CHRISTIAN O’CONNELL: BREAKING DAD
Fri 6 Mar
Komedia
The multi-award winning Absolute Radio DJ displays why he’s got one of the largest listenerships in the country. Beyond playing some songs and telling the time for morning commuters, he’s made a return to stand up after nearly 20 years.
Sharp, warm and effortlessly charismatic, now he’s grappling with fatherhood, modernity and bringing sharp contrast with his own father’s experiences in the 70s. He’s got two decades worth of revelations and anecdotes to share, with the world being a far more complicated place than when he last let rip.
RICHARD HERRING: LORD OF THE DANCE SETTEE
Thu 5 Mar
Komedia
His 11th solo show in as many years and it doesn’t even have a particular theme! At least with ‘Hitler Moustache’, ‘We’re All Going to Die’ and ‘Talking Cock: The Second Coming’ we all knew where we stood. It’s just plain inconvenient for your average previewer.
Herring, undoubtedly one of Britain’s most gifted comics, offers a collection of misheard song lyrics, the innate power of a sombrero and a man possibly named ‘Dave Manager’. Thoughts and observations get picked apart with expert skill. Offering mistakes, mishaps and misconceptions, Herring ignites a sense of chid-like incomprehension in all of us.
JEREMY HARDY
Fri 13 Mar
Ropetackle Arts Centre
Here’s some more theme-free comedy, this time from the erudite and rather wonderful Mr Hardy. Like the consummate dinner party guest you can’t get enough of, his anecdotes and jokes take you on a rambling, but beautifully observed, journey through an unusual mind.
If he’s dispensing true wisdom, or just some random thoughts about life, you can never be sure, though it’s easy to be captivated by his fierce intellect. The range of subjects is wide: politics, personal observations, revulsion in the face of ignorance or the failings of faith… there’s likely to be mush to delight.
JIMMY CARR
Tue 24 Mar
Brighton Dome
If you’ve never heard of Mr Carr, he’s a delightful, softly spoken gentle soul. The kind of comedian you can take you mother to see, with absolutely no fear of an affront occurring.
The sexiest James in UK show-business, after James Blunt and Wee Jimmy Krankie at least, Carr is in his relentless element when placed in a live setting. If you only know him from his TV work, then get ready to be shocked and probably appalled. Love him or hate him, it’s still an opinion.
COMIC BOOM
Thu 26 Mar
Komedia
Get ready for another night of exciting new comedy without the gamble. This monthly, friendly and fast paced quality night sells out all the time, due to the quality of their acts and some fantastic crowd-rousing hosting from the Boom MCs.
Once again comic boom have struck gold with their bookings. Topping the bill of other “catch ’em while you can” rising comedy stars is the fantastic Angela Barnes. Perfectly-paced, she blends warm personal anecdotes with some good old straight talking. This infectiously enthusiastic comic is quick-witted… and seriously funny.
JOHN BISHOP
Tue 31 Mar
Brighton Centre
Laid-back, sharp-suited and scouse, Bishop is officially Britain’s preeminent “Bloody Good Bloke”. He’s now finding time, away from being a TV regular, raising a generous £3.4 million for Comic Relief and writing his biography, to squeeze in a massive UK tour.
He might just be walking around, hoping something funny happens, but he does it really well – his brand of easy storytelling has endeared him to millions. Whilst something of a superstar, Bishop’s family still bring joy, laughter and problems. This is one thing everyone can relate to, and plays a central role in his show.
