Life is not a rehearsal
Well, the home town show went well, I thought. Thanks to all readers who were there and contributed to making it a home town atmosphere in the positive sense (excitable, whooping crowd) rather than the negative sense (constant awareness of one’s school acquaintances and mum’s friends staring at you). Among others, the audience included the oldest known Watsonian (Suzanne, 70), and at least four every-day-readers of the blog.
Particular thanks go to Misha, who became the new leader of Where’s Watson by bringing an astonishing TWENTY pens. There have been numerous gifts of biros on the tour so far, but nobody was prepared for this. They were all different colours, and everything. Without exaggeration it was the most pens I have ever been given. Apart from maybe at Christmas in the old days when you used to get one of those packs of 40 felt tips. So, OK, WITH exaggeration it was the most pens I’ve ever been given. Spectacular stuff.
Also thanks to Hannah for the lovely comment. Hannah, Suzanne was not in fact mocking your enthusiasm – she really does get that excited.
I’ve spent today rehearsing for Monday, when I’ll be filming the first of my ITV4 shows. Some days of your life are basically just a practice run for other days, but I’m sure that’s not the way to look at them. I’m sure what seem to be the unimportant days are actually the ones where you learn some of the most crucial etc etc. Has anyone seen an advert for the ITV4 show yet? A few people have mentioned seeing one, but I haven’t, yet, as I don’t get much chance to watch TV. I’m slightly paranoid they might have made the advert really cheesy. The show’s going to be good and non-cheesy, I think/hope.
Tomorrow I will travel to Glasgow. If you’re coming to the Glasgow show, please make last-minute attempts to bring friends, as the venue (although fairly well sold, luckily) is fucking enormous. Or failing that, just be as fat as you can, to bulk it out for me. Or I guess I could just bring some people up from Preston…
Posted by Suzy on October 18, 2010
I can’t seem to comment
Is it me?
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on October 18, 2010
I was there!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome show!!!
Posted by Tom Beasley on October 17, 2010
I’ve seen the advert for your show!
It is quite cheesy, but I think it manages to be cheesy in a good way. I’m certainly looking forward to the show.
Posted by margaret milne on October 16, 2010
my partner and i have just came back form your glasgow show and i just thought i’d write and say how very funny it was, a great night out. and what a laugh the joke with the kangaroo was and “it wasn’t even there” well done and when you come back to scotland well be in the crowd.
Posted by Nuala on October 16, 2010
Very nearly did a “Boooooo” in Sainsburys this morning, when I waited for someone who barged past, taking no prisoners. Opted instead for “No problem, lady”. She didn’t hear – should have done the “Boooooo”.
Posted by Beau Brummel on October 16, 2010
By the way…
Who’s in charge of your blogsite, Mark?
Under the ‘Books’ tab, there is no mention of 11 (or Eleven even) – it says “Read Mark’s new book – Crap at the Environment”!
Come on, come on – try and keep up with yourself!
Posted by Lydia on October 16, 2010
I have a feeling this giving you pens thing could get pretty competitive now. Good luck for Glasgow x
Posted by Andy Gibson on October 16, 2010
Hi Mark,
I’ll be there tonight. I’ve drumming up support, so hopefully a few more seats will be filled. I’m in the front rows, so keep a lookout. Good luck!
Posted by Laura-B on October 16, 2010
I haven’t seen an advert for your show yet, but you are on the front cover of Manchester’s City Life magazine, as the poster boy for the comedy festival here.
Looking forward to seeing the Manchester show next Friday!
Posted by Tracey on October 16, 2010
Hi Mark,
Best of luck for Glasgow, I really wish I could be there but I’m sure you’ll be great. Tracey x
Posted by A lot of Rach[a]els on October 16, 2010
In my dream last night I dreamt I was organising pens with other blog readers but I’d left the ones I was going to give you at home so only had my chewed ones I use during uni for you. Oops.
Posted by Rachael on October 16, 2010
From what I can remember it is a good cheese-free advert.
Posted by Anna on October 16, 2010
Another one here looking forward to the filming on Monday! Not seen the advert yet though. Hve you got any more details about when we should get there/how long filming will last?
Posted by Nuala on October 16, 2010
Bristol was fantastic!
Posted by Joelle on October 16, 2010
I thought there would be way more than 4 people that read it daily.
I know I’ve read every blog you’ve posted so far!
20 pens is quite an achievement, well done Suzanne!
I hope the filming goes well, same with Glasgow (:
Posted by Hannah Mae on October 16, 2010
Well, now I feel defensive and cynical for assuming I was being mocked! Sorry for doubting you, Suzanne – I commend (and share) your enthusiasm.
It’s also reassuring to know that you’re not short of pens. I did try but, at 7pm, the stationery utopia (and, I suppose, “stationary utopia”, which is what I originally typed) that is Paperchase was closed and the Co-op on Park St don’t sell writing implements of any kind. Shocker. Though they were very apologetic and amused when my friend blurted out “BUT THEY’RE FOR MARK WATSON!”
Pleased to hear you think the show went well (to reiterate: it did!) x
Posted by Tibbs on October 16, 2010
Glad you had a good gig in your hometown, and good luck with the filming on Monday! I’m very much looking forward to seeing you again in London, and shall be bringing along at least one of my friends. I was already planning to bring at least one pen, and now I may just have to explore my colour options!
Posted by Alot of rach[a]els on October 16, 2010
I’m looking forward to your show filming on Monday.
quick questions: how long before should we get there and do you know a rough ending time? I’m bringing my comedy society and there could be a few people to organise
Posted by Lauren on October 16, 2010
Hey Mark, I can’t wait for your show tomorrow in Glasgow! My boyfriend and I have had tickets for ages and yeah its a huge venue but you’ll rock it
Are you doing a meet and greet sort of thing after it? I’m sadly getting prepared to steal you for a photo and hopefully sign my ticket 
See you tomorrow! Lauren
x
Posted by Fred on October 15, 2010
Mr Watson may I say, you have converted me. I now laugh out loud. You were hilarious and in no way a see you next Tuesday lol. Well done man.
Posted by Lynsey on October 15, 2010
I saw an ad for the show on ITV1 last night. Looking forward to watching it!
Posted by Beth (Bloomability) on October 15, 2010
I’ve seen the advert about three times now ^_^
I’m quite excited, even though I have no interest in sports whatsoever.
Posted by amycool on October 15, 2010
Well, now there’s Downton Abbey to watch on ITV, there’s a small possibility that I may see the advert.
The phrase “Twenty pens” reminds me of Flight of the Conchords. Only that was pencils. A good tip for getting more people to your shows. Apologies if you’ve never seen that episode of FotC.
Posted by Misha on October 15, 2010
I’ve got more pens. But i’m glad it made you smile. There is still time for this joke to wear very thin.
It was a good show though. Really enjoyed ourselves. Matt is still buzzing.
I can’t pass comment on the ad. Because I have limited telly access here.
Posted by DeborahF on October 15, 2010
Funnily enough I’ve seen an advert for it this evening. I’m staying at my parents for the evening and my Dad was watching Quantum Leap on ITV4 and it came on in the advert break. I can confirm it wasn’t cheesy in my humble opinion and although I’m not a big sport fan I will still be watching