Police called out after fight at Essex comedy gig

Officers attended theatre in Southend after reports of altercation at end of Paul Chowdhry’s showPolice were called to a comedy show in Essex after a fight broke out in the audience, which reportedly led to a man being assaulted.Inquiries are ongoing a…

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Give Edinburgh fringe the same status as Olympics, departing head urges

Shona McCarthy says public authorities have routinely ignored needs of world’s largest arts festivalThe Edinburgh festival fringe should be given the same status as major sporting events like the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games, its outgoing chief e…

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Mark Ravenhill reveals 10 new plays to be performed over two days

The writer of Shopping and Fucking will direct cycle of bawdy comedies inspired by scenarios from a 17th-century Italian collectionA premiere by Mark Ravenhill has been an event ever since the British playwright’s explosive debut 30 years ago with Shop…

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Peter Kay defends decision to kick out hecklers after shouts of ‘garlic bread’

Comedian says it was ‘no longer fair’ to others in audience, after being accused of overreaction at Manchester showPeter Kay has defended his decision to throw hecklers out of a recent gig after a backlash from audience members who accused him of overr…

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‘A sight to behold!’ Soho Theatre Walthamstow brings live performance back to historic venue

After a major restoration, new theatre in east London announces opening programme with Sara Pascoe and Rosie Jones on the bill – plus panto and a new show by Bryony KimmingsIt opened as a Victorian music hall, had various incarnations as a picture hous…

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Tony Slattery: the generous improv great whose successes masked his suffering

He was a wonderful team player in Whose Line Is It Anyway? and affection for him grew when he disclosed the severe pain and distress he was trying keep at bay• Comedian Tony Slattery dies aged 65• Tony Slattery: a life in picturesImprovisation has seld…

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Scottish comedian Janey Godley dies aged 63

Godley, whose comedy drew upon her Glasgow upbringing, died ‘surrounded by her loved ones’, her management saysJaney Godley: a remarkable comic who built a career on her own termsJaney Godley, the Scottish comedian and author whose quick wit led her to…

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How Strictly’s Chris McCausland is inspiring the next generation of blind dancers

Comedian wows BBC show’s judges and fans with confident performances that are helping to upend stereotypesIt may be early days, but Strictly Come Dancing’s breakout star so far this season is also the show’s first blind contestant, Chris McCausland.The…

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How Strictly’s Chris McCausland is inspiring the next generation of blind dancers

Comedian wows BBC show’s judges and fans with confident performances that are helping to upend stereotypesIt may be early days, but Strictly Come Dancing’s breakout star so far this season is also the show’s first blind contestant, Chris McCausland.The…

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Both halves of the Delightful Sausage on sizzling shortlist for Edinburgh comedy awards

Sketch duo Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill’s solo shows have both been nominated for the fringe’s top prize, alongside acts including LA clown Natalie PalamidesFor the first time in its 43-year-history, male comedians are in the minority on the shortli…

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