This fascinating and richly detailed study of the evolution of magic in the 15th and 16th centuries reveals that accusations of witchcraft rarely stuck to learned men In 1519, the German sch…
Diligent scholarship meets provocation and irreverence in Elizabeth Winkler's highly entertaining quest to uncover the 'real' Shakespeare In 2019, Elizabeth Winkler, a young writer at the Wa…
Comedian Robin Ince uses his profession as a springboard to an exploration of the human mindRobin Ince is quite possibly the UK's best-read comedian and is certainly one of the most criminal…
Conway Hall, LondonA joyful lucky dip in which secular sermons and Christmas messages quoting Kurt Vonnegut make for a silly but rousing celebration of rationalismIt's hard to believe this i…
Anders Lustgarten's new play, The Secret Theatre, taps into our current climate of fear by shining a light on Sir Francis Walsingham, the original CEngland is ruled by a beleaguered woman tr…
He defined the modern comedy industry and broke records with his huge audiences. I suspect rumours of his retirement will prove greatly exaggeratedEvans to retire from comedy to spend more t…
Coogan's first live tour in 10 years is pretty much what it says on the tin. The less successful characters - Paul and Pauline Calf, Duncan Thickett and Tommy Saxondale - make their appearan…
Ex-barmaid Janey Godley's extraordinary childhood and married life have been the springboard for her success as a comedian, playwright and now author, says Stephanie MerrittI've only just sa…
Soho theatre, LondonPhoebe Waller-Bridge follows up her TV hit with a magnificent monologueIt's not so unusual for a successful Edinburgh show to become a television series, but it is rare t…
Soho theatre, LondonAdrienne Truscott fights misogyny with hilarious slapstick, audience engagement " and she's naked from the waist downHere's a dilemma: if you're a feminist comedian deliv…
Soho theatre, LondonJohn Kearns has enjoyed a startlingly rapid rise to prominence: he won the Foster's best newcomer award last year at the Edinburgh fringe and this year took home the main…
Vilified for his joke about Kenneth Bigley, Billy Connolly is defiant and furious with the press. But then, he's never taken the cosy route through comedy and age shows no sign of mellowing …
Lee's ability to 'test a set piece to destruction' is at the fore of an evolving show delivered with immense technical skill"No one is equipped to review me," Stewart Lee declares near the b…
Ambitious Daniel Kitson, energetic Pippa Evans and chatty Jenny Bede play it their own way, while Bridget Christie rages and Sam Simmons gets personalDaniel Kitson doesn't do comedy any more…
Character comedy, childhood memories and a fantasy Desert Island Discs hit the mark in week one on the fringeOne of the great joys of the Edinburgh fringe is the yearly reminder of what a br…
The teenage nerd-turned-successful comedian on her new standup show, being terminally uncool and having a vicar for a mother Continue reading...
Soho theatre, LondonKim Noble's latest offering explores male loneliness, old age and the bleakness of existence to unsettling, almost embarrassing effectAmong the many questions that hover …
A switch from musical theatre has paid off for the 31-year-old, who was prompted to make the change by an unwise remark by an ex-boyfriendSee the Observer's rising stars of 2015 in fullRisin…
Hammersmith Apollo, London W6; touring until 24 FebAlthough Fielding seems slightly directionless without his Mighty Boosh partner, there's plenty of madcap whimsy and wit Continue reading...
He defined the modern comedy industry and broke records with his huge audiences. I suspect rumours of his retirement will prove greatly exaggeratedEvans to retire from comedy to spend more t…
Director Katie Mitchell, playwright Duncan Macmillan and scientist Chris Rapley let the facts speak for themselves in new Royal Court showScientist Chris Rapley turns actor in theatre show C…
The Edinburgh comedy award nominee and TV regular talks about monogamy being unnatural and Page 3 becoming mandatory10 questions for Sara PascoeSara Pascoe reviewThe funny thing about femini…
Soho theatre, London Continue reading...
Pleasance, EdinburghFormer Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman proves that broadcasting's loss is standup's gain Continue reading...