is a rapist, mass murderer, suicide bomber, pedophile, etc etc etc. For chrissake! Put things in perspective woman!
Friends John and Mark (M. is Chelsea Kelsey of the London Readers Wifes- blog perviously featured here as must-read!) came to see the show last night- nice audience- a few chuckles, so I think most people got it. I had a nice review in the Scotsman too- with a photo. By the way, if you're bored and want to read the reviews etc. go here
www.mamacassfamilysingers.com
funnily enough that's one domain name that hadn't been taken already!
Dinner in Monster Mash, my new fave place here in the 'Burgh, and then on to see Demetri Martin, a stand up i've always wanted to check out. He is clever and, well, clever. Little laughs, no big ones, but that's ok! He's complex. He uses family photos. He's from New Jersey. His show and my show have some little similarities. He reminds me of my long lost college friend Adam Brown. I wish Demetri was my friend.
Simon Amstell was at the show too and came up to me in the queue and said thanks for going to see his show....and was wondering why, in his show when he mentioned the ridiculous posit that fluffy, camp Dale Winton might be responsible for the grave situation in Palestine, did I get all excited and start jumping out of my seat.
"Because Dale is Jewish, Simon. In a round about way, perhaps he is even in a teeny tiny way, responsible for the situation in Palestine."
A look of shock on Simon's face. "Dale's JEWISH?"
Yup.
Now why do I know that??? Simon Amstell is Jewish. Why DOESN'T he know that??? I have no idea. Why is the Jewish Chronicle phoning ME for an interview? Why do I have a brain rolodex of every Jewish person working in the UK media three ring circus? Why do I mention Eisenberg's Deli in my one-woman show? Why can I sing the Dreidel song? I even had Gefilte fish balls for my dinner the other night.
Oy vey.
www.stonewall.org.uk
Abolishing Section 28, lowering age of consent, getting immigration rights for foreign partners of UK homos, ending ban on gays in the military, securing civil partnerships....that's just for starters. Basically, if you are gay, really gay, a bit gay, or just know someone who is, then Stonewall is the cornerstone organisation that helped achieve your equal rights. Support them if you can! I host a lot of events for them to rally the troops, and we've raised well over 600 pounds for Stonewall at Duckie this year with our weekly veggie barbecue.
Yesterday was much better than monday. Did a photo shoot with Nicholas Parsons (!!!) for an Edinburgh Fringe photo competition, and then was a guest on "Lunch with the Hamiltons" - you know, Neil and Christine. Shelley Cooper, a performer who is also a transsexual, was on the show too. Christine just couldn't get her head round it, and said "Surely that's every parent's nightmare to find out your child wants a sex change!" Ummm......no Christine, I think it's every parent's nightmare to find out their child is a rapist, mass murderer, suicide bomber, pedophile, etc etc etc. For chrissake! Put things in perspective woman!
Friends John and Mark (M. is Chelsea Kelsey of the London Readers Wifes- blog perviously featured here as must-read!) came to see the show last night- nice audience- a few chuckles, so I think most people got it. I had a nice review in the Scotsman too- with a photo. By the way, if you're bored and want to read the reviews etc. go here
www.mamacassfamilysingers.com
funnily enough that's one domain name that hadn't been taken already!
Dinner in Monster Mash, my new fave place here in the 'Burgh, and then on to see Demetri Martin, a stand up i've always wanted to check out. He is clever and, well, clever. Little laughs, no big ones, but that's ok! He's complex. He uses family photos. He's from New Jersey. His show and my show have some little similarities. He reminds me of my long lost college friend Adam Brown. I wish Demetri was my friend.
Simon Amstell was at the show too and came up to me in the queue and said thanks for going to see his show....and was wondering why, in his show when he mentioned the ridiculous posit that fluffy, camp Dale Winton might be responsible for the grave situation in Palestine, did I get all excited and start jumping out of my seat.
"Because Dale is Jewish, Simon. In a round about way, perhaps he is even in a teeny tiny way, responsible for the situation in Palestine."
A look of shock on Simon's face. "Dale's JEWISH?"
Yup.
Now why do I know that??? Simon Amstell is Jewish. Why DOESN'T he know that??? I have no idea. Why is the Jewish Chronicle phoning ME for an interview? Why do I have a brain rolodex of every Jewish person working in the UK media three ring circus? Why do I mention Eisenberg's Deli in my one-woman show? Why can I sing the Dreidel song? I even had Gefilte fish balls for my dinner the other night.
Oy vey.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Monday, Monday
OK, alright, I know it's tuesday. But if there was ever a song about a day in the week that was more appropriate....well....
Yesterday spent the morning reading Philip Roth's "American Pastoral"
Saw Zelda, a one-woman play about the life of Zelda Fitzgerald, written and performed by a very ambitious and charming young American actress who is just off to RADA. It was sweet.
Did my show- to possibly the most challenging audience yet.
I still have a week here in Edinburgh.
God help me.
Yesterday spent the morning reading Philip Roth's "American Pastoral"
Saw Zelda, a one-woman play about the life of Zelda Fitzgerald, written and performed by a very ambitious and charming young American actress who is just off to RADA. It was sweet.
Did my show- to possibly the most challenging audience yet.
I still have a week here in Edinburgh.
God help me.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Chili Cheese, Fish Pie & Russell Brand
It's 3:15am and i am eating oatcakes and chili-studded sheese. What has my life come to???
The Strawberry Blonde left Edinburgh on Saturday evening with symptoms suspiciously like appendicitis, so awaiting doctor's report- not nice. But while she was here we did manage to take in a few shows- Realism, as mentioned before, and Simon Amstell's stand-up show, which is cheekily charming in a sweet way. I like him- he's got a lovely manner- and I look forward to seeing him develop as a stand up performer in the coming years- I think he will benefit greatly by growing into himself and feeling comfy in his own skin- but he's such a young'un he's got plenty of time to do it!
Champagne on friday eve at Harvey Nicks (oh the glamour!) followed by cocktails at Oloroso again- but atmosphere was awful and a group of women were chucked out for breaking a wine glass. Funny, I thought that's just what girls DO on a friday night out. I think the management there stink. Anyway, the ladies proceeded to nick the security guard's peaked cap and wear it parading up and down Castle Street!
Had brunch on Saturday round our friend Jackie's place- fabulous grand New Town Georgian pad- then to Valvona & Crolla for a spot of shopping. Friends Bryony & Trish came to see my show, then drinks and dinner with Lucy & Sarah (who was doing a reading & discussion of her latest novel, The Night Watch, at the Book Fest) If you've not read it, or any of Sarah's books, then do so immediately-
www.sarahwaters.com
no excuses now!
Been moping around all day today (sunday). Feeling a bit sorry for myself. Don't know why. Just one of those days.
Show was good though. Afterwards had fish pie with Alan & Nick through from Glasgow, then drinking in the Gilded Balloon bar where I had brief encounters with Russell Brand and Ross Noble- now THERE'S a comedy duo, eh?!! Russell has been on at Duckie a few times- before the Kate Moss revelation. Ross been on the radio show a few times, and he and Danny Baker got instant man crushes on each other. Tonight's observations based on 1 min conversation with RB and 20 mins with RN? RB in love with his mobile phone, and RN in love with his motorbike, Scottish Highlands, Australian outback, and DB.
God I'm tired.
The Strawberry Blonde left Edinburgh on Saturday evening with symptoms suspiciously like appendicitis, so awaiting doctor's report- not nice. But while she was here we did manage to take in a few shows- Realism, as mentioned before, and Simon Amstell's stand-up show, which is cheekily charming in a sweet way. I like him- he's got a lovely manner- and I look forward to seeing him develop as a stand up performer in the coming years- I think he will benefit greatly by growing into himself and feeling comfy in his own skin- but he's such a young'un he's got plenty of time to do it!
Champagne on friday eve at Harvey Nicks (oh the glamour!) followed by cocktails at Oloroso again- but atmosphere was awful and a group of women were chucked out for breaking a wine glass. Funny, I thought that's just what girls DO on a friday night out. I think the management there stink. Anyway, the ladies proceeded to nick the security guard's peaked cap and wear it parading up and down Castle Street!
Had brunch on Saturday round our friend Jackie's place- fabulous grand New Town Georgian pad- then to Valvona & Crolla for a spot of shopping. Friends Bryony & Trish came to see my show, then drinks and dinner with Lucy & Sarah (who was doing a reading & discussion of her latest novel, The Night Watch, at the Book Fest) If you've not read it, or any of Sarah's books, then do so immediately-
www.sarahwaters.com
no excuses now!
Been moping around all day today (sunday). Feeling a bit sorry for myself. Don't know why. Just one of those days.
Show was good though. Afterwards had fish pie with Alan & Nick through from Glasgow, then drinking in the Gilded Balloon bar where I had brief encounters with Russell Brand and Ross Noble- now THERE'S a comedy duo, eh?!! Russell has been on at Duckie a few times- before the Kate Moss revelation. Ross been on the radio show a few times, and he and Danny Baker got instant man crushes on each other. Tonight's observations based on 1 min conversation with RB and 20 mins with RN? RB in love with his mobile phone, and RN in love with his motorbike, Scottish Highlands, Australian outback, and DB.
God I'm tired.
Friday, August 18, 2006
the Strawberry Blonde has arrived....
.....in true style with Florentine leather hold-all and cashmere jumpers akimbo. Had champagne cocktails with Alistair and Jackie on Wed eve then dinner at a scrumptious restaurant- La Garrigue- specialising in Languedoc cuisine, the region where SB and I have our place. So we were feeling very full, quite nostalgic and a bit drunk. Yesterday we walked up to Charlotte Square to check out the Literature Festival- just the atmosphere mind you because every event has been booked out for ages. Then SB went to see "What I heard About Iraq" at the Pleasance and I presented the afternoon show for BBC London - "Live from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!!!" along with Sue Perkins. What laughs! Presenting again today, with Andre Vincent.
Last night we saw a play that had me laughing asll the way through and sobbing at the end-and tearfully thanking the actors in the bar afterwards! It is called Realism by Anthony Nielson, and is a Scottish National Theatre production at the Lyceum here in Edinburgh. It is quite simply the most touching, honest, clever and deep piece of theatre I have seen in nary a decade. The human condition never looked so fragile, or mad, or exuberant. I just hope it transfers to the National in London so I can see it again and again. SB shouting from the bedroom with a cup of tea in hand just now....."What are you writing??? Does anyone READ that blog thing???" Me: shrug of shoulders. What the heck do I know?
Last night we saw a play that had me laughing asll the way through and sobbing at the end-and tearfully thanking the actors in the bar afterwards! It is called Realism by Anthony Nielson, and is a Scottish National Theatre production at the Lyceum here in Edinburgh. It is quite simply the most touching, honest, clever and deep piece of theatre I have seen in nary a decade. The human condition never looked so fragile, or mad, or exuberant. I just hope it transfers to the National in London so I can see it again and again. SB shouting from the bedroom with a cup of tea in hand just now....."What are you writing??? Does anyone READ that blog thing???" Me: shrug of shoulders. What the heck do I know?
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Hushpuppy is my hero
Escaped to Glasgow and mistakenly got on the slow train to Central Station rather than Queen Street station...missed the liver transplant operation so decided to go shopping with Alan instead. The West End has amazing second-hand antiquey type retro shops! Bought a complete set of Melamine coffee cups, saucers and cake plates with creamer/sugar bowl in multi-colourways- gorgeous!!! also got the Strawbwrry Blonde an amazing 1960's designer carpet bag with tortoiseshell handles, a set of 1970's Firth Ware stainless steel cutlery, and a great set of 6 drinking glasses with 60's abstract motif for Alan and boyf as belated housewarming (2 yrs late but i couldn't bear to think anyone else might have those glasses- they are SOOOO cool)
Had coffee in a hip new place called Left Bank, and spent the entire evening on the sofa with Alan looking through 60's and 70's copies of Playboy and After Dark, a thinly veiled "entertainment" magazine for gay men in the 60's and 70's that had interviews with Liza Minelli & Bette Midler in the front and adverts for pants and poppers in the back. Great graphics and photos (not to mention vintage tits!) Stayed the night- it was SO nice to wake up in a stylish flat (v. unlike the one i'm staying in) Had slap-up veggie breakfast in Rio Diner in the West End and headed back to the Burgh....reluctantly.
Alan, aka DJ Hushpuppy, is a genius friend and, well, just a genius. We met over a decade ago in a bizarre formation of handwriting, furtive friendship and Northern Soul. He is one of my very few favourite people in the whole wide world. Please look here to get a glimpse into his realm...and admire him as much as I do.
http://www.myspace.com/recordplayerz
Did the show tonight- really enjoyed it! big audience too- and Vivienne, my agent, was there. had a drink afterwards with her, then dinner with Steve and Nancy (producer and PR respectively) caught 15 mins of Stephe K Amos and decided home was a better option.
The Strawberry Blonde arrrives tomorrow afternoon, if all goes to plan with EasyJet. Fingers crossed!!!
Had coffee in a hip new place called Left Bank, and spent the entire evening on the sofa with Alan looking through 60's and 70's copies of Playboy and After Dark, a thinly veiled "entertainment" magazine for gay men in the 60's and 70's that had interviews with Liza Minelli & Bette Midler in the front and adverts for pants and poppers in the back. Great graphics and photos (not to mention vintage tits!) Stayed the night- it was SO nice to wake up in a stylish flat (v. unlike the one i'm staying in) Had slap-up veggie breakfast in Rio Diner in the West End and headed back to the Burgh....reluctantly.
Alan, aka DJ Hushpuppy, is a genius friend and, well, just a genius. We met over a decade ago in a bizarre formation of handwriting, furtive friendship and Northern Soul. He is one of my very few favourite people in the whole wide world. Please look here to get a glimpse into his realm...and admire him as much as I do.
http://www.myspace.com/recordplayerz
Did the show tonight- really enjoyed it! big audience too- and Vivienne, my agent, was there. had a drink afterwards with her, then dinner with Steve and Nancy (producer and PR respectively) caught 15 mins of Stephe K Amos and decided home was a better option.
The Strawberry Blonde arrrives tomorrow afternoon, if all goes to plan with EasyJet. Fingers crossed!!!
Monday, August 14, 2006
i'm outta here....
well for the day at least. i'm going to have a liver transplant in Glasgow. I know, not the most obvious or hygenic place to have a liver transplant but i've located a ginger toddler who is willing to sacrifice itself for my health.
Going to the safe haven of Mr. Alan Miller's Palais of 60's pop culture in Glasvegas (basically his front room) for a chill. x x
Going to the safe haven of Mr. Alan Miller's Palais of 60's pop culture in Glasvegas (basically his front room) for a chill. x x
this is the fringe....
yup. it's 5:19 AM and the sun is coming up and i've just got home after cocktails in Oloroso followed by being fleeced for a fiver at the Spiegeltent then drinking in the Gilded Ballloon bar. My producer Steve was impersonating a parakeet and my press/pr Nancy nearly broke my foot by kicking me in the ankle. What drunken larks, Pip!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
listless latest
Friends Alan and Simon through from Glasgow and Simon Strange up from London- busy busy. Went to see Ron Mueck's exhibition here in Edinburgh- easy emotional latch-on art. It's popular- and it makes sense that it is. Humans are infinitely interested in themselves. Saw Scott Capurro do a fine gig- he is SO wicked and cutting and clever with it. Tonight want to Taylor Mac- a sweetly sensitive nouveau drague artiste who plays the ukelele and sings forlorn tales of lost loves and lost luggage. We MUST have him on at Duckie. Haven't had a drop of alcohol today, after over-doing it last night and feeling really rough all day. Had to do a radio interview with Gaydar Radio this afternoon and bought myself a self-pity ice cream cone which really freaked me out and made me feel iller. Show tonight was great- even though i scared a 10-year old so much i made her cry and she had to leave the theatre. Guess tales of kidnapping told to children isn't a good idea, eh?!!!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Solving the Crisis in the Middle East
I didn't leave the flat all day yesterday until it was time to go to the theatre (basically 4:45pm) Did a phone interview with the Jewish Chronicle. Last week the JC journalist had been arguing with my press officer that I really am Jewish. Ummmm.....I may have a big mouth, an American accent and a penchant for bagels, but I am not Jewish. Not that I would mind if I were- my mom & dad sent me to a Jewish pre-school so I learnt how to sing the dreidel song and made star of david ornaments out of popsicle sticks and glitter. So I could blend right in. Mind you, everybody from the New York metropolitan area is a little bit Jewish. It just happens....it's like, in the air. Anyway, even though I made it clear I am actually quite a Christian, they still wanted to interview me. Wow! Now if that open-minded diplomacy could be applied to what's going on between Israel and Lebanon, we might just have a peace process on our hands.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
t'internet
it's working now in my sub-let flat. a lovely chap with a mullet- style ponytail came round from telewest today and fixed the problem. apparently i hadn't plugged the cable in at the wall. DUH! I've been complaining for a WEEK that the interet access was broken- but did i bother to check it was plugged in? NOOOOOO.Spent hours on the phone to tech support, did all sorts of tests.....succumbed to logging on in f'ing starf*&cks
the SHAME.
Anyway, the show went really well last night- had about 60 in, and a really lovely preview write-up in the Scotsman. Have a look-see here!
http://www.edinburgh-festivals.com/reviews.cfm?id=1140672006
Went to see my first show last night- Sue Perkins- 1 hour of stand up- she was energetic and charming and funny! Best when she's observational, and a great riff on which top-level queers should be put on pink pound notes- you can just imagine Elton John and George Michael having a catfight over the 50 quid! On the way home got accosted by a group of 20-odd teenagers from Preston doing a student production of Godspell. Today has consisted of 2 tuna sandwiches and finishing reading Naomi Alderman's novel "Disobedience", about the orthodox jewish community in Hendon and what happens when you think and act outside the "box". It's got wigs, gefilte fish, lesbian sex, a dead rabbi and intercontinental air travel. What more do you want???
Off to a special evening with Ian Rankin tonight at Harvey Nicks- been invited by my party-loving journo friend who has also promised me an outing to "Fingers Piano Bar". Can't wait!!!
the SHAME.
Anyway, the show went really well last night- had about 60 in, and a really lovely preview write-up in the Scotsman. Have a look-see here!
http://www.edinburgh-festivals.com/reviews.cfm?id=1140672006
Went to see my first show last night- Sue Perkins- 1 hour of stand up- she was energetic and charming and funny! Best when she's observational, and a great riff on which top-level queers should be put on pink pound notes- you can just imagine Elton John and George Michael having a catfight over the 50 quid! On the way home got accosted by a group of 20-odd teenagers from Preston doing a student production of Godspell. Today has consisted of 2 tuna sandwiches and finishing reading Naomi Alderman's novel "Disobedience", about the orthodox jewish community in Hendon and what happens when you think and act outside the "box". It's got wigs, gefilte fish, lesbian sex, a dead rabbi and intercontinental air travel. What more do you want???
Off to a special evening with Ian Rankin tonight at Harvey Nicks- been invited by my party-loving journo friend who has also promised me an outing to "Fingers Piano Bar". Can't wait!!!
Monday, August 07, 2006
In the BURGH
Right. I'm here. I have already drunk my weight and volume in white wine, seen some REALLY bad street jugglers and have found it impossible to find any decent food whatsoever. Hooray! It's the Edinburgh Festival! I've been here a week already- A WEEK- the time goes so quickly- I'm staying in a great part of the Old Town, near Grassmarket, in a flat that is all mine for the month of August. I't REALLY beige- I had to hide the most disgusting coffee table book, too. It's full of photos of Celine Dion and babies popping out of flowers and plants. Whoever thought that up MUST have been on acid. Anyway, the show is going well, despite a real technical metldown on the 3rd preview night when the films stuck about a dozen times and then i forgot my line. We had nearly a full house, and afterwards drinking in the park i nearly stabbed myself with a twig (on purpose) just to release the pain in my heart (no I am NOT a self harmer but I really understand where that feeling can come from!) Anyway, last night did a blinding show - if i must say so meself- and I feel refreshed and revived and ready to take on the world! (OK, well a small corner of scotland at least!) i have bouquets upon bouquets of flowers in my flat and feel fabulous....amazing what a few gerberas can do to a gal. Hosted the launch of the entire Fringe last night- introducing acts on stage etc. It's incredible how many people still come up to me and say how much they loved the BBC London Breakfast Show. Oh I am lamenting its passing as well. Though it IS fun staying up past 10pm these days! OK, more to come i promise but t'internet isn't working in the flat and I am writing this from an evil coffee empire outpost and my online time is about to expire and i'll turn into a piece of pumpkin pie if i don't sign off now.,.....oh...........ugh........yum.........x x
Friday, July 21, 2006
Edinburgh looms...
OK, ok....OKKKKK! I know i am the worst blogger in the world. I haven't posted for months and i won't bore you with the catch-up details. But the most major thing that's been going on is that I'm taking my new one-woman show up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for the whole month of August. It's called "Amy Lamé's Mama Cass Family Singers" and is the story of how I was a chubby child star in a 60's cover band along with my dysfunctional siblings. My family are in the show, too- on film. It's a kind of all-you-can-eat buffet of pop music, shocking revelation and ham sandwiches. So I'm in rehearsals at the moment, having anxiety attacks in my sleep and generally just hot and bothered. I feel like i'm in limbo- finished on the radio show with Danny this past Tuesday - till September!- and am just getting my Mama Cass show into shape now. I've got the keys to the flat I'm staying in up in Edinburgh, so at least THAT's a reality. The Strawberry Blonde has been amazingly supportive- she's not having any of my moaning and complaining and feeling sorry for myself. Though a tiny bit of sympathy wouldn't go amiss! I'm doing a little preview for the directors of the Soho Theatre later today (they're producing my show!)
Best crack on and learn my lines, then.....
Best crack on and learn my lines, then.....
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Special Report: Duckie Retreat
Just back from a 4 day Duckie retreat in the Pyrenees- a sort of 10th Birthday treat to ourselves. Simon Strange, the Readers Wifes and I were there- Jay and Father Cloth opted out for reasons not yet fully explained, but let's gloss over that.
Was fascinating to watch utterly urban people (me included!) cope with things like open fires, collecting tinder, coping with no shops/bars/restaurants/clubs/taxis. Must say I was v v impressed with Chelsea Kelsey's "hunter/gatherer" instinct. Climbing up rocky cliffs just to get some dry twigs! Great! Kim Phaggs made a fabulous ratatouille and goats cheese lasagne, and Simon managed to enjoy the entire experience while listening to both mine and Chelsea's iPods at the same time- at all times. Check out Chelsea's blog- http://bengobaz.livejournal.com/
Was fascinating to watch utterly urban people (me included!) cope with things like open fires, collecting tinder, coping with no shops/bars/restaurants/clubs/taxis. Must say I was v v impressed with Chelsea Kelsey's "hunter/gatherer" instinct. Climbing up rocky cliffs just to get some dry twigs! Great! Kim Phaggs made a fabulous ratatouille and goats cheese lasagne, and Simon managed to enjoy the entire experience while listening to both mine and Chelsea's iPods at the same time- at all times. Check out Chelsea's blog- http://bengobaz.livejournal.com/
Thursday, January 05, 2006
A Year Older....
so as of yesterday I'm that much closer to kicking the bucket. It was a miserable day here in London- slate grey sky, the misty kind of rain that soaks you through, freezing cold and blustery to boot. First day back at work for everyone, too, and 3 days into New Years resolutions...all in all probably THE WORST day of the whole year to have a birthday. Thank goodness for the strawberry blonde! A bouquet of long stemmed red roses, two books on wine, posh pizza for lunch at Olivetto, a bottle of champagne at home, then a fabulously opulent dinner at Bentley's- Banyuls aperitif, fish soup, smoked haddock, gorgeous cheese, and chocolate and chestnut bombe for dessert.
Monday, January 02, 2006
I'm back.......
Yeah, ok, it's been ages. Over 3 months in fact, and what the hell have i been doing? Blograstinating, obviously, but also went on a 2 week cruise of the Greek islands, did a fablulous wine tasting tour of Burgundy (for the strawberry blonde's 30th birthday), hosted a charity fundraising walk in NYC for Stonewall, visited my family in New Jersey, and escaped to the Pyrenees (again).
Workwise, I am so so happy to be back on air with Danny Baker on BBC London 94.9- now in the afternoon, 3-5, been working on my new one woman show which now has a title- "Amy Lamé's Mama Cass Family Singers"- and collaborating with the Soho Theatre here in London to put it on stage. Been asked to go back on Celebrity Fit Club (NO NOT AS A CONTESTANT AGAIN!) but as a panellist dispensing encouragement and advice to the chubbily challenged - watch out on Jan 10th- the first episode for this series. Plus Duckie celebrated its 10th birthday, and we had a fabulous shindig at the De La Warr Pavillion. We'll be having a London-based 10th birthday party in the spring- if you want to see what else we have in store for 2006 check out www.duckie.co.uk. It's gonna be a bumper year!
Must say I am SO pleased that 2006 is here. Last year was full of starts, stops, chops and changes- not necessarily a bad thing, but I found it hard to get a sense of momentum going. It's my birthday tomorrow, so I get all this "Oh another year has passed" nostalgia crap over and done with in one fell swoop. Onwards and upwards, chaps and chapesses!
Workwise, I am so so happy to be back on air with Danny Baker on BBC London 94.9- now in the afternoon, 3-5, been working on my new one woman show which now has a title- "Amy Lamé's Mama Cass Family Singers"- and collaborating with the Soho Theatre here in London to put it on stage. Been asked to go back on Celebrity Fit Club (NO NOT AS A CONTESTANT AGAIN!) but as a panellist dispensing encouragement and advice to the chubbily challenged - watch out on Jan 10th- the first episode for this series. Plus Duckie celebrated its 10th birthday, and we had a fabulous shindig at the De La Warr Pavillion. We'll be having a London-based 10th birthday party in the spring- if you want to see what else we have in store for 2006 check out www.duckie.co.uk. It's gonna be a bumper year!
Must say I am SO pleased that 2006 is here. Last year was full of starts, stops, chops and changes- not necessarily a bad thing, but I found it hard to get a sense of momentum going. It's my birthday tomorrow, so I get all this "Oh another year has passed" nostalgia crap over and done with in one fell swoop. Onwards and upwards, chaps and chapesses!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
LATEST INFO ON THE ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern has been put up to auction by Lambeth Council, and today, the 20 September, was sold for 1million 85 thousand pounds. The purchasers so far remain unnamed, but are supported by the current leaseholder. We have been assured that it will stay gay and that we are "safe". I was at the auction this afternoon, and there was a fierce bidding war between the successful bidder and two women who I later found out were bidding on behalf of a foreign buyer. They assured me that if they had bought it, it would NOT have remained a gay pub and they had other plans for the site. Little did I know we came very close to losing the Tavern forever. I don't know much about the people who have bought it, but as and when I get more information, I'll let you know. DUCKIE WILL BE OPEN THIS SATURDAY!!!! See you there..... x x amy lamé
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Culture, Curry and Champagne
Well, I've been a cultural glutton the past week- went to see "You, Me and Everyone We Know" at the Curzon Soho, saw "Tom, Dick and Harry" and "The Producers" in London's fashionable West End, and then went up to Manchester to take part in the Big Gay Read at the Central Library. I was asked to choose my favourite book with queer appeal and talk about why I love it so much, then read a passage to the audience. The room was packed on a wet and blustery Friday afternoon, and I told the gathered about the virtues of Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, Jeanette Winterson's debut and semi-autobiographical novel. Jeanette is a redhead from Accrington, and I feel a particular connection to her and her books because I fell in love with a redhead from Accrington (usually referred to here as The Strawberry Blonde). I hasten to add I DID NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH JEANETTE WINTERSON (though her ex girlfriend, the writer Peggy Reynolds, is HOT STUFF and another redhead to boot)
OK I have just read that back and it makes me sound like a ginger-chaser. Hmmmmm......
My verdict on the film/shows? You, Me...etc. is quirky and touching and very self-conscious, but I would expect that from Miranda July, the writer/director/star. Our paths crossed many years ago when she and I were performing and hanging around the ICA. She is striking and intense and clever. It's nice to see people emerge from the fringes into the mainstream, and with such success. I know that's a really American outlook. Sorry. Oh....actually, I'm not.
Tom, Dick and Harry is a classic British farce- if you like Fawlty Towers, this will make you laugh....really hard. The Strawberry Blonde was doubled over in hysterics. I chuckled and cringed. I saw the Producers for the second time- and though the cast the first time around was much better- Brad (?) and Lee Evans in the top roles- I actually enjoyed it more the second time around. Leigh Zimmerman is gorgeous, James Dreyfus is SOOOOOOO GAYYYYY (does he ever get tired of flapping, I wonder?)
Last night I had the most wonderful evening with my friend, the incredibly gifted artist Martin Firrell (www.martinfirrell.com) He treated me to champagne and crisps in his uber-pad in Soho, and then on to the Red Fort, possibly the poshest Indian I have ever had. We spoke of Mama Cass, choral evensong, public art in Trafalgar Square, radical architecture in Bangladesh, and the Baroness Gerda Von Posch. A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and dessert wine was followed by a champagne nightcap at the Soho Hotel. Perfect.
Going to the gym this afternoon to counterbalance my curry and champagne consumption. There's a "Fit at Fifty" class - I am WELL UNDER 50 YEARS OLD- but the guy who runs the class is kind of like a British Richard Simmons. For non-Americans reading this, you may ask "Who is Richard Simmons?" You MUST look here:http://www.richardsimmons.com/ I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed by looking at this link and it may change your life forever!
OK I have just read that back and it makes me sound like a ginger-chaser. Hmmmmm......
My verdict on the film/shows? You, Me...etc. is quirky and touching and very self-conscious, but I would expect that from Miranda July, the writer/director/star. Our paths crossed many years ago when she and I were performing and hanging around the ICA. She is striking and intense and clever. It's nice to see people emerge from the fringes into the mainstream, and with such success. I know that's a really American outlook. Sorry. Oh....actually, I'm not.
Tom, Dick and Harry is a classic British farce- if you like Fawlty Towers, this will make you laugh....really hard. The Strawberry Blonde was doubled over in hysterics. I chuckled and cringed. I saw the Producers for the second time- and though the cast the first time around was much better- Brad (?) and Lee Evans in the top roles- I actually enjoyed it more the second time around. Leigh Zimmerman is gorgeous, James Dreyfus is SOOOOOOO GAYYYYY (does he ever get tired of flapping, I wonder?)
Last night I had the most wonderful evening with my friend, the incredibly gifted artist Martin Firrell (www.martinfirrell.com) He treated me to champagne and crisps in his uber-pad in Soho, and then on to the Red Fort, possibly the poshest Indian I have ever had. We spoke of Mama Cass, choral evensong, public art in Trafalgar Square, radical architecture in Bangladesh, and the Baroness Gerda Von Posch. A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and dessert wine was followed by a champagne nightcap at the Soho Hotel. Perfect.
Going to the gym this afternoon to counterbalance my curry and champagne consumption. There's a "Fit at Fifty" class - I am WELL UNDER 50 YEARS OLD- but the guy who runs the class is kind of like a British Richard Simmons. For non-Americans reading this, you may ask "Who is Richard Simmons?" You MUST look here:http://www.richardsimmons.com/ I guarantee you will NOT be disappointed by looking at this link and it may change your life forever!
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Round-Up of the Week
Had the proverbial mother-in-law here most of the week, which was a pleasure in many respects, not least because she is a whizz at the summer sales and came home after an afternoon shopping with loads of goodies for me & her daughter the Strawberry Blonde. Had dinner at the Mango Tree (posh Thai) and cocktails and dim sum the followning night at Shanghai Blues (posh Chinese). Must say the first was a special deal I found on the best website- www.toptable.co.uk, which has discount offers for eating out at some of London's top restaurants. I am dedicated to leading a lifestyle which my bank manager does not approve of, and toptable is a great way of achieving it! The visit to Shanghai Blues was courtesy of my friend Kirk, who runs a PR company for restaurants, bars and foodie events. Very thankfully I am on his permanent guest list, which means a hell of a lot of schmoozing and too many cocktails with funny umbrellas hanging out of them. Oh, the life!
Now I am not in "full-time" employment (ie not doing the BBC London breakfast show anymore) I find it all too easy to fill my days with dreaming, sunbathing in St. James's Park, looking after my girlfriend, having lunch with friends, strolling around Pimlico.....I did manage to do some work this week- another voiceover for Continental Airlines.
Next week is looking pretty busy, though- filming all day on Monday for London TV, theatre twice, dinner with friends, a hair appointment, and trip to Manchester for Big Gay Read...and fingers crossed, a side trip to see Burnley play Derby County at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Now I am not in "full-time" employment (ie not doing the BBC London breakfast show anymore) I find it all too easy to fill my days with dreaming, sunbathing in St. James's Park, looking after my girlfriend, having lunch with friends, strolling around Pimlico.....I did manage to do some work this week- another voiceover for Continental Airlines.
Next week is looking pretty busy, though- filming all day on Monday for London TV, theatre twice, dinner with friends, a hair appointment, and trip to Manchester for Big Gay Read...and fingers crossed, a side trip to see Burnley play Derby County at Turf Moor on Saturday.
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