Reg's Blog
Read the latest of Reg's musings.
Feel like doing some comedy?
18 Apr 2007 - 04:27
Sarah Millican and I are having a ball onstage! Each night we've been able to do an extra show of new material and so far we've had the likes of Jason John Whitehead and Gary Delaney grace our post-gig jam session. JJ Whitehead has some killer new material that I find myself envious of in the best way. We had some fun and revealing nights especially in Brighton, Winchester and Oxford. Any comedians who happen to be nearby where I'm touring, please come on down and join in!
Attendance has been good so far, but not as much as I hoped. Sometimes, white stand-ups say that I get away with saying certain things because I'm black. I tend to believe you can say whatever you wish, whomever you are provided you're willing to deal with the consequences. Part of the consequence for this show is that because of the title "Pride & Prejudice & Niggas" we are not permitted to advertise in many publications nor will certain venues book the show. Which is part of the reason my next show is entitled "Fuck You In The Age Of Consequence".
To Jax, thanks for giving me those encouraging words. Seems like it was quite difficult for you. Thank you for taking a momentary break from your scorn, resentment and cynisism. I have to say however that from your writing I didn't find you have any of those things. Sorry.
Thank you Harmony. If I say much else, I'm just going to make a stupid joke about your name. And you're probably tired of that.
Till next time. Peace
Apologies and Rebirth
11 Apr 2007 - 05:19
Hello again! I've been away, longer than I promised or intended. I could gladly explain... but I won't. Boring! May it suffice to say, please forgive.
And many apologies to Ches, as I was not as warm as I might have been when I met you. I was doing the first of four shows that evening and probably had a quiet intensity (apprehension) that may have appeared unwelcoming. Or maybe in fact was. Please forgive.
I am pleased to report that my father remains extraordinarily indifferent to the subject matter in my set. As he put it: "anything from my life that can help you - use it. 'Cause I'm not gonna leave you the house."
This Thursday in Colchester begins the full swing of my tour. I find myself feeling a bit annoyed having to perform last years show while feeling excited about exploring new ideas. I'm going to be previewing bits of my new show on this tour.
I am very excited to be working with Sarah Millican. I hope she's into the art of comedy. I don't know her well, but I know she's good! I find myself wanting to talk more deeply about comedy with my colleagues who often seem quite shielded and sensitive about discussing their art. Calling it art, I realise, may just be a conceit of mine as I know many comics see it merely as a job. Cool. But I am interested in more stream of conscious comedy - improv on the spot. I find that artists who don't "cross-pollenate" with other artists and/or genres are often in a state of arrested development.
The sound. I find the best comedians, in addition to having great jokes, often have a very pleasing and distinct sound. If you're in a comedy club close your eyes sometimes and just listen. Alun Cochrane is one of my favourites because I can close my eyes and enjoy the slow lilting melody of his ideas. Technically efficient classical music featuring French horns encapsulates Jimmy Carr's rhythm. Steve Hughes, who used to be a drummer, has a mellow yet percussive sound. Brendan Burns, who has written 3 or 4 of my favourite jokes ever, has a punk metal band sound to his ideas. But Glenn Wool on the other hand, often has a more heavy metal sound mixed with... I just can't put my finger on it! Maddening! Maybe a slow insolent waltz? Sarah Millican has a sound. It's odd but measured and quietly precise. That's why I'm excited. Just a thought.
Speak to you from the road. Peace
I walk the line too...
07 Feb 2007 - 09:02
I once had this as a bone of contention with a lover: She was convinced I revealed private things about us on stage that I shouldn't. Thusly, I was showing a fundemental lack of respect for our shared experience and her privacy. I argued that,in addition to leaving her nameless, the material never sought to embarass and seldom, if ever, to make her the butt of the joke. She strongly felt that I was reckless and inconsiderate by violating her privacy. Slightly callous even, for not discussing it with her beforehand. I was in effect,looting the temple of our relationship. I countered that these were shared experiences and I had a right to examine my portion (my reactions and feelings) humourously and publically.
A comedian friend of mine says that it is the classic misfortune of being a comedian. For, if I was a singer and made a song about her, then she wouldn't have any qualms because a song tends to be more reverential. Thus anything involving aspects of her life that generates laughter from an anonymous public feels like derision. A compelling argument, but in her case I'm not sure that's altogether true. But then I'm not altogether sure what is. I can't completely disagree with her feelings as they are her feelings. As a consequence, she somewhat withdrew for feeling self-conscious about what she said to me, though she has never accused me of publically revealing a secret of hers. I concluded that no matter how much I thoughtI was perserving her dignity while trying to explore what I found comedically compelling, I still crossed the line with her. She was confident that few women would feel differently than she did.
Last Edinburgh Festival, I told a revealing story about my father that I felt sure he would not mind, though I did not ask his permission. Perhaps, because of that assumption, I did not ask. Or because he lives in another country... or maybe I was subconciuosly afraid he'd say no... or possibly I observe him at age 87 to have only a passing interest in propriety. All of this, and more I am yet to be aware of, is probably true. Perhaps I presume to much of our friendship. Think I'll phone him and see what he thinks. Next week I"ll tell you what he says. If it's o.k. with him.
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