Tag Archives: comedian

The Marvelous Mrs Maisel’s final series gives us the answers we need – but will sharply divide fans

Posted on April 12, 2023 by mkmswain

The period comedy-drama’s last hurrah is generally enjoyable even if the jarring choice to introduce time-jumps somewhat ruins its escapism. Read my full Telegraph review here

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Strictly Come Dancing 2022: Celebrating BBC 100 results – another shock as Jayde Adams is eliminated

Posted on October 24, 2022 by mkmswain

The comedian is out after facing Molly Rainford in a surprise dance-off. Read my full Telegraph article here

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All of Us, National Theatre

Posted on August 7, 2022 by mkmswain

An enlightening, infuriating plea for acceptance. Read my full Telegraph review here

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‘Online gigs aren’t the same’: one comedian’s journey from stage to supermarket tills

Posted on November 29, 2020 by mkmswain

“My first day working in the supermarket,” the comedian Lauren Pattison remembers, “was a year ago to the day that I’d been doing stand-up at Sydney Opera House.” Read my full Telegraph interview here

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‘To call arts freelancers “lazy” is dangerous’: the comedian packing Amazon boxes

Posted on November 29, 2020 by mkmswain

It was meant to be a busy 2020 for comedian Will Duggan. “I was the tour support for Sofie Hagen, so I had all those gigs booked in, seven months of work, plus I was getting ready for the Edinburgh Festival. … Continue reading →

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‘There’s not much funny about delivering for a supermarket’: the comic taken off stage by lockdown

Posted on November 21, 2020 by mkmswain

“The whole year was timed out,” recalls comedian Steve Shanyaski of March 2020. “I was supporting John Bishop on tour, I had gigs lined up. Then lockdown happened and my whole diary turned white. I’ve never experienced anything like it … Continue reading →

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British comedians in lockdown: ‘They’re in Amazon warehouses and Sainsbury’s vans’

Posted on November 21, 2020 by mkmswain

Few stand-up comedians are laughing these days, with Covid-19 decimating their industry. So raise a glass to Kiri Pritchard-McLean, who has been providing much-needed gigs for her fellow comics, and raising thousands for charity, via her online “pub”, The Covid … Continue reading →

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Katherine Ryan interview

Posted on September 9, 2020 by mkmswain

I spoke to the comedian about her stand-up, podcast and new Netflix series The Duchess. Read my full The i Paper interview here

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Branagh is assured but lacks true desperation

Posted on September 9, 2016 by mkmswain

Brexit-ish rants, generational divide, tax dodging and Middle East chaos: the contemporary resonance of John Osborne’s 1957 state-of-the-nation play The Entertainer is almost eerie. Paired with an effective metaphor – the dying days of music hall – it’s a strong closing … Continue reading →

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The Entertainer, Garrick Theatre

Posted on August 31, 2016 by mkmswain

The latest 2016 state-of-the-nation play has arrived – from 1957. There’s the Brexit-ish granddad mired in corrosive nostalgia, the forward-looking granddaughter joining anti-establishment protests in Trafalgar Square, tax dodging, a crisis of British identity, and chaos in the Middle East. … Continue reading →

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