Comedy Reviews 2006
MARK TWAIN TALKS - The Morals Lecture
The Pauper's Pit
20th July 2006
This is the second appearance of Mark Twain to grace the Fringe and for me is as beguiling as the first. His lecture takes us on a humorous discursive journey around the subject before arriving at the destination of 'morals', but as is often the case getting there is at least half the fun.
Twain first establishes his credentials as an expert on morals by tracing his family tree and recounting the instruction on behaviour he received as a young lad. It's clear that his views on morality have developed through close association with its opposite. Taking on the persona of an expert in animal language, he makes a detour through the story of a blue jay who displays many of the more undesirable human characteristics. Then, as he reaches the end of his journey, he expounds on the art and the necessity of telling lies before offering his main thesis that the best way to learn morality is through practising sin. His own experiences in following this precept are most illuminating.
Bern Budd is a consummate actor-storyteller who brings Twain vibrantly to life. There's a wealth of material. Bern Budd like Twain before him could return to the lecture circuit for many years. Let's hope he does.
Barbara Wilson
THE BAREFOOT PLAYERS - One Man, Two Women (and a Pair of Edible Pants)
Old Clubhouse, 20-22nd July 9.30pm-10.45pm
You know those magazine quizzes with questions like "Do you ever fake orgasm?" or "What are the three things which most annoy you about your partner"? The ones which lead you to examine every sock left on the floor, every pubic hair stuck on the soap? Well you may not, but the main characters in Steve Fisher's new play do - intimately. They're "modern" partners - they've analysed their relationships and tried to talk things through but they've reached the stage where they're looking back wistfully at the days when they used to laugh, and love each other so much.....and wondering just what happened....
If the thought of that fills you with gloom, don't worry - there are plenty of laughs, mostly of the knowing variety, as the audience recognise many a familiar scene. Ros Davies gives a strong performance as Sue, depicting her in the different stages of her relationship with energy and humour. Steve Fisher (is he auteur-acteur-directeur here? No director is mentioned on the programme...) has perhaps the most difficult part as he wrote the script and also lays Barry, the man in the equation.
His character had, despite attempts to portray him as manly, and decisive, that hen-pecked air, that "oh you know women, they're always in charge of me & that's just the way it is" feel about him. His playful personality, and humorous bar-room banter were clearly his redeeming features, but despite the predictable - and positive - resolution to the play, I was left feeling that he still didn't measure up and that the view being put across "men" are just like that: good for a laugh and a kebab, but...find the bits that matter, satisfy a woman - heaven forbid, make her COME? Well...DIY's the best method
Kathryn Fisher was superbly cringe-making as the opera-loving Sophie who Barry - inappropriately - tries to date, and Jean Wilde gave a creditable performance as Charlie, the follow-up girlfriend to Sue.
Flashbacks are the key to our understanding of the relationships portrayed on stage, but it was sometimes difficult to work out what was going on: pop music intros to scenes were used to help the audience place the scenes, but a far easier device would have been to equip the actors with, perhaps, a prop apiece (a hat/scarf/ record sleeve?)to indicate that we were going back in time. That said, the "tableau vision" scene was very effective and there were plenty of belly-laughs from the audience during the "sex toy" scene.
The majority of the audience had, I think, been drawn to the performance by the curiosity-provoking title - perhaps some were expecting a raunchy threesome. Well, you certainly get a threesome of a type, and there is some raunchiness, but it has a slightly tired feel about it, despite the cast's sterling efforts. Make sure you have a couple of pints lined up to get you in the mood and see you through. It's 1 hr 20mins long with no interval.
Susie Muncaster
FACE/WRONG PRODUCTIONS - Michigan: the 3rd part of the Telemaphone Trilogy
Less of a play, more of a long sketch, Michigan is based on an interesting central premise - a young girl pays separate visits to her two grandfathers. Both call her by different names, and it soon becomes apparent that she is merely playing a role for them. What she gets from this arrangement is uncertain: money, a need for love and connection, or whether there is some sexual element (she is dressed provocatively) - the reason remains unclear. And who is the abusive man who sets about exposing the artifice of her situation?
I don't know how much this being the third part of a trilogy made a difference. Had I seen the other two parts, would my questions have been answered? I guess I'll never know.
Michigan is billed as a comedy, but what laughs there are sit firmly in the comedy of discomfort and embarrassment school. It is performed in a loose, improvisational style, which can be quite effective but, on occasions here, the slightly surreal edge might have benefited from tighter performances and direction, particularly in the central meal scene. I was particularly concerned that an attack staged near its denouement should have been far more carefully choreographed to be safer for those involved.
The end came suddenly, and without a sense of completion, leaving the audience wondering whether there was more to come. Might there be a fourth chapter to this series at a later date? Will the Trilogy become a Quartet?
Robbie Carnegie
BILL WOOLLAND - Bill Woolland Stands and Delivers!!!
The Old Clubhouse (9.30pm - 15 July 2006)
Remaining Show:16th July (9.30pm)
Verdict - "Guaranteed to amuse...quick-witted, up-to date and topical, his humour appeals to all audiences. He is quite simply very funny" (the 100% Official Fringe Guide) - Relax folks, no complaints to the Advertising Standards Agency necessary (only the police if you've been burgled). A true ambassador for Liverpool and a pivotal reason why it obtained City of Culture status (are you watching Ld Coe?). So good even pregnant mothers abandoned their whale music for the night so their unborn could be in the audience...just needed Trisha!
A really nice (aahh) laid back, lowkey-ish, informal, show- perfect antidote to the earlier Carnival Day glitz n glamour of the flotilla of floats.
The pleasure in watching Bill at work is his banter with audience members. His ability to solicit communication (squirming counts) from even the most unwilling punter is a joy to behold...and his 'softly' softly' approach ensures universal appeal. It's not manic satire or obscure surrealism (both of which I love), he simply asks a question or three and then...bang...pure unadulterated improvisation which never fails to amuse on many levels .
It's not all symbiotic though and we do get some traditional-style stand up where Bill does the usual self parody stuff re Liverpool (and Warrington last night), big- ups the posh folk of Buxton ("you get your Big Issue on DVD") and masterfully illustrates the true extent of in-breeding in Doveholes. You even got a heart warming (literally) story about a cat called Frazzle and feline/canine balance was maintained as we we're shown a book entitled "Knitting with Dog Hair (thank god it wasn't Vol. 2).
Bill's spent many a past night on stage at The Buzz (Buxton's monthly comedy night) and clearly enjoys the venue. He certainly Stood and definitely Delivered - poor Warrington...Eileen Bilton, your boys took one hell of a beating.
The audience (all bar an AB couple who left at HT) loved him and would have happily stayed for another hour or two. Long may he continue to risk the wrath of each and every family who live in Doveholes (all 3 of them).
Stoon
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Best Impro: In reply to the chap who said he was a barrister - "good, we can do the kinky stuff then"
Said to the chap accompanied by two attractive ladies, sat either side - "is it one of those net dates"
In reply to the chap whose occupation was a Speech & Language Therapist "can you help me out here."
Funny Too: A wide-eyed, open mouthed look of surprise - "Father's Day in Doveholes"
On the attempted water birth of 1 of his 6 offspring - "it was fine until hundreds of kids jumped in the pool "
On Liverpool airport - they only got 1 shop - A Pound Shop!
BILL BRUCE - Political Hot Potato Vol. 1
What's your greatest fear? Spiders? Heights? Suicide bomber donkeys? Believe it or not, such subjects can crop up during Bill Bruce's largely improvised and utterly hilarious act. With his informal manner, Bill builds an instant rapport with the audience, allowing him to tackle such powder keg topics as politics and religion with vigour. Bill is not a happy man when it comes to certain aspects of the world, from political correctness gone mad to inane warning signs, in full swing he's not for the faint hearted!
Don't be put off by the serious subject matter though (if such things worry you), the topics simply allow Bill's rage to take form in a string of side-splitting gags and anecdotes. On the same token, don't go expecting to be told what to think- Bill wryly observes, and lets you come to your own conclusions.
On his first night in the orchestra pit Mr. Bruce was hugely popular with the crowd, they being loathe to see him leave the stage. I think I can safely say Bill's first Buxton Fringe can be counted a massive success.
Nicky Guy
MEDIAMEDEA - Paperboys
The Old Clubhouse
Written and directed by Cathy Crabb, Paperboys is another tale of a dysfunctional family on an evening in the pub. Not content with the two brothers who can't quite remember the same childhood or forget their upbringing, the mix is complicated by the question of sex as two women join the set and remind the brothers of a past one of them would rather, it seems, forget. Not content with this, there is the drunk in the corner who chimes in with his twopennothworth.
The recriminations fly and this makes for a upbeat finale. The whole episode is calmed by our friendly drunk who lets us in on a few secrets which may surprise you.
The whole ensemble carry it of in a style reminiscent of both 'The Office' and 'The Royale Family', so you know what to expect! Some strong language but don't let it put you off. Certainly the audience at the first show thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Ian Heath
THREE'S COMPANY - Play On Words
There are some plays that are reviewer-proof.
In the film world it is commonly held that Harry Potter is a tough gig - whatever you may think of it as a film, there is an army of fans who will love it - and reviewing a Three's Company show in Buxton is similarly potentially tricky. Their huge following in the town and beyond (the result of a series of prodigiously talented productions over a number of years) was evidenced last night by the fact that the Pauper's Pit was more than sold out, and no doubt this success will continue for the rest of the show's run. The audience loved the show, laughing uproariously through the comedic first half, then paying rapt attention when it turned into a psychological drama in the second. So what can a reviewer say that will add anything to that?
This was my first Three's Company show so I have no yard-stick with which to compare it to their previous work. Undoubtedly this is a company with a vision and strength of purpose which exemplifies the Fringe spirit. Doubtless, this is what is at the heart of the love that Buxton has for them.
In Play on Words, Tom Crawshaw and Yaz Al-Shaater play Fred and Eddie, two friends running a theatre company. Fred is the writer, Eddie his hapless partner and comedy stooge. As Fred directs events on and off stage, revisiting the loss of his girlfriend (played with an unaffected simplicity by Ronia Salman-Lord), the wordplay and verbal comedy take a darker turn.
The auteur-as-director-of-his-own-life device employed here was in some respects reminiscent of Charlie Kauffman's film Adaptation, and certainly this was a similarly ambitious piece of work. Occasionally I felt its ambition didn't always entirely match with the results - I'm not a great lover of the pun as a comedic form (maybe the title Play on Words should have tipped me off to that one!) and I felt the turn to the dark side perhaps was slightly too wrenching. But, as I say, the response of the rest of the audience would suggest that my views were in the minority. Go and see it and make your own mind up.
Robbie Carnegie
FACE/WRONG PRODUCTIONS - Telemaphone: the 1st part of the Telemaphone Trilogy
Pauper's Pit:
15th July 1.30pm, 21st July 5pm, 22nd July 1.30pm
Julianne and Betty work at a call centre selling insurance. Julianne (Claire Swift) is constantly picking the coloured squares off a Rubik cube and sticking them on her arm. She bangs the 'phone around a bit in an effort to look busy, talks about her boyfriend and tries to engage Betty in conversation. Black-corsetted Betty (Carla Morris) keeps her lipstick nestling in her cleavage and reads Mills and Boon. Julianne's mum Doreen (Leanne Howard-Dayce) is a bit of a boozer and having an affair with the park-bench loitering, hip-flasked vicar Andrew (Phil Nottingham). Robert (Sam Bailey) is a lonely widower with a penchant for poetry, and a doting granddaughter called Michigan (Anisha Fields), who plays a minor part in Telemaphone, but of whom more will be seen in parts 2 and 3 of the trilogy. Ditto a mysteriously anonymous, weeping man in underpants.......
Skilfully choreographed dance routines (the stage is tiny) introduced the characters, set both tone and pace, and link the scenes. The set, though minimal, was functional, and scene changes slick. The script is well-structured, portraying the tensions, interactions and developing relationships between the characters, and has some cracking one-liners.
I discovered, from director Seona Taylor-Bell, that my hunch that was there a fair bit of (very imaginative!) improvising going on during the performance was correct. It may also be of interest to members of the audience to know that all the actors are, in fact, trainee writer-directors at the Central School of Speech & Drama, and that for some it was their first time on stage.
Claire Swift's portrayal of the nave, love-seeking, pink-wearing, horsey-lipped Julianne was outstanding, and well-balanced by Carla Morris's flaunty, naughty-mumsiness. Sam Bailey's portrayal of an old man is mainly strong (albeit remarkably athletic for a 77 yr old!), successfully conveying the poignancy of his situation. Leanne Howard-Dayce, as Julianne's embittered, abandoned mum Doreen, needs push herself further in the characterisation to be more convincing in the part. Phil Nottingham, as the breakdancing vicar, attracted guffaws of laughter from fellow students in the audience, but toning down his physicality would increase his credibility. Michigan was hardly present on stage, but develops later in the trilogy. Face/Wrong Productions are well worth seeing: they pack a lot of talent onto a small stage.
Susie Muncaster
10.07.06
FACE/WRONG PRODUCTIONS - Ticky-Tock: the 2nd part of the Telemaphone Trilogy
9th July , Underground Venues
Dan Pan is suddenly hit by something - it's not the thought that his life doesn't add up to much when he looks closely at it, no it's something else, a polite stranger.
After the collision, near to the park bench that Dan has never noticed before The Stranger is ever-so helpful. He makes Dan comfortable, tends him and allows him to talk about his life - well he has obviously had Cub Scout and first aid training, so finds this sort of thing easy to do.
Dan wonders why The Stranger, who remains anonymous throughout, is there. Is he just waiting to chat to any passer-by? But why talk to any Stranger about important matters when there's a whole alphabet of fruit to consider?
No, it seriously perplexes Dan, just why is The Stranger there? Has he been waiting for Dan? Is he on his way to work too? Or has he already been somewhere visited by sinister events? How normal is it to carry an axe and baseball bat to work anyhow? Whatever, he's on a busy schedule. But then again who isn't?
Dan is always seemingly rushing from one place to the next. Perhaps that's how come he literally ran into The Stranger in the first place. Dan has allowed himself to be handcuffed by his dictating wristwatch, allowed it to hang over him like a timebomb.
The Stranger is wonderfully darkly acted and is the living embodiment of a personal space invader. He is the little hand on the clock that is Dan's life, moving slowly and calculating a strike at the perfect moment. Dan is breathlessly acted as both vulnerable and friendly (he could be any one of us); Dan is the rushing big hand on his life clock. Tension mounts as Dan loses track of time. Just who holds the upper hand? Is it the big hand or the little one?
I ZINGARI MEET WARRINGTON IMPROVISED MUSIC COLLECTIVE - Mr Wells' Dog's Dinner
The Orchestra Pit
9th July 2006
This is a funny but dark piece inspired by H.G. Well's War of the Worlds. A curate and philosopher hold out against alien invaders in what appears to be a Punch and Judy Show booth. Electronic music creates an apocalyptic atmosphere.
The curate is struggling with the sins that have roused God's wrath. Recognising that the Day of Judgement is approaching, he abandons hope and sinks into a demented quest for food and drink. The scientist is fascinated with the aliens and keen to observe them with rational detachment. Confident at first that, through the working of the Natural Law, the Englishman represents the fittest of the fit, he is bolstered by his ability to keep a cool head and take a disciplined approach to the emergency. But as supplies run out, rationality does too with tragic consequences.
The actors' performances make it clear to the audience that neither the curate nor the philosopher has the answer to the looming threat. As the music mounts (perhaps a little too much for the acoustic of the Orchestra Pit), it's clear they are both doomed. A very Fringey experience!
Barbara Wilson
JAFFATHECAT - Kokopelli and the Wannabe
David A Thompson
The Pauper's Pit, Old Hall Hotel (2pm - 8/7/07)
Verdict - Engaging, entertaining and informative. Go see it, you'll be re-telling the tales to yourr mates for weeks.
Hey - what a cool way to spend an hour, listening to David Thompson spill the beans on his publishing and subsequent book promotion experiences in America. Thankfully (for this reviewer) the reason why it's such a swell show is simply down to the tallness of the (true) tales and their delivery, or rather their partial re-enactment. This is achieved through David impersonating the key characters he encountered throughout - at times playing 2 of them as well as himself. There are no props and only the odd sound effect, so it's solely down to the talents of David to carry-off a Star's 'n' Stripes version of Dick Emery, which he does wonderfully. The fact that this is "real" reality TV without the safety net of fantasy also makes it all the more engaging.
It's worth mentioning that David is a bona fide Brit - who naively stumbles on a way to publish his book in England which he does and as a result ends up 25k out of pocket! Against this backdrop of financial desolation he travels to the USA on a wing 'n' a prayer, or rather on the strength of a strange telephone call from a NY agent who arranges for our Wannabe to travel from NY to LA, undertaking book/self promotion via some frankly...well it's best you hear about them first hand.
Oh yes, almost forgot - our hero has to fund the whole trip himself, which given his already dodgy finances, means that all modes of transport/hospitality are strictly 2 levels below "no frills". None more so than the 73hr flt to NY via Azerbaijan Airways meaning that meant David saw more former USSR states than American ones! Throughout the show we fully empathise with his naivety until slowly he wises up becoming less "fleece-able", culminating in a coming of rites passage - well not quite then, but we almost applaud him for telling a seriously small-time Grease ball Latino chat show host (clearly influenced by Tony "Scarface" Montana) where to go on air.
There are so many characters to enjoy, none more so than the Greenback grabbin' Evangelist preacher - who engages in some Lordly audience participation. Sadly I must report a reluctance of volunteers who wanted the healing hands of God to be placed on them (literally). Maddest content must go to The Hicksville Wedding scene where David's almost press ganged at rifle point into marrying a local lass who's already auditioning Au Pairs...a shotgun wedding in many all senses of the word.
Finally, there's an unexpected change of mood near the end, when David encounters some Native American Navaho Indians (played by David) - and the meaning of Kokopelli is explained, a story-teller. The few minutes spent outlining the historical mistreatment of this tribe by the US government and the comparison made with a similar atrocity against US soldiers by the Japanese in WW2 were particularly poignant, especially in light of previous light heartedness of the show. The latter event was eventually was adjudged a war crime, with an ensuing execution for the commanding Japanese officer.
There is one small criticism - that this wasn't Act 1 of a Two Act show. We're promised at the end that there are many more tales following David's arrival in LA, unfortunately these are reserved for another day. Pity, I would have paid again to hear them then 'n' there.
Stoon
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Funniest line: The Paw-Knee involving the Sheriff's pooch, many initially missed it
Biggest Surprise: To hear Freddy Kruger & Leatherface mentioned
Best UK/US contrast: The breakfast options recited by the roller skating NY waitress
MRS. BARBARA NICE - Mrs. Barbara Nice
8 July
Have you been unlucky? Where would you place yourself on the Barbara-ometer scale of "I'm not lucky, nothing good ever happens to me" to "the sun'll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar?" If you've not been that lucky in finding hugely enjoyable and gentle character comedy before, then you'll just love Mrs Barbara (as in Streisand) Nice (as in the biscuit).
* She cares: Sharing tip after tip from her favourite magazine, Take a Break including her uncanny ability to perform and carry out life's essential maintenance routines like pelvic floor exercises. "No less than comedy and health education at the very same time." A vociferous exponent for all things environmental, she doesn't drive ("I'm ergonomically correct") and believes in breast-feeding ("I did all five, not long stopped with my youngest, well he's at Keele University now").
* She organises good raffles: The audience slavering and eating out her soft hands to get much sought after raffle tickets to win prizes like a tin of Spam, a Fray Bentos steak and kidney pie, Vesta Chow Mein, a green plastic colander and matching soap dish with the star prize colour co-ordinated combination tins of marrowfat peas and meat pudding.
* She has friends in high places: Peter Kay, Johnny Vegas, Jo Brand and Mark Radcliffe have willingly performed alongside her. She used to clean for the Beckhams -"He's lovely and she's what you'd expect." David Blaine though attracted a little criticism, "In his plastic box over the Thames, he looked like a lonely little Fererro Rocher."
* She helped save the world: Communicating with the Head of an alien race through the power of music and the help of a certain rodent, she regularly saves the Earth from destruction - "I'm not like Sven. You cant' wait for it to go to penalties before doing something."
This stage-diving, body surfing, mother of five from the outskirts of Manchester tells it like it "swineing-well" is. Seeking her next Ann Summers representative in Buxton, she cuts fashion statements to shreds with her animal print top under the designer pink poncho (someone told her Buxton was posh, you see). Comedy like this doesn't come around all too often, but when it does, "Ker-ching! Catch it chucks!" Move over Mrs Merton 'coz Mrs Nice is in town.
David Carlisle
TAM HINTON - The Naked Soul of Kirk Godless
The Pauper's Pit, Old Hall Hotel
From the opening radio broadcast to the BT answer phone everyone will want via Noseferatu as the manager of your everyday slaughterhouse/coffee bar, Tam Hinton has created a world of believable characters, although you might not want them living next door!
The tale of Kirk's descent through the tedium of his dead-end job, his enforced career change and into the surreal world of internet 'erotica' is eloquently and vividly portrayed by his creator and results in barely a dry eye in the house. Laugh, you certainly will. Cry at some of the imagery, it's a possibility. But forget it you won't.
Tam has an eye for detail and the surreal that takes you to places you rarely want to venture. The demented ramblings of Kirk and his acquaintances (friends would be pushing a point!) take you to the dark side of humour and is refreshing for that. Ask the audience! In this work Tam shows great promise for the future and we should certainly have him back.
If The League of Gentleman, Blue Jam and Delicatessen tickle your funny bone then this is for you.
Ian Heath
ACT NOW: THINK LATER - Ten Ways To Fake Your Own Death
Ever wanted to fake your own death? But didn't know where to start? Then pop along to see this well crafted, brand new production created and presented by Act Now: Think Later.
When you share you most intimate final moments with a security guard (who guards his secrets well) and a janitor (who possesses the little known wisdom and learning passed down from janitorial generation to janitorial generation) you can't expect much help, but can you?
The mysterious Brian thinks it is easy to fake it, but is forced to re-think, several times. I mean, when it comes to writing your own obituary where do you start? Most of us want to cling to our desperate lives as long possible and suffer the inevitable consequences. Brian on the other hand has his own ideas and reasons.
Whyever you'd want to go to a morgue alive is anyone's guess. Maybe to kill time, perhaps. Or rather to learn something about life before death - the choice is yours.
The dark humour and scare moments will make your trip to the morgue with Brian worthwhile, but the final clue from the puzzle-happy security guard is yours to solve.
The Carlisles
UNDERGROUND EVENTS - Barrel of Laughs - Comedy Nights
7 July
Underground comedy kicked off the Fringe in the vaulted cellar in the relaxed hands of compare, Dave Ingram - a self-confessed expert exponent of the student lie-in. His easy going exposure of audience gags lending itself to a gentle giggle at everyone's expense and left them gagging for more. Nobody seemed to mind spending a penny in such company. Dave is one to watch, maybe his warm sense of comedy will be more than a warm-up at future Fringe events.
Dave introduced a new act to the Buxton crowd, Matthew Pritchard. "I'm a futurologist." He then correctly predicted that the appreciative audience would enjoy his mix of comedy and close-up magic. Offering up crazy fact science, his observations proved amongst many other things that some days are distinctively heavier than others (especially Thursdays in March!) and explored the link between the chaotic beating of a butterfly's wings and the rate of pregnancy amongst weather girls. Matt's rapid-fire delivery of jokes and well-rehearsed sleight of hand mingled well.
Liverpool comic Sam Avery's style prodded and cajoled reaction from a dead-pan stand-up stance. He throatily groans his comedy out inviting audience participation to the obvious groaning retort. Excellent stuff lapped up by a crowd of "really nice people." Everyday observations of life from attempts to give up smoking to arguments with his flatmate to the full technicolour horror that only exists in the nightmares suffered by a paranoid Chinchilla. "Girls tell me they've seen me on TV - body from Baywatch, face from Crimewatch," he approves.
For the final time, compare Dave steps aside for Mrs Barbara (as in Streisand) Nice (as in biscuit). The stage-diving, body surfing, non-driving mother of five from the outskirts of Manchester tells it like it "swineing-well" is. Seeking her next Ann Summers representative in Buxton, she cuts fashion statements to shreds with her animal print top under the designer pink poncho (someone told her Buxton was posh, you see). Such gently character comedy like this doesn't come around too often, but when it does, "Ker-ching! Catch it chucks!" Move over Mrs Merton 'coz Mrs Nice is in town.
The Carlisles