‘She’d been drinking with Julie Walters. I heard a crash’: Victoria Wood’s genius – by her friends, fans and actors

Dazzling performer, brilliant writer, maddening perfectionist, Easter Egg hunt maestro … on the 10th anniversary of Wood’s death, those who knew her best celebrate the shy introvert who redefined comedyDuncan Preston Continue reading…

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‘Fisk really changed my life’: Aaron Chen on leaving Australia for the US and his meteoric rise

The gently offbeat comedian is a beloved presence on Australian TV, but he’s now relocated to New York and made his first Hollywood film. He reflects on ‘a big time of growing up’Get our weekend culture and lifestyle emailNear the end of his Netflix sp…

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Cassie Workman: You Are Here review – a remarkable standup on a crumbling world

Melbourne international comedy festivalThis show is an extended metaphor about modern capitalism told through a young boy’s battle with a sentient shopping mall. If that sounds weird, that’s because it isGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailCassi…

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Huw Fyw review – take a sentimental journey around a war veteran’s living room

Dance House, CardiffTudur Owen’s Welsh-language play about a second world war veteran is unashamedly heartfelt and anchored by very fine performancesThis play by Tudur Owen tells the story of a curmudgeonly second world war veteran, an unexpected windf…

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Avenue Q review – provocative puppets return for a feast of filth and fun

Shaftesbury theatre, LondonTwenty years since its West End debut, the sweetly subversive musical returns with a few tweaks and a lot of heartThe trigger warning “puppet nudity” does not begin to cover it. You will also see puppets having sex, singing a…

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Phil Ellis: Bath Mat review – Taskmaster goof celebrates his midlife failures

The Stand Comedy Club, GlasgowThe northerner finds the funny in banalities with this raucous compendium of all-in-it-together bantsPhil Ellis has been watching Netflix specials, and has noticed that all the alpha standups now have a hype-man to big the…

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Naked puppets! Having sex! Lusty, foul-mouthed musical Avenue Q is back

The taboo-busting, Tony-award-winning show has returned. But how will its 00s attitudes land today? Will they still sing Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist and If You Were Gay?There are certain problems you might expect when rehearsing a West End musical. …

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Naked puppets! Having sex! Lusty, foul-mouthed musical Avenue Q is back

The taboo-busting, Tony-award-winning show has returned. But how will its 00s attitudes land today? Will they still sing Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist and If You Were Gay?There are certain problems you might expect when rehearsing a West End musical. …

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Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous review – a candid return to her most revealing celebrity interviews

Richmond theatre, LondonArchive footage and fresh commentary shed light on the craft and chaos of interrogating big names such as OJ Simpson and Donald TrumpWhat are these shows, in which veteran entertainers regale us with clips from their glorious ca…

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Riki Lindhome: Dead Inside review – a gobsmacking comedy about fertility

Soho theatre, LondonThe unassuming US comedian and musician turns her journey to motherhood into a witty, bittersweet and beautifully judged show‘I know this show can be uncomfortable,” says Riki Lindhome, sat at her keyboard after a song about pregnan…

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