No Doggy bloggy

HI, this is not a doggy bloggy it's a big show bloggy.

Well, what can I say. In January I almost cancelled the big show as I felt that I should quit while I was winning. ie I had done 6 wonderful big shows and there wasn't really much more I could do. I am so glad I didn't. I persevered and worked hard on bringing the Kings a show. And what a show it was. Grant and I talked endlessly a tribute to Andy, as we didn't do a memorial for him due to covid. So I left most of the work on Andy's tribute to him, and he put a beautiful piece together. I had a short video clip of Andy singing Gilly Gilly, so I spoke to my MD Andy Pickering and he put live music to it. So Andy had his big finale song all to himself and the end of the tribute. It was a wonderful moment.

I particularly loved the 'Grant Stott's life stories' with Aunty May. My dance at the end of the routine took quite a while to perfect (I'm not a dancer you know) but it was worth it. The Macroberts reached new absurd heights and I enjoyed my act at the end more than any other show. I think the show this year had 'heart and soul' it all meant something and with it being the last variety show before it closes ,made it all the more poignant.

I struggled to get acts this year, but I hit the jackpot with Nicola Meehan, Max Fullham and the Big Men in Town. They all smashed their spots out the park.

I received the best reviews I've ever had, and Joyce McMillan, who doesn't usually enthuse.....enthused. My family, David, Kate, Jane and Betsie (David's girlfriend) all came up after terrible BA flight problems (how useless are BA) and were there to support me as they always do. What a joy the last night was. (hi to Liz McGowan lovely to see you. You said you read my blog....so you're the one)

So I'm back home now and my Harry greeted me exactly like I wanted him to do. So until the Kings opens back up in 2024 it's 'Good night form me.....and Goodnight from her.

Bye

Doggy Bloggy 14

Hello,

Well what has been going on. I was very excited to see my boy (Harry) and he was excited to see his daddy....God this so pathetic, I never thought I'd talk like this about a dog. Anyway he is doing really well but still not 100% with his leg. But getting there.

I have been on the Queen Elizabeth for a few days. Great to get back on stage again and have been planning The big big show. It's all cast now and I have some great talent again this year. Max Fulham is a new young clever ventriloquist. I saw him a couple of years ago at the Panto awards and thought I must have him for the Big show. I also have seen Jersey boys tribute acts on the ships and decided that the music of the Four seasons is so good and strong, to book Big Men in Town for my show.

I was blown away with the voice of Nicola Meehan during the panto (she played the Fairy) so I booked her as well. She is pregnant so she will have 'baby on board' during her act. Tall boy is back my my side and luckily he will just have finished River City recording the week before.

So now all I have to do is write the show. OK.......easy peezy.

Everything else is fine. Still not sure if we will go to LA this year. Let's see how it's all looking in a few months. I have really missed not going in February when I usually go but it's just not worth it at the moment.

I have also been planning a podcast with my pal Ross King. It's call 'the King in LA with Allan Stewart." Not sure when it will come out, just working on it now.

Kate has a new single coming out on her new record label. It's called Hate You and comes out on Valentines day. Very appropriate. Great song and a great (very dark) video. We are going out next week to celebrate the new R and B Kate Stewart. She has a whole new instagram look and a wonderful pr company behind her. So let's hope this is my baby's year.

Ok that's all from me.

Bye

Doggy Bloggy 13

Actually it's not really a doggy bloggy because......I haven't seen my boy since I came up to Edinburgh. He will have forgotten me. I can't cope. Jane sends photos of him in all different guises but I do miss him....oh and Jane and my children.

We had a wonderful rehearsal period, I do love the whole process, and we opened to an amazing Saturday audience. The crowd went wild and the tribute we pay to Andy (near the end) was perfect. The audience just applauded and cheered at the mention of King Andy. It was very emotional.

However as I am writing this I feel as if we are living on a knife edge. We are taking one day at a time 'sweet Jesus' (as the song goes) and hoping none of us come down with the dreaded covid. We had one of the crew, John Nicol asm, off for 10 days, but he is due back this week and luckily no one else has been hit by it.

I broke or bruised a rib when I fell in a big wheel bin....what a twat, and I had a bad cold. I kept sneezing and coughing on stage. But as always 'Dr. Footlights' gets you through all problems.

So it's fingers crossed none of the family get covid because they are all coming up to Edinburgh for Christmas. I can't imagine sitting in my flat on my own if they don't make it.

So to my reader, have a lovely Christmas and I'll see you next year.

Bye