After the ‘attacks’, tabloid fear-mongering and a devastating horror film, clowns were meant to be all clapped out – with pirates and princesses muscling in. So why is business booming?Don’t be fooled by those painted-on smiles. If the rumours are to b…
Continue ReadingWe had volcanic eruptions from Nish Kumar, open-heart anguish from Jessie Cave and cold lasagne from James Acaster. But no one could beat the wild blazing brilliance of Flight of the ConchordsMore best culture 2018 I can’t remember a richer year to wat…
Continue ReadingThe standup, actor and drag superstar on the things that make him laugh the mostMyra DuBois. She’s the best standup on the gay scene in London. Best off script and she can rattle on without a break for two hours. Continue reading…
Continue ReadingAward-winning comic Louise Reay faced lawsuit for using personal material in her showThe estranged husband of an award-winning comedian who was suing her for defamation over material in her standup show has dropped the case.Thomas Reay was also suing L…
Continue ReadingThis year, more than any other before it, popular culture turned its eyes to the equity problem in entertainment. There were discussions about representation in all facets, from the imbalance of power in Hollywood based on gender to an analysis of LBTGQ roles on TV to reports about the sparse and inauthentic representation of minorities on screen. Like most sects of the entertainment industry comedy suffers from a diversity problem too. Comedy is mostly white and
Continue ReadingThe American standup, writer and podcaster on the things that make him laugh the mostDave Chappelle is the funniest standup in the world. He’s gotten really buff in recent years, but still has the same-sized head. His head makes me laugh. Continue read…
Continue ReadingSoho theatre, London In his new show, American Hour, the comedian delivers barbed routines on race, religion and culture wars‘I don’t want to be a cartoon martyr,” says Hari Kondabolu, who received death threats after his TV documentary The Problem wit…
Continue ReadingThe comedian and her artist-activist friend have teamed up for Hamburger Queen, a beauty pageant that celebrates fatnessA few months ago, I went to see a show and when I got to my seat, I sat down. Or rather, I tried to sit down. I realised quite quick…
Continue ReadingWhich plays left you speechless? Which dancers swept you off your feet? Who got you giggling? Nominate your favourite stage show of the year Continue reading…
Continue ReadingThe Big Yin mastered the art of funny – there was barely such a thing as standup comedy in the UK when he graduated from Glasgow’s shipyard to the stageIt was news we saw coming, but that barely diminishes the sadness of hearing that Billy Connolly’s l…
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