I wanted to write my first solo act but had no idea where to start. So I came up with 30 openings – and included them allIt was a dark and stormy night. It is a truth universally acknowledged. Hello, I’m beginning this article now …Simon Sinek, author …
Continue ReadingThe comedian on America, wanting to be invisible and working as a lift engineerBorn in London, Yashere, 44, worked as a lift engineer before becoming a standup in the mid-90s. She appeared on The Lenny Henry Show and Mock The Week, and went on to win b…
Continue ReadingThe professional poker player and standup comic on the things that make him laugh the mostThe Two Ronnies’ Mastermind “answering the question before” sketch. A perfect execution of the idea. Continue reading…
Continue ReadingNew Boulevard theatre aims to awaken area’s rebel spirit in the building that hosted Eddie Izzard and Rik Mayall in the 80sA tiny new state-of-the-art theatre seeking to capture the “rebellious” spirit of London’s Soho is to open in the building where …
Continue ReadingAfter a Franglais Swan Lake, the comic explains economics with sex dolls in ChiffChaff. She talks about loving horror, how guinea pigs helped her through illness and standing up for comedians Elf Lyons loves economics. Or rather, as she warbles to The …
Continue ReadingThe Vicar of Dibley writer and I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue producer on the things that make him laugh the mostI produced Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell’s Million Pound Radio Show. It included a sketch where a pirate crew threatened mutiny unless the Cap’…
Continue ReadingOn his way to Sean Hughes’s funeral, the standup thought of a new joke – but who’s to say it belongs to him?‘Went to a funeral the other day. Caught the wreath.”That’s my new joke. It’s been a good year. But is it mine? Is it really? It came to me – I’…
Continue ReadingSoho theatre, LondonNocturnal is notionally about the things keeping the standup awake at night, but this cheery set shows she has nothing to worry aboutHad it been assembled by a jetpack manufacturer, Suzi Ruffell’s new show could hardly be better – o…
Continue ReadingThe Palestinian-US standup on British airports, his Netflix special The Vagabond and what he has in common with comic pals Guz Khan and Dave ChappelleThere’s an auspicious precedent for Houston comedians trying their luck in the UK: when Bill Hicks did…
Continue ReadingEuropean comics assembled for a gig about Britain’s departure from the EU – but ended up talking about sex and poultryIt’s an article of faith among remainers that Brexit has made the UK a global laughing stock, right? So as I entered the Camden Comedy…
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