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Critic's choice: Top comedy shows
By Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard 16.11.06
Menopausal misery: Jenny Eclair moans in Grumpy Old Women
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This weekend, a new group of Grumpy Old Women return to the capital, Felix Dexter brings his observational whinges to the Hackney Empire and Bill Bailey reforms his comedy band Beergut 100.
Grumpy Old Women - Live
Richmond Theatre
This hit show returns briefly to the capital after a national tour and a cast change. Jenny Eclair is still present and correct and still screeching brilliantly about hot flushes and lusting after daughter's boyfriends, but she is now joined in menopausal misery by Annette Badland and Rhona Cameron.
(0870 060 6651). Sun 19 Nov, 7.30pm.
Henning Wehn & Otto Kuhnle
New End Theatre, NW3
London-based Teutonic comedian Henning Wehn has been disproving the adage that the Germans have no sense of humour by adding mirth to the capital's comedy circuit for the last couple of years. He now brings his deadpan full-length satirical show, Four World Cups and One World Pope, to Hampstead. Expect brutally efficient gags and a punctual kick-off.
(0870 033 2733). Until Sat 25 Nov, 9pm.
Harry Hill
Theatre 503, NW1
A great opportunity to see the master of highcollared music hall surrealism road-testing new material. Catch Hill now before the tickets are more expensive, the stage is bigger and you'll be too far away to read the words on his lapel badges. What this gig might lack in well-rehearsed smoothness it should more than make up for in spittle-flecked intimacy.
(020 7978 7040). Tonight, 7.30pm.
Felix Dexter
Hackney Empire, E8
Even if you don't know the name you ought to know Felix Dexter's face. He is one of the stalwarts of British black comedy, appearing in hits ranging from The Real McCoy to Absolutely Fabulous. More recently he has become one of the regular moaners on Grumpy Old Men, and this is the comic attitude he brings to the stage. Expect late-night observational whinges punctuated by versatile character comedy.
(020 8985 2424) Fri 17 Nov, 11.30pm.
No Slap Just Tickle
Hammersmith Palais, W6
Bill Bailey usually plays larger venues than the Palais, but he is one of the acts supporting this benefit for the Greater London Domestic Violence Project. This is no normal solo gig, however, but a rare chance to see Bailey reforming his comedy band Beergut 100 and massacring punk classics. Also appearing are John Hegley, Phil Nichol, Kevin Day, Tony Law, plus musicians and guest host Janet Ellis.
(0870 163 3408). Sun 19 Nov, 7.15pm.
