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Critic's choice: Best comedy shows
By Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard 02.03.07
Indie-wit: Josie Long brings her upbeat show to the Soho Theatre
Look here too
Josie Long brings her wit and exuberance to the Soho Theatre, it's the last chance to see nimble Irishman Jimeoin and the Hackney Empire search for the New Act of the Year...
Josie Long
Soho Theatre, W1
A return visit for the undisputed champion of intelligent indie-kid wit. Long is not slick, but what she lacks in professionalism she more than makes up for in charm. Her show, which won Edinburgh's if.comeddies Best Newcomer Award, is entitled Kindness and Exuberance, which sums up Long's upbeat philosophy. She is versatile too, having co-written E4's cult yoof drama Skins. (0870 429 6883). Until Sat 3 March.
Jimeoin
Soho Theatre, W1
The last chances to catch this nimble Australia-based Irishman, who is a terrific observer of human foibles. His subjects might be the everyday - the way people walk, the way they talk, the way they brush their teeth - but he has a laser-guided eye for human quirks and a love of the oddities of language that Samuel Beckett would have appreciated. (0870 429 6883). Until Sat 3 Mar.
New Act of the Year
Hackney Empire, E8
The annual barometer of up-andc-oming comedy talent features a promising line-up this year. Among the contenders are comic opera-singer Evie Anderson and feisty wheelchair user Liz Carr, who packs a considerable comic punch. Genial comedy legend Arthur Smith comperes and is worth the entry price alone. (020 8985 2424). 7pm, Sun 4 Mar.
Jason Byrne
Menier Chocolate Factory, SE1
You can take your pick of the Byrnes this week - no frills stand-up Ed Byrne finishes his stint at the Riverside on Saturday but a more exciting option would be Jason Byrne. His recent run at the Soho Theatre was not great, but last autumn at this venue an unforgettable gig ended with five members of the audience dancing onstage. Unpredictable, but at his best, unbeatable. 020 7907 7060). Until Sat 3 Mar.
Lizzie Roper
Trafalgar Studios, SW1
No one can say comedians are lazy. Roper has previously combined her character-comedy work with appearing alongside Christian Slater in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. This is the last chance to see her inventive solo piece, Peccadillo Circus, based around interviews with the public about their sexual attitudes. Raunchy, rude, funny and poignant. (0870 060 6632). Until Sat 3 Mar.
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