All4The Inbetweeners star plays on his first TV special’s lack of audience by claiming high sophistication – while deftly pricking the bubble with pretend banterSimon Bird always intended to be a live performer. An ex-president of Cambridge Footlights,…
Continue ReadingThe comedian’s 2018 show Dr Cosmos addressed mental health, midlife and Brexit – little knowing a crisis lurked around the corner. Now it’s being streamed, might no mention of Covid be a selling point?Dr Cosmos will see you now – or will he? Dylan Mora…
Continue ReadingFrom classic Chris Rock to Sarah Millican at her bluntest, these are the routines that have got comedians, readers and Guardian writers through a difficult yearFrench comic Fary Lopes caused a stir at the Molière theatre awards in 2019 by addressing th…
Continue ReadingThe actor, writer and director on the things that make him laugh the mostRose Matafeo’s Horndog, on iPlayer, is the best I’ve seen. There’s the material for two shows in there, delivered at breakneck speed. Related: The Guide: Staying In – sign up for…
Continue ReadingThe illustrator, animator, actor and podcaster on the things that make her laugh the mostI love Vic and Bob’s MasterChef sketch where Vic is this horrific, grey, lightbulb-headed, levitating Loyd Grossman. There are so many weird details in it and it’s…
Continue ReadingThe illustrator, animator, actor and podcaster on the things that make her laugh the mostI love Vic and Bob’s MasterChef sketch where Vic is this horrific, grey, lightbulb-headed, levitating Loyd Grossman. There are so many weird details in it and it’s…
Continue ReadingThe format should give comic talents a time to shine. So why don’t our flagship shows reflect the diversity of comedy in 2021?Panel shows have been a pillar of British comedy for decades. The News Quiz began in 1977 and Have I Got News for You in 1990,…
Continue ReadingThe standup comedian’s new Radio 4 series picks through the minefield of cancel culture – and offers up a few mea culpas“If real life was like social media, it would look like The Good Place,” says standup Athena Kugblenu, referring to the sitcom about…
Continue ReadingThe mock classical actor created by Nigel Planer and Christopher Douglas scaled the heights at the RSC and the ‘Nash’. Now, he’s ready for a comebackIf you’ve ever marvelled at an actor “truthpumping”, “perf-quaking” or spraying their “actoplasm” acros…
Continue ReadingOne of the world’s most outrageous comedians, Cho is leading the battle to end racism against Asian-Americans. She discusses hatred, hope and how humour saved her life● Warning: this article contains discussion of suicide from the startThe thing about …
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