At Soho Theatre
I saw this show at Edinburgh. Well I say I saw it at Edinburgh. Every show is different depending on the audience's choices.
The show is based around 3 things. Latin, the Choose Your Own Adventure Books and Frank Lampard. Alex Horne and his personal assistant Tim Key set about trying to teach us or at least get us interested in Latin. Alex has a genuine enthusiasm for his subject and it's hard not to get caught up in it.
The audience is split into 2 teams, men versus women, with a captain picked for each team. Alex then guides us through his latin Choose Your Own Adventure Book. If you don't know, the books don't read like conventional books, page 2 following page 1 etc. Instead at the bottom of page 1 there might be a choice of whether to go up the mountain by turning to page 5 or heading to the river by going to page 9.
Here the story is we're in Sheffield, getting through our first year at uni. Sheffield is chosen because like Rome it is built on 7 hills. Unlike Rome it was built in a day, when one day in 1963 the people of Sheffield decided they needed somewhere to live.
There are some brilliant moments like when one of the audience gets a little over excited and begins to interrupt the flow of the show. Geeky Tim Key, sitting at his computer, brings up the detention letter on to the giant screen and promply gives him a written warning.
The show is full of technical wizardry. There is so much more to the show than you see. I could happily see it again.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
The Book Club – Lowdown at the Albany – 28th September
I’ve wanted to go to the Book Club for a few months and finally made it down this week. And how glad am I that I did?
I’d heard it was like the “Vic Reeves Big Night Out” was when it was a cult underground comedy. A secret comedy show, hidden underground, literally, as the Lowdown is underneath the Albany at Gt Portland Street. They’ve only been around a year, and having taken the show up to Edinburgh it’s fast becoming the hot comedy “ticket”
We arrived and queued to find we should have reserved our seats by calling in advance. Luckily being near the front of the queue we were first in the queue to take the places of the no-shows. Once in, with a beer in hand, we went to stand at the back of the tiny venue; the few seats that there were, were all taken. I bumped into Graham, head of comedy at Channel 5, a fellow Perrier Judge. I’m guessing I might bump into a few of them as I go to all these comedy shows.
The evening is split into 3 sections. Starting at 8pm. Each of the acts does a turn. At 9.15ish there is bar break. (Though beer is available throughout.) Then everyone does another bit. At 10.30pm, having overrun, there is another break. Quite a few people sidled out the door at this point to catch the tube home, with it being a week night, the older folk obviously wanted to make it a relatively early night. I guess they had a few hours of comedy by this point. Then there was another set from everyone, before time was eventually called at somewhere around midnight.
The Book Club itself is hosted by Robin Ince. Who Dave described as a grey haired Geordie recently, after he saw him at some charity event. Not surprisingly we couldn’t work out who he meant, as Robin is in no way a Geordie, and he missed off the fact he wore specs, another vital clue. (I draw you attention at this point to the fact the game nothing-lookie-likey was invented by Dave’s observational skills.) Robin is a comedian’s comedian. If you’ll know him from anywhere it’ll be as Ricky Gervias’ preferred warm-up act.
He reads from books that he’s picked up from charity shops on his travels. There is a cheer when he goes to read from Stormy Vigil. A Mills and Boon classic. She is a journalist having to write a piece on Lighthouses. She goes to a Lighthouse. There is a man. They don’t get on. They become trapped in the Lighthouse as there is a storm. They don’t get on. Every month Robin apparently reads from Stormy Vigil. As he reads there is some nice atmospheric instrumental music played, adding to the funniness of the reading. He upsets the crowd though by announcing that whilst he was at Edinburgh he finished the book. There were gasps of horror from people at the thought he finished it without them. It was clearly their book.
Other ‘classic’ books he read from were a book about caravanning. A brilliant guide book to massage parlours around Great Britain, published sometime in the 1970’s. Robin did give the ISBN to that one, but I’m afraid I forgot to write it down. And so on. I passed Robin my book during one of the breaks, and that was held up and shown in the next section. My lovely Gyles Brandeth’s Wit Knits. Early 80’s knitting patterns, featuring various celebs posing in awful jumpers – Joanna Lumely, Christopher Biggins, Matthew Kelly… all the greats.
The acts in between readings were Josie Long. I picked up a free copy of Josie Long’s fanzine on the way out. Fantastic mad stuff. She’s quite young but a comic talent of the future no doubt. Nathan Penlington, a poet, and comic. A bit sort of John Hegley, but younger. Just as geeky. Howard Read. Martin White, accordion player, doing songs like A-ha ‘Take on Me,’ corpsing with laughter before he can get to the end every time.
This week saw the first night of a Chat Magazine True Story – a stage production. I’m sure it’ll become a regular feature. They were great as they all acted out the various roles in a story of a couple, one of whom is impotent. Enter a young virgin male who is bought in to service the wife. It all goes horribly wrong when the wife falls for the young lad. Cue scenes of the wife (played by Robin) and the 18yr going off stage to make sex noises. Brilliant.
There was Live Boggle, with everyone in the audience taking part in an attempt to beat Josie Long and Danielle Ward. Both self-proclaimed Boggle Champions.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the whole evening. Coming in at 4 hours long it’s easy to see why by the time we left we felt we really had become part of a little secret club.
And the great news is they’ve just announced they are going twice monthly. So I’ve just reserved my tickets for the 12th. I can’t wait.
I’d heard it was like the “Vic Reeves Big Night Out” was when it was a cult underground comedy. A secret comedy show, hidden underground, literally, as the Lowdown is underneath the Albany at Gt Portland Street. They’ve only been around a year, and having taken the show up to Edinburgh it’s fast becoming the hot comedy “ticket”
We arrived and queued to find we should have reserved our seats by calling in advance. Luckily being near the front of the queue we were first in the queue to take the places of the no-shows. Once in, with a beer in hand, we went to stand at the back of the tiny venue; the few seats that there were, were all taken. I bumped into Graham, head of comedy at Channel 5, a fellow Perrier Judge. I’m guessing I might bump into a few of them as I go to all these comedy shows.
The evening is split into 3 sections. Starting at 8pm. Each of the acts does a turn. At 9.15ish there is bar break. (Though beer is available throughout.) Then everyone does another bit. At 10.30pm, having overrun, there is another break. Quite a few people sidled out the door at this point to catch the tube home, with it being a week night, the older folk obviously wanted to make it a relatively early night. I guess they had a few hours of comedy by this point. Then there was another set from everyone, before time was eventually called at somewhere around midnight.
The Book Club itself is hosted by Robin Ince. Who Dave described as a grey haired Geordie recently, after he saw him at some charity event. Not surprisingly we couldn’t work out who he meant, as Robin is in no way a Geordie, and he missed off the fact he wore specs, another vital clue. (I draw you attention at this point to the fact the game nothing-lookie-likey was invented by Dave’s observational skills.) Robin is a comedian’s comedian. If you’ll know him from anywhere it’ll be as Ricky Gervias’ preferred warm-up act.
He reads from books that he’s picked up from charity shops on his travels. There is a cheer when he goes to read from Stormy Vigil. A Mills and Boon classic. She is a journalist having to write a piece on Lighthouses. She goes to a Lighthouse. There is a man. They don’t get on. They become trapped in the Lighthouse as there is a storm. They don’t get on. Every month Robin apparently reads from Stormy Vigil. As he reads there is some nice atmospheric instrumental music played, adding to the funniness of the reading. He upsets the crowd though by announcing that whilst he was at Edinburgh he finished the book. There were gasps of horror from people at the thought he finished it without them. It was clearly their book.
Other ‘classic’ books he read from were a book about caravanning. A brilliant guide book to massage parlours around Great Britain, published sometime in the 1970’s. Robin did give the ISBN to that one, but I’m afraid I forgot to write it down. And so on. I passed Robin my book during one of the breaks, and that was held up and shown in the next section. My lovely Gyles Brandeth’s Wit Knits. Early 80’s knitting patterns, featuring various celebs posing in awful jumpers – Joanna Lumely, Christopher Biggins, Matthew Kelly… all the greats.
The acts in between readings were Josie Long. I picked up a free copy of Josie Long’s fanzine on the way out. Fantastic mad stuff. She’s quite young but a comic talent of the future no doubt. Nathan Penlington, a poet, and comic. A bit sort of John Hegley, but younger. Just as geeky. Howard Read. Martin White, accordion player, doing songs like A-ha ‘Take on Me,’ corpsing with laughter before he can get to the end every time.
This week saw the first night of a Chat Magazine True Story – a stage production. I’m sure it’ll become a regular feature. They were great as they all acted out the various roles in a story of a couple, one of whom is impotent. Enter a young virgin male who is bought in to service the wife. It all goes horribly wrong when the wife falls for the young lad. Cue scenes of the wife (played by Robin) and the 18yr going off stage to make sex noises. Brilliant.
There was Live Boggle, with everyone in the audience taking part in an attempt to beat Josie Long and Danielle Ward. Both self-proclaimed Boggle Champions.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the whole evening. Coming in at 4 hours long it’s easy to see why by the time we left we felt we really had become part of a little secret club.
And the great news is they’ve just announced they are going twice monthly. So I’ve just reserved my tickets for the 12th. I can’t wait.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Busy Week - Catch up
Ardal O'Hanlon - Tuesday 27th September
It’s a shame to see this happen. Ardal O’Hanlon, accomplished stand up, several national tours under his belt, years of experience, a part in one of THE cult TV shows of the 90’s Father Ted, playing loveable Dougal, go on to star in possibly the most bland, MOR, filler, before the watershed comedy, My Hero, not for one series, or two, but countless.
I’m sure his kids and bank manager love it, but it’s not going to be revered in years to come. If you’re unlucky someone might remember it in 15years time. So we turned up with interest tonight to see Ardal back on stage. Warming up for his new national tour. This is the first of two nights at the Red Rose on Seven Sisters Rd. And by god does he look like he needs them.
By half time, he’s looking as bewildered as Dougal. Where has it gone? The audience eating out of his hand? The easy irish charm and wit? He looks like he’s lost it.
Well like us the rest of the audience seem to be here to see exactly what is left of this once comedy talent. And we’re waiting with our arms crossed. After two hours we’re still waiting. There was the occasional flicker of the old Ardal, as remembered circa 1998. But along with it were the jokes. His new material was lacking, and the smattering of old jokes were needed to raise a laugh.
Sorry Ardal, I know your confidence took a beating during the gig, but you’ll need to get that back. Perhaps you should wear the cape for the tour
It’s a shame to see this happen. Ardal O’Hanlon, accomplished stand up, several national tours under his belt, years of experience, a part in one of THE cult TV shows of the 90’s Father Ted, playing loveable Dougal, go on to star in possibly the most bland, MOR, filler, before the watershed comedy, My Hero, not for one series, or two, but countless.
I’m sure his kids and bank manager love it, but it’s not going to be revered in years to come. If you’re unlucky someone might remember it in 15years time. So we turned up with interest tonight to see Ardal back on stage. Warming up for his new national tour. This is the first of two nights at the Red Rose on Seven Sisters Rd. And by god does he look like he needs them.
By half time, he’s looking as bewildered as Dougal. Where has it gone? The audience eating out of his hand? The easy irish charm and wit? He looks like he’s lost it.
Well like us the rest of the audience seem to be here to see exactly what is left of this once comedy talent. And we’re waiting with our arms crossed. After two hours we’re still waiting. There was the occasional flicker of the old Ardal, as remembered circa 1998. But along with it were the jokes. His new material was lacking, and the smattering of old jokes were needed to raise a laugh.
Sorry Ardal, I know your confidence took a beating during the gig, but you’ll need to get that back. Perhaps you should wear the cape for the tour
Monday, September 26, 2005
Gordon's last night in London
I'm sorry it's taken me a while but here are the photo's from Gordon's last night in London. (Finally finished off the film on the Singles Night.)
I have edited these photo's down. There seemed to be an awful lot of shut eyes and drunk looking people in the others. (Gordon being the main offender.)
I have edited these photo's down. There seemed to be an awful lot of shut eyes and drunk looking people in the others. (Gordon being the main offender.)
Shane taking it well...
It must be love...
Bunny Ears, that's never not funny...
Belle and Sebastian - Barbican
Me and Caz went off to see Belle and Sebastian on Sunday night for their full playback of “If you’re feeling Sinister.”
Thoroughly enjoyable evening of tweeness. B&S are always value for money, being on stage from 9 until 10.45 with only a few minutes off stage before the encore. There were some great B&S / audience moments.
Before Fox in the Snow Stevie was struggling to retune his guitar. Retuning every single string. A guy the row in front of us shouted “I usually skip this one.” Stuart had a moment. Telling the story of a dream he had the week before, where Isobel agreed to join them for the gig, as long as a taxi was kept running outside for her. He then said he missed her. Then in horror immediately apologised to Sarah and thanked her for being there. Two songs later, someone at the back of the audience shouted "Taxi for Isobel." Which I thought was quite sharp.
Stuart got a few mad dancing girls up on the side of the stage to dance during Mayfly. And thank god he did, because we were sat jigging in our seats up until that moment. After that little ice-breaker, we all stood up, and stayed dancing till the very end. Cue mad dancing on Boy with the Arab Strap, and that is all I ask of any B&S gig to make it perfect.
Set List
A bit of a warm up first:
Slow Graffiti
Another Sunny Day (new song)
Woman's Realm
The Loneliness Of The Middle Distance Runner
Electronic Renaissance
Then into the tracks:
The Stars Of Track And FieldSeeing Other People
Me And The Major
Like Dylan In The Movies
The Fox In The Snow
Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying
If You're Feeling Sinister
Mayfly
The Boy Done Wrong Again
Judy And The Dream Of Horses
Then the Encore:
Dog On Wheels
The Boy With The Arab Strap
The Wrong Girl
I'm A Cuckoo
If You Find Yourself Caught In Love
Still doesn't beat the magical XFM gig at Islington Academy. For me possibly one of the best gigs I've ever been to. But this was cracking all the same.
Gordon's Leaving Party - the photos are back
Finally I can put the pictures up! Here they are in all their glory.
The Group Picture. 
Monday, September 19, 2005
Gordon's leaving
For all those who missed it, or can't remember Saturday, it was Gordon's leaving do on Saturday. Pictures were taken during the event, which as soon as they are developed I will get them scanned in here.
In the meantime here is the card I did for his leaving and everyone's amusement.
In the meantime here is the card I did for his leaving and everyone's amusement.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Birthday Photo's
I've been a bit lax. Putting Sandown Park pictures on the net but not ones from my birthday a week before. So here, better late than never, are the photo's.
Sara as we were about to leave
Ali and Mark in Made in Brasil
Ben and Mike
Mark and that Chilli Raspberry cocktail, (never again!)
Gordon, anyone would think he'd been drinking...
Group photo in Zensai
More from Zensai
There is then a slight gap in my photographs. Possibly because I didn't want to put my drink down to use the camera.
Oooh those Dr Pepper Cocktails (Death Coke's younger brother)
Ingredients: One glass of beer and coke (yes together)
One shot of Jack Daniels
Recipe: Lower the jack in it's shot glass into the beer and coke.
Oh yes! It's all coming back....
And this is the final photo taken.
A pair of trainers, found discarded in the road, that someone decided was hilarious to put on the bonnet of a nearby car....
That wasn't me! Honest!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Oh yeah and this picture. The Jordan v's the Toilet Roll Cover
I'm surprised this hasn't been put up all over the net yet.
Antony and the Johnsons - Winner of the Mercury Music Prize
I forgot to put this up last week. Definitely the funniest picture I saw all week, courtesty of the Holy Moly mailout.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Sandown Park
The photo's are back from Friday's racing day. Oh dear. This one was taken really early on. You can tell this because if look closely you'll see were all smiling. That's because it was taken before most of us lost all our money...
Friday, September 09, 2005
The Twins
I was listening to Little John Kennedy raving away about some demo he'd just played last night, before realising it was the twins, The Bishops. Who's up for going to see them? They're on at the Barfly next month.
Art Brut Split
Read the title for this news story, ART BRUT SPLIT, and thought for a minute.... but no the important word "up" is missing. They are still going.
Art Brut - Top of the Pops!
Art Brut - Top of the Pops!
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Oh dear, as news of Embrace's new album reaches us, there is giant collective sigh....
What can I say. If it took Mullet boy and his mates just 9 days to write the new album, do we really think it's going to be any good.
No I don't think so. Not when you consider their other albums have all been shit.
Get a hair cut, get a real job, in a supermarket stacking shelves, you muppet. And leave the world Embrace free.
No I don't think so. Not when you consider their other albums have all been shit.
Get a hair cut, get a real job, in a supermarket stacking shelves, you muppet. And leave the world Embrace free.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Just had to print this story from the Holy Moly email this week...
When Kaiser Chiefs were called Parva, there was no such person as Ricky Wilson. Oh no, the lead singer was called ‘Heavy’ and only ever known as ‘Heavy’.It would be like stumpy wig-wrinkler Bono reverting to being called Paul. Do you think perhaps he didn't want to attract attention to his porkiness when they changed their style and name?
Classic.
Classic.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Not allowed to say....
Apparently I'm no longer allowed to say the 'E' word or 'not in my top 5.' Not because I've necessarily been overusing them, but more as a preemptive measure by those who haven't seen me yet. I can totally understand this, though it is going to make writing up the details of the party difficult.
Scotland is now my favourite word.
Scotland is now my favourite word.
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