comedy – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Tar Baby at The Vault Festival

Matilda — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 08:39:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I’m loving the conversation about race at the moment. Well, technically, I’m loving the way people are freaking out over Beyonce’s Formation video, in the same way they were freaking out about Dear White People two years ago, in the same way they were freaking out ten years ago when old Kanye said George Bush didn’t care about black people, during the live TV appeal for Hurricane Katrina victims. Speaking of: it’s funny how Queen Bey has brought us back to Katrina 11 years later, proving that the “conversation” is not only still important, but can’t be ignored – even if you dress it up in a glossy, expensive video.

In the case of Tar Baby, a one-woman show by New York comedienne Desiree Birch, the conversation masquerades as a carnival show. There’s music, games and of course, an elephant in the room. And for people uncomfortable with discussing racism, there’s also a false sense of security that allows Birch to address that metaphorical mammal head on by touching on slavery, capitalism, white privilege, black stereotypes, black female stereotypes, the faux pas of touching afro hair and the Black Lives Matter movement with little tact or remorse. But she’s so clever and witty about it, you can’t help but love her at the end. Or at least, I did. And I’ve got a couple of Race Cards to prove it.

@destheray is my new shero. Watched her one woman show @tarbabytheplay at the @vaultfestival tonight and all I can say is COT DAMN… She went in! #race #politics #humour #foodforthought

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Feb 14, 2016 at 3:38pm PST

Had dude picking rice to explain the history of slavery and the birth of capitalism. PICKING RICE. @tarbabytheplay

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Feb 14, 2016 at 3:40pm PST

Post show mementos #mightjustusethese #race #politics #humour #foodforthought @tarbabytheplay

A photo posted by Matilda (@megerecooper) on Feb 14, 2016 at 3:42pm PST

It’s just a pity last night was the final show at The Vault Festival. I don’t know if Tar Baby is coming back to London, but I know it needs to. This satirical commentary on racism is just what we need right now, because it’s got the guts to make sure we’re all just that little bit more informed about racism, in case we didn’t get the memo.

For more deets, check out www.tarbabytheplay.com.

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Somewhere you should go…Totally Serialized – Season 2

Jane Duru — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:00:28 +0000

Television – it’s the glue that holds society together. How many Monday moments have you had at the virtual watercooler with colleagues, bonding over a shared disgust of the latest torrid soap story line, or weeping with laughter at Sir Alan’s latest put down? Too close to the likes of TOWIE for you? Well TV does high-brow equally well: witness the popularity of Attenborough’s Africa or the wonderful Mad Men.

In fact, as much as the media likes to put a downer on the quality of broadcasting in the modern age, we all know that without telly, things would get pretty boring pretty quickly. So in the spirit of all good rhyming children’s TV slogans everywhere, let’s celebrate, not denigrate!

The Institute Francais in has taken it upon itself to arrange the UK’s only TV series festival, featuring some of the most beloved shows on our screens. Strange though it is that this televisual celebration is being instigated by our partners across the Channel, we can only be grateful to our French cousins for the treat in store. Let’s be clear, there will be no showings of My Family, but the comforting familiarity of characters from well-loved sitcoms such as Doctor Who and Skins should be enough to keep any attendee entertained.

The festival kicks off with the world premiere of Flight of the Storks, a mini drama that follows intrepid academic Jonathan Ansolme through a murky world of intrigue, deceit and murder, whilst embarking on a mission through the African jungle, to follow storks on migration. Alternatively, enjoy a comedy marathon, taking in British classics Peep Show and The Thick of It, whilst also getting an introduction to less familiar French comedies Kaboul Kitchen, WorkinGirls and Desperate Parents.

Saving the best ’til last, there’ll be a conversation with Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville on Sunday giving attendees the inside scoop on behind the scenes action, whilst a screening of Labyrinth will be followed by a Q&A featuring actresses from the cast Katie McGrath and Vanessa Kirby, alongside author of the original book Kate Mosse. Come Monday morning, you’ll have serious bragging rights at that watercooler.

Totally Serialized runs at Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, 16-20 January at 17 Queensberry Place , London SW7 2DT. Ticket prices from £5.
www.institut-francais.org.uk/totallyserialized

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Something you should see… Celeste & Jesse Forever

The Cultural Exposé — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 11:00:43 +0000

Rashida Jones may well be familiar to anyone who’s spent the past four years watching her on the brilliant American sitcom Parks & Recreation (now picked up by BBC 4), but for anyone else, she’ll be something of a new face on our cinema screens this month. With only small supporting roles on film so far – such as in the rather unappreciated I Love You, Man where she played Paul Rudd’s fiancée – Jones it seems has been waiting a long time for a role such as Celeste to turn up. So long, in fact that she felt compelled to write the script and role herself.

Co-written with Will McCormack, who also stars as the resident dead-beat dealer in the fim, Celeste & Jesse Forever’s cast list reads as a roll-call of some of the US’s most unappreciated comic actors. But it’s more than just a few laughs strung together with a loose romantic plot. There’s real heart and pain in this film about a couple attempting to navigate their divorce while still remaining best friends. Behaving as though they are still a couple, Celeste and Jesse are informed by their friends that what they are doing is ‘weird and wrong’, sending both them and their relationship into a tailspin.
Andy Samberg as Jesse is as funny as ever, and brings a much needed vulnerability to his slacker character, whereas Jones’ type-A Celeste finds support and friendship in the unlikely form of a self-entitled, teenaged pop star. Dealing with dating demons, betrothed friends and unexpected pregnancies may not seem like a groundbreaking formula for comedy but watching Celeste & Jesse Forever feels like a breath of fresh air, proving that it’s possible to have complicated and complex characters at the heart of a hysterically funny film. (Words: Annie Taylor)

In cinemas now.

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Somewhere you should go… 5 best alternative theatre venues in London

Jane Duru — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 10:00:14 +0000

For many, a Friday night spent at the theatre isn’t the first choice. Or second, or third. At one end of the spectrum, it’s seen as elitist and expensive – something for only the upper echelons of polite society. At the other, its remit belongs to the realm of cheesy musicals and raucous pantomime. But despite the existence of both these sorts of theatre in the capital, there are plenty of accessible alternatives that won’t cost you a small fortune, nor leave you hoarse from all that singing along. Check out the following quirky theatre alternatives:

Soho Theatre

It’s in the middle of theatreland but worry not, this is a little gem of venue. Productions can be thought-provoking and high-minded such as Inua Ellams’ Untitled, but there’s lots of room for more lighthearted fare too, as the venue plays host to some of comedy’s brightest sparks. On the bill this autumn, acts include Edinburgh Fringe favourite Josie Long and the up-and-coming Sara Pascoe. 21 Dean Street, London, W1D 3NE. www.sohotheatre.com

Southwark Playhouse

The Southwark Playhouse’s inauspicious setting behind a pub in London Bridge belies its reputation for producing excellent theatre. Blending the traditional and the modern with its repertoire, this season alone will see Chekhov (The Seagull) and Chaucer (Canterbury Tales) as well as a host of modern plays, on stage. Catch it while you still can though – the theatre will be shuttering the doors of the current venue at the end of 2012. Lets hope its new home is matches the standard set within. Shipwright Yard, Corner of Tooley St and Bermondsey St, London, SE1 2TF. southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Old Vic tunnels

Taken over by the Old Vic theatre in 2010, these tunnels under the streets of Waterloo are home to some of the most adventurous theatre productions in London, including last year’s well-received Minotaur. It’s not only plays that are put on: coming up is a celebration of Halloween with the Zombie Horror Camp – make voodoo dolls or simply dance at the Zombie Disco. Dank and atmospheric, the tunnels will only heighten the mood. Station Approach Road , London SE1 8SW. oldvictunnels.com

Pleasance Theatre

Another comedy-slash-theatre spot, the Pleasance is the real deal. Edinburgh Festival goers will be wholly familiar with the name, as it’s one of the biggest venues for comedy during the festival. The theatre is tucked away in a little-known part of Islington, and hosts productions by new writers, comedy work in progress shows and fringe successes that have transferred down south. Check out the website for autumn’s highlights. Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF. www.pleasance.co.uk

Arcola Theatre

Despite having moved to a shiny new home on Ashwin St in early 2011, the Arcola in Hackney has lost none of its artistic edge. This is fringe theatre at best, where experimental productions such as the forthcoming Things Beginning with M find an audience willing to take a punt, new writers’ voices are welcome, and where the local creative community, young or old, can engage with the many programmes on offer. 24 Ashwin Street, Dalston, London, E8 3DL. www.arcolatheatre.com

Do you know of any great alternative theatre venues in London? Leave your ideas in the comments section below!

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Somewhere you should go…Field Day and Apple Cart Festival

Jane Duru — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:00:53 +0000

The Diamond Jubilee is almost upon us and with it, that rare beast – the four day weekend. So how best to use these four glorious days of freedom? Street party? Could be great but it could also mean spending the day with your neighbour (who you’ve never met) bending your ear about joining the local housing committee, whilst politely devouring another’s bloody awful coronation chicken. The Thames Jubilee Pageant? Well, it will hopefully be brilliant but admit it, chances are you’ll be stuck on a very crowded bridge over the Thames, settling for a view of backs instead of boats because a very tall man has got his girlfriend on his shoulders.

Neither bridges nor bunting your thing? Well head out East, to the double whammy that is Field Day and Apple Cart festivals, which are both happening this weekend in Victoria Park. Now in its sixth year (and thus celebrating a Jubilee of its own, albeit the less glitzy version), Field Day is all about the music – it’s the hip electronica one, with an ear-poppingly good line up – Com Truise, The Vaccines, Metronomy (pictured), Afrocubism, Jessie Ware – and these are just the tip of a very cool iceberg. Get lost in the crowds, have a sweaty dance off in a packed tent and glory in the fact that all of East London will be there.

Apple Cart is an altogether more rounded day which goes beyond the music, one for those who like their tunes but who want to feel free to just wander, not pressured to race from tent to tent in the hope of catching Jamie XX. Noah and the Whale are headlining, current songstress of the moment Lianne La Havas will be on stage and everybody’s favourite world music DJ, Gilles Peterson will be on the decks. Beyond the music, be sure to check out the comedy stage featuring the likes of Miles Jupp, Sean Lock and Josie Long. Once you’ve recovered from laughing so much you’ve almost peed yourself, make your way to the cabaret stage for some good ol’ fashioned entertainment, having made sure to stop by the Art Car Boot Fair stalls (pictured) to learn “The Art of Flirting and delivering Compliments and Flattery in abundance” from the Pretty Boys. That should stand you in good stead for the rest of the night.

So go to one or both, if you’re feeling extravagant, heck, it’s not like you haven’t got two days to recover. (Words: Jane Duru)

Field Day festival runs on Saturday, June 2 at Victoria Park, E3 5SN. Tickets are £45 plus booking fee. www.fielddayfestivals.com

Apple Cart festival runs on Sunday, June 3 at Victoria Park, E3 5SN. Tickets are £35 plus booking fee. www.theapplecartfestival.com

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Somewhere you should go… DONG

The Cultural Exposé — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:00:43 +0000

A bit like the Royal Variety Show, but without your Royal Majesty sitting in a crown and a gown, DONG is the night where comedians, dancers, DJs and hip-hop karaoke merge to create a delicious mash-up of all things fun and glorious. It only happens every two months and it doesn’t look like it’s one to be missed…

Rich Mix will be hosting the event featuring comedian Fergus Craig, from the BBC sketch show Sorry, I’ve Got No Head and Rahzel-inspired Beardyman, a double UK Beatbox champion and vocalist extraordinaire who has previously collaborated with Foreign Beggars and Fatboy Slim.

The absence of the Queen at this show will be eased with Mr. B Gentleman Rhymer, a “chap-hop” rapper who waxes lyrical about cricket, banjo-playing, pipe-smoking and all things genteel, with a mission to introduce the Queen’s English into hip-hop. Whether he will accomplish his mission and impress the deep, dark depths of east London will be intriguing to see and hear.

Doc Brown will also be showcasing some of his down-to-Earth rap comedy, “I got a flash car… a Vauxhall Astra”. Videos found on YouTube of his acts show that his smooth delivery and surprising punch lines will almost guarantee some belly laughs and wry smiles. Who knew hip-hop could be so funny?

Elsewhere on the bill, comedian Cariad Lloyd, usually performing with her various alter egos, will be delivering a set and rap star wannabes will finish off the night in classic DONG style with a hip-hop karaoke session. Great night, guaranteed we thinks. (Words: Lamiat Sabin)

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Something you should see… We Have a Pope

Apostolos Kostoulas — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:00:31 +0000

From a quick look at the plot – which revolves around a newly elected Pope that cannot bring himself to greet the faithful, leaving his advisors to seek help from a renowned psychoanalyst – you would be excused to think that this is nothing more than the Italian version of The King’s Speech. However, both films tackle a similar subject from two different angles.

Melville (Michel Piccoli), the central character, has the more daunting task of facing his fear of his new role and responsibilities on his own. After a brief awkward session with the psychoanalyst, Melville escapes the Vatican and starts wandering around the city. As expected, a legendary actor Piccoli perfectly captures the child-like enthusiasm with which Melville embraces the simple joys of life that he has been deprived from for a long time, adding a warm and affecting touch to these scenes and helping us feel emotionally connected to a character who happens to be the Pope.

Unfortunately, whenever the story moves away from Melville’s stroll to follow the life in the Vatican, the film loses some of its charm. By showing us how the initially disorientated psychoanalyst ends up appearing almost at ease, Moretti makes a nice point about how confinement does not necessarily equal unhappiness but these mostly comic scenes feel somewhat tame (with the exception of the impromptu volleyball game which is as fun as it sounds).

It is difficult though to be overly critical of a film that never succumbs to the forced sentimentality often associated with this type of stories. We Have a Pope’s strongest merit is that it manages to warm our hearts not by feeding us with the idealistic notion that “if you believe in yourself you can accomplish anything” but by helping us realise the sheer happiness that lies in accepting that not everyone needs to become a leader. (Words: Apostolos Kostoulas)

In cinemas now.

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TCé meets: New Art Club

Matilda — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:00:02 +0000

Since the early noughties, award-winning comedy duo Pete Shenton and Tom Roden have developed an impressive niche in the dance industry, by slyly taking the mick out of contemporary dance while creating a new style of art. But New Art Club are no novelty act – though they’ve been crowned ‘the Reeves and Mortimer of contemporary choreography’, they usually have the last laugh when people discover they have over 15 years of dance experience and have even choreographed routines for the Royal Opera House. Now, the pair are marking a decade of delivering hilarious routines with a greatest hits show called Big Bag of Boom, complete special guest comedian Phil Kay. The Cultural Exposé spoke to the pair to talk gags, two-steps and why they describe their work as “art fuelled comedy”

On doing a Greatest Hits tour

Pete: After 13 years of making work together we found that there was a new load of people (especially in our ventures into the world of comedy) that had not seen a lot of our work. We thought it would be nice to revisit some of the material that we’d made in the past and rework it from our point of view now.

Tom: …and we couldn’t be arsed to come up with a new show.

On fusing comedy and dance

Pete: In the beginning it was just a question of whether we could make something funny that was still a dance show. Our aim at the time was not to become a comedy double act or even a comedy dance company. It was just to see what would come out if we tried to make a funny show based around physical ideas. I suppose we both thought we were quite funny (it was our shared sensibility and sense of humour that brought us to making stuff together).

Tom: …and we don’t really ‘fuse’ the two things – we just sit them next to each other in a cafe and see what happens.

On their influences

Pete: We are influenced by a lot of things both in good ways and bad ways. We were probably originally influenced to try to make something funny by Reeves and Mortimer and Monty Python and there are number of people working now in comedy that we really like. Phil Kay is a hero of ours and he will be performing with us at the Place. Daniel Kitson, Stewart Lee, Simon Munnery, Hannah Gadsby. But our influences in dance and live art are also important. Jonathan Burrows, Graeme Miller, Forced Entertainment, The Glee Club, Guy Dartnell. Then there are films and visual arts and music. There are so many people doing really great things. It makes you wonder at how marvelous humans can be.

Tom: We often say we are inspired by each other too. We each work separately as choreographers, performers, writers and directors in different contexts. This brings a lot of outside influence to the world of New Art Club as we grapple with our experiences. And we both love The Fall.

On getting into dance

Pete: When I was 21 I saw a piece by the Cholmondeleys and the Featherstonehaughs. I had never seen a piece of dance before and it amazed me whilst at the same time having that great punk sensibility where it made me feel that I could actually have a go at doing it. so that’s what I did. I am both indebted and cross with Lea Anderson for making dance seem so attractive to an angry 21-year-old me with no direction in life.

Tom: A sneaky teacher at school told me that the interesting movement sessions I was enjoying so much were ‘drama’. It didn’t take me long to work out I wanted to be a choreographer.

On social and political influences in their work

Pete: For me being an artist is fundamentally about creating your own rules. I moved from being completely embroiled in politics to becoming an artist. I have no desire to engage in directly political work but I think there is a philosophical discussion being had in all of our pieces. We fundamentally care about human relationships. Our working practice is built around a real deep love and respect between us which we openly mess about with. And we hope to share that with the people that come to see our shows. We are playful and a bit naughty. I think comedy can really play role of rule breaker and questioner of accepted beliefs.

On the future of NAC

Pete: In the next year or so we’ll be touring our new show Quiet Act of Destruction, which is an interactive comedy show. We start doing that in February 2012 and will be touring it around the UK and taking it to Melbourne Comedy Festival. After that, possibly a kids show, a new show for a group of performers and a new one for me and Tom. Then world domination, fistfuls of cash, drug addled self destruction, a period of quiet, then a press conference and reforming the act for one last big payday, oh no now I’m talking about the Stone Roses – We’ll probably just tinker along making largely ignored works of misunderstood genius like we have been doing and wait for the 2nd law of thermodynamics.

New Art Club perform Big Bag of Boom (Feat. Phil Kay) on November 4th at The Place.
Tickets are £17 and for more info visit: www.theplace.org.uk

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Win a pair of tickets to the Apple Cart Festival, Victoria Park! (this competition has now ended)

The Cultural Exposé — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:00:34 +0000

The Apple Cart fest arrives in London on Sunday, August 7th, bringing with it an array of music, comedy, art, magic and cabaret! Expect to see top acts including Badly Drawn Boy, Saint Etienne and Soul II Soul take over the music stage, while plenty of chuckles are guaranteed with appearances from the likes of Tim Michin and Doc Brown, just some of the hilarious comedians on the line-up. There’s also plenty of arty activities, gourmet food and booze to look forward to, so for your chance to win a pair of tickets, visit our Facebook page, and simply leave this message on our wall “Apples and pears, apples and pears!” The competition closes on Thursday evening (August 4th) and the winner will be announced on Friday, August 5th!

Tickets to Apple Cart festival are £29.95 (+ booking fee) and for more info visit www.theapplecartfestival.com

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Something you should see…Laura Mugridge’s Running On Air

Laura Thornley — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:00:42 +0000

The new flick Bridesmaids has created quite a stir of late, particularly for the alpha males out there. You can hear them now: “Women?? Funny?? Do me a favour!”. Well, I can tell you that a) I am female and b) I have more knock-knock jokes up my sleeve than you can shake a stick at, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!

But if you still teetering on the fence and maybe need more convincing that the fairer sex can make you chortle, then comedienne Laura Mugridge’s unusual site-specific show could tip the scales. Performed in the back of a VW van called Joni to an audience of just 5 (!), Mugridge takes us on an inventive journey through her life experiences. She is literally driving the bright yellow V Dub around the country to do the performances and is making a stop down in Camden for us Londoners. She has been on the road since April, racking up quite a few stories along the way – and not only has she received rave reviews so far, she also won the Fringe First Award in 2010 – s0, who runs the world? GIRLS! (Words: Laura Thornley)

The show runs from 1 -7 July 2011 at Camden People’s Theatre. For more info, click here to visit the website.

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