Men stand up for women
It’s not every day one is invited to the House of Lords but Titter Feed has been summoned to a Westminster reception to promote Stand Up for Women (standupforwomen.org.uk), an organisation raising awareness of issues such as domestic violence and inequality. Supporters include Josie Long and Shappi Khorsandi. Jack Whitehall starred at its last fundraiser — maybe it can get a woman to headline at its next one.
It’s the way someone else tells them
The latest comedy club twist is Joke Thieves. At each gig comedians do their own set, then do each other’s sets after the interval. Never mind football, this really is a game of two halves. The next night is at the King’s Head, N8, on February 11 (jokethieves.com). If that doesn’t tickle you, there’s Pun Run, a club devoted to toe-curling wordplay, such as this from Bec Hill: “Went jogging in my underpants. It was a brief run.”
Catch more corny linguistics on February 20 at the Cavendish, W1 (phoenixcavendishsquare.co.uk).
Phoenix festival rises
It is only January but 2014’s first comedy festival is imminent. The Phoenix Fringe (phoenixfringe.co.uk), from January 31 to February 2, has lined up some enticing previews of new sets from big acts, including Foster’s Award winner Bridget Christie and Alan Davies. The best is Al Murray — his Pub Landlord should feel at home in a real pub.
Sean Hughes caught on DVD
Stand-up DVDs are invariably released before Christmas, so Sean Hughes is either slightly late or extremely early with his new one. The recording of his excellent show, Life Becomes Noises, has the skilful storyteller finding humour in his father’s death. An added extra is an interview with Richard Herring, worth watching for his anecdote about a naked encounter with a member of Madness in the gym.
Order a copy at gofasterstripe.com
Key & Peele for beginners
Most great American comedies reach UK TV but we are still waiting for Key & Peele, the hit sketch show starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, which brilliantly spoofs everything from Shakespeare to Barack Obama.
See what you are missing on YouTube — try their take on Les Mis for starters.
Twitter: @brucedes
