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Critic's choice: Top five comedy shows
By Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard 22.12.06
Storyteller: Robert Newman turns world history on its head
Look here too
Check out Robert Newman's satire No Planet B, Reginald D Hunter's controversial but outstanding monologue continues and there's a final chance to catch Stewart Lee's must-see show.
Robert Newman
Old Red Lion Theatre, EC1
The former stand-up pin-up premiered his latest opus, No Planet B, earlier this autumn. While it received mixed reviews it was probably Newman's most accessible satire to date. The premise is quite simple, Newman tells the story of the world backwards to demonstrate how life was better before we started using up global resources. Nice comical conceits include the image of Columbus being the last white man to leave America. (020 7837 7816). Until Sat 23 Dec, 9.30pm.
Reginald D Hunter
Arts Theatre, WC2
The title, Pride & Prejudice & Niggas, might have garnered this stylish UK-based American some ticket-shifting publicity, but go for the content, not the controversy. Hunter's intelligent, engaging monologue is all about relationships, tolerance and above all being true to yourself. Stand-up storytelling at its best, frontloaded with laughs and ideas. (0870 060 1742). Until Sat 23 Dec, 9pm.
Stewart Lee
Soho Theatre, W1
Positively the last chances to catch Lee's must-see 2005 show, 90s Comedian, inspired by the furore over Jerry Springer: The Opera, which he co-authored. This monologue pushes the taste barrier to the limit and only someone as gifted and experienced as Lee could get away with it. Not for nothing has Ricky Gervais called him "the cleverest, funniest, most cliche-free comedian on the circuit." (0870 429 6883). Until Sat 23 Dec, 9.30pm.
Taylor Mac
The Reindeer, Brick Lane, E1
UK debut for this cult New York drag artist who has built up a loyal following in America for his cocktail of personal songs, performance art and hard-hitting politics. Mac's exotic wigs and DIY frocks conjure up the spirit of outrageous club legend Leigh Bowery although I don't think Bowery ever played the ukelele. A camp cult in the making. (0845 094 2996). Until Sat 23 Dec, 9.30pm.
A Traditional Jewish Xmas
The Adelaide, NW3
The Hampstead Comedy Club's resident deadpan compere Ivor Dembina presents his annual seasonal shows featuring the cream of the capital's kosher comedians. The bills are varied but the best one is on Saturday night, featuring neurotic boy genius Adam Bloom and livewire Matt Kirshen. (020 7633 9539). Sat 23 Dec, 7.30pm; Sun 24 Dec 4pm & 7.30pm.
