Fringe of Colour campaigns to persuade venues to give free tickets to young local people of colourIt prides itself on being the biggest arts festival in the world, but the “overwhelming whiteness” of Edinburgh festival fringe can be off-putting to pote…
Continue ReadingComedy is under scrutiny as never before. So when is a joke not a joke? Context, intent and expectations are all key, say leading exponents of the artComedy is such a simple thing. One person tells a joke. Another person laughs. The end. Simple.Except,…
Continue ReadingThe actor, standup and creator of TV sitcom GameFace on the things that make her laugh the mostAnything by Key & Peele, like the terrorist on the plane sketch. Or Cardinal Burns’s acting sketch Fiery Hawk. Also Ellie and Natasia’s new show Ellie &a…
Continue ReadingLeicester Square theatre, LondonOne of the US’s most outspoken social commentators tackles sex and gender in a sparky show that confirms her place in the big league ‘I’ve learned a lot,” says Michelle Wolf at the top of her show, and we all know what s…
Continue ReadingAs the Edinburgh festival approaches, Ed Byrne, Susan Calman, Stevie Martin and others on why their pets are friends, companions and a source of inspirationComedians are needy, so of course we get dogs – they’re always pleased to see you. My cardigan c…
Continue ReadingCabaret star, former club owner and Duchess of Canvey on the things that make her laugh the mostJohn Kearns doing an unfinished joke about hiding in a moon crater waiting for Richard Branson. Continue reading…
Continue ReadingHammersmith Apollo, LondonNow in his mid-60s, the comedian is still delivering beautifully honed, brilliantly timed observations on everyday life‘I feel like a blacksmith up here sometimes,” says Jerry Seinfeld in a routine addressing 21st-century comm…
Continue ReadingThe world’s biggest arts festival has no shortage of talent, but it could suffer this year from a lack of media coverageThe Edinburgh festival does not look as if it is in crisis. When tens of thousands of visitors pour into the Scottish capital in Aug…
Continue ReadingSofie Hagen, Phil Wang, Nish Kumar and others reveal their favourite festival spots, from Portobello Beach to the middle of the Royal MileMy girlfriend did a show in Ciao Roma and ever since the owner has treated her like his child. When we walk in, it…
Continue ReadingFrom micro pigs to the doping dangers of a poppy seed bagel, how life may be imitating the US sitcomWhen Jerry Seinfeld starts his UK tour, listen out for a science joke. From early on in his TV career, the comedian poked fun at science. In his 1981 HB…
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