It’s interesting to observe the extent to which my mood is affected based on the confection of the audience I’ve just had. I guess I’m usually writing these blogs just after getting home, so my thoughts are always close to the experience we’ve all just had. Just because I’m leading the walk doesn’t mean I’m not experiencing it too, and when everyone is low energy I really feel it. That didn’t happen tonight.
Tonight was a delight, even though we had a contingent that was absolutely hammered from the get-go. Regulars, and dressed up with spiderlegs on their heads, but they had all been drinking since 3pm, and they were straggling. We cover a lot of ground, and until everyone is caught up I have to fluff as otherwise people at the back worry they’ve missed out on material. They took ages to catch up and then started to want to contribute, which would be fine if their contributions were interesting, but … I am tired and I really didn’t want to have to fight noise. I told them so at one point. “Don’t make me have to fight you.” We also had lovely Jo in with family, and she has been IN IT the last few years, so I wanted to turn in a good night for her. (I don’t think she liked the swearing)
Largely I was trying to balance their enjoyment with that of everyone else… I run a liberal version of a totalitarian walk. I have to be the leader and in control of the narrative, but if you want to participate then it’s usually more fun if I let you have your voice before I take it back. I’ve had some wonderful moments from punters. But there are times where it is nicer for everyone if you let me create an atmosphere and take you on a journey and be the domineering man in a top hat. Friendly drunk jokers are never gonna have an eye on overarching narrative, but I can always shut them down if I must. I just like to try to incorporate. There’s a whole journey within the walk if you want it… I’ve even constructed some vague narrative for my ghostly love rat landlord character.
We went walkies and it was lovely, but the happy drunk guy started speaking his internal monologue about three quarters of the way through and it meant I had to double my energy right as I would normally be winding it out.
Still, yet another lovely night, and we were lucky with the rain. The nights are dark now, and the moon is just off full and makes a wonderful background. Only two more nights, and yes, if you’re in London Monday night just message me as I can tack you on. We start at half six at The Flask Highgate.
Three years I’ve been part of this team now. A lovely way of doing it. We all work hard, and we share it evenly. A working friendship group. I’ll miss it when it is done.
AlBarclay 