Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa by Anthony Grafton review – their dark materials by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Shakespeare Was a Woman and Other Heresies review – in search of the bard by Stephanie Merritt

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 …

I’m a Joke and So Are You by Robin Ince review – beyond a joke and into our brains by Stephanie Merritt

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 crimin…

Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People review – variety show for atheists returns by Stephanie Merritt

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…

The Elizabethan spymaster behind the modern surveillance state by Stephanie Merritt

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 …

Lee Evans: sweaty, knotty tour de force by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Comedy review: Steve Coogan is Alan Partridge and Other Less Successful Characters by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Murder? Child abuse? You've got to laugh by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Fleabag review – back on stage in filthy splendour by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Adrienne Truscott's Asking for It review – feminist standup with its pants down by Stephanie Merritt

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 del…

John Kearns review – too much shtick, too little substance by Stephanie Merritt

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 ma…

'A little ego goes a long way in this game' by Stephanie Merritt

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 …

Stewart Lee: A Room With a Stew at Edinburgh fringe review – a tongue-in-cheek comic on top of his game by Stephanie Merritt

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 …

Edinburgh festival 2015 comedy review – heckling iPods, improv ballads and feminist rap by Stephanie Merritt

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 mo…

Edinburgh festival 2015 comedy review – Lolly Adefope, Aisling Bea and Joseph Morpurgo among the highlights by Stephanie Merritt

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…

A little conservative laughter, please | Stephanie Merritt by Stephanie Merritt

Holly Walsh: ‘Britain’s the best place in the world to do comedy’ by Stephanie Merritt

The teenage nerd-turned-successful comedian on her new standup show, being terminally uncool and having a vicar for a mother Continue reading...

Kim Noble: You’re Not Alone review – a dark and often troubling performance by Stephanie Merritt

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 hove…

Rising stars of 2015: comedian Jenny Bede by Stephanie Merritt

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 fullRis…

An Evening with Noel Fielding review – enjoyable silliness by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Lee Evans: sweaty, knotty tour de force by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Climate change play 2071 aims to make data dramatic by Stephanie Merritt

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…

Sara Pascoe: Female sexuality is an active thing by Stephanie Merritt

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…

John Kearns review too much shtick, too little substance by Stephanie Merritt

Soho theatre, London Continue reading...

Edinburgh festival 2014 review: Paxo quickfire sarcasm, passion and a natural comic touch by Stephanie Merritt

Pleasance, EdinburghFormer Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman proves that broadcasting's loss is standup's gain Continue reading...

White Rabbit, Red Rabbit: how it felt to perform Nassim Soleimanpour's theatrical experiment by Stephanie Merritt

At the Edinburgh fringe, a different performer takes on the Iranian writer's script each day. I found it a playful but heart-in-mouth experience Continue reading...

Edinburgh 2014 comedy review what you have to do for a laugh these days by Stephanie Merritt

Vikki Stone plays 20 instruments and Des Bishop taught himself Mandarin can comedy get any harder? Continue reading...

Edinburgh 2014 comedy review the funny thing about feminism by Stephanie Merritt

Bridget Christie walks a brave line, Sara Pascoe is on the rise, and a daring improv musical troupe put on a show of our critic's own devising Tom Lamont's Edinburgh theatre round-up Continu…

Edinburgh festival 2014 comedy review from a young Mary Berry to liberal smugness by Stephanie Merritt

Psychics and the school staff room what's not to laugh at? Continue reading...

Tom Basden: finding the funny in the prison of your personality by Stephanie Merritt

As Holes opens in London, the playwright talks about the loneliness of standup, his affection for his characters and having a plane-crash comedy open at the time of a real air disasterVery r…

Adrienne Truscott's Asking for It review feminist standup with its pants down by Stephanie Merritt

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 delive…