That's always been my interpretation as well, the plane engine falling occurs anyway; Donnie's input is that he chooses to die.

That's why the end is so freaking good! His choice is a beautiful sacrifice.. I don't know where Minchin got telekinesis from.

In the nicest possible way...GIT!

What's the word on the street about Mark Watson? Funny, worthwhile going to see live? I've only really seen him on Buzzcocks and Mock the Week but he's in Australia so I was thinking of heading down. Worth $30?

Two things I will definitely be going to see are this and this. Always been a fan of Kitson. never had a chance to see him before though.

I've just booked tickets to go & see Richard Herring. ...again!

If you've not see this show yet, I implore you: Check it out.

...You can thank me afterwards.

I am of the personal opinion that he ruins every television show he appears in.

Can't stand the man.

Definitely see Kitson, though!

He's pretty good, but I wouldn't pay for a one-man show.

Kitson is essential.

Brendon Burns is playing the Lowry in a couple of months but I have no idea if this is the same tour I saw at the frog last year (I thought it was So this is Offensive? but it might be Under-Educated). Not that I wouldn't like to go and see the same show again as it was brilliant, but that coupled with the fact ticket prices are only available upon request (?) makes me dubious.
I am also going to try incredibly hard to get to Asylum next month.
Provided my jaw's recovered.

I would. I think Watson is great.

I had the same thing 'til I saw his DVD. He's much better over a longer period.

Believe it or not, I'm trying my hand at stand-up comedy next Tuesday.

It's the first time I've ever attempted it, but I figured you only live once, and it's worth a pop, so I entered the Chortle Student Comedian 2008 Competition, not because I think I'll win, but because it's not an opportunity that exactly comes round very often. Anyway, I'm gigging way out in Kingston, and I was wondering if anyone (looking at you, whitey) has any tips of the trade. I've got about 7 minutes of material which I think is pretty good, and looking at the videos from other competitors, I'm not too concerned I'll stand out in a "who the hell's this guy?" crappy way. Remember, I'm not aiming to win, just to survive!

Go for it.

Though I'm not 'trade' I'd advise rehearsing a set that's a good 2 or 3 minutes longer than the slot you're given. It will allow for some flexability in the routine on the night and stop it running short if it flows quicker than expected.

Move the mic stand, hold the mic near your mouth (amazing how many people fuck that up), stand still, don't look at the floor and remember to pause between sentences, you'll be alright. Don't panic if they don't laugh at everything, just move on, they might like the next joke.

Tim Minchin, last night.

I loved his songs; they were truly excellent. His banter was a bit lacking though. I think this may have to do with the fact that this is literally his second night here. I'm sure some of the NY material will go because it fell a bit flat. It really got into fabulous territory only towards the end of the show, but this is because it was mostly songs by that point and stuff that I'm sure he felt more comfortable with. It would be interesting to see the show again at the end of the 6 weeks that he's here.

My only problem was the bare feet.

Coogan!!!

Tickets on Sale on Monday!

Dude!

So how did it go?

Whoops, yeah, should have done an update. The long version of it I wrote about in this blog post (including a two minute extract of my performance). The short version is that despite not really getting any laughs, I did enjoy doing it, the audience were gracious, and my fellow competitors were supportive. I was by far the least experienced there, but with practice and experience, there's hope for me yet (whether I do give it another go remains to be seen). Still, no regrets whatsoever.

Some of you London based types might want to go and have a watch of Jason Cook's My Confessions at the Soho Theatre. He's there 20th - 22nd March. It's a great show and well worth seeing.

Good for you, and congratulations on going for it. Watching the clip I'd say your own criticism was right - there seems to be too much set-up and not enough punchlines, so it's more like a witty lecture by your media studies tutor than a gig. But you seem aware of what you need to do, so the very best of luck for next time!

Just to echo Adam's comments really - but good on you for having a go, mister! Not sure I'd have the bottle to do it, so much respect to you.

Let us know if you decide to give it another go!

Simon Amstell

25th of May

FRONT ROW SEATS BABY!

Anybody bother with this? I'd be interested to know what people thought.

I'm trying to convince my housemates to come and see the Lowry leg of the tour with me, although that really doesn't answer your question at all.

This will only mean something to Aussie's, but...

The Chaser's Age Of Terror Variety Hour!

Simon Amstell is playing my (very small) school Hall on the first of June.
That would be bloody cool.

When was the last time Johnny Vegas did some decent stand-up? I'm going to ask my friend Joe, who helps with the organisation of these events( and was there for the show last Friday) what really happened. As some of that piece is genuinely disturbing.

Last time I saw him, he didn't grope anyone, but he did insult and bore the audience into an 80% walk out of a 2000 seat venue.

I too am going to the Bloomsbury for a Stewart Lee organised event tomorrow, thankfully Johnny is not performing.

I'm going to see Harry Hill, hooray!

CRIMPS!

Vegas has not been decent onstage since 1998 at Edinburgh. And he is majorly fucked-up and should not be allowed to perform like that. Sadly, his parents are lovely, kind and unassuming people. They will take this kind of story to heart. I cannot say here but suffice to say, the man was at my school as a mature student so his letchery doesn't surprise me but to pick on an audience member like that is career-suicide. Unless it was planned. Either way it is major creepy.

Also, some of this stems from NOTBBC, which is run by my friend. The JD Williams guy mentioned is often funny and seems sincere enough. Not one of the bad ones for sure so I don't doubt some parts of his perception. He was there with his girlfriend too and she agreed with him.

Just spoke to Joe, and it's not true (shocking).

The girl was properly getting off with Johnny onstage (pulling during his act is an old staple of his), and the "fingering her through her clothes for a second or two", didn't happen. They know the girl, and spoke to her afterwards, she thought it was funny. They're going to pop in and see her at work later, and then probably email the Guardian about it.

That's really disturbing. I find Vegas interviews and panel shows quite funny, but his stand-ups that I have seen (never live) always felt like accidents waiting to happen.




Jealous.

How great would it be if they had "CRIMPS" t-shirts.

Well well. I dunno what to think now. Either way, tis publicity for Vegas.

Which may have been the point all along ... now to find a ferret with a tape.

The Guardian journalist was backstage with them all after the gig, laughing about the incident.

Very odd.

Joe isn't worried, he thinks it's funny (as does Johnny apparently).

Johnny is still a car crash of a performer though!

Bizarro indeed.

A probably far more accurate and considerably less sensationalist review of Vegas' act in the Times



Now that sounds like a Johnny Vegas gig!

Indeed. Only seen him once, at a charity gig in Nottingham's Theatre Royal. He was supposed to do 10 minutes then pick out winners for a raffle. After nearly an hour of pissed rambling, Daniel Kitson was almost physically dragging him off stage and as with the gig you mention, 80% of the audience had got bored and left. Shame, it really put a downer on the end of an otherwise fantastic evening.

Yep, that was the same gig I was at.

The highlight was Daniel's plate smashing, and sweeping.

I want a pet Kitson.

Oh yes, me too. Did you get the email I sent you relating to him?

I only go to Just the Tonic related gigs apparently. I suspect Joe will wave at me from backstage again tonight, and yet I never seem to get free tickets.

Harry Hill was definitely the best live stand-up I've ever seen. I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Boothby Graffoe was also fantastic, and I've never seen Stewart Lee happier (even if I did have to sit through his 'are you a sardine' bit for the third time).

It was an utterly joyous night out.

I called my Mum the other day, and I could hear all guns and bombs in the background

I thought, it was strange so I asked her where she was. She said "Lebanon". "Lebanon?" I said "What are you doing in Lebanon?" "I'm getting those pants you wanted", she said.

"Pants?" I replied "No, Mum, 'Debenhams'"

Highlights included 'How clean is the mental person's house?', 'Has the mental person got The X-Factor?' (please Simon please! my Dad's dead! OK, then, you're through, but only to boot camp) and 'Can we make the mental person look ten years younger?'


Do you know what causes global warming? That little red light on your TV. Very small, but very hot.

Going to see Andrew Maxwell tomorrow night. I expect it to be shouttastic.

Aye. Last time I saw him in Edinburgh he got hammered on Aftershocks, pucked on stage and encouraged people to throw loose change at his crotch and into his underpants.

Caught Andrew Maxwell last night & have to say he was outstanding.
Very little old material & a set that was 90% constructed around two weeks he spent in Belfast while advertising for tourism with Bord Fáilte.

Owns a crowd with ease, insightful & very, very funny.

I'd like to see him again soon, it's been a while.

After Harry Hill I feel like retiring from watching live comedy.

Or just going to see Harry Hill again.

Stayed up until the early hours of this morning watching his live show on Paramount, again. Stufer's relentless vomiting is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

I do love Russell Brand, but it's just the same thing every time. EVERY TIME. He just comes across the same way with the same lines in everything he's ever done/been on. He's one of those people who will always be natrually funny, but it takes some effort to listen sometimes. I still think he's all sweet and adorable though, which is probably horribly inaccurate.
Also I don't want him being in America. He likes it to much

AMY XXX

After seeing Harry Hill, it makes all other stand-up comedy (bar maybe Stewart Lee) seems so ordinary. I only caught maybe a 15 minute set of his at Sausage Night II a couple of years ago but my face was aching from smiling and laughing so much. Easily the best stand-up I saw that evening (and that night included Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Mitchell and Webb, Paul Foot...) and perhaps ever.

We were treated to about 45 minutes, and a Hornophone finale.

It was a complete tour de force, and definitely the best stand-up act I've ever seen.

Hmmmm both the original article and Jackie Clune's equally sensationalist reaction piece from last week's Observer, have mysteriously vanished from The Guardian website.

Despite being beyond wrecked this morning: Wheeeee!
http://blogs.laweekly.com/style_council/co...ow-ha/index.php

Some more unpublished pix (I had to keep it short):







As much reverence as I have for my other comedy idols, I still seem to get the most dumbstruck/doorky about the Kids. I routinely fail to just chat them up, even though Mark, Scott and Dave were all milling about before the show. *facepalm* I did hold a door for Bruce though, LOL.

Amit Itelman, on the other hand, is the mutt's nuts.

*swoon*