Lancastrian logistics
Easily enough people expressed an interest in yesterday’s Project Preston idea for me to continue considering it. If you’ve just tuned in, this is a stupid but fun initiative, which began as an unwise ad-lib, to round up a whole load of people from Preston (where I had a good show this week) and take them to my show in Blackburn (where nobody tends to buy tickets).
There’s been interest from a number of Prestonians and, remarkably, several people quite a bit further south. One, Josh, asked: ‘what would it involve?’ You won’t be surprised to hear that I haven’t thought this question through at all.
I would like to appoint someone as Lancastrian Logistics Officer to take this project forward. Being based in Preston or Lancs would be an advantage but may not be necessary. The job will involve finding out the best way/cost/etc of collecting a group of people in Preston and getting them to Blackburn and back. And also, getting firm names and numbers. Basically, it would be like a real job, but unpaid. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone volunteers for this.
You don’t need any experience of organising cross-Lancashire travel. You just need slightly more time on your hands than I’ve got.
I am posting this now because tonight is my Bristol show, which is a big one for me, and afterwards I shall be ‘taking refreshment’. Stay tuned for more on Project Preston and more on my life, assuming it does, indeed, continue beyond tonight.
Posted by Matt F on October 21, 2010
I do hope this happens, I love free stuff! Also, comedy.
Has anybody been appointed Project Preston Co-ordinator yet?
Also, can we have a ukelele ban on the bus? Thanks.
(Sorry Kris.)
Posted by Paul on October 17, 2010
Me & my wife Viv are travelling from Darwen!?
Does that count??
Posted by Walmsleys on October 16, 2010
I’d be delighted to help in any way I can. How are we going to coordinate things. I’m in Leyland, about halfway between Preston and Blackburn I suppose.
Martin.
Posted by Suzanne on October 16, 2010
This is a little surreal as I’m not sure which date to post this comment as Mark has alluded to it in tomorrow’s blog … if you see what I mean!
Hannah, Mark is ABSOLUTELY right … in no way was I mocking your enthusiasm … I agreed with and applauded everything you said … In fact I think I should challenge you to a “gush-out”, although it could get a little messy!!!
My apologies for offending you … Can we be friends again … please???
I knew there would be other Watsonians there but, unsurprisingly, I couldn’t identify them amongst the crowd as not a single one was wearing a badge!!! Not even me …!!!
Mark, how about arranging a Watsonian’s corner or a banner under which all your blogging followers could meet and greet at future gigs??? OR … a badge!!!
Posted by rollo on October 15, 2010
We travelled from Barrow in Furness in Cumbria to the Preston gig on Tuesday and had a superb night.Would be more than willing to be part of project preston re the Blackburn gig.My wife and I are definately up forit if this comes off.Not sure what to do next?????
Posted by max on October 15, 2010
This Preston thing is one of the craziest, most brilliant ideas you’ve had yet. And that’s saying a lot!
The last line in your post reminded me of Vincent of Anathema while saying goodbye after the concert last night: “Good night people, see you next time! try not to die in the meantime”
you brits kill me
Posted by Hannah Mae on October 15, 2010
Suzanne – I can only assume you’re mocking my gushy overenthusiasm! Sorry – I didn’t anticipate that comment being so long or so sickening – but I felt it needed to be said after Birmingham-based downbeatness and whatnot. I’m quite the seasoned stand-up goer but last night’s show was different to anything I’ve seen before (in the best possible way!) so I thought Mark ought to know that. I might’ve been a bit drunk when I typed it though.
Posted by Anji on October 15, 2010
Mark, with everything you do, with your super powers and everything, is there any way you can make Feb come faster?! Only everyone is making me want to see you before my ticket will allow me.
If there us a chance, can I please request I still get Nov 28 and Christmas, the rest I’m happy to trade. Probably a big ask, and would take some fixing. But I always believe that if you don’t ask you might not get, so there we go.
But let it be known I’m finding it wry hard to wait.
Posted by Rebecca on October 15, 2010
Sorry, Tuesday the 9th of November!
Posted by Rebecca on October 15, 2010
Saw you in Preston on Tuesday and definitely interested in seeing the show again in Blackburn as part of Project Preston. We’re also available to do anything we can to help get things organised so feel free to ask! Have checked the date for the Blackburn show and it’s Tuesday 7th November so we’ve got a few weeks to get things sorted. Who’d have thought that an innocent night out in Preston could lead to an adventure to Blackburn!
Posted by Suzanne on October 15, 2010
OK, Hannah Mae, I hear what you say – but did you really like the show and did you enjoy yourself??? I’m not absolutely sure … come on now … I know you say you’re shy, but you must learn to express your innermost thoughts and share with the world!!!
I too am pretty shy BUT I’m prepared to declare myself a complete enjoyer of everything Watsonian! I loved it all last night and didn’t want the show to end … Who cares that Mark might be exhausted (although I somehow doubt it – he must run on supernatural batteries!) and might want to meet up with his Bristolean friends, eh???
No doubt preaching to the converted, but to anyone wondering about going to a show, stop THINKING, stop HESITATING … just get there!!!
If last night’s audience, from 12 year old to Senior Watsonian, can enjoy themselves it just HAS to appeal to everyone … a fitting tribute to the man himself!!
Posted by Rachael on October 15, 2010
I saw the advert for your new show last night!
Posted by Briony on October 15, 2010
I’m slightly tempted to schlep all the way to Preston for this Blackburn caper, but aside from the fact this would be a massive 4 hour train ride, I was at the Bristol show so it’s probably somewhat unnecessary. Mind you, people legging it to Bristol from Falmouth may argue otherwise.
Bristol gig was fab, my face literally ached from laughing (literally, as in it actually did. Not the I-literally-died-of-embarrassment kind of literally). I was with some friends who’d not been exposed to the Watson humour before and also loved it.
Your tales of engaging more with people in general inspired me to action, so much so that I boldly struck up conversation with someone walking the same way home after the show. They’d clearly been to same gig so it wasn’t a hugely brave thing to do, but ne’er the less, bolder than I was before.
Posted by Marc Aplin on October 15, 2010
Also enjoyed the show tonight, was there with my partner. We actually enjoyed it more than when we saw Michael Mcintyre at the CIA – thought your act was far more fluent and cleverly done. Thanks for an entertaining evening!
Posted by Hannah Mae on October 15, 2010
I’ve no Preston-related input, unfortunately, but was at your Bristol show tonight and feel the need to gush over how much I enjoyed it. Clearly, my regular presence here shows I’m shows I’m a fan, but I so was impressed – surprised, even – by how bloody good you are live. That sounds like quite the backhanded compliment, but all I mean is that despite years of Radio 4/Mock The Week/Live At The Apollo-based appreciation, I thought I knew what I was getting and wasn’t expecting to be so completely blown away.
Your interaction with the audience, the computer bit at the beginning – attention to detail, essentially – made the whole show seem so effortless and special. Whether or not it’s the reality, I love how it felt as though that gig could never be recreated, as though each tour date is different rather than a mere formulaic reeling off of material, repeated night after night. At the risk of reaching nauseating levels of flattery, I also love that the whole thing culminated in a message of optimism, in keeping with ‘Eleven’ and, obviously, this blog. I sound like a reviewer now, but yeah… I’d recommend it to anyone: as well as hilarious, it was dynamic, thoughtful and inspiring. From what I gathered from people seated around me, the rest of the audience seemed to agree. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did, especially after the dissatisfaction you’ve expressed over the Birmingham gig. I also hope this means you don’t let negative feedback get you down too much, because as much as humour is subjective (though anyone who doesn’t think you’re funny is definitely wrong) no one could ever accuse you of a lack of preparation or in any way ripping people off! As you acknowledged yourself, if words per minute are anything to go by, you should probably charge double what someone like Andy Parsons does.
It was lovely to briefly meet you afterwards. I was too shy to say anything witty or stirring (or anything at all, really) but I was touched that you waited around to sign books and pose for endless photos, particularly when Holly (the Girl From The Fringe Book Launch) and I (her Overwhelmed Mute Friend) were right at the back of the queue and you were probably desperate to get home. I had a lovely night and left feeling motivated to be happier, kinder, and to sign that YouTube guy up to all kinds of maddening spam.
I suppose I could’ve summarized all this in saying “I agree with Aislinn.”
Posted by misha on October 15, 2010
Lovely show etc as I’ve said. There will be a repeat of the pens, do I get to claim my 20 where’s watson points?
we are now on a (massively delayed) coach home.
Posted by Kathryn on October 15, 2010
I agree with Aislinn.
Posted by Aislinn on October 14, 2010
Your blog cheers me up. Even if I’ve had what I think is a really stressful day, reading your blog puts things into perspective and makes me a little bit more happy.
Thanks, Watson.
Posted by Kris "Peacock Expert" Ball on October 14, 2010
I would be happy to volunteer. I’m jobless and have FAR too much time on my hands.
Whether you trust me is a complete different matter. Maybe I should just be in charge of singalongs on the minibus/coach? (I’ll bring me ukulele!)
Posted by Kate B on October 14, 2010
I wish I lived further north it sounds like a very fun idea. I hope all your shows go well, good luck!
Posted by Sam on October 14, 2010
I would offer to co-ordinate a little, but I’m going to malawi for two weeks on Wednesday so may not be around enough to get anything practical done. I could probably take three or four people, though.
Anyway, please have me down as a “definitely up for almost anything” (Project Preston-wise) – I don’t want to miss the boat due to being on the wrong continent.
Posted by KHartz on October 14, 2010
I’m sure me and my husband can co-ordinate things, I have a bit of time on my hands and we live in preston?
Posted by MusicalLottie on October 14, 2010
I have no doubt someone will volunteer for this! It would be very cool for it to work out.
(I actually looked up the cost of getting to Preston by train, just out of sheer curiosity, and it was almost £60 including a railcard discount … )