Hello and welcome to another show, Poetry Lovers!
(rapturous applause)
And today we are going to feature that ultra-talented musician, writer and poet, Lucy Lyrical.
(pandemonium. Several members of security write out their resignations)
Now settle down, PL’s, we don’t want to put off our lovely guest because here she is……….
( standing ovation as Lucy descends the lighted stairs)
Welcome to the show, Lucy! Take a seat……
Hello, good to be here (I think!)
Welcome, Lucy. May I say, I love that leather catsuit and matching boots. I can see my face in them! 
Thank you. I do like to shine them up. I’ve brought some polishing kit with me, in fact.
Isn’t she the coolest chick in Carnaby Street, PL’s?!
(Whoops and cheers of agreement)
Such an honour to have you here, Lucy. Please fill us in on your varied and creative background 
One of my first professional jobs was as a magician’s assistant but I soon got bored of being levitated. I’m a terrible show-off so always took what chances I could to step on stage. Singing, acting, comedy – although I admit my stand-up ‘career’ only lasted two performances. Stand-up is like extreme sport for performers, I think. It all became easier when I got a ukulele to hide behind.
I’ve always been a writer – you know the type. I put on plays as a kid, wrote poetry after a heartbreak, always carried a little note book to capture ideas. I wrote loads of short stories and some poetry and then everything changed for me when I met the magnificent Chip Martin of Starhaven Books who published my first novel Three Women
Ha ha! I was a magician’s assistant too! All I can remember was having to chase this bloke with a soft hammer! Must have been for kids! I didn’t get any levitation action! And Chip’s wonderful, isn’t he?! That’s such a great background and learning curve.
Now, Lucy, we all swooned over you at Soho Poets, when did music and poetry become a part of your life?
You’re too kind. The feeling’s mutual, Heather (blush )
My parents were actors and my grandmother and great-uncle had a music hall act so you could say it’s in the blood. I started writing songs as I was learning the ukulele and used to try and make people laugh by playing at parties.
Then I met Maggie Swampwino. A friend, Audrey, introduced us and suggested I go to Maggie’s studio – aka The Swamp – to record something. After the first tune was down, Maggie suggested we start a band. It was such a beautifully unlikely duo. Me thumping out the few chords I knew on a ukulele and Maggie, who in her own words ‘could get a tune out of a lawn mower’, doing all the clever stuff on a bouzouki. We did over 100 gigs together, mostly in London, Northampton and Glasgow.
After Maggie’s death I did question performing again, but it’s hard to stop. And I’ve had so much fun playing with other musicians, like George Simmonds, Ian Beetlestone, Matt King Smith and Lucy Gaster – although I haven’t heard any of them play a lawnmower yet!
Fascinating. And I’m very glad you didn’t stop!
So very bitter- sweet. I’m sorry to hear about Maggie, I would loved to have met her. These talented people just leave us sometimes.
I’ve loved your playing with the gorgeous Matt and the charming Lucy. You have a great rapport. Who have been your greatest influences?
I suppose here I should list the writers, songwriters and poets whose work I most admire. But that would be a long list and truthfully, when I read or hear something exceptional, it usually makes me question why I try when there’s no way I could be as good. However, the people who really have influenced me have been those who are making it happen and are the type to hold the ladder as you climb up too.
Celine Hispiche is one of those people. I’d still be playing in my bathroom if she hadn’t been so encouraging and given me so many opportunities.
Barnie from The Carlton Jugband has such an inspiring attitude – getting on stage with that band last year was something of a career highlight for me. Frankie Rafferty is another one whose own work is so good you want to be better. In all honesty, my writing is influenced and improved enormously by having worked with Chip Martin and by having a writing partner as good as Polly Bull.
Oh, Polly’s wonderful, isn’t she. And Chip Martin is an enigma. Then there’s the incredible Celine – so many supportive and talented people about.
Now, I love your novel Three Women, and it was very well received. Is there a second one on the horizon?
Now, that would be telling, wouldn’t it. Writers are notorious for talking about things before they’re finished…sometimes before they’re even started. So, I’ve decided to keep quiet on that front. But I promise you this, you’ll be the first to know when I’m ready to spill the beans.
Well, I’m at the edge of my seat here, my sweet! We can’t wait, can we, PL’s?! (rapturous agreement – whoops and hoots etc)
Do you want to tell us about your next project?
I’ve loved hearing my writing in other people’s mouths – I call Gary Dunnington my muse (not sure if he likes that!) and it’s been such a treat for me to hear a talented actor performing my work. Brings out a different side to the character and allows me to (almost) enjoy it as if I’m hearing it for the first time. So, I’ve created an experiment in short-attention span radio theatre called MINILOGUES.
Each short monologue is exactly 100 words long and I gave them to actors I admire, without direction, to see how they would approach the material. 10 actors, 100 words each, the Minilogues are available on http://spotify http://anchor and and http://applypodcasts and many other places that you can find podcasts.
I’m planning a season two so if any writer wants to collaborate on this by a drafting a 100 word monologue, or any actor wants to tackle the challenge, they should get in touch. I intend to be one of those people who hold the ladder too.
(Standing ovation)
And you are, Lucy! That’s a wonderful project, and a great opportunity for actors and writers. We need people like you. I can’t wait to get tuning in!! Fantastic!!
(deafening applause)
Now, you’ve got to come up Soho tonight. I think Steed is coming!
I’m afraid I’m barred from all Soho pubs….Coach & Horses, French House…I think it was Steed’s umbrella, and – er drinking Soho dry…..
I may go home and polish my boots again.
(audience give a standing ovation)
I might give it a miss too, and watch The Avengers
Thank you so much for coming in, Lucy, a fascinating interview.
Hasn’t she been a wonderful guest?!
(Crowd go mad, have to be restrained)
(Lucy is smuggled out the building)
Lucy Lyrical has left the building!
Wasn’t that just wonderful, PL’s?! Thank you for tuning in. See you soon, same time, same channel……
Heather Moulson 