They’ve been called ‘a disaster for the arts’ and lambasted for ‘pursuing a heavily woke agenda’. So what actually happens at a comedy workshop? Our writer joins 30 working-class standups determined to break into TV A bunch of comedians are pouring int…
Continue ReadingWhether duking it out with Larry David or bringing the funnies alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, Lewis loved the banter and relished the comedyRichard Lewis: a life in picturesJust last night, before I woke up to the news that comedy legend Richard Lewis has…
Continue ReadingThoughtifier, a new European tour, brings familiar whimsy from the Strictly Come Dancing champ. But does the mirth cramp his musical stylings?Forty years into his performing career, you know what you’re going to get with Bill Bailey. Musical noodling: …
Continue ReadingIt’s no joke for new shows as classic favourites live on while investment in sitcoms and sketches faltersThere is a quip beloved of comedians, when asked if their industry is going down the pan: “Nostalgia? It ain’t what it used to be.”But for fans of …
Continue ReadingLondon PalladiumThe fabulously gifted raconteur charts her stellar career with plenty of spit-out-your-wine moments and empowering life lessons‘Do you want to hear the story of the real Mr Big?” Candace Bushnell, the 65-year-old Sex and the City creato…
Continue ReadingStage revivals of the 70s sitcom and The Fast Show have enough nostalgia value to delight fans. Less certain is what will happen to their more problematic materialThe essence of humour is surprise, according to that renowned comedy sage Immanuel Kant. …
Continue ReadingHit composer scored TV and radio as well as the stage shows X-Factor and TONY!The British comedy composer Steve Brown, who collaborated with the likes of Harry Hill, Steve Coogan and Lenny Henry, has died aged 66 from lung disease, his agent announced….
Continue ReadingHit composer scored TV and radio as well as the stage shows X-Factor and TONY!The British comedy composer Steve Brown, who collaborated with the likes of Harry Hill, Steve Coogan and Lenny Henry, has died aged 69 from lung disease, his agent announced….
Continue ReadingTheatrical adaptation of the sitcom, opening at the Apollo theatre in May, will combine three episodes including The GermansTorquay’s hapless hotelier Basil Fawlty is to make his West End debut, almost 50 years after his first appearance on television….
Continue ReadingThe comedy series’ originators Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse will lead a 30th anniversary live show due to begin in MarchSwiss Toni, Competitive Dad and a pair of unsuitably smutty tailors were among the comic creations introduced by BBC sketch se…
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