Comedians

Seven Questions With… Hivemind

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© Tom Garnett

MoodyComedy speaks to Alex O’Bryan-Tear, Josh Hunt, Jesse Locke and Harriet Cartledge about their improv comedy group, Hivemind. Hivemind will be performing two improvised shows (Improvengers: Pretend Game and Lord of the Game of the Ring of Thrones) at the Museum of Comedy in London throughout December and January.

1) Hands for feet or feet for hands?

Alex: Why not both? Why limit ourselves?

Jess: Reach for the stars with your feety, feety hands.

Harriet: But seriously, who wants more feet? I personally have more than enough.

Alex: If anything, you have too many already.

2) Does being part of such a large group of performers make the job easier or harder?

Josh: You’ve clearly never seen the London Philharmonic Orchestra if you think we’re a large group of performers.

Jesse: We’re like an ecosystem where every one of us has a vital part to play. If you take one us away, we go extinct.

Alex: For example, if you take me away as the alpha predator, you end up with five Joshes. It’s only by the regular eating of Josh that harmony can be maintained.

Harriet: I guess what we’re trying to say is that it makes it easier.

3) What’s the best thing about public transport?

Jesse: If you get there first, you get to drive it.

Alex: That’s so true! Wow.

Harriet: I once saw a guy watching a video on how to pick up women, but he didn’t realise his headphones weren’t plugged in. It was basically just me and him on this train. Without public transport, I’d never have got to enjoy that moment.

4) What would you like people to take away from your shows?

Alex: Our corporate business cards.

Jesse: The antidote.

Harriet: Not the keyboard, we have to keep that.

Josh: Unattainably high standards with which to judge all improv groups in the future.

5) What was the last ridiculous thing you saw?

Harriet: There’s so much ridiculous stuff in London that it just washes over you.

Jesse: Like someone was doing falconry with parrots on Primrose Hill. It was fine.

Josh: I saw a guy with feet for hands. I saw a guy with hands for hands. What’s his problem?

Jesse: I was at a party where some people were recreating the trauma of birth. People were covered in goo then wrapped in plastic and squeezed into a pool of water.

6) What is the worst advice you’ve ever been given?

Josh: I think I tend to give bad advice rather than receive it.

Harriet: So you’re the evil one?

Alex: Give up on your dream of becoming a princess, you’ll never make it. Just they wait!

Harriet: When I was twelve, I told my mum I wanted to become an interior designer and she told me I didn’t have the flair.

Alex: Well, now we know you don’t have the flair. But at the time, who knew what was inside of you?

7) Should humans be trying to live longer?

Jesse: No, but other animals should. Keep up, badgers.

Alex: Ever since I was born, I’ve tried to live longer than I currently am. So far it’s been a 100% success.

Josh: Who doesn’t want to live longer? Though I don’t want to get crippling neuroviruses.

Harriet: And only if you don’t turn into like, a raisin.

For more information, visit Hivemind’s website and follow them on Twitter

SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH…

Review: Tim Minchin – BACK

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© Damian Bennett

Tim Minchin is currently heading towards the end of an entirely sold out UK tour, his first since 2011, and he certainly receives a warm welcome from his British fans. Having written the music for the stage shows Matilda the Musical in 2010 and Groundhog Day in 2016, and spent four years working as a director on an animated film in Hollywood that got suddenly scrapped, he has returned to the medium that made his name.

Minchin begins with a new song, If This Plane Goes Down. This new addition to the comic’s musical repertoire serves as a perfect introduction to the show, combining dark, fatalistic humour with beautiful chord successions and heart-felt reflections on life achievements and the importance of family.

Minchin’s musical aptitude is something to be marvelled. Often improvised, he works the piano with his whole body, making the body of the instrument as much a part of the show as his own. He stands high on its stool, dances on its lid, he often hits its keys with his bare feet. The piano becomes an extension of the comic himself, giving every song, every note, an undeniable fluidity. Tim’s performance, as always, is highly physical, and his ability to work the large stage, and the room, comes across as effortless.

The reveal of a seven-piece band is truly a memorable moment, elevating the performance of Rock n Roll Nerd to full-blown musical extravaganza. Minchin’s musicians are enigmatic and enthusiastic, and it is thrilling to see the formation enjoying performing together. What is particularly joyous is the new twist this newly-formed collective gives to Tim’s older classics, from If I Didn’t Have You to the popular favourite, Prejudice.

It would be easy for this kind of comedy to come across a tad pretentious, but Minchin always balances this tricky line. He candidly and matter-of-factly confides in his audience about his mental health and the responsibility he feels as an artist who has kids to feed. He’s also, as ever, not afraid to look the idiot. This is most evident, perhaps, in his latest rendition Cheese.

With a self-confessed fixation on double entendre, paired with a knack for bullet-proof argumentation, Minchin is a master of articulating his anger and frustrations in a heartfelt, often gleeful way. Tim Minchin is, most definitely, BACK.

TV Review: Back To Life

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We first meet Miri Matteson as she frantically hacks at her own fringe in preparation for a job interview. This kind of bumbling impulsivity is a staple of Miri’s approach to life, we soon learn.

Miri (played by Daisy Haggard) has just been released home after spending the last eighteen years in prison for murder. It’s not just that her family have been living their lives without her for nearly twenty years, but Miri has become completely isolated from the world she lives in. The world has moved on and didn’t wait for her, incarcerated, to catch up.

As we piece together what happened eighteen years ago, the true nature of the characters begins to become clear. Everyone is either afraid of Miri or absolutely despises her, or both, and this affects how they react to her now she has re-integrated into the outside world.

© BBC3

Most of the characters are energetic and peculiar, from brutally honest and antagonistic probation officer Janice (Jo Martin), to Miri’s new boss, chip shop owner Nathan (Liam Williams). These ridiculous characters contrast against the sensitivity of neighbour and potential love interest Billy (Adeel Akhtar) and also the uptight and, for some reason, furious former best friend Mandy (Christine Bottomley).

Set against the backdrop of Kent’s murky pebbled beaches, Back To Life develops a similar feeling of tranquil tragedy to that of Ricky Gervais’ After Life, which is, at times, rather breathtaking. Back To Life is a programme that shows us what we are capable of doing to each other, and that’s quite scary. But it also shows how people who love each other deep down under the surface are capable of putting their conflicts aside when it really matters.

Jauntily paced and saturated with sarcastic remarks thrown out between deeply flawed individuals, Back To Life is tense and filled with conflict. Haggard’s performance is stunning, yet utterly heartbreaking.

BACK TO LIFE IS AVAILABLE ON BBC iPLAYER

Podcast Picks: My Favorite Murder

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Podcasting has taken on a life of its own in recent years, with vast swathes of comedians coming forward with new interview, anecdotal and improv show formats. As this medium has grown, it has become saturated with assorted comedic content. Podcast Picks is a place for MoodyComedy’s comedy podcast recommendations.

Returning from a recent two month hiatus, Hardstark and Kilgariff are back with more tales from the darkest corners of humanity.

Enthralled by conversations with an assortment of friends, acquaintances and strangers at parties and get-togethers about their ‘hometown murders’, the pair came to the realisation in 2016 that while talking about horrendous abductions and murders isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly sparks a certain interest for a particular demographic. And so My Favorite Murder was born.

Talking about the most horrific assaults and murders in unflinching detail, Georgia and Karen are certainly doing their bit to lift the taboo on topics that many people simply do not want to think about. From rape, to child murder, to pedophilia, these horrendous things do exist. But we are not laughing at the circumstances, and certainly not at the victims. We laugh because we acknowledge our own discomfort regarding these terrifying things. We laugh in the communal recognition that laughing at something takes the power away from it.

© My Favorite Murder

The pair also talk candidly about their experiences with addiction and mental health. Their unfiltered conversation is not only hugely refreshing to hear, but also an undeniable source of comfort to thousands of listeners who express their gratitude on a weekly basis in their emails.

We hear from someone whose Dad was the vet of the ‘satanic’ dog that the Son of Sam blamed his murders on. We hear from someone who found photo evidence that their grandparents were swingers. We hear from Mary Vincent, who showed tenacious survival spirit when she was raped by a man who proceeded to chop her arms off and throw her over a cliff. It’s heart-stopping stuff, but the fact we can come together to share it soon gets those hearts beating again.

If you want to hear about the darkest corners of humanity, if you want to be shocked, if you want to be prepared… if you want to be reminded of the human connection and warmth that withstands all this murderous bullshit, then My Favorite Murder is an excellent place from which to start.

CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES OF ‘MY FAVOURITE MURDER’ HERE.

Seven Questions With… Stevie Martin

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© Natasha Pszenicki

Stevie Martin is a stand-up comedian, journalist and podcaster. Fresh from performing her latest show, Hot Content, at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Stevie is here to shed light on her first forays into comedy and writing, as well as share her opinion on video games…

1) When did you first encounter comedy?

When I was little my parents used to play The Goons tapes in the car, and when I got a bit older I’d watch videos of Reeves and Mortimer obsessively. I had a very absurdist sense of humour for a six year old and once sang ‘My Rose Has Left Me’ at a school talent show which included bellowing the line ‘She wasn’t immunised – THAT’S A LEGAL REQUIREMENT’, so it’s not surprising I got heavily bullied if I’m honest. 

2) What do you really not care about?

I don’t care about video games. I really don’t think I could give less of a shit about them. I’ve tried to get into a range, you know, even fun ones like Crash Bandicoot. Or story-led ones like Red Dead. Or classic ones like Goldeneye. I think they are a massive waste of time and I get bored after a few minutes. It has nothing to do with the fact that I’m terrible at them in case you’re wondering. I downloaded that goose game yesterday and my boyfriend had to calm me down because I couldn’t pick anything up with my beak. On second thoughts it sounds like I care too much.  

3) Where is your safe place?

Reading a book on the chair in my living room that my grandma gave to me. It is black leather and so in the summer if I’m wearing shorts my legs stick to it and I have to rip my skin off to get up but it’s worth it. Or reading Harry Potter anywhere. I also like being anywhere with no wifi that means I absolutely can’t continue to check my fucking phone which I do every 3.4 nanoseconds. 

4) What motivates you to work hard?

Looking back aged 70 being like ‘WHY DID YOU SPEND SO LONG TRYING TO GET INTO GOLDENEYE WHEN YOU COULD HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK OR SOMETHING?’ Also when someone says something mean to me. That’s such a motivator. Once when I was a waitress, one of the regulars who apparently worked in counter-terrorism said ‘You don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll never be a writer’, so I quit waitressing and started house-sitting for a friend’s mum while looking for writers jobs. At one point I couldn’t afford food so I ate nothing but eggs out of their fridge for two days, but I got a writing job SO THERE, STUPID COUNTER TERRORISM MAN. 

5) Why is comedy the right job for you?

To be honest it isn’t! I do a lot of different jobs, not just comedy, and am terrified by performing live so it sort of gives me a kick up the arse in other areas. I just like making and creating things, whether that’s an hour of comedy or a podcast (I have one called Nobody Panic) or an article (I’m a journalist) or trying to get stuff made for TV. I also want to write a book. Basically I have zero attention span and am just attempting everything that will keep me out of a 9-5 office. One day I might open an aquarium. WHO KNOWS.

6) Are you avoiding anything right now?

Yes, I’m doing a monthly new material comedy night and I need to write ten minutes and so far I’ve written the word ‘worms?’ so very excited to see how the comedy pans out. It’s incredible what I can get done when I have to write new material. My bedroom is so tidy and I’ve ironed everything.

7) Are you at all similar to your parents?

Yes. My parents like to ‘joke’ that I received all of their worst qualities combined. I worry a lot and don’t ever feel like I’m good enough, which is apparently something they recognise in themselves. There are good things though – my mum has incredible skin, is incredibly creative, and is the kindest, silliest person I’ve ever met, and my dad is the most hard-working, generous and funny person I’ve ever met so I hope and pray I have received even a tenth of those genes. 

For more information, visit Stevie Martin’s website and follow her on Twitter

SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH…

Podcast Picks: Off Menu

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Podcasting has taken on a life of its own in recent years, with vast swathes of comedians coming forward with new interview, anecdotal and improv show formats. As this medium has grown, it has become saturated with assorted comedic content. Podcast Picks is a place for MoodyComedy’s comedy podcast recommendations.

Off Menu is a food-based interview podcast hosted by James Acaster and Ed Gamble. The two comics invite their guests to describe each of their favourite courses in a dream restaurant, which works as a vehicle for getting to know their guests on a deeper level.

Self-declared foodies, Acaster and Gamble are on a mission to learn more about the eating and drinking habits of their friends. Each guest is asked to explain (and sometimes defend) their choice of starter, main, side and dessert, which opens up the conversation for a more general discussion about food, as well as giving an insight into each interviewee’s past life experiences.

© Off Menu

Beginning in December of last year, Off Menu is now well into its second series. Their diverse set of guests have included comedian Aisling Bea, TV chef Tom Kerridge, actress Sian Clifford and the magician Dynamo.

It’s surprisingly eye-opening stuff, with the majority of the show’s guests being incredibly candid when sharing experiences from their childhood and adolescence. And it’s funny too – Acaster acts as the dream restaurant’s waiter (who is also a genie), which gives the whole show an air of surrealism. Not to mention the infamous ‘poppadoms or bread?’ question, which listeners attempt to prepare themselves for each week, but always seem to be caught out.

Off Menu is perfect for comedy fans and hungry people. What’s not to like?

CATCH UP ON ALL EPISODES OF ‘OFF MENU’ HERE.

Edinburgh Review: Werewolf: Live

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The popular live game show, Werewolf: Live, has recently undergone a dramatic transformation. Contestants this year are the Fringe’s own comics, rather than members of the audience (as had been the case in previous years).

It’s a truly refreshing palate cleanser from all of the straight stand-up, but audience members are still treated to their comedy fix. This evening in particular there are seven comics taking to the stage: John-Luke Roberts, Nathan Roberts, Andy Field, Cam Spence, Eshaan Akbar, Stevie Martin and Adam Rowe.

Front man Jon Gracey revs up the suspense of the game, whilst also reminding us just how ridiculous the whole concept is. Amongst this group of seemingly innocent villagers lie two hungry werewolves, who will be picking off the villagers one by one until they are found out, or until there are no longer enough villagers left to stop them.

This is a game where emotions run high. Stevie’s extreme exasperation at being called out despite not being a wolf, and Eshaan’s disappointment about being a villager for the sixth time are particular highlights. That’s not forgetting John-Luke’s interesting tactic of randomly calling out someone from the start, and then sitting quietly and stroking his moustache for the rest of the round.

A huge bonus is that the comics really know what they are doing. They know the concept so well that they are able to develop tactics and use their previous experiences to inform their play. They’ve also built such a strong rapport that their interactions begin to shed light on their relationships off stage, adding an interesting social element to the play.

With three games per show, the audience are able to really immerse themselves in this sinister fantasy world. The only problem is, an hour simply doesn’t feel like enough. Catch Werewolf at Underbelly, Bristo Square at 9.05pm throughout August.

Edinburgh Review: Alex Farrow – Philosophy A-Level

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© Johnny Yates

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Alex Farrow interweaves philosophical concepts and reasoning techniques into his material in such a way that makes philosophy accessible to his audience, rather than isolating those who don’t have a background in the subject. In doing this, Farrow shines a light on how philosophy exists in all aspects of our daily lives. For example, he shows how socratic reasoning has become a common method of communication by using it in recurring jokes through his set.

Farrow then goes onto recount his time spent as an A-Level philosophy teacher, and it is very interesting to be enlightened to the teacher’s perspective, rather than the student’s. The comic shows great sensitivity when discussing race and religion, and in doing so he is able to take the show to places where other comics might not dare. This is because he is regaling his own interactions with young people and coming at it from the objective of helping them think independently, rather than mocking them for what they believe to be true.

The stand-up is intersected with a few rather cheesy, but very well-received, trivia quizzes, a favourite being ‘Who said this? Kelly Clarkson or Nietzsche?’. In a similar vein are the song puns he sprinkles throughout the hour, particularly referencing Kelis’ Milkshake. A little out-dated, perhaps, but they lighten the quite heavily message-orientated show.

Overall, Alex Farrow successfully argues the case for the importance of philosophy in our education system, and he does so in a smart, yet empathetic way. Catch the show at Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire at 12.15pm throughout August.

The Latebloomers: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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Who? The Latebloomers
What? Scotland!
Where? Assembly Rooms – Bijou (Venue)
When? 16:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

We are all very excited to hit the stage! The size of the fringe is quite intimidating however we feel ready and have some solid support going into the Fringe.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

Our show is called Scotland! The premise is three silly men take their audience on a wild ride through the ancient lands of Scotland. We have taken the world’s view of all things Scottish and mashed them together as a celebration of this great nation.

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

What was the best short bread and whisky to use for the show. Very important. Oh and putting together a self-devised comedy without a director or clear storyline is a challenge. But we got there in the end!

© The Latebloomers

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

This is our first time performing together at the Edinburgh Fringe so it’s all new for us. We know how big it is and how it’s hard to stand out, however it’s a wonderful platform for new artists to showcase their work and talents.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

Oh yes! Sir David and His Animals by Clownfish Theatre, Chameleon by Britt Plumber, The Establishment: Le Bureau de Strange, Serena Flynn in Baubo: Goddess of Filth, Claire Parry: Intolerable Side Effects, On The Run: The Re-Birth of Meadow Rain.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Touring our show Scotland! in France, Russia, Finland and China. Also playing our upcoming, untitled new show. The shows must go on!

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE LATEBLOOMERS: ‘SCOTLAND!’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019

Helen Wood: The Edinburgh Interviews 2019

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© Steve Ullathorne
Who? Helen Wood
What? The National Trust Fan Club
Where? Gilded Balloon at the Museum – Auditorium (Venue 64)
When? 15:00

What are your feelings as you enter into this year’s Edinburgh Fringe season?

I’m excited to be in the Edinburgh bubble for four weeks away from the realities of real life – a non-stop round of performing shows, seeing shows and socialising – but also knowing I really have to pace myself to last the course.

What is the premise of your Edinburgh show this year?

It’s my year-long attempt to go to loads of National Trust sites and properties, avoiding eye contact with the room volunteers, coping with the winter opening hours and eating lots of scones!

What is the biggest obstacle you face(d) while putting this show together?

There was more than one obstacle. Would I manage to get to the number of properties I’d set myself before my year long membership ran out? Would the dog have to stay in the back of the car at each National Trust site visited? Should I put jam on first or cream on first?

Has your attitude towards the Fringe changed at all in recent years?

I’ve been coming to the Fringe for several years both as a punter and a performer and I’m delighted that the average age of the audiences has increased. There is now a huge number of Fringe visitors over 50 and many are looking for shows that they can relate too. I’m hoping that my show fits the bill.

Do you have any other Edinburgh show recommendations?

I love improv shows and always enjoy the Maydays: Happily Never After and although Honest Amy has a tough subject matter it is delivered by a highly engaging, enthusiastic and funny performer.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

Back in Edinburgh please – it’s crazy but addictive and I’d like to be selling out a 200 seater every night.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR HELEN WOOD: ‘THE NATIONAL TRUST FAN CLUB’ HERE

THE EDINBURGH INTERVIEWS 2019