Comedy in 2007

Hi,

Just a quick note to let you know that a round up of Christmas gigs (Robert Newman, Shappi Khorsandi, Reginald D Hunter) is now available on the main site, as is a review of Ricky Gervais's warm up gig for his latest live show, Fame, now on a national tour.

Also now on the main site are two shows performed at the Etc Theatre in Camden recently. One is by veteran comic Pat Condell and the other by new talent James Sherwood, both have the theme of religion but they treat the subject quite differently.  Speaking of comedians famed for tackling religion Stewart Lee's monologue-cum-stand-up show 'What Would Judas Do?' currently on at the Bush Theatre, Shepeherd's Bush until 3rd February.

The new year heralds the start of a number of stand-up tours from some old favourites.   I am particularly looking forward to seeing An Audience with Arthur Smith, where the circuit veteran and "grumpy old man" will talk about his life on and off stage.   I'd also recommend Sean Hughes, who takes to the road after an eight-year break from live work. Hughes warmed up with a couple of dates at the Soho Theatre last year and was looking ready to hit top form.

Among comedians touring off the back of Edinburgh Fringe success is Phil Nichol, winner of the 2006 Eddie comedy award. The intimate venues the Canadian is playing should help to sustain the impact of his high-energy style. Of other Fringe favourites, I'll particularly enjoy the chance to see again the likeable Eddie nominee Russell Howard, recently seen alongside Liza Tarbuck on ITV2's coverage of the British Comedy Awards (where most of the live awards were ushered), and the ubiquitous Josie Long. Although she's been winning talent awards for the past eight years, the cherubic Long has come to the fore since winning the newcomer Eddie in 2006. She is on the writing team of E4's eagerly anticipated teen drama Skins and starring in ITV2's Comedy Cuts.

Meanwhile, the controversial black comedian Reginald D Hunter had both an excellent Edinburgh and a recent celebrated three-week London run. He will be hoping his form continues as he wends his way around the UK between February and June. Whether the title of his show, Pride, Prejudice and Niggas, will cause as much consternation as it did in London remains to be seen. Either way, Hunter will remain uncompromising as well as entertaining.

Finally a quick mention for Leicester Comedy Festival's preview show on Friday 19th January featuring Jason Byrne , Russell Howard, Rhod Gilbert, Topping & Butch, Shappi Khorsandi, Jim Smallman, Arnab Chanda and Count Arthur Strong.  If you are in the area this comes highly recommended.  More details about the festival (which kicks off properly in February) can be found on: www.comedy-festival.co.uk

Happy New Year,

Julian

www.roughguidetocomedy.blogspot.com/

Comments

[guillermo flynn]

How come no one is responding to expose the lie coming out of Baghdad about the massacre in Najaf,the only article I saw in westren news was in the INDEPENDENT.

[Julian]

I feel that some of these comments seem to be about the blogs in general and I will pass them on.

Julian

[MP]

This really deserves some updates. Perhaps even a shift to the main site...
Why host it at typepad? Are the server bills too much?

[Julian]

Yes, I just put up some info on the preview show for the Leicester Comedy Festival yesterday. In the meantime my most recent reviews (2 in the last 3 days) are up on the main site as mentioned.

Julian

[Gord]

Is there ever going to be a new post on these blogs?

[sean carter]

Thats great. Hope you have an amazing Christmas. Peep into My Blog for some unique and interesting Christmas info and ideas.