Bridget Christie Archives

Review: Bridget Christie: A Book For Her Tour

April 29, 2016 by Becca Moody Leave a Comment

Bridget Christie is currently touring her latest show A Book For Her across the UK in conjunction with her debut novel of the same name. The catalyst for this show is the relatively recent launch of a BIC pen specifically designed for women, named A Bic For Her, which Christie based her 2013 show around. Unfortunately for society, though perhaps fortunately for fans of the wrath of Bridget Christie, not a lot has changed in more recent years.

Gender inequality is still clearly a distressingly vast problem despite recent minor victories such as the abolishment of the tampon tax. But the problem is slowly moving and as a result; so is Christie’s comedy. Feminist issues still hold an integral part of this latest show but it feels as though there is a branching out of comedic focus. Christie’s latest hour feels more personal than her previous two shows, with a stronger autobiographical element to match the tone of her book, with the comedian often reading directly from her own copy on stage.

Christie’s absurdist roots still form the basis of her comedic insight and you don’t have to look too closely to observe them. In fact, these surrealist, almost-slapstick routines are all the more pleasing within this new show as they aid the breaking down of the heavier, political material. Recounting her 2010 show A Ant allows the comic to revisit her surreal character-comedy foundations, much to my delight, though she frequently has to express, “I’ve not gone mad,” to a quiet but appreciative audience. Beginning her show so unassumingly, with such quiet self-assuredness, it is quite remarkable to reflect on the development of Christie’s material over the hour.

Bridget skilfully builds layers of irony, to extents where the thought of audience members misunderstanding the message concerns her so much that she needs to check all in the room are on board. Although dampening the effect of her sarcasm to some extent, a great deal of self-awareness is shown as a result. Perhaps there is a need to cover her own back, as an outspoken political comic, and this quality is endearing, as much as it is disheartening that there are people who may misinterpret. Christie also has a talent for manipulating timing, cleverly sneaking a great deal of important statistics into her routines and allowing their inclusion to become increasingly prominent as the material progresses.

Let us not forget that Bridget Christie is an ever-developing performer, appearing to change the focus of her comedy to fit the time of writing, and this is a hugely admirable trait in an act, reducing the possibility of any stagnancy. Yes, feminism is a greatly talked-about topic, and it can get boring to have to keep covering old ground as the issues refuse to be resolved, but it is to Christie’s credit that this is not her first show with the issue of inequality at its core, and we are yet to get bored. Bridget Christie is a re-inventor, an innovator and voice of absolute sanity. And she and I would like to have it noted that we both look quite like Oliver Cromwell.

BRIDGET CHRISTIE IS CURRENTLY TOURING ‘A BOOK FOR HER’ ACROSS THE UK

Book Review: A Book For Her by Bridget Christie

March 16, 2016 by Becca Moody 2 Comments

Did you know that within the past five years BIC have launched a pen specifically designed for women? Available in a series of pretty pastel shades and shaped in such a way that ladies should find such an implement easier to hold? If that makes you feel even the tiniest bit outraged, or even just confused, Bridget Christie is here to multiply that by a thousand and use it as a tool to discuss important feminist issues that affect far too many of us everyday.

Christie’s stand up translates very easily to prose. Anyone who has seen the force that is Bridget Christie live will undoubtedly hear that distinct Gloucestershire accent as she gleefully regales anecdotes about her past experiences as a comedian and human woman. In employing her trademark, and entirely necessary, comedic hyperbole Christie is able to communicate the feelings countless people have towards serious social issues such as FGM, arranged marriage and domestic abuse, whilst remaining silly, sarcastic and entertaining to read as well as watch perform. Although the author may be quick to undermine her own hard work in sarcastically explaining that her book is comedic, not a revolutionary piece of feminist literature, I am inclined to disagree to a certain extent. A Book For Her certainly raises points of argument that have not been articulated before, or not within the comedy genre at least.

Bridget points out that many of those criticising feminism have made a mistake in assuming that this is an issue for women to solve rather than men. The heart of the matter is that feminism is needed because of the way men, regardless of how many men we are talking about here, have behaved and do still behave. However, an important issue that needs to be recognised by women in particular is that sexist attitudes and behaviours do often come from women and are directed towards women. A Book For Her is concerned with feminism that is accessible; we don’t have time for a hierarchy. Christie recognises that solving the issue therefore needs to start closer to home, stating: “In the words of Wollstonecraft, “In order for equality to take place, society must change its thinking.” Half of that society is us.”

“Not all men are oppressors and not all women are saviours. Society is made up of individuals. Some of us are shit and think shit things, and some of us are all right.”

All manner of topics are covered in this book, with autobiographical elements including joyful recounts of the Gloucestershire cheese roll and memories of being the youngest child of nine, born to strictly Catholic parents. Christie also details previous stand up shows she has taken to the Edinburgh Festival, beginning with her entry into feminist comedy, the 2010 show A Ant, and later covering the shows that have brought her most critical acclaim, the 2013 show A Bic For Her and 2014’s An Ungrateful Woman. The rationale behind Christie’s creative decisions with previous shows is explained at great length, which makes A Book For Her all the more worth reading if you happen to be a cynic of her ability or comedic range.

Although Bridget Christie speaks fundamentally as a comedian, that is after all her job and she makes it abundantly clear that that is what she got paid to write a book for, the outer layers are eventually shed and readers get a remarkable insight into the workings of a great comedy mind within the realms of normal day activities. She may be unaware of it, but the way Christie writes so effortlessly encapsulates Caitlin Moran’s quote on the front cover: “Bridget is a cool glass of sane in a world of unbearable woo-hoo.” This book isn’t really just for women. It is primarily a book for fans of decent comedy. The laughs come more frequently than the punching social commentary, but there are enough of both to satisfy a wide range of readers.

“I’d like young women to feel empowered and liberated as a result of their own decisions, actions and achievements… If the woman’s power derives from something that doesn’t involve men in any way, then she has real power.”

PURCHASE YOUR COPY OF BRIDGET CHRISTIE’S ‘A BOOK FOR HER’ FROM HER WEBSITE

A Guide To Edinburgh 2015

August 7, 2015 by Becca Moody Leave a Comment

That time of year is upon us once more; thousands of performers, reviewers and audience members are preparing to visit the holy grail of comedy that is the Edinburgh Festival. Here is a quick run through of everything MoodyComedy would be attending if only I could get there this year. Do get in touch if you attend any of these shows, or see something else that you think should be featured. You can also catch up with the past week’s exclusive MoodyComedy interviews.

Stuff That’s Gold

Katherine Ryan

Katherine Ryan is performing her latest show, Kathbum, currently riding high on her phenomenal rise to fame in recent years and showing no signs of stopping any time soon. With every new show, Katherine only increases in her wisdom, experience and cutting sass, similar to that of Irish charmer Aisling Bea who brings her second show, Plan Bea, to the festival. Another name to watch out for is that of Luisa Omielan, who will perform a very limited run of her second show Am I Right Ladies?!. Omielan is a performer that cares about her audience to an extent I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed before: her show is empowering, lively and not to be missed.

James Acaster presents another whacky hour of surreal yet surprisingly dramatic story-telling stand up in his show Represent and Joe Lycett returns, with possibly the best show title of the year: That’s The Way, A-Ha A-Ha, Joe Lycett. And it would frankly be a mistake to miss out on seeing Bridget Christie‘s latest show, A Book For Her, which sees the launch of her debut novel, and showcases her trademark blend of feminism and spectacular comedy.

Stuff That’s Odd

Tony Law, the king of surreal comedy, is performing his new show Frillemorphesis where he explores ideas such as shouting, moving and talking, absolutely standard. A live show from the Tone Zone is an opportunity not to be missed, or forgotten in a hurry, and his being in this category is by no means a suggestion that this show will not also be Gold.

Shouty extraordinaire Bobby Mair brings another dark and bitterly funny show off the back of his recent television successes, entitled Filthy Immigrant; Tom Allen performs Both Worlds with his signature sinister calm and endearing flamboyance and Harriet Kemsley, who spent the first part of this year supporting Katherine Ryan on tour, also performs her debut hour, Puppy Fat, which has got the critics excited. If you like a bit of audience interaction, Jonny Awsum’s show Everything Is Awsum will be another unforgettable experience, as will Patrick Monahan’s seventies-inspired show The Disco Years.

Stuff That’s Free

Now any Edinburgh Festival-goer will be able to tell you that ticket price does not necessarily dictate quality; free shows are on the rise as they are a great way of ensuring the trip is more affordable for comedians and fans alike. There are some real gems performing shows this year that rely on kind donations alone.

Lou Sanders

Rob Auton has prepared another delightfully off-kilter, poetical concept show entitled The Water Show where he considers everything surrounding the theme of water, much like his previous shows which have centred around themes such as Yellow, Sky and Face. Elf Lyons‘ Being Barbarella is a high-octane adventure, discussing science fiction, liberation and sharks. This lady is a true one-off, who’s surreal form of comedy is often likened to The Mighty Boosh. And Lou Sanders, being the wonderful shambles of a performer that she is, brings her insane show about her efforts to get accepted into Eton College For Boys, of course entitled: Excuse Me, You’re Sitting On My Penis Again.

Stuart Goldsmith will also be recording episodes of The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast where he interviews everyone that is anyone in the world of comedy, delving deep into the psyche of the performer and having many laughs in the process. The line up for this year is stellar and although the recordings are free to attend and non-ticketed, the venue will undoubtedly fill up quickly on the night so plan ahead.

You can purchase tickets for all shows mentioned on the Edinburgh Festival website.

READ EDINBURGH PREVIEWS HERE

Review: Bridget Christie – A Bic For Her & An Ungrateful Woman

September 24, 2014 by Becca Moody 1 Comment

Sat in the middle of the second row of a small arts centre with nobody sat in the seat in front of me, it wouldn’t have been unusual to feel on edge, exposed or even anxious at the thought of spending two hours sat eye to eye with the force that is Bridget Christie. But it may come as a surprise for you to hear that as an audience member, I have never felt more comfortable than when sat listening to Bridget perform her material.

Two slightly shortened sets were performed, Bridget’s 2013 show: A Bic For Her, and her latest one: An Ungrateful Woman. Both followed a similar theme (because, believe it or not, she hadn’t quite ran out of material on feminism just yet) and supported each other well, with well-informed subject-matter that never leaned towards feeling heavy or boring. Unknown to some, Bridget Christie’s shows haven’t always been so orientated around social change. In fact, in a recent episode of the Comedian’s Comedian podcast, she divulged that in her earlier years, she once dressed as a pea and sat on stage with just her head outside of a box, watching her audience be seated.

An Ungrateful Woman

It is clear to me that this lady is afraid of very little and with this, she can do very much. She talked of her own personal triumphs that help deal with misogyny on a small, day-to-day level, involving a hilarious anecdote about magazine stands in supermarkets, but also interweaved material around issues surrounding suggestive advertising, FGM, Michael Gove, a certain snooker player and Beyoncé.

So, we know that this comic can do surreal as that’s what she’s done in the past, but these two shows were different: they were hard-hitting and informative yet still immensely enjoyable. There are still elements of the fantastical within her comedy, with energetic and preposterous slapstick routines that accurately portray what others have hinted are “things a female might do”. Packed to the brim with sarcasm and a slight hint of derailment, A Bic For Her and An Ungrateful Woman bring to the forefront how important feminism is in today’s society and remind us that there is no such as thing being satisfied with something as insane as one nation having “better” inequality than another.

With her assertive self-confidence and, dare I say it, actual proposed solutions (so you can stop your “raging feminist that just moans about everything” stuff now), I left Bridget’s show feeling assured that someone else, well, the woman herself, had the situation in hand.

You can see where Bridget Christie is on tour right now by visiting her website.

(And an additional side note, that I am sure you are all aware of: I encourage you to watch Emma Watson’s speech to the United Nations that she gave this week. It is inspirational in the same way that Bridget’s performance was for me.)

TV Review: The Alternative Comedy Experience

April 18, 2014 by Becca Moody 2 Comments

The Alternative Comedy Experience is important because it aims to show what intimate comedy gigs are actually like so for people who don’t see a lot of live comedy, or only have experience of big arenas, it really shows a whole new world. The show consists of a whole load of individual stand up sets that have been chopped up into small sections and made into thirty minute episodes with as many as four or five comedians featuring in each one. The premise of the show was thought up by the genius that is Stewart Lee and features snippets of interviews conducted by Lee with each comic. The general criteria for the comedians is ‘alternative’ with some being more commonly known than others and I was drawn to the show because many of my favourites feature such as Paul Foot, Tony Law, Henning Wehn and of course, Stewart Lee.

Programmes like this are great because they introduce a whole range of new comics to the viewers. For example, I fell in love with David Kay’s down beat tone which had everyone laughing in the breaks between talking, which is a talent. I had only ever seen Josie Long on panel shows before but I adored her brilliant political views that were hilarious and not too heavy. I think it’s important for comics to discuss politics in their material because young people especially need to be more familiar with things that directly effect them. And Britain’s politicians are laughable in themselves, lest us forget.

I only own series one of The Alternative Comedy Experience and know a second series was released early this year so need to get myself a copy of that. From what I did see though, I definitely wish there could have been more of Paul Foot in particular as I know he is a genius but he didn’t seem to get much stage-time. There were others who I would like to have seen more of also, including Bridget Christie, Robin Ince and David O’Doherty (I have many of his weird songs on my iPod- he’s fantastic, like the love child of Tim Minchin and a child? a chimp? I don’t know).

Tony Law got quite a lot of time which was brilliant because as you know, he’s one of my all time favourites. I worship that guy, seriously- his material is quick, insane and SO surreal which is everything I could want. Henning Wehn was also on top form as usual (he is rapidly becoming one of my favourites) and I can’t wait to watch the DVD I have of his latest stand up tour: No Surrender.

I am looking forward to series two of this show but in the meantime, I will be looking out for names like David Kay, Alun Cochrane and Bridget Christie in particular as these new names stood out for me. Also, I have an important query- HOW ON EARTH IS BRIDGET CHRISTIE 42?! She must be a time traveller or something, she looks wonderful.

I don’t really know anyone who watches this show, so let me know if you do and restore my faith in humanity thanks!

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