The Victoria Wood theatre, Bowness-on-WindermereMarking 10 years since the late comic’s death, this affectionate show blends her songs with a time-slip tale of friendship, regret and middle ageThis Lake District venue was called the Old Laundry theatre…
Continue ReadingGlee Club, GlasgowThe masc lesbian comic from New York delivers a superb set with big laughs and twisty logicOld-school standup celebrating the traditional masculine virtues? It’s fallen a little out of fashion. But it’s a different story when a masc l…
Continue ReadingThe Room Next Door star on overnight success, ‘sneaky follows’ from politicians and how internet commenting has dragged society downHow did you get into comedy?I was submitting sketches to Spitting Image when I was 17 and making my own sketches pre-int…
Continue ReadingGlobe theatre, LondonA spunky Helena and an inspired Puck elicit cheers and laughter in Emily Lim’s generous, creative and clever showI can’t remember the last time I got the giggles in the theatre but director Emily Lim’s joyful take on A Midsummer Ni…
Continue ReadingMy colleague and friend Susan Chlopicki, who has died aged 59 of lung cancer, was a comedian, activist and charity worker. As a standup she performed across the UK and her written work was featured on the BBC.Sue started standup in Manchester in the 19…
Continue ReadingThe South African-born New Zealand comedian reflects on how her traumatic childhood shaped her humour and refusing to roast her 13-year-old daughter’s friendsGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailUrzila Carlson will always remember her first joke….
Continue ReadingAn interest in spiritualism drew the escapologist and the Sherlock Holmes author together but, as actor-playwright Haig’s drama Magic shows, also threw them into conflictIt’s the question most often posed to artists: where do you get your ideas from? D…
Continue ReadingDazzling 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…
Continue ReadingThe 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…
Continue ReadingMelbourne 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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