Good luck for tomorrow Lee. Henmania!
Edinburgh 27th Page 3
I'm happy to report that Henman's reading went down really well, despite a last minute casting change.
A small crowd, but some really big belly laughing going on in there today. I heard one report of borderline vomiting, which can't be bad.
Quote: Kevin Murphy @ August 28 2009, 12:13 AM BSTI'm happy to report that Henman's reading went down really well, despite a last minute casting change.
A small crowd, but some really big belly laughing going on in there today. I heard one report of borderline vomiting, which can't be bad.
Cheers Kevin. In hindsight it was actually a very surreal experience, having your stuff performed in front of a live audience at 11:30 in the morning when nobody's had any booze or indeed much time to fully wake up - in fact some people I spoke to were still hungover from the night before. (Edinburgh Fringe bodyclocks run at about 4 hours slow). But despite all that, there was a decent little crowd in a great venue, and as Kevin said there was laughter to be heard, which gladdened the hearts of me and - no doubt - the other writers.
Let's not also forget that were actually 9 scripts originally selected for this particular scheme, all of which are going forward to BBC comedy bosses apparently. So, you know. Who knows? No f**ker, that's who.
One thing I've learned about this - there is no more efficient script editor than a live audience. If it's funny, they laugh. If it ain't, they don't. I was talking to a producer after the show and she was saying how she knows very successful TV comedy writers who've never had their stuff performed in front of a live audience. I think it should be compulsory. It's humbling and thrilling in equal measure.
All in all a very scary but ultimately rewarding experience.
And thanks to Jane P for coming along! Really nice of you to make the effort and it was lovely to meet you.
Congrats, Lee, sounds like a very good and possibly career-enhancing experience.
Coincidentally I spoke to Jane P on the phone for the first time today. She won't be on here tonight, but fingers crossed Jane for tomorrow. *crosses fingers* 
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 28 2009, 1:03 AM BSTCongrats, Lee, sounds like a very good and possibly career-enhancing experience.
Cheers Tim. It was weird. And good. Weirdgood, for want of a less-made-up word. I feel a braver man for the experience. Live audiences are f**king terrifying but quite the buzz.
Quote: Lee Henman @ August 28 2009, 12:58 AM BST(Edinburgh Fringe bodyclocks run at about 4 hours slow).
Is that all?!
I've only written sketches for the stage, but in a way I found it more nerve-racking than doing stand-up. In stand-up at least you're occupied doing your own routine and ultimately it's down to you and you alone to be funny.
Whereas watching as the writer, you feel both protective of your script and the actors performing it. Must be very hard to watch a sitcom being performed because the actors have to bring a dimension to their performances which is rarely needed in sketch work.
I've probably got a room reading of something of mine to go to in a couple of months and I'm slightly nervous of even just that.
Well done again.
Quote: Lee Henman @ August 28 2009, 1:14 AM BSTLive audiences are f**king terrifying but quite the buzz.
Like autoerotic asphyxiation?
Quote: Aaron @ August 28 2009, 1:23 AM BSTLike autoerotic asphyxiation?
Precisely, grasshopper.
Quote: Lee Henman @ August 15 2009, 5:49 PM BSTJust found out yesterday that BBC Comedy are organizing a live reading of my sitcom "Skin Deep" at the Cabaret Bar, Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, on the 27th, at 1pm-ish. There'll be 3 script excerpts read from 3 different writers on the BBC Northern Laughs scheme including myself, each excerpt being about 15 minutes long.
I am, of course, shitting my pants. If you're around Edinburgh on the 27th, please come. And please laugh.
Very cool Lee. If I could I'd be there and playing whatever handsome hero you need.
Congratulations. By the way, when was the deadline for this competition?
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 28 2009, 1:03 AM BSTShe won't be on here tonight, but fingers crossed Jane for tomorrow. *crosses fingers*
Oooo, what's she doing - you must tell!
Quote: catskillz @ August 28 2009, 5:24 AM BSTCongratulations. By the way, when was the deadline for this competition?
March.
Quote: Lee Henman @ August 15 2009, 9:24 PM BSTI think it'll probably be filmed. Or maybe not.
Lee, was it recorded?