Comedian, TV presenter, pop star … the ‘British Will Smith’ was geared for Hollywood stardom until his life came crashing down. Now, in a powerful play about death in custody, he’s making a fresh bid for stardom ‘People are going to come to the show th…
Continue ReadingSitting near a performer puts you in the firing line – but it also makes you an invaluable part of any comedy showJohn Oliver looked into my eyes and cocked his head. We held each other’s gaze. On the “stage” of an upstairs room in a grimy little pub, …
Continue ReadingAfter years working in bars and call centres, Brookes’ absurdist show netted him the Edinburgh comedy award. So why does he want to want to blow the whole thing up? It’s an hour after Jordan Brookes’s life changed, and we’re sitting in a cafe yards fro…
Continue ReadingThe festival is over for another year but plenty of its theatre, comedy and dance hits have announced dates around the UKCollapsibleBreffni Holahan gives a searing performance as Essie in Margaret Perry’s corrosive play about a woman’s disintegration. …
Continue ReadingOur photographer Murdo MacLeod captures more of this year’s eclectic Edinburgh festival shows, featuring everything from black holes to Basil Brush Continue reading…
Continue ReadingPleasance Dome, EdinburghHelm’s first new show since 2013 combines humour and emotional intimacy, directly addressing his depressionNick Helm was doing mental health comedy before it got trendy, he claims – only slightly joking – in his first new show …
Continue ReadingPleasance Dome, EdinburghThe comedy duo – who don’t do things by half – send themselves up as they attempt to reassemble their teenage band for one longed-for final gig‘I don’t do things by half,” says Max Olesker. Anyone who’s seen Max and Ivan’s lege…
Continue ReadingThis year’s Edinburgh fringe was full of wokeness jokes from liberal standups as well as a host of conservative comedians who punch downHas there been a rise in rightwing comedy? Or just more acts pinning their colours to that mast? A common claim – fl…
Continue ReadingAssembly George Square Studios, EdinburghIn a wistful show with playful paradoxes, the comic ruminates on the little round face on our wrists and what it means‘Did the people who set time going really think time would stand the test of time?” Rob Auton…
Continue Reading‘Convention-busting’ Jordan Brookes steals the show at the most gender-balanced line-up in the event’s historyComedian Jordan Brookes yesterday scooped the top comedy award at Edinburgh fringe. His experimental, convention-busting show I’ve Got Nothing…
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