JASON WOOD: BEING GLORIOUS!
for Bitchy banter and bonhomie from the King of Camp non'fest'val There’s a definite yin and yang quality about a comedian’s supposed persona. Take magaz'ne ' Jason Wood. His shiny brand of campery and mirth mastery made him the ideal
candidate for this year’s Saturday evening Beeb TV hit Strictly Come Dancing. Wood agrees, to a point. ‘I thought: “I can sing, so just maybe I can dance too.” Obviously I was wrong; I was completely shit.’ For those who missed Wood’s
NEUTRINO: THE INSTANT MOVIE
American improv troupe reel us in
lmprov theatre and guerrilla filmmaking at its most frenetic. New York's Neutrino is bringing The lnstant Movie to the streets of Edinburgh, delivering a unique spectacle every single time. like some incredibly inventive pizza company. Taking narrative suggestions from the audience. the eight actors/crew will dash into the night and split into three units. returning with footage while the audience is still being told the concept. They'll be incorporating passers-by into the action and with Fringe crowds that should make for high drama. particularly with the group's reputation for evading security guards decidedly miss and hit. Usually dubbed on the hoof by an in-theatre DJ. Neutrino is looking to score their films recruiting turntablists and musicians from around the Festival, as well as inviting frustrated comedians with acting ambitions to appear. With franchises established in Chicago. Seattle and Washington, there‘s talk of expanding into the UK. so why not come along and see some real film rushes. (Jay Richardson) I Gilded Balloon Teviot, 668 7633. 6-30 Aug (7 7, 26), 8.45pm, £9. 50—E70. 50 (28.50—89. 50).
. entertainment; escapism, l suppose. But I’m not just a singer, I’m a comedian too; 3 there’s as much to laugh about here as anywhere else on the comedy circuit. I hope.’
twinkletoes debut, the King of Camp barely made it off the starting blocks. But there was still time for a spot of hero worship; the show’s co-host
Bruce Forsyth was one of the many variety-turn comics that inspired a
young Wood’s now infamous brand of bitchy banter and bonhomie.
‘There were so many greats but Bruce was certainly up there. Variety’s
this wonderful form of entertainment that’s been around for centuries.
It’s laugh-over-the-fence humour. I love it. I’m still telling the
same jokes l was telling as a wee boy
when I was sent out of class for being
the school clown.’
This year’s show affords a nostalgic nod to the 805 jukebox, alongside Wood’s legendary turn as popmeister David Gray, although , critics and pundits should think twice before labelling him a one- man Stars in Their Eyes. ‘What I
do is a form of light
i Mctoria Hammett)
I Assembly Rooms, 226 2428, 8-30 Aug (not 70, 77, 24), 5 9.20pm, {$70—$77 (£9470).
Previews 687 Aug, 85.
WILL SMITH: 10 ARGUMENTS I
SHOULD HAVE won
Mild-mannered Middle England chap
Following last year's well
received Much Obliged.
Will Smith returns with
70 Arguments / Should Have Won, respectfully
, offering his Opinions on
abandoning disputes even when you know you're right. The voice and carefully pressed trousers of Middle England, his own chief irritants are insurance companies. But expect
f well-meaning advice on
relationship friction and historical quarrels too.
Before starring in Channel 4's royal dating service A Wife for William and more memorably, not in I Robot. his foppish, flop- haired charm had been seen enthusing and stuttering across the l 7 O’clock Show. Happiness and even Richard and Judy. where everyone remarked upon what a thoroughly nice chap he was. Almost certainly. Yet he's a big (albeit. soft) lad and if Hugh Grant can fall from divine favour, isn't he ever tempted to just lose his temper? ‘No. hardly ever. First.
Sketches. Films. 3D Comedy.
utilii s
‘ 1;“.
llHBll 8H
At The Bongo Club. 27 Holyrood Rd, 8th-22nd August. 9.30pm £6 (£5 concs) www.bluntproductions.com
because I like to be polite. And second. I don't like to be hit.“ (Jay Richardson)
I Pod Deco. 08707 55 7705, 7—29 Aug (not 77). 8. 75pm, ElO—EIQ (£8.50). Previews 5&6 Aug. 85.
THE CONSULTANTS Nonsensical sketch mayhem
‘Beef (school bell); Holy Mary Mother of Mayhem (horse); My arse got pinched. No. that was Chesney (footsteps); Boiling hot (phone dialling); Sweet cripes.‘ No. it's not an example of Dadaist poetry or a transcribed David Bowie lyric. but a spot of do- your-own Consultants sketch replete with sound effects. This invigorating activity can provide hours of fun of a summer's evening via the 8808 Radio 4 website.
If this opening paragraph made about as much sense as an
acid-flashback tongue twister. The Consultants is a trio of young comedians iJustin Edwards. Neil Edmond and James Rét‘.'.'lllltli;' who emerged from obscurity to scoop the 2002 Perrier Newcomer award for their splendid amalgam of offbeat sketches and ditties. Having recordet‘l two series of the show for wireless. the trio is stopping off here en route to their first televiSIon pilot. Definitely worth consulting.
(Allan Radcliffei
I Pleasance Dome. 53:36 65:30, 7—30 Aug (not 9. 76). 8.30pm. 5‘9—5‘10 (£7.50—C860l. Pi‘et'ieinus 5&6 Aug. £5.
MILES
JUPP/ KIRSTEN O’BRIEN
Making the leap from kids to comedy
Who's harder to
entertain? Fractious kids sat in front of the box or leery punters slumped in their chairs at a comedy
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