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Critic's choice: Best comedy shows
By Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard 04.01.07
Ricky Gervais is warming up for his big tour at the Bloomsbury
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Ricky Gervais warms up for his tour with some low-key gigs at the Bloomsbury, it's your last chance to see gobby Glaswegian Jerry Sadowitz and Cirque du Soleil comes to town...
Ricky Gervais
Bloomsbury Theatre, WC1
While other performers might finish their national tour at the Bloomsbury, the star of Extras is so big he is using it for some pre-tour low-key warm-ups. This latest set focuses on the subject of Fame, so expect an impressive range of smug gags about the way Gervais copes with being a celebrity and kindly does benefit gigs when not hanging out with Jonathan Ross and Ben Stiller. (020 7388 8822). Until Sat 6 Jan, 7.30pm.
Jerry Sadowitz
Soho Theatre, W1
This is positively the last chances to see the gobby Glaswegian comic, who is on top form at the moment. Grab a seat close to the stage to experience some breathtaking sleight-of-hand card tricks. But brace yourselves for a fusillade of foul-mouthed topical comedy which absolutely refuses to pull any punches whatsoever. (0870 429 6883). Until Sat 6 Jan, 9.30pm.
Cirque du Soleil
Albert Hall, SW7
In that strange land where circus-meets-dance-meets-clowning Cirque Du Soleil is king, despite challenges from Blue Man Group, Stomp and Jump, the taekwondo-meets-sitcom show returning to the Peacock in February. This year Cirque revives Alegria, their early spectacular which is big on stunning acrobatic feats and less portentous than recent outings. (0870 380 0020). Fri 5 Jan-4 Feb, 7.45pm.
Jeff Innocent
EDComedy at the Hob, SE23
The pub circuit takes down its Christmas decorations and reopens its comedy clubs this weekend and one of the most interesting line-ups is at this lively upstairs pub opposite Forest Hill station. Effervescent storyteller Janice Phayre introduces Simon O'Keefe, witty Irishman Kevin Hayes and Jeff Innocent, surely the only eco-hippy who looks like an East End villain. (020 8855 0496). Sat 6 Jan, 8pm.
The Comedy Store Players
The Comedy Store, SW1
Twenty-two years on from forming, this improvisation troupe still flexes its freestyle muscles at the Comedy Store on Sundays and Wednesdays. It is an unpredictable show that is as much fun to take part in as it is to watch, which is why Paul Merton still pitches up though he hardly needs the cash. Tonight's lineup also includes founder Neil Mullarkey and Whose Line Is It Anyway? veteran Mike McShane. (0870 060 2340). Sun 7 Jan, 8pm
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