The Good, The Bad and The Downright Ugly – Edinburgh Comedy Collective – 18 January –The Podcast

You may remember back in November I visited The Comedy Collective at The Stand Edinburgh and was privileged to see an advanced snippet of  The Good, The Bad and The Downright Ugly, a comedy panel show created for a podcast,presented by Richard Melvin and assorted comedy guests. Initially prior to the recording MC Caulfield did the warm up and explained the ideas behind the concept.

The concept is to take the comics out of their comfort zone and to take them away from their well crafted and honed set material.

The comics going through the wringer on the opening recording were the legendry Jo Caulfield, the inimitable Keir McAlister and the outstanding Graeme Thomas.

Melvin set the ball rolling by ‘getting to know’ the panellists and in doing so causing much hilarity along the way, prior to the ‘serious’ part of the proceedings as two of these comic masters went head to head attempting to get the most laughs and ‘points’, somewhat similar to ‘Argumental’  TV channel Dave. Challenges on The Good, then The Bad, news stories, and other assorted topics took us to the interval and beyond with a variety of ‘debates’ and led to a final round similar in many ways to the ‘Mock the Week’  finale.

Okay it was maybe not as slick as a fully prepared show, but in my opinion anyway, that was a pleasant change. To see these guys flying by the seat of their pants and the genuine enthusiasm they displayed throughout certainly made it the value for money experience that it was. I mentioned in my November review that this show had cult potential, well, I didn’t know I was going to get sucked in. I am supposed to be doing something else for the next recording, but plans are already afoot to reschedule this so I can attend the next performance.

So at the end of the second section that was the recording finished, but was that the end of thing? Not on your life!! Character comedy took over as Jay Lafferty ‘read extracts’ of Victoria’s Diary in the run up to a wedding. I have always rated Jay as a stand-up and her development into a classy character comedian as well makes me even more certain of her talent. It was a well written and presented piece with a lovely twist I hadn’t seen coming and was an added bonus to what had gone before.

And there was more!! Joe Heenan, a stand-up and compere extraordinaire, but Joe the character comedian?? Well he was and an excellent one too!! Fred Nostradamus as a semi-stuntman kept the laughter pot bubbling along well for the duration of his set, a set that was all too short for my liking.

And then there was Lach. How to describe him? Is he a comic? He says no. Is he a raconteur? Well he talks well! Is he a singer and musician? Well certainly if the short burst we saw was anything to go by. This multitalented New Yorker held the crowd rapt for the closing set as he showcased all his talents.

And that was unfortunately all. Until the next time that is. But that is only next week!! Fortunately!!

For the dates and performers of the remaining 5 podcasts check out the website www.edinburghcomedycollective.com or the Stand’s website www.thestand.co.uk and hopefully I’ll see you there.

Reviewed by Geoff

Sunday Night Laugh-In -Stand Comedy Club Edinburgh – 8 January 2012

How does one cheer oneself up on a January Sunday night? Well you could always do what I did last night and visit the comedy oasis in Edinburgh, The Stand Comedy Club where of course it was business as usual; they run virtually 365 days a year after all.

Even in early January there was a more than respectable crowd in attendance by the time our hostess Sian Bevan took to the stage to control the evening’s entertainment. This certainly not the first time I have seen her in charge at the Stand, she is one of the many quality MC’s they have at their disposal, each with their own style.Sian, complete with a new haircut and a new svelte frame, treated the crowd to her take on proceedings. The usual information garnering, making contact with potential ‘victims’, and boy did she have a choice, boy-band soldiers, American club owners the flat-mates from hell, even an evil banker were all candidates. Ms Bevan has a pleasing easy going personality, backed up with all the comedy skills and material she will ever need breezed through the warm up prior to introducing the opening act Glaswegian Chris Conroy.

This was the first time I had seen him perform, and I certainly hope it won’t be long before I see him again. From the moment he hit the stage to his finish some 20 minutes later he was totally at home. His stage presence is commanding, his material different whilst being funny , one doesn’t normally expect to see a male comic going on about childbirth or even The Samaritans for example,  well written and delivered. At times his style reminded me a little of an early Kevin Bridges, not that he is trying to be him, it’s just the same obvious quality is lurking there in my opinion. Certainly an act I’ll look forward to seeing again.

After the first break,Sian introduced the opening act of the second segment, the relative newby Kitty Wood. Now she hasn’t got too many gigs under her belt yet, but anyone who didn’t know this would not have guessed. Exuding calm and confidence Kitty was gentler in her humour than many, but once into her stride the time evaporated. This lady has plenty of stage presence, a pleasing voice, with a composed delivery style. Her material is peppered with gems on yet again non-standard topics, and is blessed with wonderful comic timing. I look forward to seeing her perform a longer set, as I felt she was building well throughout her short set and felt given more time will really be able to shine.

Closing out the second part was comic Alan Sharp, he blessed with film star looks, albeit that filmstar being Hagrid from Harry Potter!!  This is the second time I’ve seen his hairy, bearded guy in recent months and rather enjoy his somewhat pessimistic outlook on world in general. He is self deprecating throughout, but has a set packed to the gunwales with funny material on a variety of subjects from pizza, mobile phone upgrades,Gloucesterand Christmas birthdays. His set finished with a well written almost rant, that had the club in stitches. I am already looking forward to the next helping.

Headliner on the night was magician, comedy-writer and of course stand-up all rounder Steven Dick. Although his was a name I was aware of, again this was the first time I had seen him perform live. ThisGlasgowbased entertainer split his set into initially stand-up, and I thoroughly enjoyed his stuff before, finishing off with comedy magic. Now I have to say I am not a huge magic fan, even though I am beginning to come round to it more and more. I must admit I am in awe of the illusions he delivered. I always thought that I could believe what I saw, but following his trick with a kiwi fruit I am no longer sure I can. Steven certainly was a popular performer with the crowd and came across as a nice guy too.

And that was it. Another successful night of top quality entertainment, and for a small price. At £6-00 abargain, and even a better one if you are a member. To check out how  to join, or to see what is on the bill check out their website www.thestand.co.uk for details of the clubs in Edinburgh,Glasgow and the new venture inNewcastle.

Reviewed by Geoff

‘AMUSED MOOSE LAUGH OFF’ STARTS THE HUNT FOR 2012’S MOST AMOOSING NEW COMIC

in association with 2ENTERTAIN

 

If you want to be the next Jack Whitehall or Sarah Millican, this is the competition for you!

The prestigious, nationwide Amused Moose Laugh Off contest, to search out and discover the next big comedy star, is about to kick off. Entries open on1st January 2012, and qualifying rounds take place inLondon, the north ofEngland,ScotlandandIrelandfrom the end of January, so there’s no time to waste!

In association with leading UK DVD company 2entertain, this exciting countrywide talent search for comedy’s brand new comic gems is famed for discovering the comedy stars of the future. Previous Amused Moose Laugh Off winners include Jack Whitehall and Sarah Millican.

The audience votes at every stage, whilst the overall winner is ultimately decided by the movers and shakers of the comedy industry. The Amused Moose Laugh Off 2012 final, featuring an international comedy industry panel and a celebrity host, will be held at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2012, with £1500 as the winner’s main prize.

Amused Moose Laugh Off has proved to be a fantastic shop window for new talent, with most finalists being quickly signed by leading agents and promoters, as well as having the opportunity to be showcased in Amused Moose Comedy Gangshows inEdinburghandLondon.

So if you want to set your stand-up career off to a flying start, showcase your talents to the comedy industry, take your first steps towards your own DVD and have a shot at the main prize of £1500 to invest in the development of your comedy career, what are you waiting for?

For your entry form and more information go to www.AmusedMoose.com/LaughOff  then just turn up at qualifying rounds eager to perform a few minutes of your funniest gags, hopefully on your way to fame and fortune.

CONTACT FOR PRESS & MEDIA: Flick Morris PR flick@flickmorrispr.com / 07917 875 625

 GENERAL CONTACT:  Comedy@AmusedMoose.com  (Hils Jago 07970 524 234)

Red Hot Chilli Pipers – Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre – 30 December

With what has been a successful year for bothDunfermline’s’ Premier Theatre venue,   The Alhambra and of course the World’s no.1 exponent of Bag-Rock, are there any other?, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, what could be a better way to bring down the curtain on 2011?

With what seemed to be the excess of 1800 bag rocker fanatics of all ages from 12 – 112 packed into this prestige Dunfermline Night spot the scene was set for yet another evening of  the sensational  eclectic mix of solid rock tunes and traditional bagpipe numbers, well mixed as only this bunch of musicians can deliver.

This gig has become, in a short space of time, a highlight, nay a tradition almost, of what is the best thatScotlandcan offer. For a number of years now they have graced this stage to perform their own take on the music scene.

Classics from Coldplay, Queen, Guns ‘n’ Roses, The Who to name just a few were given the unique twist that the Chilli Pipers excel at and even that there is no G Man or Stuart Cassels anymore, it detracts little from their excellence.

They, this year anyway, elected to play without a support act, yet from the moment they hit the stage until their departure some nearly three hours later produced a set that had their die-hard fans in ecstasy and no doubt converted a huge number of others to become fans of the bag-rock.

Encore after encore elongated what was an extraordinary night, only I assume to be equalled, if not exceeded, next year if all is well. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are here to stay and  I’m sure that the fans will return in droves once their next gig is announced.

To check on future gigs for the Chillis why not visit their website www.redhotchillipipers.co.uk  or for what’s on at The Alhambra then www.alhambradunfermline.com is the site to be on.

Reviewed by Geoff

The Best of Scottish Comedy – Stand Comedy Club – 21 December

The shortest day of the year coincided with my final pre Xmas visit to Edinburgh’s no 1 comedy club The Stand for the aptly named Best of Scottish Comedy night.

The milder weather seemed to draw a whole host of visitors to the club including a pack, and I use the term deliberately, of off-shore workers who were determined to have a good time following their release back into society.

The compere for the night was the effervescent and funny Ayrshire hairy man Billy Kirkwood. Now he has always been a favourite MC at the Stand and he was in his element, a packed house ready for fun and just a little boisterous giving him plenty of scope to sharpen his wit, tasks he performed with his usual aplomb.

Opener for the night was Ray Bradshaw, a young Glaswegian comic who in my opinion has bags of potential. I first saw him a couple of months ago and was looking forward to seeing him do a longer set. His material as always was snappy and funny, some I was aware of but most was new to me, and although slightly suffering from our oil workers, still turned in a quality performance. I feel this guy has the possibility to reach the very top and I certainly look forward to watching his progress.

Opening act of part two was another of my favourites that being Jay Lafferty. Now I have seen her on stage numerous times over the last few years and she has always delivered a fine set and tonight was no different. Ms Lafferty has stage presence a plenty and a wicked side to her seemingly innocent look. He set was a fine mixture of some new material with a few of her greatest hits blended in. I’m sure she did nothing but enhance her already glowing reputation as she was well received by one and all.

Sean Grant closed the out the second section with the assured performance of the seasoned pro that he is. It has been quite a while since I had seen him perform and thought how much he had matured. Calm, controlled, yet funny throughout histime, with a wide ranging topic selection,  this occasionally self-deprecating comic is well worth seeing if you get a chance, I know I’ll be there when the opportunity arises.

Following the second interval and prize draw it was time for the headliner and what a treat for everyone. Glaswegian maestro Janey Godley is a confirmed favourite of mine, partly because you never know where she is going to go on the night, but what you can be assured of, is whatever avenue she goes down, the result is a set packed with quality, very funny and well written material delivered as only she can. Ms Godley is no shrinking violet, hell no. She shoots from the lip and nobody is immune from getting their comeuppance. She is occasionally slightly shocking for the more delicate palate, but probably draws more belly laughs per set than anyone on the circuit. I find myself being so engrossed in her stories that the time just passes before you know it, and I just know the next time I see her it will be the same, only the material will be different.

And that was it, unfortunately. Billy closed the show and we drifted away into the night, and I like many others I suspect heading for the website www.thestand.co.uk to see what other fare in on offer not just in Edinburgh and Glasgow, but at the new venture The Stand Newcastle.

Reviewed by Geoff

Aladdin – Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline

It must be Xmas time, the festive lights are on, the shops are busy and it’s Panto time!! Oh yes it is, and big time Panto is no longer the province of Glasgow or Edinburgh. Dunfermline’s Alhambrais staging an extravagant production of their own this seasonal time with all the razzmatazz one has grown to expect with this medium.

Now I must confess to not being a total fan of this style of entertainment, but if there is a show that could possibly change my mind,  then this just maybe it.

Starring Edinburgh’s own ‘Joseph’ Craig Chalmers in the title role with the stunning Soraya filling the love interest as Princess Jasmine in this new production written by Stuart Thomas, the show hits the right note from the very start. Ably supported by the Evil Abanazar, played by James McKenzie, Widow Twankey, by Stephen Docherty, Wishee Washee played by David Ashwoodand, with Alan McKenzie as The Emperor together with the aptly named So Shy, Jill Nadin,  director Lawrie McNicol and the rest of the creative team have put together an excellent production, complete with some hi-tec effects that were impressive to say the least.

But the essence of true Panto is woven throughout the entire show, that sticks closely to the original comcept plenty of audience interaction encouraging the kids to get involved, references to local places and current events, the obligatory distribution of sweets launched into the crowd and of course the mandatory sing song towards the end prior to the inevitable wedding. All tried and tested stuff, and that is what the audience demand and is certainly what is delivered.

This lavish and slick production is running up to 24^th December with evening shows and matinees on offer, check the website www.alhambradunfermline.com for all the dates, times and prices and you will be able to put the ForthBridge queues or the trek to the Weeg behind you, Oh yes you will.

 

Reviewed by Geoff

Blood Brothers – Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline

It says plenty about the quality of a production when it has been running inLondon’s West End continuously for twenty plus years, and also there is usually a Bill Kenwright touring production on the go as well. So something must be very right in this classic Willy Russell musical. And there is.

This is of course the story of separated twins, Mickey Johnston and Eddie Lyons and features the whole debate of nature v nurture, as the story line tracks their lives from birth to the finale some 25 years later.

Mrs Johnstone, played by Vivienne Carlyle, can’t stop having kids, her employer Mrs Lyons, Tracy Spencer, is less fortunate and when Mrs J discovers that she is having twins they agree that Mrs L should have one as her own which seems good to them  initially but maybe not such a good idea in reality.

The storyline is kept moving along by the somewhat sinister narrator, Craig Price, as Mickey, Sean Jones, and Eddie, Chris Carswell, grow up as near neighbours yet poles apart in upbringing.

The love interest of Linda, both twins are enamoured with her, Anna Sambrooks, is yet another complication in their development and comedy and tragedy are never far away throughout the superb production with the excellent script turned in by Willy Russell.

Now I have seen this musical umpteen times over the years and in essence it hasn’t changed, both dark at times, yet almost frivolous at others a real mix of emotions are generated, belly laughs occassionally, genuine tears at others. The current incumbent cast of those already listed and supported by Daniel Taylor as Sammy, Tim Churchill, Graham Martin, Joanna Dalladay Jonathan Vickers, Karl Greenwood, Suzi Power and Alex Harland are as good as any I have seen over these performances.

The music is of course an integral attraction, again written by Russell, and the very talented singers are given a tight platform by the band under the direction of Kelvin Towse.

The whole quality of this show was illustrated by the universal standing ovation that marked the end of the opening night performance, one that was richly deserved in my opinion.

Blood Brothers is running at The Alhambra until Saturday 10 December so if you are quick you still have time to catch it, See www.alhambradunfermline.com for details and also of all other shows they are currently planning over the next few months.

Reviewed by Geoff

 

We Will Rock You Tour – Edinburgh Playhouse – 29 November 2011

Although originally premiered in 2002 some 9 years ago this jukebox musical created as a fusion of the music of rock legends Queen and the book written by comedian and author Ben Elton does not seem to date in anyway. In fact the opening night in Edinburgh, some twenty years after the death of Freddie Mercury seems as up to date as up to date as the daily newspaper.

Set sometime in the future on the Planet Mall, once known as Earth, where the whole planet is under the control of Globalsoft and live music has been banned and replaced with auto tuned digital recordings that are all under the control of the Killer Queen, played by Ashley J Russell and he evil second in command Commander Khashoggi, Rhydian Roberts.

Old Timer Pop, former Corrie & Eastenders favourite Ian Reddington opens proceedings setting the scene prior to the extravaganza of high tech high energy production really kicks into life.

The underground Bohemians, the rebels who want ‘real music’ are led by Britney Spears, Leon Lopez, and Meat, local girl Jenny Douglas as they seek the Dreamer, the shining light to lead them and could it be that Galilleo, Noel Sullivan, and feisty ‘rock chick’ girlfriend Scaramouche, Amanda Coutts, are they saviours they are looking for?

The ensemble cast playing Gaga girls, Bohemians, Yuppies are colourfully attired and perform with verve and style giving a solid support structure to the ‘names’ and their dance routines are tight and well staged.

The set is as always quite hi-tec and works well, and of course the lighting plot and LCD graphics enhance what is already a great production.

But of course for most it is the music that is king, or should that be queen? The band of eight under, the leadership of Jim Henson is the real structure that the show hangs on, and they are obviously first class. It was also pleasing to see them coming forward to collect much merited applause, something that doesn’t happen enough in my opinion.

All the vocals are very good but for me the stand-out performance came from Jenny Douglas as Meat. This youngster proved she could sing in TV’s ‘Over The Rainbow’ and in what is her theatre debut on this tour her potential is being realised. There is not much of her in stature, but my goodness most of it must be talent and charisma.

When this musical was initially staged it got somewhat panned by the critics but it has obviously been taken to the publics heart as it is probably even more popular today as it was back then. I know ticket sales, even in these austere times are doing well for the Edinburgh run, but if you are quick you may still be lucky. Check out either the WWRY website www.wewillrockyou.co.uk or the Edinburgh Playhouse site www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk for details. The show runs there until 7 January 2012

Reviewed by Geoff

Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock – 26 November 2011

Vampires Rock, the brain-child of writer/ director/producer and main man Steve Steinman returned to Dunfermline’s Alhambra Theatre once again due to popular demand and it is easy to see why this show has such an extensive cult following.
Set in New York in 2030, Steinman plays the evil Baron Von Rockula, proprietor of somewhat seedy club ‘Live and Let Die’ populated with the un-dead all around. Von Rockula ‘assisted’ by handy man Bosley a caricature brought to life by John Evans , is auditioning for a new singer for his club, and probably yet another bride, if only she knew it, and it leads Pandora played by Hayley Russell, a Cliff Richard freak to audition and it doesn’t take long for her inner rock chick to emerge.
From that point it is rock ‘n ’roll all the way. The show opens wit version of Welcome to the Jungle, leading into Highway to Hell, Killer Queen followed by the Rolling Stones anthem Sympathy for the Devil…. And that was just the opening four numbers!!
Although this is a wonderful experience it is not such for the plot line, which is not demanding, but the musicianship and fantastic vocals that are delivered in a veritable ‘Best of’ rock numbers, I counted in excess of twenty songs, a effective set, wonderful lighting plot and a couple of scantily clad female dancers complete the experience.
There is a growing fan base for this show, some people turn up dressed as characters, so I can’t say I have seen such an enthusiastic support for a show that is constantly touring, thaty are already looking at the 2012 schedule.
If you like good rock music and a fun show to boot, then this is certainly the show for you so why not check out their website http://vampiresrock.com/ for all the information you may want. Also check out the Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline’s website for their varied programme on www.alhambradunfermline.com for all they can offer.

Reviewed by Geoff

Ed Byrne – Crowd Pleaser – DVD Release

If ever there is an apt description of Ed Byrne then in my opinion the title of this DVD sums it up succinctly. Crowd Pleaser is what he is for sure,
Now I saw an early version of what this tour became way back in October 2010 when it was still a ‘work in progress’ albeit an exceptional quality one and subsequently saw the finished article in April when he visited Dunfermline, again to a sell out show, as part of his enormous tour. This DVD was recorded at his Newcastle gig shortly after that.
From the onset till he finishes some 80 minutes later he never fails to deliver what the audience want, that being top draw observational comedy in his own inimitable style and surely one of the very best stand-up’s currently around.
Some other comedians DVD performances I have seen seem to be slightly remote like they are on TV, but the feeling I got from watching this was that I was actually part of the Newcastle City Hall audience. Byrne is, as he always has been, a top quality observational comedian, and an engaging personality too. His material as always is well constructed and superbly delivered, yet with the odd foray into audience chat proves he can riff with the best of them too. His material is wide and varied, I especially liked the segments about his newly born son and the family’s adopted cat, but in truth there was not any weak points, as those of you who saw the tour will know.
Now no doubt there will be numerous comedy DVD’s available this Christmas so the selection will be difficult. Let me make it easier for you, if you are only buying one then buy this one, if you are buying more, then buy this one and something else too. And don’t watch the Queen after Christmas dinner. Hell no! Watch Ed Byrne because as it says on the tin he is a real Crowd Pleaser.

DVD released on 28 November available from all good stores and Amazon