Stand-up Comedy: October 2010

31.10.10

Sunday Night Comedy

Regular Sunday Night Comedy returns to The Lyric with a side-splitting mix of famous headliners and rising stars, all handpicked by Richard Herring.

Acts include Tim Minchin, David Schneider, Tony Law and Zoe Lyons

About The Lyric
The Lyric Hammersmith aims to produce work that is provoking, entertaining, popular, eclectic, messy, contradictory and diverse.

We want to be at the heart of our community as well as being internationally recognised. We want to celebrate the unique vision of the writer as well as the creative power of collaboration. We want to work with the best theatre artists around as well as encourage the next generation. We want to lurch wildly between high art and populism - hopefully achieving both at the same time.

Beautiful theatre, cheap tickets, great pizza and a rooftop garden.

Hammersmith and proud.

More Info - http://www.lyric.co.uk/whats-on/production/comedy-night-october/?pes=Comedy

30.10.10

Phill Jupitus to switch on Leigh's Christmas lights

LEIGH'S Christmas lights will be switched on by the town's resident comedian Phill Jupitus.

The grand switch-on will take place on November 26 at the junction of Leigh Hill and Broadway, with Mr Jupitus joined by other dignitaries including Southend West MP David Amess and and Southend mayor Ann Holland.

The town enjoyed a range of new lights last year, which will be added to this year with new cross-road pieces at sites including Woodfield Road and Belton corner.

The switch on event will begin from 4.30pm with a range of family entertainments with the switch-on taking place at 6.30pm.

Comedian-cum-novelist Mark Watson looks to build his following

Mark Watson is a familiar face to many. However, there are still plenty of people who wouldn't recognise his name.

But at just 30 years old, he has already built up a fairly big following, hosted in his own radio show and written three novels: Bullet Points, A Light-Hearted Look At Murder and Crap At The Environment. And they say life begins at 40.

The fast-talking, wildly gesturing comic, author, sportswriter and husband started his journey at Bristol Grammar School, where he won the prize of Gabbler Of The Year, before going to Queens' College, Cambridge, where he studied English, gaining a first-class degree.

During his time at university, he starred in, and directed a number of plays and comedy sketches, including two years with the Cambridge Footlights, with whom he was nominated for a Perrier Comedy Award (Best Newcomer) at the 2001 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Brighton comedian's scary Halloween treats

Most party hosts ask their guests to bring along a bottle but Mark Allen’s request is a little more elaborate.

The 33-year-old comedian is hosting a scary vegetable Halloween party in Brighton.

Guests to Mark’s now legendary get-togethers are asked to bring a terrifying image made just from fruit and vegetables.

But these are no simple Jack-o-Lanterns carved from pumpkins.

Instead Mr Allen, of Sussex Square, Brighton, and his guests over the years have created all manner of evil figures including a Dalek made of a gourd, an aubergine, peas, string beans, radishes, sweet potatoes and a marrow and a Gremlin from a cauliflower, potatoes, chestnuts, a butternut squash and a baby gem lettuce.

Mark said the idea has grown into a fiercely fought annual competition which attracts up to 50 entrants.

The vegetable sculptures don’t go to waste after Halloween.

The next morning Mark puts them all into a big soup.

If you have a go at making scary vegetable Halloween figures, we want to see them.

Links: http://www.comedycv.co.uk/markallen/index.htm

Thousands of fans queue up to meet comedian Michael McIntyre in Liverpool

THOUSANDS of fans queued up to meet comedian Michael McIntyre as he signed copies of his new book in Liverpool yesterday.

Some people waited all morning to catch a glimpse of the comic, who came to Waterstone’s, at Liverpool One, to promote his autobiography, Life And Laughing.

One fan even camped overnight to make sure he was first in line to meet his idol.

Holly Edwards and Georgie Lamb said they were elated to meet him. Holly said: “We would wait days just to see him, we both love him. We even bought chocolate.”

Michael said: “The book signing is going really well and we sold 24,000 copies in the second week.”

One person who did not need to worry about the queue was theatre star Connie Fisher, who walked straight to the front to have her book signed.

Liverpool was the seventh venue on Michael’s tour.

Sarah Millican - Dave's One Night Stand Oct 31st, 10pm

This week on Dave's One Night Stand Sarah Millican performs brand new and exclusive stand-up comedy in her hometown of Newcastle, with special guests Jarred Christmas and Alun Cochrane. Next week Russell Kane returns to Essex.

10:00 pm on Sunday 31st October on Dave.

You can now watch the first two episodes of Dave's One Night Stand online at www.joindave.co.uk with alternative comedy legend Ben Elton and cheeky young scamp Jack Whitehall! From this Sunday (31st), Johnny Vegas' performance can be seen again.

Where to find Dave: Sky channel 111, Virgin TV channel 128, Freeview 19.

Find out more at http://www.joindave.co.uk

29.10.10

Mid Morning Matters with Alan Partridge - Trailer

Exclusive trailer for Alan Partridge's brand new series Mid Morning Matters.

Dan Smith on Walsall

Follow Dan Smith on Twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/darealdansmith
Check out his Youtube account for more videos at
http://www.youtube.com/user/Whitesnakelover

UK Comedian Joel Sanders Struggling with his shopping list in Tennessee

Joel Sanders struggling with his shopping list in Tennessee.

Find out more about Joel on his website at
http://joelsanders.co.uk/
And follow him on Twitter
http://twitter.com/joelsanders

Pub landlord reveals his literary side

William Makepeace Thackeray is a "beautiful British name", as Al Murray's comic character the Pub Landlord would say. But few would associate the comedian and his shaven-headed Little Englander alter ego with one of the greatest writers in the 19th-century literary canon.

Yet the two are in fact related, with the comedian being the great-great-great grandson of the Vanity Fair author. And Murray has revealed that next year he will make a landmark BBC documentary to mark the bicentenary of the birth of his famous relative.

In an interview with The Independent, Murray described Thackeray as "a fascinating character" but said that he had only in recent years taken an interest in the work of his forebear. "We are trying to get something off the ground for next year because it's the bicentennial of his birth in 1811. His life was amazing. He was a journalist really, a Grub Street hack in the finest sense," he said.

TV comic Vic Reeves displays his art in Manchester

When surreal comedian Vic Reeves unveiled a collection of his art in Manchester yesterday we were hoping for something brilliantly barmy.

And he certainly didn’t disappoint with his playfully deranged paintings of distorted animals and an unusual self-portrait dressed as a sort of Hilter-esque Lion (see gallery).

Vic laughed: “It was a lion outfit that I was going to wear for the last series of Shooting Stars, so it ended up being a sort of slight self-portrait, but with a sinister Hitler moustache and strange teeth.”

His artworks are set to be one of the big draws at this year’s Buy Art Fair, located in a huge marquee at Spinningfields in the city centre until Sunday.

A word with comedian Sean Lock

You'd think a comedian who has named his show Lockipedia — after online phenomenon Wikipedia — might actually have a penchant for the internet. But not Sean Lock.

In fact, the stand-up known for his appearances as a team captain on Channel 4 show 8 out of 10 Cats positively despises the online world.

"I'm like the anti-Stephen Fry," he says, talking about the self-confessed technology geek who hosts QI — another show on which Sean often appears.

"I've got somebody on Twitter pretending to be me at the moment. My agent phoned up and asked if I wanted him to be stopped. I thought it sounded a bit heavy — plus I didn't really care.

"If someone is getting their rocks off pretending to be me, and other people enjoy this pretence, there's no harm in it. And, anyway, how do we know it's a bloke? It could be a little old lady called Edna up in Dundee."

Phill Jupitus to sign copies of his book at Broadhursts of Southport

COMEDIAN and radio presenter Phill Jupitus will visit a Southport bookshop next month to sign copies of his new book.

Phill, also well-known for being a team captain on TV show ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’, will be at Broadhursts of Southport on Friday, November 12 from 12.30pm, to sign copies of ‘Good morning Nantwich’.

The book tells the story of his experiences as a breakfast show DJ for the BBC station 6 Music and shows how he discovered what really makes the listening nation tick first thing in the morning.

Phill seemed the perfect choice to launch 6 Music with his music collection that ranges from techno to calypso.

He tried to shake up the world of breakfast radio for the better one tune at a time.

Were the public ready for something new? But more importantly, did they even want it?

In Good Morning Nantwich, he discovers the answer.

Sacha Baron Cohen sued over 'Bruno'

Sacha Baron Cohen is facing a £15,000 lawsuit over allegations he caused "serious physical injury" to a cameraman while filming Bruno. Mike Skiff has taken legal action against the comedian, claiming his civil rights were violated after he attempted to film Cohen during an anti-gay marriage Proposition 8 rally in Los Angeles.

Cohen was in character as Bruno at the time, and Skiff claims he was "shoved, pulled and wrestled in a vicious and blatant attempt to keep him from filming the event".

He is seeking £15,000 in damages, as well as reimbursement for medical expenses.

Cohen is also accused of provoking people at the peaceful rally for dramatic effect for his 2009 comedy.

Skiff added: "In order to create dramatic content for its production, Bruno Productions' intent was to promote violent discord between the assembled 'yes' and 'no' factions."

The cameraman's claim is the latest in a long list of lawsuits filed against Cohen for his films Bruno and Borat.

Read more - http://www.nme.com/movies/news/sacha-baron-cohen-sued-over-bruno/195775

Comedian Gerard Kelly dies

Scottish comedian Gerard Kelly has died at the age of 51, after suffering a brain aneurysm.

He died in a London hospital after collapsing at his home on Tuesday.

Kelly came to prominence for his role in Scottish comedy City Lights as Willie Melvin and had roles in both Brookside and EastEnders. He most recently appeared on television in three episodes of Extras as Ian Bunton.

The comedian also appeared regularly in pantomime and earlier this year he played the role of the Narrator in the Rocky Horror Picture Show when it toured to Edinburgh and Aberdeen. He was due to reprise this performance in Glasgow in November.

28.10.10

Greg Giraldo’s Family to Benefit from Jim Florentine Roast

Cringe Humor and Comix will present The Roast of Jim Florentine on Tuesday, November 2 with an all-star lineup including Don Jamieson, Eddie Trunk, Rev. Bob Levy, Bonnie McFarlane and Keith Robinson. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the roast will benefit the Greg Giraldo’s Children Fund for the family of late comedian Greg Giraldo. (Giraldo was booked to perform at the roast before his untimely death.)

Florentine is currently the host of VH1 Classics’ That Metal Show and the former star of Comedy Central’sCrank Yankers.

The roast will take place at Comix Comedy Club in New York, NY.

Three top UK comedians at this week's Comedy Club

THREE UK comedians will take to the stage in the Villa Marina tomorrow night (Thursday) for the latest helping of the Comedy Club.

Opening the show is Imran Yusuf who was nominated as Best Newcomer at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the Foster's Comedy Award category.

Imran is renowned for his high energy performances which mix light hearted satire with hard hitting topical commentary on contemporary issues.

He has also starred in Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow on BBC One.

Headlining the show is Rich Wilson who has been described by fellow comedian Frank Skinner as a "very very funny man".

He is a regular at all the major comedy clubs including Jongleurs, The Comedy Café and The Big Night Out.

MC for the evening is Kevin McCarthy who is the regular warm up act for Later with Jools Holland.

Kevin has headlined at all the major comedy clubs in the UK. His career was recently recognised by Club Mirror and he was awarded Club Mirror Comedian of the Year.

His act has taken him as far a field as Afghanistan, Bosnia and the Falklands to perform for the British troops. He has also performed for large audiences on cruise ships around the world.

The Comedy Club takes place in the Promenade Suite in the Villa Marina, Douglas.

Tickets are £15 for non members or £12.50 for members. Over 18's only. Doors open at 7.30pm.

For tickets call the Box Office on 01624 694555.

David Walliams: swimming Channel best moment of my life

Top comedian and children's author David Walliams says swimming the English Channel for charity has been the best moment of his life so far.

He's been chatting to CBBC's Hayley to answer some of the many questions YOU wanted the answers to.

David - who asked a few questions himself too! - also told CBBC whether he'd rather be a professional swimmer instead of a comedian, if he could turn back time.

And he had time to let us in on the secrets of his new book, Billionaire Boy - about a rich boy who just wants a normal life...

Watch Video - http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_9130000/newsid_9133400/9133499.stm

Russell Peters comes down to earth in new autobiography

Since his book starts with a pointed segment about how he is never described as just a comedian — there are always qualifiers like Brampton-born or Indian or something — I ask Russell Peters how he’d like to be addressed in this article.

“Address me as sir,” he jokes. “I guess the easiest is Brampton-born comedian turned author.”

This week, Random House released Call Me Russell, his autobiography, written with his brother (and manager) Clayton Peters and screenwriter Dannis Koromilas.

Russell Peters postpones tour for film role

Comedian Russell Peters has landed a part in a science-fiction film directed by David Bowie's son, Duncan Jones.

The Brampton, Ont.-raised funnyman will co-star in the thriller Source Code, set for release next year.

The film follows a soldier, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, as he awakens in a commuter's body during a train bombing.

Peters's role as a comical passenger on the train has been expanded with additional scenes and dialogue, according to his publicist.

The expanded role has forced Peters to postpone his March tour dates, including stops in Australia, New Zealand and Las Vegas, until May.

"Moving the tour wasn't an easy decision to make — I've never had to do this before," says Peters. "I've been looking for good film roles for a while now and this one's really good."

It's a second film for Jones, whose first directorial effort was Moon, which earned him a BAFTA award. Source Code also stars Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air), Michelle Monaghan (Eagle Eye) and Jeffrey Wright (Quantum of Solace ).

27.10.10

Festive favourites on offer in Lichfield music hall show

The festive season will arrive early in Lichfield when A Very Christmas Music Hall show comes to the Lichfield Garrick.

The show features Christmas favourites and stars comedian and impressionist Adam Daye, singer Marilyn Hill Smith, comedian Ronnie ‘The Squire’ Hayward, Tony Leyton and Shelly James.

A spokesperson for the show said:
“Celebrate the very best of Christmas music and sing along to your favourite carols.”

A Very Christmas Music Hall will be at the Lichfield Garrick on November 16 at 2pm. Tickets cost £12 and can be booked by calling the box office on 01543 412121.

Links: http://www.stevedee.biz/entertainments_agency_11.htm

Hundreds pay respects to comedy legend Norman Wisdom

Sir Norman Wisdom has been laid to rest in the Isle of Man, but his son said the grand send-off was not quite what the comic legend had expected.

Nicholas Wisdom said his father was speaking to his wife about funeral arrangements a few years ago when he said: "Just chuck me off the end of the pier."

Instead, hundreds of people lined the streets of Douglas on the Isle of Man to see the horse-drawn cortege make its way along the promenade.

Then over 600 people, including family, friends and celebrities, packed into St George's Church in the town to pay their respects to the much-loved actor. Mr Wisdom told the Press Association: "Today is definitely a celebration."

People travelled from all over the world to the island Sir Norman made his home. "I met somebody at the bar last night who came all the way from Albuquerque," Mr Wisdom said. Asked what his father might think of the funeral arrangements, he said: "I think he'd be extremely pleased, but he wouldn't admit it. He'd be delighted."

People joined the procession as it went through the streets of Douglas, and more waited to see it arrive at the church. As the carriage made its way alongside St George's Church, a group of former servicemen formed a guard of honour.

A flat cap and a bouquet of flowers rested on top of the coffin as the pall-bearers carried it through the doors. Comedian Bradley Walsh and actor Todd Carty were among the congregation, as was Michael Grade, the former chairman of the BBC.

Mr Wisdom paid tribute to his father during the service. He said: "He was a very caring and loving father, always greeting us with a big kiss right to the end."

Remembering one of his catchphrases, he said: "Perhaps for his family and his many friends and fans around the world, they are the true 'Lucky Little Devils' because they shared his love and enthusiasm for life, which made him the unique person he was. So it's farewell to our great friend, but in so many ways, he will live on in our memories."

The order of service bore the heading, A Service of Celebration in Thanksgiving for the Life of Sir Norman Wisdom, with a picture of the comedian.

Bruce Devlin hunts for Mr and Mrs Average

A new survey has shown that Mr and Mrs Average are depressing folk, so funnyman Bruce Devlin went out to see if this was really true.

In a country with a population of 60 million people the average man or woman is rather dull according to a recent survey. "They're either called Jack or Sophie," explained comedian Bruce Devlin.

"They weigh 13 stone and 11 stone, respectively. They buy things like milk, chocolate, ham and cereal. Are people really that boring? Are they that predictable?"

Convinced that this can’t be the case, he took to the streets to find the Jack and Sophie he'd heard so much about and it didn't take him long to find one: "There're so many use stupid names now. Stick with John," said one man, called John.