Category: Journal

Lots and lots of stuff has happened recently. It turned out that I wasn’t really redundant for all that long at all, although the job that fell into my lap was perfect it does mean a load of upheaval in my life.

Still, after two years in London and four changes of address, having lived North, South, East, and West, I think I’ve covered the whole shooting match! It will be an interesting change for me and a great reminder that by thinking positive you can land on your feet.

The new job starts on January the 7th, which is a great way to start a new year, however, I don’t think I’ve quite had enough of London yet. I will probably be travelling back for long weekends over the course of next summer to visit all the friends I have made down here.

Anyway, on with the show – happy new year to everyone and anyone who happens upon this site. Hope you have a good one, and I wish you all a prosperous and safe 2002.

Admittedly it was a very short era, but I still feel kind of sad now that a year and half at Chandler Gooding has come to an end. My leaving “do” was a good evening, though, with the usual suspects making the trip of twenty yards from the front door of CG to the pub we almost always end up in!

I’ll be back there for freelance work, but somehow I doubt it will be the same. Maybe if I’d left under different circuimstances then I’d be quite happy to turn the page for a new chapter. Having been made redundant it just feels like I had so much left to do. Ah well, you live and learn and all that.

Perhaps freelancing for the company will get it all out of my system.

I had a very good laugh indeed last night at Hammersmith Apollo, where I went to see Bottom 2001. All the usual knob gags were there of course, plus the odd bit of improvisation that serves to enrich the “plot” even further.

The highlight for me came after the interval when Rik and Ade, as Richard and Eddie, were discussing the characters who played them.

“Who plays me again? Isn’t it that tosser who fell off the quad bike!?” was Rik Mayall’s warmly appreciated reference to his very nearly tragic accident.

Although the performance seemed slightly more upbeat than that of their last outing in Hooligans Island, I fear that they’re running out of steam.

Richard’s observation that “Rik Mayall is much too old to be playing me!” just about sums it up. Hopefully next time round they’ll bow out on a high before their reputation is tarnished. If they visit a theatre near you, then do go – it makes for a very pleasant night!