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Critic's choice: top five comedies
Evening Standard 26.04.07
Macabre: The Tiger Lillies are at Soho Theatre
Look here too
Arthur Smith, Jimmy Carr, Tony Robinson, The Tiger Lillies and Nicko & Joe - the capital is awash with comedy talent this weekend.
The Tiger Lillies
Soho Theatre, W1
It's your last chances to catch master of the macabre Martyn Jacques and his band of twisted musicians, who first found fame doing the soundtrack for the stage version of Shockheaded Peter. Brace yourselves for a mix of kitsch cabaret, nasty nursery rhymes and anarchic anger. Drumkits may well be smashed up along the way.
(0870 429 6883). Until Sat 28 Apr, 9.30pm
Arthur Smith's Cut Price Comedy Club
Hackney Empire, E8
Comedy legend, grumpy old man for hire and all-round genial raconteur Arthur Smith hosts the first of three Saturday shows offering a platform to upcoming and established talent. The first line-up boasts the satirical skills of established gag merchant Andy Parsons, classy stand-up Ricky Grover, plus rising stars Joe Wilkinson, Kerry Godliman and lots more.
(020 8985 2424). Fri 27 Apr, 8.30pm.
Jimmy Carr
Bloomsbury Theatre, WC1
This venue played host to Ricky Gervais when he was warming up for his Fame tour last year. Now it hosts a warm-up and live DVD recording from this ubiquitous wit who is either loved or loathed by comedy fans, which probably makes me the lone fence-sitter on the Carr issue. He's a fine craftsman and has created some all-time great gags, but I'm not sure if his ironic political incorrectness always works.
(020 7388 8822) Until Sat 28 Apr, 7.30pm. 7pm & 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday when DVD is filmed.
Nicko & Joe's Bad Film Club
Red Rose, N7
The latest instalment of this irreverent comedy concept where so-bad-they-are-hilarious films are screened complete with live, comic commentary. Stewart Lee and Phil Nichol have been among the celebs taking on the challenge, but tonight founders Nicko & Joe reclaim the mic to reinterpret modern B-movie-with-a-sting King Cobra.
(020 7281 3051). Sat 28 Apr, 8pm.
Tony Robinson's Cunning Night Out
Bedford Corn Exchange
The title is a reference to Robinson's most famous role as Blackadder's turnip-headed sidekick Baldrick, but this autobiographical show also takes in his early years and his recent history-making rise as Time Team's front man. If you don't enjoy the show, blame Eddie Izzard - he was the man who gave Robinson the idea of putting his life onstage.
(01234 269519). Sat 28 Apr, 7.30pm.
