Well, it's the 1st of May; where did that month go? I have learned all of the script (nearly, just finishing off learning the final Punch poem, which I've more or less got down now). I've got my train tickets for the ARVON course just need to to try and save a bit of cash for taxis to and from the place (no bus service - damn it).

I'm currently part way through my series of gigs with The Alternative Black Country Revue. I did a number of performances at Walsall Art Gallery over two successive Saturdays to rapt audiences which varied in number between seven, four, three and none! The four were on the desk manning reception and the pa (captive audiences we love 'em). And the final performance at Walsall was to a group of seven which included a set of very bemused looking children who were probably wondering why the mad women was removing items of clothing and spouting fourth stuff that only adults would understand (note to self always carry children's poetry with one just in case).

I also performed at the Newhampton Arts Centre which was a great venue but again very low audience numbers. It was an entertaining evening including Paul MacDonald reading from one of his novels and Brendan Hawthorn doing a great set of poetry. I really like both of these writers.

There is no pay or expenses for any of these performances which is a bit disappointing as I'm having real financial issues again (cheques in the post scenarios). Actually one of the cheques was really in the post and it came Friday. I'd spent it by Saturday and I still didn't have enough money to buy marmite (marmite is a luxury food these days LOL); I sacraficed the marmite in favour of a hair cut. I can see again! Woohoo! But, on the up side, the guy who runs the Newhampton Arts Centre asked me if I'd do a performance at an event he runs there and I was delighted because of course I need small theatre venues to put on Punch and Judy so I'm hoping this will be a relevant contact. Sometimes non-paid stuff can lead elsewhere (like financial ruin for example).

I've got another gig with the Alternative Black Country Revue on Thursday and again on Friday, both in small theatres. I've also got a gig in Birmingham at Starbucks, again unpaid, but I'm in Birmingham anyway for a meeting so it seemed daft not to do it. I'm going to try out a couple of P and J poems to promote interest in the play, gauge reaction etc.

Oh, I forgot to say that the Punch and Judy workshop with the kids went well. There was some really good work produced across the board which I was particularly pleased with because it is quite an age range to deal with in one group 6-14.