David was in danger of some serious over-exposure in the run up to this, the last leg of our DWAM tour in Derby. He did The One Show on Thursday evening with lovely shiny-haired Christine Bleakley and Adrian Chiles with his interesting new beard. I was hoping they would make David comment on International Pork Pie Day or his favourite motorway, but the topic of the day turned out to be the rather more solemn issue. Happily, celeb psychologist Linda Papadopoulos was there to help.
Hot on the heels of The One Show came GMTV on Friday morning. David was on plugging his new TV show, 5 Days, but steered the conversation firmly back to us and our movie. Good work by him. So the upshot of all this media whoring (and having a TV series to produce and act in) was that he was pretty tired by the time he got to St. Pancras, and ready for the end of the tour. I, on the other hand, am sad it’s all over and may spiral into a depression of self-loathing and despair where I don’t get dressed or leave the house or eat (the latter, at least, is unlikely). I have loved every minute of our tour and could happily travel the country with our little film forever!
I am surprised David brought me with him actually because, again, my presence relegated him to Standard Class on the train. And we had no seat reservations, which was of grave concern to him, and consequently me. Standard is one thing. Standing in Standard I did not think would go down well. So when the platform was announced I ran like the wind, leap-frogging buggies and pushing old ladies out of my way, to secure DM a nice seat. Which I did successfully, and for which he mocked me about my quirky running style. The hotel was obviously a last leg treat. My room had stairs (a whole flight of them), an office, and three tellies, one of which was in the bath. The bath which had neon lights set into the sides that change colour while you soak. On tour with my own movie and watching the tobogganing from my disco-bath. I’ve totally arrived!
We arrived at the Quad – a great new arts centre with exhibition and cinema space – where we met Vicky McClure , the brilliant This is England actress, who was doing the panel session with us. She was like me in that she has a regular job that she does when she’s not acting, and that she doesn’t always get to act. And also not like me at all in that she has worked with Madonna and is about to begin filming a TV series. Note to self: must work with Madonna!
We talked to lots of aspiring filmmakers and actors and I hope we were able to offer them some advice and encouragement, though I think it’s fair to say I have received far more than I’ve given over the past few weeks.
We’ve travelled by plane, train and automobile, I have met so many interesting and talented people and had so much fun. Thanks to David for sacrificing First Class and letting me tag along, and Jenny at BAFTA for all her hard work and kindness. Also thanks to Jamie, my co-writer and actor and great friend, without whom there would be no play and DWAM might never have been. The making of this movie has brought me more joy than I can possibly say, and I hope this is just the beginning.
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