British Comedy

TV Review: Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, Series 4

2 Comments

With every new series of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, I find myself not wanting to watch for fear of those who may judge but then almost immediately concluding that I do not care. Yes, Lee is a spiteful comic, but he is also incredibly astute. One can’t help but admire his craft, even if you don’t agree with his viewpoints, which are of course satirically exaggerated anyway, suggesting that those who feel alienated by his comedy may actually be misinterpreting his message. And with his frequent cuts to camera, a television audience cannot help but be drawn in, without suffering the inevitable heart palpitations that would surely follow with such a predicament.

Take, for example, Episode 2, which sees Lee dryly dissect the ever-prominent issue of Islamophobia and the questions it raises with regard to mocking religion through the medium of stand up comedy. The surface layer can easily cause offence but it would be short-sighted of the viewer to assume that Lee wants us to take what he says at face value. Episode 1 sees the comic approach the topic of prostitution and though many may switch off at quips about such matters coming from someone like the esteemed Stewart Lee we see before us, we hold out for lines that release the tension, such as empathising with those who “provide a service people crave and still be despised for it”.

© BBC

© BBC

His observational stints are deliberately placed throughout the series, disguised as digs at others in the comedy industry but serving a greater purpose: as a release of comedic tension. It may seem to be a strange decision, but one that shows great integrity, for Lee to limit his observational material to the extent that he does as he could effortlessly rely on this fine-tuned skill for significant segments of the programme. But it appears that he would interpret this creative decision as laziness and if there is one thing that Stewart Lee abhors (though of course there can’t only be one thing) then it is laziness. This can be appreciated by many, but sometimes it feels like his comments get a little too specific, a little too personal. I genuinely don’t believe that his foremost intention is to cause harm to those he ridicules for it is, most often anyway, their ideas he ridicules rather than their personalities. It seems that offence is a necessary by-product of the message and perhaps we shouldn’t cower from comedy that offends.

All that said, I don’t feel as though I can trust Stewart Lee; perhaps what we read into his jokes are not what he truly means, but I fully appreciate where he is coming from on the majority of occasions, if I am, in fact, correct in where I think he is coming from. A part of me wishes that Chris Morris’ segments were longer or more frequent during each episode, but perhaps this would dilute the impact of Morris’ scorn. Antagonism to say the least, Morris’ role is to demolish any self-righteousness in Lee’s character that has been allowed to fester during his stand up performances on film. The shock of hearing an interviewer speak so rudely to his interviewee, as though there is genuine contempt for Lee and his comedy, is yet another smart release of tension, often resulting in full-blown arguments and a lot of swearing.

Many have accused Lee of making comedy that is self-indulgent, particularly, as he mentions, “those younger comics they have now,”  but only a small amount of closer analysis can enable us to see that there is a reason behind every decision. Stewart Lee overtly works to manufacture an ‘in group’ and an ‘out group’ through his stand up and can I be blamed for wanting to be in the former? I write this on principle, knowing that many would avoid writing an article about the man who famously slams all critics of his work, and coming from a wholly appreciative perspective. I still pray to God that he doesn’t read this.

WATCH SERIES 4 OF STEWART LEE’S COMEDY VEHICLE ON IPLAYER

The Glee Club Comedy Night, April 2016

Leave a Comment
f083d5_e80ef58504d149039e89066767e6f38f

Stephen Bailey © Steve Ullathorne

Is Birmingham Glee Club the best comedy club in the country? Quite possibly. The latest ‘Best In Live Stand-up Comedy’ show at the Glee is a showcase of four acts as well as compère Andre Vincent.

Stephen Bailey has a rare charm about him. A young face paired with an air of experience makes for a very enticing performer. He speaks with a quiet confidence that suggests this man is a born performer; showing an aptitude for conversing with an audience as a collective. There is an undeniable hint of showbiz behind Stephen’s demeanour but also an endearing realism. With a twinkle in his eye and a manner that suggests both innocence and filth, this comedian seems to demonstrate experience beyond his years. And, having recently supported Katherine Ryan on her UK tour, that comes as no surprise.

Harry Stachini only began his comedy career in 2013 and has evidently been doing his homework. With admirable competence in front of a rowdy crowd and an obvious appreciation of joke and narrative formation, Stachini was indistinguishable from the other acts on the bill in terms of quality of material and stage presence. Next up comes Gareth Richards with an interesting blend of odd mannerisms and relatable observational material. With a silly and playful tone, an audience feels instantly obliged to humour him, although he is well aware that some of his crafted punchlines are cheesy and the addition of a musical interlude helped to maintain this illusion of a somewhat variety act. Richards throws in frequent narrative curve balls whilst playing up to a ‘loser’-status that ensures his audience is on board from the very first, “Everyone say hello to Gareth”.

And finally Andrew Bird; self-depreciating and confessional, Andrew appears to be the voice of reality, accepting and embracing the turmoils of relationships, fatherhood and technology. His qualms about society are both easy and enjoyable to follow. Bird gets caught up on many of modern life’s minor irritations, picking up ideas and running with them with impressive energy.

BOOK TICKETS FOR THE NEXT COMEDY NIGHT AT ONE OF THE GLEE CLUBS ACROSS THE UK

Review: Bramall Comedy Night, Craig Murray, Damian Clark & Nathan Caton

1 Comment
DamianClark

© Damian Clark

This month’s comedy night at the Bramall at the University of Birmingham sees a change of room, with a smaller audience congregating in one of the ‘domes’ on the top floor of the building, making for a more intimate comedy gig than the main hall allows. And with most of the university’s students being at home for Easter it soon becomes clear that this is, in Nathan Caton’s words, a very “non-student student gig”.

Craig Murray compères (failing, I was later informed, to mention that he is in fact the face of the Plusnet adverts). Here we have a prime example of a comedian who knows how to work a room; there was none of the anxiety that often comes with an MC’s opening skit, where they inevitably pick on a few unfortunate audience members. Murray did speak to many members of his audience but his friendly demeanour eliminated any nerves. His anecdotes are packed with energy, effortlessly finding hilarity in the mundane whilst also proving himself to be excellent at bouncing off the audience’s ideas, allowing an enjoyable atmosphere to emerge.

The first act to be introduced is Australian Damian Clark, a powerhouse of comedic frenzy. Almost childlike in his excitement at apparently everything he experiences, he is incredibly endearing as a performer. Damian was able to comment on British culture whilst being one step removed from those he talks about, having only lived in England for four years, and he doesn’t claim to understand everything about the culture, which is in itself something not often seen within stand up performers. Getting worked up about seemingly monotonous aspects of life, Clark’s material builds in its absurdity as it progresses, even becoming rather sinister towards the end of his set, which, he notes, ran over considerably, perhaps by almost fifteen minutes. Neither he nor the audience seemed to mind.

The final act on the bill, as alluded to earlier, is the markedly laid-back Nathan Caton. His perspective on numerous political and social issues is refreshingly down to earth, and he certainly does not fear stating controversial opinions, such as his sarcastic retorts about allegations against the late Michael Jackson. Not only can Nathan back up his bold claims, he also manages to squeeze every last laugh out of them, and one can’t help but wonder if he is saying what the majority of us are thinking anyway. Nathan Caton is touring the UK with his latest solo hour this year; purchase your tickets here.

BRAMALL COMEDY NIGHTS

March: Comedian Of The Month #26, John Moloney

1 Comment

john-moloney-2010-june

Each Comedian of the Month on MoodyComedy is a comic who has never previously featured on the website. Reasons for selection can include various current projects the comedian is involved with, or perhaps recent appearances on television programmes or podcasts. There is no strict criteria however, as Comedian of the Month simply stands as a collection of recommendations, highlighting interesting and original aspects of certain comedians and their work.

March’s Comedian of the Month is a well-experienced performer on the stand up comedy circuit, an act who brings with him a peculiar veil of calm suggesting the reassurance of experience.

London-born stand up John Moloney speaks in a markedly droll, downbeat tone, often reacting as though he cannot comprehend why audiences find him amusing. A front, of course, because with a back-catalogue of strong one-liners, this comedian is certainly confident in his material and taking his time with the delivery allows the impact of each to hit harder. With a skill for multi-layered observation, Moloney’s comedy caters to a wide range of audiences, entertaining those who are content with an arguably more simplistic joke-writing formation whilst also pleasing those with an eye for detail. This shows a self-assuredness to his performance, demonstrating an ability to put audiences at ease.

It is no surprise, then, that he was included in Channel 4’s list of ‘100 Greatest Stand Ups’ back in 2006, but this makes it all the more frustrating to note that this comic is not a regular face on television. Moloney, it can be argued, fits within a strange sub-category of acts in the comedy industry, as a comedian with very accessible material, yet who isn’t given the platform to reach the full extent of that potential audience.

There is no shame in being a crowd-pleaser and a new face on the television circuit is always welcomed by the majority of us, particularly as I feel increasingly bored to see the same faces on every panel show and variety show out there. There are enough acts to choose from, surely we can afford to change it up a little bit by now?

For more information, visit John Moloney’s website and follow him on Twitter.

FEBRUARY COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH

Seven Questions With… Gráinne Maguire

Leave a Comment
Irish stand up comedian Gráinne Maguire has recently been extending her comedic influence to the world of politics, with her appearance on BBC Question Time back in January being the catalyst for her being named MoodyComedy’s Comedian of the Month. Gráinne’s approach to political debate is particularly refreshing due to her positive can-do attitude and this outlook is also reflected in her stand up, with audiences being left with a constructive message, rather than a defeatist one.
To learn a little more about her, I asked Gráinne these seven questions…

1) Is it intimidating as a comedian to sit on the panel of a show such as Question Time?

It was a bit tricky. I was obviously there as a comedian rather than a political hack so I didn’t want to try to present myself as an expert next to people whose job it is to really know what they’re talking about. But I didn’t want to come across as a total moon calf either. So, I tried to split the difference and find a way to express what I thought, in as funny and honest a way as possible. To be honest, by the time the programme started recording, I had tipped over from nervous to hyper, so I was quite relaxed by the time the cameras started rolling.

2) When was the last time you wasted a sum of money?

I bought a wool hat in an Accessorise sale for £6 and lost it literally about three hours later. I was so annoyed I went back to the shop the next day and bought the exact same one again so it wasn’t quite the bargain I had hoped in the end.

grainne-maguire-n1

Gráinne Maguire

3) What smell reminds you of your childhood?

I lived in the country in the middle of nowhere so rain and freshly cut grass reminds me of summer mornings going for adventures down the fields. I was very adventurous as a child, so I loved anything involving trees, heights and imminent injury in general.

4) Did you anticipate becoming a comedian?

I always had an awful gut feeling that I’d have to give it a go at some stage, but it was more a dull dread than a bursting feeling of excitement. I always assumed you’d have to be genius to be a stand up comedian, the performers I admired, Tommy Tiernan, Billy Connelly, Dylan Moran, seemed like actual gods so I never thought it was something normal people could do. I thought it was like dropping into conversation that you thought you could make it as a supermodel, like, look at me guys, guess who’s so funny I should actually be paid for it! But then I realised it was the one thing I wanted so badly I wouldn’t mind being rubbish at it for ages first. And I saw all the other male comedians at my level, so confident and certain of themselves, so I thought, sod it, if they can give it a go, I can too.

5) Where would you most like to live?

I have this day dream where I live in New York. I eat bagels in delis, walk down the street drinking coffee and am best friends with Alec Baldwin.

6) How would you define success?

Success to me is not wanting to swap your life with anyone else, being entirely contented with your lot, being at peace with your flaws and failures, having only regrets that can be ruefully shrugged away, being creatively fulfilled and having people in your life that you love and love you back.

7) What advice would you give to a teenager?

Be really kind to yourself, don’t take yourself too seriously, be nicer to your sister.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT GRÁINNE MAGUIRE’S WEBSITE

SEVEN QUESTIONS WITH…

Review: Stuart Goldsmith – An Hour

Leave a Comment
stu goldsmith

© Andre Pattenden

To finally and officially put face to the voice of Stuart Goldsmith has been a very long time coming. I have listened to his podcast The Comedian’s Comedian for years but it’s strange to have a visual rather than just an audio; strange not to be wearing earphones. Goldsmith’s debut tour kicks off at Birmingham’s Glee Club; the studio being satisfyingly busy and Stu holding his ground incredibly well.

Stuart Goldsmith is the genuine article with no showing off and no false illusion of power. Goldsmith gives the humble impression of being a just guy stood in front of a group of people and telling a few anecdotes, but his act far exceeds that description. Any fan of the podcast will already know that Stuart is a lovely guy: that’s why we bought tickets. But what I certainly wasn’t expecting was for him to be half as commanding in front of an audience as he effortlessly was. Any of the self-doubt he so often alludes to quickly becomes a faint memory as Stu recounts stories of his childhood and adolescence. And he is just so nice. Even an irritating drunk lady who slurred through the majority of the show was dealt with reasonably and politely by Stu who quickly worked to smooth over the slightly sour feeling in the air, referring to it as “gently harassing a talkative woman”.

Goldsmith’s comedy is clear, succinct and not self-indulgent. His show is pleasingly structured and the final moments of the hour are a thing of absolute beauty. It’s very apparent that he knows how to craft a show and there is an authentic respect for performance as an art form as well as consideration of the audience throughout. The hours of interviewing all manner of comedic performers has clearly had an impact on Goldsmith’s own craft in a way that I doubt can be said for the majority of podcasting stand up comedians.

And Stuart’s audience is as passionate about the craft as he, evident in the large number of people that stayed behind afterwards to ask questions about the podcast in a group-discussion setting. We chatted about the issues of censorship in broadcasting peoples’ opinions as well as other things that, somewhat ironically, I am unable to disclose. So, after an evening of suitably nerdy entertainment I am left with my feelings of appreciation towards comedy as an art form, and Goldsmith’s informed and pioneering podcast itself, being as strong as ever. Let this serve as a strong recommendation of Stuart Goldsmith’s tour show, An Hour of your life well spent.

PURCHASE TICKETS FOR STUART GOLDSMITH’S LATEST SHOW ‘AN HOUR’

Seven Questions With… John Robertson

Leave a Comment
John Robertson

© Mark Dawson

Australian comedian and writer John Robertson also has an interesting background as the creator of live-action video game, The Dark Room, where audiences are in control of the show’s outcome. Most of his time, however, is spent performing his peculiar brand of energetic, bordering on sadistic, stand up comedy. Robertson has recently announced new dates for The Dark Room as well as new international stand up dates.
To learn more about this unusual performer, I asked John these seven questions…

1) What was the inspiration behind The Dark Room?

Well, when I was 10, some pals and I found a computer in the storage area behind our classroom. There was a broken old text adventure on it – a game so horribly made that, whatever you did, it just killed you. It was the first time I’d ever seen a machine be nakedly hostile – and it stayed with me!

Also, given how much that sounds like the start of a young adult horror novel, the machine was cursed and now all my friends are dead.

2) Who is your favourite artist of any kind?

I’ve got an incredible love for folk singer Loudon Wainwright III, whose finest songs are war reports from a scarred family life, except for the really good one that’s just about swimming.

3) Who means the most to you?

The following cluster of outstanding people: Mum, Jo, Jude, Wendy + Anthony, Mel, Tom, Nan Carol + David, all of whom will be pleased to be on this list and very surprised I didn’t just answer with, “Me”.

4) What are you currently looking forward to?

Lunch!

5) Do you find humour in inappropriate situations?

I find everything in inappropriate situations.

6) What is holding humanity back?

Lazy thinking, folks who are more interested in a fight than a solution, cocksuckers with bombs, anybody who uses religion to harm anyone else, state systems that reduce individuals to statistics, the Internet’s ability to allow angry shut-ins to gather and rub one another in their sticky opinons, a deliberate lack of education and the idea that millionaires know something because they’ve got a lot of money. They knew how to get that money, that doesn’t mean they know a damn thing about you.

And all sport.

7) What impression would you like your audience to have of you?

That I’m having a great time – and they can come along, too. Bring earplugs.

PURCHASE TICKETS TO SEE JOHN ROBERTSON AND FOR HIS LIVE-ACTION VIDEO GAME, THE DARK ROOM

Book Review: A Book For Her by Bridget Christie

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.

© Idil Sukan

© Idil Sukan

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

Seven Questions With… Stuart Goldsmith

4 Comments
Stuart_Goldsmith_An_Hour_edfringe2015

© Andre Pattenden

Stand up comedian Stuart Goldsmith is also the brains behind every comedy nerd’s favourite podcast, The Comedian’s Comedian, a series of interviews where Stu gets to the heart of the creative processes and, invariably, the psychological issues of many a comic. The endlessly charismatic Goldsmith is rapidly cultivating a very interesting crowd of followers, with most audience members being as passionate about the craft of stand up as he is.
To find out more about Stu, I asked him these seven questions…

1) What is your best character trait?

My incredible world-class humility. But seriously folks…

I think I’m probably quite good with kids. That’s being tested recently with the birth of my new son; I was trying to be a fun uncle for the first week and ran myself into the ground over-delivering. I need to remember that he loves me anyway so I don’t need to throw a whirlwind of funny songs and kisses at him. Good advice for life generally…

2) How has your life changed in the past year?

Ha, I should have read through these first. Having a baby (and I know no-one without a baby cares about this) is the single most challenging thing I‘ve ever done. It’s impossible to explain to child-free people the extent to which it changes your life; it’s like suddenly becoming a religious fundamentalist overnight; you’ve got something incredible to live for but now you need to do all these insane rituals every 40mins and talk to something that isn’t listening.

3) What is the most challenging aspect of your podcasting work?

Ooh, nice question. It’s either: the fact that the job has an infinite brief, so I’m never finished; the fact that now watching comedy feels like “work I should have to do” rather than “a fun thing to relax with”; or it’s the amount of admin that has suddenly blossomed into my life. I want to answer every email and watch every video I’m sent, but I’ve also got to write a new show! But it’s enormously fulfilling and I arrogantly think it’s a legacy that will outlast however many DVDs I eventually sell. We’re changing lives here, people!

4) What makes you feel trapped?

Being buried alive in a coffin made of lolly sticks for a crime I didn’t commit.

5) Who would you be afraid to meet?

Gosh, everyone, I’m a terribly scared person. Lots of surface confidence and very little actual belief in myself. Probably an angry Scottish woman. For some reason they absolutely will not be charmed by me.

6) What was the last surprise you had?

My little bloke making a sort of pre-voice sound like “cah!” It was the absolute TITS.

7) What will make your first UK tour a success in your eyes?

If I walk away feeling like it’s the start of something. I had that feeling at Ed Fringe last year, and Brighton Festival later on. I’ve put a lot of work into my career and writing and performing and specifically this show, a lot of that part of the work was “working out what the work is”, coz comedy can be a rabbit hole made of sexy smoke. So the sensation that I’m starting to find and cultivate an audience is very satisfying. But – stay focused Goldsmith – my goal was to tour my own show, and actually getting to do the tour is a victory lap with which I’m rewarding myself for achieving that goal! So the shows themselves will be awesome whether there’s 100 people in the crowd or 2. DO YOU HEAR ME WOLVERHAMPTON?! I WILL NOT BE BEATEN!!

STUART GOLDSMITH IS CURRENTLY TOURING HIS LATEST SHOW ‘AN HOUR’ ACROSS THE UK

February: Comedian Of The Month #25, Joseph Morpurgo

2 Comments
Each Comedian of the Month on MoodyComedy is a comic who has never previously featured on the website. Reasons for selection can include various current projects the comedian is involved with, or perhaps recent appearances on television programmes or podcasts. There is no strict criteria however, as Comedian of the Month simply stands as a collection of recommendations, highlighting interesting and original aspects of certain comedians and their work.

It can often be found that the success of a stand up comic originates from an ability to manipulate language in order to convey incredibly specific meaning. This skill is particularly evident in the sketches of this month’s Comedian of the Month, Joseph Morpurgo. Morpurgo is articulate and expressive in his storytelling in such a way that characters are given a great sense of depth. Pair that with a knack for physical dramatism and extravagance and you get what could be deemed a multi-layered, new style of slapstick comedy.

While researching this intriguing performer, it was a delight to discover an improvisational comedy group named Austentatious, of which Morpurgo is a co-creator and member. This discovery led me to become more excited about a comedy group than I ever have before; if you search for their trailer online you will see why. In fact, a lot of Joseph Morpurgo’s professional credits come with an element of improvisation, with him working with other comedy groups as well as teaching improv all over the country.

Joseph Morpurgo

Joseph Morpurgo

Is it any surprise that Joseph Morpurgo leads this year’s group of Chortle nominees? Probably not. With nominations for Breakthrough Act, Best Show (for his 2015 Edinburgh show Soothing Sounds For Baby) and the Award For Innovation (also for Soothing Sounds For Baby), this name will soon be a very recognisable one. If my point needed proving at all, simply note the fact Morpurgo is nominated for an award for innovation in comedy. I think that speaks volumes, as it implies a great respect and genuine passion for the craft to an extent that new and exciting things are being created, and that is what keeps comedy alive.

Voting has now closed for this year’s Chortle awards with the award ceremony taking place on March 22nd and Austentatious are currently touring their Improvised Jane Austen Novel around the UK.

Click here for more information about Joseph Morpurgo and follow him on Twitter.

JANUARY COMEDIAN OF THE MONTH