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On how I changed the face of recorded comedy aged 12

1st February 2019

Hello pals,

In the words of George Harrison, “it’s been a long, long, long time.” But I’m back – with a new blog (this), a new haircut (resembles the Guggenheim) and a new podcast.

The raison d’etre of this post is to showcase (trans: archive) a comedy recording I made with a friend when we were 12, explain how over 30 years later I have emulated this process, and crucially how the two connect. But first a promo shot of the new podcast featuring the hero from my comic novel, Alan Stoob.

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On Tom and Joanne

27th August 2018

I first met Tom in 2002, when we were training to be Samaritans. We hit it off instantly, sharing private jokes about other volunteers and making each other laugh (whilst helping the suicidal, obvs). I could see that alongside his biting wit here was a serious, compassionate man, a deep thinker, and someone who loved a mass debate (he’d appreciate that joke).

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On US Election night

11th November 2016

My head hit the pillow at midnight.

The alarm was set for 6am.

In the morning a Speed Awareness course for my heedless sins.

Let it not be Trump.

I woke at 3.30, rose and peered through the blinds. The rain was teeming down, accompanied by a stillness and a silence. The silence was disquieting and foreboding. Preposterous perhaps, fanciful even, but hyperreal to me: I felt a malign presence.

I turned on the radio.

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On suffering

10th August 2015

According to Buddha life is suffering. All well and good, but has the Big B ever cycled up Alpe D’Huez – or indeed Archway Road – in the blazing sunshine? No? Clearly then he is in no position to pronounce on this grave matter.

Last week I participated in the annual Prudential RideLondon cycle event.

I suffered as I’ve never suffered before.

This is my story.

*insert original score by John Williams*

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On promoting your book

29th July 2015

Books, eh? So many published, so few read. Trying to get noticed is the name of the game (I should know, I’ve played it. Let’s call it a draw to date).

All will be explained shortly, but here’s a picture of my dad hard at work in our sitting room in 1986.

dad in chair

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On becoming a published author

19th May 2015

Long time no weblog.

Wotcha.

Some reflections on entering the world of the published writer – by Saul Wordsworth of Wordsworth Writing Ink (geddit?)

IMG_1312

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On my dad at 100

5th January 2015

Well helleur.

Happy New Year and that.

This is a short blog about my dad, who would have been 100 on Boxing Day.

dad and i edited 2

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On cycling round Regent’s Park

18th December 2014

Every Saturday at 6.45am the Muswell Hill Peloton congregates outside the bike shop on Fortis Green Road. From there we launch ourselves up into Highgate and down through Hampstead before thundering by Swiss Cottage and breaching the perimeter of Regent’s Park. Here we assemble to embark upon 6 and 3/4 laps of the royal park, culminating in a ferocious sprint for victory. This ride – and group of riders – has changed my life.

MHP3.jpg

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On being Alan Stoob

6th October 2014

Hello.

I am Alan Stoob.

Perhaps you knew this already.

Perhaps you didn’t.

Perhaps you’ve no idea what I’m talking about.

Alan Stoob is a website, a Twitter account, a book and (if the planets align) a film.

I have kept my name hidden for three years but on the eve of publication and with Stoob’s cover already blown I’m officially outing myself.

Alan is Britain’s Premier Nazi Hunter™.

This is the story of Alan.

NHA Close Up

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On an encounter with Princess Anne

2nd October 2014

Yesterday I spent two hours looking for a photograph of me with the aforementioned Princess. Couldn’t find it. That’s two hours I’ll never get back. Could have watched two and a bit Houses of Cards or run a marathon.

I did find this though. Favourite picture from my childhood.

saul and bro cigar

But you’re here now, so I may as well tell the Princess Anne story.

*gets comfortable in Ronnie Corbett chair, adjusts glasses…*

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