Comedy Reviews
Dave Chappelle: The Closer, Netflix review - race and class examinedWednesday, 20 October 2021
Say what you like about Dave Chappelle, but if nothing else he's an equal-opportunities offender, as his latest Netflix special, The Closer, proves. The last of his six specials for the network, all of which have drawn criticism – as well as plaudits – for his uncompromising “I tell it as I see it” material has again provoked ire in some quarters. Read more... |
Jason Manford, London Palladium review - lockdown laughs and feelgood funMonday, 11 October 2021
Tickets for Jason Manford's Like Me went on sale in 2019 but the tour had to be put on hold as events unavoidably detained him at home. "I hope you haven't gone off me in that time – it does happen," he said. He needn't have worried as the Palladium crowd were as delighted as he was to be in a theatre, having a laugh. Read more... |
Blithe Spirit, Harold Pinter Theatre review - an amusing, if dated, revival of the Coward classicWednesday, 22 September 2021
We’re in an agreeable drawing room with an author, Charles Condomine, who is looking forward to having a bit of fun with a local spiritualist, Madame Arcati, whom he has invited over for an evening séance. Read more... |
Anuvab Pal, Soho Theatre review - Empire and Bollywood collideMonday, 20 September 2021
Anuvab Pal may be a new name to some UK audiences (although many will know him from the global satirical podcast The Bugle), but he is well known in his native India. Read more... |
Olga Koch, Soho Theatre review - personal, political and playfulMonday, 13 September 2021
Olga Koch – born in Russia to ethnic German parents, multilingual and now living in London – might fit into the group that Theresa May once dismissed as “citizens of nowhere”, whatever that phrase means. Read more... |
Dead Ringers Live, London Wonderground review - impressionists on great formFriday, 20 August 2021
Here's a treat for those missing Dead Ringers (created by Bill Dare) as it takes a break on Radio 4. Read more... |
Edinburgh Fringe 2021: Comedy Allstars, Underbelly review - depleted festival kicks offThursday, 12 August 2021
At the risk of stating the bleeding obvious, this year's Fringe is a much smaller beast than normal. In the face of Covid restrictions, uncertainty about when they would end and the limitations on international travel, this year many performers are staying away. There are 755 shows at 118 venues across the city, compared to 3,841 in 323 venues in 2019, the last time the Fringe was held. Read more... |
Wonderville, Palace Theatre review - magic and illusion family showThursday, 05 August 2021
Variety is a form of entertainment most usually seen on Saturday night television these days, but Wonderville is an attempt to bring it back into the West End. Read more... |
Bo Burnham: Inside, Netflix review - a masterpiece about lockdown angstMonday, 02 August 2021
Some people perfected their banana loaf or sourdough bread during lockdown. Others tried to learn a new language or how to play an instrument. Bo Burnham produced this masterpiece. Read more... |
Comedy Shindig, Melbourne Hall review - Jason Manford headlines opening nightSunday, 18 July 2021
What a great idea Just the Tonic's Comedy Shindig is; outdoor gigs at lovely locations under a huge awning - so who cares if the British summer turns out to be a bit wet this year? The season kicked off – in beautiful weather – in the grounds of Melbourne Hall near Derby, where a sunken Victorian walled garden provided a natural amphitheatre. Chuck in a barbecue and a bar, and it was a perfect way to enjoy an evening of comedy. Read more... |
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