A mixed bill of standups, presented by the Nanette star and due to be recorded for the streamer, is a valuable response to its Dave Chappelle controversyWhen Dave Chappelle released his Netflix special The Closer, widely condemned for its transphobia, …
Continue ReadingPleasance Courtyard, EdinburghUsing snippets of pop culture, lip-syncing, video and clowning, the pair craft a rich exploration of eating disorders and gender dysphoriaFrankie Thompson, resplendent in floor-length pink tutu, and Liv Ello, hair slicked …
Continue ReadingWith research showing sexual harassment is a routine occurrence, there is growing demand for arts venues to commit to protecting entertainersPosey Mehta, like many performers at the Edinburgh fringe, has been flyering for her own show. It’s called I Am…
Continue ReadingWith research showing sexual harassment is a routine occurrence, there is growing demand for arts venues to commit to protecting entertainersPosey Mehta, like many performers at the Edinburgh fringe, has been flyering for her own show. It’s called I Am…
Continue ReadingThe standup’s new Edinburgh fringe show, Lost Boy, is about rediscovering silliness after difficult life events“When bad things happen, there is a lot of comedy if you look in the right places,” says standup Sarah Keyworth. We’re in a bar in central Lo…
Continue ReadingThe standup talks about touring with Ed Gamble, how comics enjoy the life of a retiree and the importance of exploring gender and its presentation“I’m a radical feminist and queer,” says Chloe Petts. “But also a top football lad who wants to go to the …
Continue ReadingThe actor and comic on making her female pronouns permanent, shouting down abuse, enduring a marathon a day – and running for Labour Eddie Izzard doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about. In December, it was reported that the standup comic/actor/c…
Continue ReadingLive comedy’s lack of regulation has enabled sexist and predatory behaviour but a group of female standups have ambitious plans to overhaul the industryIrish comedian Ruth Hunter started standup in 2015. She immediately noticed “everyday sexism” – male…
Continue ReadingThe world of standup has been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment and assault – and finally some men in the industry are vowing to tackle itWhen US comedian Kelly Bachman found herself performing to a bailed Harvey Weinstein at a New York show i…
Continue ReadingFor years, sexual predators have infested the live comedy scene. But female comedians are demanding action. Is this British standup’s #MeToo moment?‘If this was a normal office where, on your first day, someone higher up than you goes: ‘Here’s a list o…
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