Performing at the Edinburgh festival is hugely stressful, but the things I learned there have been useful offstage tooIf the beginning of September still makes me think I need a new notebook and pencil case, the beginning of August makes me think I sho…
Continue ReadingMusical whodunnits and political backstabbing dominate the escapist agenda this yearA sleuth in search of clues to putting on a successful show at the Edinburgh fringe will not need to reach for a magnifying glass. There is already proof positive that …
Continue ReadingPerformers and producers say arts are being ‘sanitised’ amid more sensitive attitudes towards swearing and sexual politicsAn annual “poster war” has raged between rival promoters for as long as the festival fringe has been filling Edinburgh’s small the…
Continue ReadingAll aspects of artificial intelligence will get the comic treatment at this summer’s festivalA comedy show is probably not the first place to hear about a burning new issue, but standup routines have a habit of swiftly reflecting the worries of our tim…
Continue ReadingThe comedian, who died in 2018, will be remembered in a new exhibition that brings together props, costumes and an interactive ‘giggle map’Tickling sticks, a Dicky Mint puppet and a Yorick skull complete with protruding teeth will go on display in Sept…
Continue ReadingThe stage version of the much-loved sitcom, which finished on TV 25 years ago, will be written by the duo behind the original series and feature several members of the original castSnooty news anchor Sally Smedley, gung-ho reporter Damien Day and etern…
Continue ReadingConceived by the artistic director of Birmingham Rep, Sean Foley, the award will be open to all with the winner receiving £25,000A new playwriting prize dedicated to comedy has been launched in honour of Victoria Wood on what would have been the standu…
Continue ReadingLive theatre version of 1980s TV satire features Tom Cruise and other showbiz stars trying to save ‘broken Britain’Writing a political satire for the stage in today’s tumultuous times is no easy task, as the writers of the new Spitting Image Live were …
Continue ReadingLive theatre version of 1980s TV satire features Tom Cruise and other showbiz stars trying to save ‘broken Britain’Writing a political satire for the stage in today’s tumultuous times is no easy task, as the writers of the new Spitting Image Live were …
Continue ReadingIn keeping with tradition, jokes chosen by Gold TV poll more likely to elicit groans of despair than laughterJokes about Phil Schofield, Liz Truss, and the cost of living crisis are among the best contemporary Christmas cracker jokes selected by the Br…
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