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An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Bruce Dessau's rating
Reader rating
The Ealing Comedy Festival is a veritable veteran of pocket-sized festivals, currently celebrating its 17th birthday. No sign of it being a sulky teenager, though, with the big top hosting some lively line‑ups.
Last night’s bill was probably the strongest, a cocktail of shocks, rising stars and reliables. Compere Rufus Hound is clearly an act on the up. He might resemble a well‑fed Simon Pegg but he has a distinctive chummy style, effortlessly warming the crowd.
Not that they needed warming when the surprise guest turned out to be Harry Hill. The TV Burp star was rusty, yet still excellent, delivering a particularly pithy put‑down to a bearded fan: “If you want to keep your teeth warm, get a scarf like everybody else.”
Momentum was sustained by unashamedly mainstream ventriloquist Paul Zerdin and headliner Stephen K Amos was equally amiable. Predictable stuff, singling out students and Aussies and trotting out familiar feelgood riffs but it worked brilliantly.
If laughter is the best medicine Amos should be prescribed by the NHS for his healing powers. Last night he certainly had formidable Ealing powers.
Festival runs until Friday (0871 620 4016: www.seetickets.com).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
I dont care what anyone says stephen k amos is hilarious!!!!!!!!!! I can be miserable and it is guaranteed that he will cheer me up.
- Kay, London
I was in the centre of the second row on the night. Rufus Hound was the perfect compere and genuinely fresh and very funny. Harry Hill was a huge disappointment - after 10 minutes in to his set he was looking at his watch and saying "I wish I was Sean Lock" - a reference to the fact that he was a last minute replacement for Sean who couldn't make it for whatever reason. Paul Zurdin was exceptional and I agree with Bruce, Stephen K. Amos was the perfect end to the evening sending everyone away with a big smile. I will definitely be looking out for Rufus and Stephen in the future and I predict that Paul Zurdin will get his own TV show soon.
- Chris R., Ealing
