Fourteen Again review – make a new musical out of Victoria Wood’s warmly witty songs? Let’s do it!

The Victoria Wood theatre, Bowness-on-WindermereMarking 10 years since the late comic’s death, this affectionate show blends her songs with a time-slip tale of friendship, regret and middle ageThis Lake District venue was called the Old Laundry theatre…

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Ashley Gavin review – a close look at the clitoris, gender and the ‘manly’ business of getting pregnant

Glee Club, GlasgowThe masc lesbian comic from New York delivers a superb set with big laughs and twisty logicOld-school standup celebrating the traditional masculine virtues? It’s fallen a little out of fashion. But it’s a different story when a masc l…

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Michael Spicer: ‘Monty Python taught me that authority figures must earn our respect’

The Room Next Door star on overnight success, ‘sneaky follows’ from politicians and how internet commenting has dragged society downHow did you get into comedy?I was submitting sketches to Spitting Image when I was 17 and making my own sketches pre-int…

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Guy Montgomery: ‘One fan took us back to his house and showed us all his guns’

The host of Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee on saying goodbye to former sidekick Aaron Chen, how he became friendly with Jacinda Ardern, and his secret to falling asleepHave you ever won a spelling bee?No! I don’t think I’ve entered any formalis…

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Guy Montgomery: ‘One fan took us back to his house and showed us all his guns’

The host of Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee on saying goodbye to former sidekick Aaron Chen, how he became friendly with Jacinda Ardern, and his secret to falling asleepHave you ever won a spelling bee?No! I don’t think I’ve entered any formalis…

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream review – hilarious and heartfelt, from top to Bottom

Globe theatre, LondonA spunky Helena and an inspired Puck elicit cheers and laughter in Emily Lim’s generous, creative and clever showI can’t remember the last time I got the giggles in the theatre but director Emily Lim’s joyful take on A Midsummer Ni…

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If you’re a fan of laughing, you should invest in Australian comedy – take my (and Nick Offerman’s) word for it | Rebecca Shaw

With widespread praise for Colin from Accounts and the release of Bad Company, Australian TV comedy is finally getting its flowersGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailLast week, Parks and Recreation star, and most importantly Megan Mullally’s hus…

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Susan Chlopicki obituary

My colleague and friend Susan Chlopicki, who has died aged 59 of lung cancer, was a comedian, activist and charity worker. As a standup she performed across the UK and her written work was featured on the BBC.Sue started standup in Manchester in the 19…

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‘I don’t need to see you naked’: Urzila Carlson on becoming a comedy superstar and fending off horny fans

The South African-born New Zealand comedian reflects on how her traumatic childhood shaped her humour and refusing to roast her 13-year-old daughter’s friendsGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailUrzila Carlson will always remember her first joke….

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Houdini’s reappearing act: David Haig’s new play lays bare the magician’s dispute with Conan Doyle

An interest in spiritualism drew the escapologist and the Sherlock Holmes author together but, as actor-playwright Haig’s drama Magic shows, also threw them into conflictIt’s the question most often posed to artists: where do you get your ideas from? D…

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