Well, not really. But I've just updated it to include all the shows I did this year, with a lovely new layout for the sections about directing and writing. Given that this year's the one with my first Offie nomination, my first Royal Opera House commission, my first Shakespeare production, and an Edinburgh Fringe show, I hope I can be forgiven for my tardiness.
There is a version of this post that continues with such humblebragging (I write, hoping that continues to be curent slang). However, I don't particularly want to do so - there is much to be dissatisfied by and do better next year.
That said, I don't really want to write a long post of self-pity and self-loathing. Such reflection can take place in private, or be written up later in a more introspective mode. This is a time for thanks, I think.
I'm pleased to have seen some wonderful theatre, and done more work with community companies and outside London.
Like all writers and directors, I am deeply indebted to some wonderful collaborators - singers, conductors, music directors, designers, instrumentalists, mentors, and more - who helped make strange ideas reality.
I am equally obliged to some superb producers who took a chance on me, including those at UCL Culture, the Arcola, Paradise Green, and the Royal Opera House. It means the world to have people who have faith in your work - and even more so when they want to put in the hours to make it happen.
To all the friends and supporters who've been there throughout this year, enduring my bouts of being locked in a show-shaped bunker or at the other end of the country/planet, thank you for your patience. Those of you who've come to the shows and said honest things, or taken the time to write and wish good luck - thank you. And the ones who've been there when I've needed you most - thank you.
And all the people who've already started working with me on things for next year, thank you. There's some exciting things already announced - I'm getting to tick Macbeth off my bucket list! He won't be riding a camel! - and some things of a currently secret nature coming up.
What will you see here? I'm hoping to publish some more short stories and essays. And updates about shows, of course. Some writing projects are likely to emerge into the sun very soon.
Until then, if you need distraction, I recommend my current listening. It is glorious.
But for now, happy new year, and I hope that 2020 treats you kindly. I look forward to seeing you soon.
