Todd Barry, Dublin
Todd Barry is an absolute schmuck, and brilliantly funny with it. While we often labour under the delusion that Americans are uncomfortable around losers and don’t find other people’s misfortune funny, Barry is one of many examples that explode the stereotype. A grumpy New Yorker who has made a considerable name for himself on the late-night talkshow circuit (as well as via a memorable appearance as an aggressive bongo player on Flight Of The Conchords), his comedy revolves around his own personal failings and cynical outlook on life. Barry has a list of faults a mile long: the only thing that outstrips it is his list of petty grievances with the outside world. But there’s something perversely likable about this sneering misanthrope, and you’ll take him to your heart even when you don’t agree with any of his ludicrously irrational gripes.
The Sugar Club, Thu
Brighton Comedy Festival
The Komedia venue in Brighton has made a small but significant contribution to the vitality of British comedy. For a start, it’s nurtured the development of Steve Delaney’s Count Arthur Strong (shortly to return for a second TV run on BBC2). Also, through the weekly Krater Comedy Club, it’s made Brighton a key destination for stand-ups on the British circuit. Along with a clutch of other venues the Komedia also hosts the Brighton comedy festival, now in its 13th year. Highlights include shows by Jon Richardson (Concert Hall, Fri), Jack Dee (Corn Exchange, Sun) and Cardinal Burns (Dome, Fri), plus a few exciting up-and-comers including Vikki Stone (Dome Studio, Fri) who takes musical comedy in a filthier direction, and softly spoken guitar-plucker David Elms (Komedia Studio Bar, Tue) who offers a gentler take on the same genre.
Paul Foot: Hovercraft Symphony In Gammon Sharp Major, On tour
There are very few comedians as downright peculiar as Paul Foot. As the title of his latest touring show suggests, he’s got a passionate commitment to well-mannered surrealism of a particularly English kind. Although he’s feted by the likes of Russell Brand and Noel Fielding, his comedy seems to owe more to earlier traditions like the nonsense verse of Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll. Foot has never quite become a household name, but he tours regularly and attracts an unlikely quantity of passionately devoted fans. Expect this latest show to contain more of his trademark irate ranting about utterly inoffensive subjects, plenty of absurd theatrical gambits, and a generous helping of fey gentility. The result is an evening that generates enthusiastic gales of laughter, without anyone in the audience ever quite understanding how or why.
