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Critic's choice: top 5 comedy shows
Evening Standard 31.05.07
Jo Caulfield will be in typically caustic form at the Chesham comedy mini-fest
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Spikey Jo Caulfield, Jo Brand, John Hegley, Shappi Khorsandi, John Shuttleworth - there's loads of great comedy around this weekend.
Chesham Comedy Festival
Elgiva Theatre
Comedy festivals are spreading like the proverbial rash at the moment. I've recently heard about the Ludlow Comedy Festival and the Wales Comedy Festival and here is a nearer mini-fest, no camping or wellies required. Highlights include spikey Jo Caulfield (tonight, 7pm) and the scarily sharp Michael McIntyre (tonight, 9pm). Proceedings close in style, too, with Kit and the Widow. (Sunday, 2.30pm). (01494 582900). Until Sun 3 June.
Shappi Khorsandi
Theatre Royal Stratford East, E15
This Iran-born, UK-based stand-up was one of the breakthrough acts on the Edinburgh Fringe in 2006 and it was a shock to many that she did not pick up an if.comeddies nomination for her frank and funny show about anorexia and being a refugee "before it was fashionable". Here is a sneak preview of her new set. It may still be at an early stage, but it's free. (020 8279 1160). Tonight, 8pm.
Jo Brand/John Hegley and more
Camberwell Green, SE5
Before she was a comedian Jo Brand was a psychiatric nurse in the Maudsley Hospital, so she is the perfect person to headline this "Bonkersfest" mental-health benefit in Camberwell supporting "madness, creativity and individuality". Brand is joined by goofball poet John Hegley, while musicians include ex-Special Neville Staples. Plus food, dodgems and an insect circus. (www.bonkersfest. com), Sat 2 jun, noon-9pm.
Gamarjobat
Soho Theatre, W1
As if one needed any proof that manic physical clowning is a truly international affair, this Japanese duo show that anything British knockabout acts can do they can do too, with added cyberpunk outfits. It is not the most original slapstick act - Australia's Umbilical Brothers do some similar sight gags - but it is performed with breathtaking skill. (0870 429 6883) Fri 1 June 9.30pm, Sat 2 June, 1pm & 9.30pm.
John Shuttleworth
Wilde Theatre, Bracknell
Another chance to catch this master of the subtle, domestic observation. Sheffield security guard Shuttleworth (alias actor Graham Fellows) has homed in on the world of food in his new show, With My Condiments. Expect ingenius comic songs about the problems of having two margarine tubs on the go and a rousing celebration of Shuttleworth's favourite chocolate bars. (01344
484123). Sun 3 June, 8pm.
