Morning:
14°c
New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
Some fares could fall by more than a third when Oyster is extended to every national rail station in London, it has emerged
More...
Critic's choice: top comedy shows
By Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard 29.03.07
Quality comedy: Laurence & Gus are at the Arts Theatre
Look here too
Frenetic sketches from Laurence & Gus, Nick Doody putting the boot in on organised religion, and magic tricks from Ross Noble look-a-like Pete Firman are all among Bruce Dessau's comedy picks.
Laurence & Gus
Arts Theatre, WC2
Over the years Laurence Howarth and Gus Brown have made their name doing lengthy sketches. Then last summer in Edinburgh they tore up their own rule book with this snappy, inventive show which rattles frenetically through umpteen skits, one character from each sketch carrying the baton into the next one, a la Schnitzler's La Ronde. Quality comedy for clever clogs.
(0870 060 1742). Tonight, 7.30pm.
Nick Doody
Soho Theatre, W1
Not a show for the easily offended, but certainly one for those interested in the nature of offence. In Before He Kills Again, skilful writer/performer Doody discusses what gets his goat, what gets other people's goats and along the way puts the boot into organised religion. (0870 429 6883). Until Sat 31 Mar, 8pm.
Pete Firman
Hen & Chickens, N1
Deft magic tricks with splashes of comedy from this scruffy young scamp who could always make a living as Ross Noble's body double if the magic/comedy ever dries up. Expect Firman to amaze the audience and conjure up plenty of laughs as well as pick on front-row punters in his new show, entitled Hokum.
(020 7704 2001). Until tomorrow, 7.30pm.
Resofit
Bloomsbury Theatre, WC1
An ugly title for this attractive benefit in aid of maverick radio station Resonance FM. In keeping with the station's oddball approach, this big gig boasts some of the finest left-field comedians working today including Stewart Lee, Josie Long, Little Britain's Paul Putner in the guise of showbiz legend Earl Stevens and Matt "Garth Marenghi" Holness in the guise of obscure folkie Merriman Weir.
(020 7388 8822). Tonight, 8pm.
Sausage Night III
BAC, SW11
Battersea's premier arts centre recently got a reprieve from Wandsworth council after looking in danger of losing its grant, so this fundraiser should now feel like a celebration. Among those taking part are stalwart supporter Stewart Lee, queen of quirkiness Josie Long, sublime satirist Mark Thomas, catty Scott Capurro, Robin Ince and hot-shot Never Mind the Buzzcocks host Simon Amstell.
(020 7223 2223). Fri 30 March, 8pm.
Related articles
