South Street, ReadingThe standup reflects on returning to her native Wales in a show that lacks the purposefulness of her earlier campaigning routinesKiri Pritchard-McLean made her name with consciousness-raising comedy drawing on her own experiences –…
Continue ReadingThe comedian on shamanic ceremonies, vegan diets and the catharsis of performanceYou can imagine how the prospect of turning 40 was particularly problematic for Simon Amstell. The film-maker and comedian, who started as a stand-up at 13 and was present…
Continue ReadingEven as a child, the comedian knew her brain was atypical. But it was only in her late 20s that her anxiety, depression and meltdowns finally made senseYou don’t have to be an expert to know that people with autism don’t get to speak about their own ex…
Continue ReadingSoho theatre, London In a serious-minded comedy show, with a splash of frivolity, the standup considers politics, class and racismWhat do we have to do to be accepted? When will we have done enough? Dane Baptiste has a chip on his shoulder about racism…
Continue ReadingNetflixIn the TV version of her hit Edinburgh show, the standup’s charisma, songs and self-absorbed swagger are still sparklingWhen Catherine Cohen’s The Twist …? She’s Gorgeous played the Edinburgh fringe in 2019, I fell hard for its charisma and swag…
Continue ReadingWe’re told comedy is becoming much more diverse. So why does the very busy Channel 4 star sometimes feel like she’s the only disabled comedian in the country?I’m writing this article from a lovely cafe in Poole, Dorset, and a sweet man has just asked f…
Continue ReadingBrighton DomeAfter the serious shows that made her name, the comedian is in playful mood here, recounting her courtship with and marriage to her producerBody of Work is “a feelgood show”, Hannah Gadsby tells us. Its predecessors, the smash hits Nanette…
Continue ReadingAvailable onlineTaylor revisits mother-in-law humour with a show on marriage and trying for a baby but the superficiality would be easier to love if it was funnierAfter a series of shows teasing at hot-button issues (gender, white identity, leftwing po…
Continue ReadingShe sings naked, had an epiphany chopping wood in Sweden, came out dressed as a cat, is making a sitcom with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and is helping Matt Lucas to be funny. Meet comedy powerhouse Jordan Gray‘I decided that I wanted to be a comedian o…
Continue ReadingNerves nearly kept her from picking up the mic and then she discovered an industry hostile to women. As her hit TV show returns, the star reflects on the thrill and camaraderie of comedy – and its much-needed changeImagine being so uncomfortable in you…
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