#espfringe

It's been fun, obviously not for my liver, my lungs, my stomach, my sanity and my arse, but it's certainly been a hoot. I'm just glad it's only a month, any longer and I'd be forty stone, deaf, pale and blind. Shmozle's been a good experiment, it's been a successfully modest failure. Some days we rocked, some days we rolled, some days we flopped and floundered, but never without pride. Who'd have thought I'd be bringing my third show to Edders, let alone planning a forth. So what have I learned? * to believe in myself, my writing, my sense of humour. I might not appeal to the masses, but I'll appeal to niches. * to allow the audience to enjoy the show not just appreciate it. * that although I might write from the heart, that I'm yet to give the audience a piece of me (roll on next year). * that I have fans, actual fans, people who like what I do. Still my gast is flabbered about that. * that I am as much a brand as my concepts. * that although I may bitch and grumble about my shows, that I am proud of them, myself and my writing. * it's bloody hard (but enjoyable) work. Am currently sitting on the train, heading home, a dead shMOZle in my bag but a new notebook of dreams, concepts, characters and sketches in my hand, and although I feel sadness that a year's hard work (very hard work) is now over, that a new Moz chapter is just beginning. And with that I salute you all, or as the Modern Man would say "cock in, pants up and fuck off". Thank you to everyone who came to my shows; those who loved it, those who hated it, those confused by it and those who applauded it. You've each made me that little bit stronger, bolder and more daring, and without your honest feedback this wouldn't be possible. See you all in Aug 2012. Love & kisses. Mxxx (& shMOZle RIP)