Fall-out
Hi all, this is me.
As you may have gathered from this blog (or from the news), last week I managed to score myself an acting role in a TV show. This is obviously very exciting for me… but there is a downside.
Unfortunately, spending 3 months filming in LA during a summer in which I’d booked a lot of gigs in the UK is quite the time-space conundrum. Like so many such problems, it has been largely solved by the burning of fossil fuels: I will be flying to and from California an unhealthy number of times, often going from Heathrow straight to a gig.
It’s going to be an invigorating and mental-health-challenging summer.
However, with great regret and much gnashing of teeth, I’m afraid I’ve had to pull out of a couple of gigs. Below is the list of the gigs from which I have had to extract myself. I am genuinely sorry that I will be causing some people disappointment and/or inconvenience. Those of you who have been following my movements for a while will know that I don’t pull out of gigs lightly. So…
Scope’s Big Comedy Night, 20th May, Hammersmith Apollo.
It goes without saying, I think, that this cancellation is heartbreaking for me, and a proper pain in the arse for the wonderful organisers. However, I know that it is going to be a farkin’ fantastic night regardless. The line-up is brilliant and diverse and intelligent and hilarious. (Details here). The organisers are hot on the case of finding someone to replace me on the bill… and we’ll announce that as soon as we figure out who it’s going to be. Scope is a brilliant charity, and there are still tickets left. Please tell your friends to go.
If it so happens that you only bought your ticket so you could see stupid old me, then you are a little bit of a nutcase, but I understand. I guess. If you contact the people from whom you bought your tickets and tell them that you have been listening to your PM and have decided you don’t care about people with disabilities, you will be able to get your money back. (I’m joking, of course. (About the not caring bit, not about the money back thing. That’s real. (I love you.)))
Bury St Edmunds, 27th May.
This one is a solo show, and is therefore going to be rescheduled for 9th September. If you can’t make it on this new date, I can only grovel and submit myself to your furious anger… and obviously you’ll be able to get your money refunded here.
Cheltenham Science Festival, 13th June.
I was really looking forward to this! I was going to perform “Storm” and do a cool Q&A with Robin, I think. However, it goes without saying that the festival will have many more exciting and smart people than I, so while I feel bad, most of all, I’m jealous that you’re going and I’m not! If you had tickets to see me, go here to find out who could see instead, or call the Box Office on 0844 880 8094 for refunds.
Cambridge Summer Ball, 19th June.
Oh geez, this was going to be a hoot. I’m not too worried about you ball-goers (it’s going to be a ridiculously fun night without me, and the rest of the line up is deadly), but the band and I were pumped to be asked and really looking forward to it. Next year maybe?! Sorrrrrrrry Cambridgians. Hope you have a ball.
Not So Silent Movies, King’s Place, 29th June.
This was going to be really interesting – a chance to do a bit of improv and work with brilliant musos on a cool concept. I’m gutted not to be able to take part and very sorry to rob you of the chance to see me look like a chump up against proper players. If you had tickets, Kings Place will be in touch and you will receive a full refund. (any questions you can call the box office on 020 7520 1490)
Again, huge apologies to those I’ve let down. And thank you to the organisers of these events who have been so understanding and supportive of my decision.
Love yez.
tx