The queen of the caustic punchline talks about plastic surgery, embarrassing her daughter – and turning her life as a single mum into a sitcomKatherine Ryan is busily scrolling through a neighbourhood Facebook group when we meet. “Someone’s dog attacke…
Continue ReadingChiswick House, LondonCal McCrystal brings a woozy vibe to Giffords Circus, though these hippies are versatile performers and formidable athletesWe expect a display of random skills. But this remarkable travelling show from Giffords Circus takes its ti…
Continue ReadingThe standup’s dedication to the scout movement waned because computer games were cooler than camping. Now, she’s saluting her Brown Owl at the Edinburgh fringeWhy did the sand blush? Because the sea weed! That’s the joke that earned me my jester badge …
Continue ReadingThe actor, writer and standup on the things that make her laugh the mostI went to see Daniel Kitson in Edinburgh and that left me feeling like I’d had a spiritual experience. But in terms of a comedian who makes me scream with belly-muscle-pulling, roa…
Continue ReadingAged seven, comic Steve Bugeja helped his mum find a new partner. They had to watch his magic tricks – and know how to handle a trellisWhen I told my mum that my fringe comedy show was going to be all about her being single when I was growing up, she s…
Continue ReadingJessie Cave’s intimate standup, a beatbox Frankenstein and a twist on the star-crossed lovers are among the Edinburgh shows we’ve previously reviewed. Here’s what we said …Pleasance Courtyard Continue reading…
Continue ReadingThe standup and writer on the things that make him laugh the mostBridget Christie. “I have rape fantasies all the time; my main one – longer sentencing!” is such a brilliant line. Continue reading…
Continue ReadingNeil Hamburger is a loser, insulting B-list celebs for our amusement, yet he can be less offensive – and funnier – than certain comedy superstars‘What disease did legendary ice-cream makers Ben & Jerry give to all the prostitutes in their home town…
Continue ReadingSoho theatre, LondonThe Saturday Night Live writer has skill but hits bum notes and wanders into incoherence at the endIt takes more than a few smart routines to make a show. I left Boston comic and Saturday Night Live writer Sam Jay’s UK debut in no d…
Continue ReadingRose theatre, KingstonDespite occasional glimmers of subversive wit, Carr continues to rely on dubious jokes about dwarves, fat women and FGM‘Welcome to 90 minutes of your life you’re never getting back,” runs the caption at the start of Jimmy Carr’s t…
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