Geocaching: Like Zelda, But Outdoors

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Richard

As a family we’ve become increasingly immobile in recent months. On a recent walk around Clumber Park our four-year old son got off his bike and declared that he’d prefer to be at home sat on the sofa. I could sympathise. Encouraging him  to come out for a walk is becoming increasingly difficult. The lure of the Wii, and particularly Zelda and Mario is too strong.

I’d heard about geocaching a few months ago. It’s kind of like an electronic treasure hunt. I downloaded a free iPhone app (there’s also an Android version). We sold it to our son as being a bit like Zelda, but outdoors, and without any monsters. He was enthusiastic as we embarked on our first quest around Matlock a few weeks ago.

The app indicated that there were several geocaches within a mile or so of where we’d parked up in the centre of town. You can follow a compass that points in the direction of the geocache and displays how far you’ve got until you reach it. It differs from using a sat nav in that you don’t get turn by turn directions. Instead working out the route for yourself, whether that be along footpaths, roads or in our case through parks.

The phone soon indicated we were within a few meters of our first cache. Found in a tiny, very pretty little park that otherwise we’d probably never have visited. Although we didn’t know exactly know what we were looking for, there didn’t seem to be anything there. We consulted a hint on the app that you can use if you’re struggling. This indicated it was below a letter “H” on an inscription on a park bench. We found the bench, but nothing else. Though Thomas was convinced that he’d found it. In fact he’d found a stick, but he was happy enough for now.

We headed off following our compass and the in-app map for the next cache. Our route led us along a scenic walk along the river. Thomas was excited by the hunting element of the walk. I suppose it gives a walk a sense of purpose and, it really made it more fun for all three of us. Eventually the map and compass indicated we were at the cache. we spent some time searching beside trees on the edge of the riverside path. Eventually turning over a stone and finding a small Tupperware box containing a log book (effectively a roll of paper with dates and signatures on) and a small collection (a cache, I suppose) of trinkets. charms, a tiny torch, the kind of things you’d find in Christmas crackers. Not being up to speed on the whole geo-caching business we were empty-handed (it’s etiquette to leave a gift as you take one). The four-year old was fairly understanding, though I’m sure next time this’ll add a new dimension, like most kids he’s got an insatiable appetite for more “stuff”.

One thing that surprised us was how many people had visited this geo-cache, about 20 in the past fortnight. Probably over a hundred in the past year. Although a couple of months ago we’d never heard of it, it’s clearly a popular activity, and I can see why. Unfortunately, with it being February it began to rain, and rather than trudge bravely on hunting down the other caches that had appeared on my iPhone screen, we headed back to the car.

It’s something we’ll definitely try again. The app was really easy to use, and all three of us enjoyed it. I’ve even looked at the possibility of buying a handheld GPS device. The phone version is great but needs a 3g signal. Thus ruling out really rural locations, where I imagine the most fun is to be had.

Geocaching: What you’ll need

  • An Android or iPhone Geocaching App and a charged GPS enabled phone. Or a handheld GPS device (from about £80 on Amazon)
  • Some trinkets to leave in the caches
  • Some waterproof clothing (in the UK anyway)

More information can be found at geocaching.com

If you’ve got any geocaching hints or tips, or experiences to share please get involved in the comments.

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Caimh McDonnell, Michael J Dolan, Gladdies Night, Nottingham

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Richard

Gladdies Night celebrated it’s fourth birthday celebrated in it’s own brilliantly shambolic way this week. Probably the only comedy club in the world with a dog bowl at it’s entrance. The line up for this show was as strong as ever.

First up was the gloriously peevish Michael J Dolan. Venting spleen on a variety of topics notably his friends (“energy burglars”), children and relationships. Long may his misery continue. Very entertaining.

There were two very confident short spots in the “middle bit”. Ben Hustwayte was reminiscent of Jack Whitehall (who’s previously played at Gladdies), showing great energy and delivery. Whilst Scott Bennett seemed to be channelling the spirits of Peter Kay, John Bishop and Jason Manford, and received a great reception. I’ll certainly be using the phrase “carvery trousers” at some point in the near future.

Intensely likeable Caimh (pronounced queeve) McDonnell was a very adept headlined act. The crowd instantly at ease with his gentle style. We’d have happily listened to him discuss pretty much anything. In the event the highpoint was his (apparently true)  account of being attacked by a badger whilst drunk in Manchester city centre. Caimh’s not only a fantastic stand up, but also the writer of the excellent kids cartoon Pet Squad for which he received a BAFTA nomination.

As usual the proceedings were guided by the increasingly excellent Chris Stokes bravely battling on with the worst joke competition in the world, and entertaining us with news from the frontline of a vegan festival.

The next Gladdies Night is on 28th November. The line up is yet to be confirmed, but it’s likely to be superb. Come along and support Nottingham’s best little comedy club.

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Pzizz Sleep, iPhone and Android

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Richard

I’ve always been pretty rubbish at sleeping. It may be a pretty basic function of life as a human being, up there with breathing and eating. But I have problems with it. Thoughts whirl around my head, sometimes important, sometimes not. Quickly escalating into a mild panic about what will happen if I don’t actually get to sleep at all. Scenes of carnage run through my brain as I watch the movie of the aftermath of me inevitably crashing my car on the way to work. The funeral, whether the right songs were played (a regular obsession). Watching my family somehow cope without me. Either that sort of thing or just thinking complete nonsense and making myself laugh. Such patterns of behaviour aren’t often conducive to sleep.

I’ve tried numerous approaches: Scientifically unproven herbal remedies, milky drinks, not reading in bed, exercise, cutting down on alcohol (the horror). Some have worked better than others. Particularly exercise. However, I’m usually too tired to bother.

In desperation I’ve tried the Pzizz Sleep iPhone app and despite being utterly ludicrous. It works. In fairness I’ve always found listening to my iPhone or iPod generally helps me go to sleep, especially spoken word content. This app works even better than this.

It provides a unique soundtrack every night. Though each soundtrack is similar enough to establish a mental routine. By rights I should find the content deeply annoying. Think wind chimes, waves crashing, birdsong even at some point, oddly, cars driving past. At times reminiscent of an Orb album or The KLF’s classic Chill Out or at its worst a pan-pipes moods style spa soundtrack.

All this is intermittently narrated by a rather creepy and at times, a bit camp, American bloke. Who says essentially the same thing in a different way every night. In truth I think he bores me to sleep. He always seem to mention that “If you need to awaken for some reason (cue a mental image of the house on fire) I “can do so easily, and return to sleep again” (vision of fire extinguished). He reminds me of a slightly sinister hypnotist. The kind of therapist where you’d have to check your pants were on the right way round after a session (not personal experience I hasten to add).

Going to sleep with earbuds in is more comfortable than expected, and I’ve usually removed them by morning. So far I’ve been using this app for a month now, and I’ve had the best sleep I’ve had for years.

Pzizz Sleep for iPhone Pzizz Sleep for Android

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A Musical Education. Ege Bamyasi, Can and Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie.

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Richard

It’s been a good while since I last posted on this musical blogging project. Mainly because I’ve struggled a bit with the Can album. At times it’s felt a bit like a piece of homework without a deadline. It’s ironic as I chose the Can album from the list, whereas the Bowie record took its place as being first place in critics lists from 1972. I chose Can as I’d certainly never listened to any German music before (except Kraftwerk) and certainly hadn’t listened to much “avant garde” rock before. I thought it might be challenging. It was.

Apparently Ege Bamayasi is one of Can’s more accessible records. It’s improvisational in style and most of the songs don’t have traditional verse and chorus structures. Mainly based around both vocal and instrumental riffs. I can certainly hear their influence in contemporary bands such as Radiohead, The Fall and Battles. But to my ears all of these, at times, challenging bands are poppy by comparison. If I hadn’t been listening for this project I’m not sure I’d have got past the first track. Apart from the song posted above, there aren’t any songs you can hum, or sing along to. However I did force myself to listen. About 20 or 30 times in the past few weeks. There’s certainly parts of that I’ve come to like more with extended listening. I enjoy the free drumming rhythmical aspect in particular. There’s definitely a groove in most of the songs.  Apparently the tracks were made up of loops and samples from their own improv sessions. Some of which lasted over 8 hours long. In some ways forerunners to cut and past sample techniques used in electronic music today.

I’ve got this album playing in the background as I type, and in some ways I think I’ve grown to quite like it. This has surprised me, as initially I was pretty much appalled and alienated by it. I’ll certainly won’t be deleting it from my ipod, hardy a quote for the album sleeve, but progress nonetheless.

The Bowie album is a different animal altogether. I’d say It’s pretty difficult for anyone over 30 not to at some point have heard most of the songs on this record. However Bowie isn’t something I’ve spent much time listening to, other than the occasional dip into greatest hits compilations. I’ve probably spent more time listening to their 90′s soundalikes Suede. Those of you who know me might recall my fancy dress outfit for my 30th birthday party. Allegedly Bowie in his Ziggy period. Though a bit more Marilyn Manson in execution.

In comparison to Can it was like slipping on a pair of comfortable shoes. One thing I did ponder whilst enjoying it was, how do singers with really idiosyncratic singing styles come about them? Surely it’s not natural. If I suddenly developed an odd singing style say similar to the guy out of The Kooks or Thom Yorke. I’d certainly expect one of my friends to say “Why the fuck are you singing in that weird way?” I suppose it’s their determination as artists to persevere and go their own way that separates them from the rest of us.

The record has numerous references to technology “Keep your electric eye on me”, that certainly have resonance today. Surely if it was released today it would have a similar impact. Despite being so influential on so many others.  I’ll certainly be listening to more Bowie, Possibly as part of this project.

In the next installment I’ll be giving my verdict on Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd and The Wild, The Innocent and The E Street Shuffle, Bruce Springsteen. Please feel free to listen along.

Posted in Music | 3 Comments

Flight Or Invisibility? Why I Love This American Life.

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Richard


Those of you who follow me on Twitter or are friends with me on Facebook, or work with me, may have noticed me posing this question in the past week or so. It’s a question that usually receives an interesting response and generally starts a fun conversation.  Let’s get this clear straight away. I’m a flyer. The opportunities for showing off and generally mucking about would be endless.

The inspiration for this came from my new favourite thing: This American Life. It’s a radio show on the public Service networks in, erm, America. This particular episode was first aired in 2001. It follows some informal research  that shows that essentially men are more likely to be fliers whereas women are more likely to go for invisibility. There’s was also a theory in there somewhere that the invisibles amongst us tend to be furtive masturbators.

Another theory is women are more likely to go for invisibility and vice-versa. This was certainly true in my straw poll. My wife explained this fairly simply “that’s because we’re mainly devious”.  This episode is based around superpowers, and also has a features on failed comic superhero characters, a woman who methodically trained herself so she effectively had superpowers and some 12 year old twin Burmese separatist soldiers who were deemed to have mystical invincibility.

This episode is pretty typical in its content. A  mixture of quirky, outright funny and at times thought-provoking stories. I’ve not listened to an episode that’s not totally entertained and enthralled me yet. My favourite of the more recent episodes is Oh You Shouldn’t Have. Which includes and intelligent and funny and at times cringe-worthy look back at early episodes of the American version of the TV show This Is Your Life from comedian Allison Silverman.

Over here it’s you can listen to it as a podcast or stream any of the archived episodes via their website. I like it so much I’ve downloaded the app, allowing me to carry over 500 hors of this charming show around in my pocket. Probably the best £1.79 I’ve spent. Please have a listen and let me know what you think in the comments, you can also tell whether you fancy flying or invisibility if you like.

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A Musical Education: Marvin Gaye, What’s Going On And Led Zeppelin IV

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Richard

 

Ok, so I’m at the first stage of my musical journey. Listening to two key albums from 1971 (the year of my birth) and progressing a year onward every week or so. I had heard What’s Going On before. I recall there being a consensus  in the music press in the 80′s that it was the best album of all time. It still features highly in the polls and lists that spring up on an almost annual basis.

As I recall I don’t think I particularly fell in love with it the first time around. I’m not really sure. I suppose I’d never really listened to much soul, or even black music before. Perhaps it was all too alien to a 16 year old with a Smiths obsession.  This time was different though. I just listened to it. Not doing anything else. As expected it felt pretty awkward at first. I even caught myself taking notes. I think mainly because I felt I had to be doing something.

One of the first things that struck me was the direct references to God and Jesus. I can’t recall any recent pop or alternative music being so overtly religious. As an atheist this did alienate me a little. What I did appreciate though was the way the record is so lacking in self consciousness, irony doesn’t play a part in this record. The artist seems to be speaking from the heart, unchecked.

What he has to say seems eerily relevant 39 years later. Apparently Gaye was deeply affected by letters from his brother who was serving in the Vietnam War. The album tells the story of a veteran returning home from the front line. His despair at the futility of war and the economic state of the country.

The quality of his voice is pretty astonishing. As it the instrumentation. Provided by the Motown house band The Funk Brothers. Being a post-punk type of chap, describing a type of music as smooth would almost equate with something derogatory. This album certainly is seamless in a good way. The tracks flow into each other. something common now, possibly after the influence of DJ mixes. There’s also musical motifs that repeat throughout the record. And the final track clearly links back with the first in  a very satisfying way.

Led Zeppelin IV also is a regular amongst lists of all time classic albums. Again it comes from a genre that I wouldn’t naturally listen to. They were arguably one of the first heavy metal bands. A type of music I’m still pretty unfamiliar with. I have a certain fondness for AC/DC. But to be fair I only listened to them after hearing a cover by Scottish indie band Arab Strap.

The thing I was struck by first was the sheer power and quality of John Bonham’s drumming. Sampled on numerous rap records, and respected as one of the best drummers ever. I found myself getting slowly hooked. Despite Robert Plant’s vocals. I find his high-pitched histrionics at times overwhelming.

I’ve tried really hard to love Stairway to Heaven. I’m not sure whether it’s Rolf Harris’s fault, but I just don’t get it. Perhaps it’s been parodied too many times. In fact both these albums suffer from a similar problem for the retrospective listener. Both records have been so influential that at times they seem slightly clichéd. Whereas at the time of their release none of the stuff that now seems so familiar had been done before. I had to keep reminding myself of that fact throughout.

One thing that’s become clear immediately on this little exercise is that my tastes aren’t half as eclectic as I thought they were. I’m just over a week in and my musical tastes have been broadened a little. Which I suppose is the idea.

This week I’ll be listening to David Bowie’s The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars and Ege Bamyasi by Can.

Posted in Music, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Mick Ferry, Rob Riley, Gladdies Night, Nottingham

Posted on March 29, 2011 by Richard

Gladdie’s Night once again was packed out with standing room only. Admittedly not a massive feat in such an intimate space. Duncan Oakley made a return as compere, as expected very comfortably steering proceedings, despite at one point being heckled by the pub dog.

Rob Riley was first up. An act who apparently started his career as a heckler in the Glastonbury Festival comedy tent. He quickly won over the crowd, with some observations about the venue. Top marks for being first comedian to note that the gig takes place behind a door that reads “No Admittance”. He also had a brilliant piece about CAMRA real ale enthusiasts, “Ale Qaeda” as he called them.  He continued with a strong, relaxed set, chatting with the audience, and successfully mining the rich vein of comedy provided by his home town of Oldham.

The middle section saw local John Seals make only his third ever comedy appearance. He was understandably nervous, but provided a promising five minutes which culminated in a fairly unsettling but funny piece of observational sexual comedy.

Headliner Mick Ferry clearly enjoyed himself, with the, as always, attentive Gladdie’s audience. With over ten years experience on the circuit, and also known by many from his appearance on Michael MacIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow he tackled territory such as ageing,  dieting and his love for supermarket rosterie produce.  A particular highlight was a fantastic mime piece replicating a shoppers first ever visit to Lidl and the most memorable description of Lady Gaga ever.

The next Gladdie’s Night is on Monday 25th April. Watch the Facebook page or Twitter for details. This will also be the first opportunity to grab tickets for Rufus Hound’s Edinburgh preview on  Monday 27 June.

 

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A Musical Education

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Richard

Thalhimers, phonograph

As long as I can remember I’ve been a music fan. The first album I owned was by Abba. Arrival I think. The thing I remember about it was the white helicopter on the front. I’m sure I liked it.

My Dad took me and some friends from our street to see Star Wars, at the ABC in Mansfield. In those days (1977 I think), Going to the cinema was a totally different experience from today. It was normal to have to queue outside for at least 30 minutes for nearly every new release. Anyway, we joined the line for Star Wars, getting more and more excited as we moved slowly forwards. Only to discover as we reached the doors that it was full. All was not lost though. There were still seats for Abba:The Movie. Not the ideal choice for five six year kids. It’s obviously a bit hazy, but I strangely recall being fairly entertained by it. I definitely recall that my Dad fell asleep.

I somehow didn’t grow up as an Abba obsessive. My early musical obsessions were probably the same as most kids growing up in the late 70′s and early 80′s: The Jam, Madness and The Who. At the time there was a mod revival going on. I owned a fishtail parka. I’d nagged my parents for it for what seemed like years. It never really worked as a look for me. The whole mod ethos is about attention to detail. Quite difficult to achieve when you’re 11 and your Mother insists on buying your school trousers from “Marks’s”. Complete with unfeasibly wide bottoms. They weren’t flares. They were much more sensible than that. A friend’s Mum took them in for me. The results weren’t exactly as I’d hoped. The “taking in” worked very well on the half of my legs below the knee. Whilst the top half remained untouched. I may as well have been wearing jodphurs. I suppose if I’d been a new romantic that might have been cool.

A key moment for me  was one Christmas, about 1985.  From an Aunt who always bought bizarre, but inspiring, gifts, I got, amongst other things, copies of the NME and Melody Maker. I devoured these. Full, as they were of exotic bands I’d never heard of: The Cure, The Smiths, New Order erm…The Brilliant Corners. In those days on my criminally unfair levels of pocket money I could only afford about 3 albums a year (yes, they were vinyl). These were supplemented by loans from the local library. I’d always have something on order. Then it was normal to buy an album and listen to it pretty much exclusively for months.

There’s something I quite miss about that. These days I subscribe to Spotify and pretty much have the whole world of music at my immediate disposal. Creating playlists certainly doesn’t involve as much care and love as creating the tapes that I’d swap with friends. I’m not sure what the 14 year old me would have made of it. Even today I find it slightly overwhelming. I sometimes think I run around this musical farmyard like a headless chicken. I’m not sure I’ll look back on the music I’m listening to now with the same clarity or fondness as the stuff I listened to in my youth.

I’ve also been thinking about the way we listen to music now. I know personally I’m usually doing something else, driving, cooking walking or reading. I recall hearing on the radio a few years ago about some academic/guru who teaches people how to appreciate music again. It seemed to boil down to just listening, and not doing anything else. That idea seems a bit strange, but also appealing.

With this in mind I’m going to embark on a musical/blogging project. Ostensibly to listen to two albums from the NME annual round up each week. Starting at the year of my birth, 1971. Great idea. Except, now this makes me feel quite old, the NME critics charts didn’t start until 1974.  So for the first three years I’m going here . I’ll always pick the top rated album of the year and another of my choice from the top 20. I’ll babble on about my experiences here.

So, this  week I’ll be mainly listening to What’s Going On and Led Zeppelin IV . Please join in via the comments or start your own blogging musical adventure.

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Put A Ring On It.

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Richard

I have incredibly spindly fingers. I always have done. Even from birth. Like some kind of alien. Indeed one of the the names I’ve been called as a result of my wrinkle festooned digits is ET. I could go on: Davros, Twiglet Fingers. I particularly like The Singing Detective, alluding to my occasional dry skin issues. It’s never been really clear why I’ve been blessed with the fingers of a 95 year old woman. The rest of my body is, I suppose relatively normal. Not especially wrinkly or, erm, elongated.

My Mother and Aunt as I was growing up strived to make my freaky hands a positive. Suggesting that one day I’d perhaps make an excellent piano player. Alas as I developed it quickly became clear that even record-breaking long fingers couldn’t compensate for my complete lack of musical talent. Being 6ft 4″, similarly helpful suggestions were made about a potential career in basketball. If only I didn’t have the co-ordination of a circus clown and the fitness levels of an asthmatic darts player.

To make matters worse, I have a habit of gesticulating fairly wildly when I talk. Like a mid-performance Ian Curtis. This draws even more attention to my time-travelling digits. As I type this my wife has just peered over my shoulder, and has expressed surprise that I appear to be writing a blog post about my fingers. This is actually quite a good idea. I’m sure many you are already salivating at the prospects of a toe post next week. But unfortunately, body-parts fans, this isn’t planned at the moment.

I got married only two months ago, and one of the things that worried me was the prospect of wearing a ring. Other than a watch I’ve never worn jewellery of any kind. Even the idea of a gold chain makes me think of Jimmy Saville. I’m a cardiganny (sic) type of bloke. Gold chains and cardies never seem to work as a look.

Buying the ring was fairly traumatic. I was always after something plain and low key. At one point I got a £2k platinum design stuck firmly on.  Three assistants and a tub of Vaseline were involved in the de-ringing.  I eventually bought a palladium ring online. I was initially fairly doubtful. I’d never heard of the stuff before, and it sounded like something from a home shopping channel. But it’s apparently gaining in popularity as an alternative to the more expensive platinum. It’s also guaranteed not to turn green. Which is handy.

Over this short time I’ve grown to like wearing it. A constant reminder of the day, which was one of great joy. Which I suppose is the idea. It doesn’t particularly add or detract from the overall other-worldliness of my hands. It also acts as a really handy fat barometer. Eat a four pack of Gregg’s sausage rolls and I run the risk of needing the Vaseline again a few days later.

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Gladdies Night

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Richard

Those of you who follow me on Twitter (@Gman71) or know me on Facebook may have noticed that about once a month I’ll rave about something called Gladdies Night. Since this blog is mainly an outlet for venting on the things that preoccupy me, then what better topic for my first post?

Gladdies Night is a monthly comedy club in Carrington, a suburb of Nottingham. It takes place in an upstairs room in The Gladstone (geddit?). A lovely old boozer that boasts a fine range of real ales, a cracking little beer garden and a pub library (David Cameron would love it).

Back in 2007 a group of comedy loving friends from the Sherwood and Mapperley Park areas set the gig up purely driven by the desire to have a comedy night on their doorstep. They all contributed a fairly nominal fee, which was enough to fund the first show and print a few posters. Marketing was mainly done via a Facebook page and word of mouth. Luckily, one of the group was Shaun Almey , a Nottingham based comedy booker and promoter (disclaimer: Shaun is a friend of mine, we started a comedy night on a boat on a roundabout in Leeds in 1996). Another of the group was Nottingham based stand up Duncan Oakley, who was able to take up compering duties.

The first night was a resounding success, headlined by Jon Richardson and drawing a big enough crowd to fund the next show. The acts and the audience loved the slightly ramshackle nautre of the room, complete with it’s walls adorned with broken musical instruments, and the pub dog sat outside on the landing.

The gig went from strength to strength, gaining a strong reputation amongst comedians and punters. Over the years acts to play Gladdies include David O’Doherty, Rufus Hound and Vic and Bob Legend Charlie Chuck. One of the club’s biggest supporters is Sarah Millican (now one of ITV’s Loose Women). She’s played the gig on numerous occasions, as headliner, but often in the “Middle Bit”.  A section usually for newer acts, but sometimes for more established performers to road test new material.

The really unusual thing about Gladdies is the way it’s funded and organised. No money is taken out of the pot, simply enough is made to cover the costs of the next gig. It’s for this reason the admission cost has stuck at £5 since opening. Considering the quality of the acts that perform, it makes is brilliant value.

Just before Christmas Gladdies Night had a break. At the time it was feared it could be permanent. A couple of less well attended gigs and a few members of the “committee” moving away from Nottingham had taken its toll. However it seems like the logic of only missing something once it’s gone took effect. A Facebook post was made and there was a flurry of people keen to support the gig, join the committee and chuck a few quid in the pot. There were even some people who’d never even been to a show, but loved the idea and hated the fact that it could be dying.

Gladdies Night is now back. I’m glad to say it’s more fun than ever. Last month’s gig was packed. Old regulars had returned and there were plenty of new faces too.  The acts didn’t let us down.  Chris Stokes made his debut as MC (he’ll alternate with Duncan). Despite admitting he felt like a supply teacher, he settled into the role really well. The intimacy of the room, fitted his gentle style nicely. Amongst the highlights were his affectionate parody of Duncan Oakley’s more upfront approach, and handling a potentially disastrous joke competition (most of the audience hadn’t heard of it’s celebrity subject).

.@mabeycakes good gig last night! "Caroline Mabey made me sick in my mouth. 4 **** " (Graeme is my brother)
March 1, 2011 7:06 am via Twitter for iPhoneReplyRetweetFavorite
@Matt_Kinson
Matt Kinson

Opening act Caroline Mabey was making a return to Gladdies. Her style was slightly frazzled reminding me a bit of the great Emo Phillips. Apparently suffering from nicotine withdrawal and verbally molesting a bloke on the front row (see Twitter mention above). A very strong middle section was provided by Jon Pearson . I feel sure we’ll see this indoor bowls champion/comic back soon.

Headliner Welshman Elis James didn’t fail to meet expectations. Covering topics as diverse as B&Bs, doing warm-up for “Deal or No Deal” and a very awkward experience in a swimming pool all had the room in uproar. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at Noel Edmonds again without visualising him as a lion in man’s clothing. At one point he joked that he’d got a lot of work to do before he could be on “Live At The Appollo”. Judging by tonight’s performance that might come sooner than he thinks.

The next show is on Monday 28th March and features Mick Ferry. Gladdies Night can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

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