19 stories by "Paul Macinnes"
He found TV fame young and, at 28, has already put his vices behind him. Now the comic has austerity Britain in his sightsKevin Bridges: you can't be complacent in comedy"I was watching stuf…
Sarah Silverman, Hugh Grant and Zach Galifianakis are fans of this US comic's righteous anger but the man himself is less keen. 'I'm a completely flawed hypocrite,' he tells usIt's not often…
Like the universe or Stevie Wonder, the number of awards for standups continues to expand. And the latest gong on the block is from the 'home of witty banter'There's a new gong in town. Not …
To comedy fans the standup legend's death at the age of 32 was every bit as significant as those of John Lennon and Kurt Cobain. As his classic Arizona Bay is rereleased, does Hicks still ha…
The company's latest production can feel costly, couply and a tad contrived " but its playful pageantry ensured that even a sceptical visitor was lost in a world of communist conspiracies Re…
To comedy fans the standup legend's death at the age of 32 was every bit as significant as those of John Lennon and Kurt Cobain. As his classic Arizona Bay is rereleased, does Hicks still ha…
He found TV fame young and, at 28, has already put his vices behind him. Now the comic has austerity Britain in his sights Continue reading...
As the Boy With Tape on His Face, Sam Wills drags mime into today; Nick Helm bawls audiences out. Both use games, interactivity, sketches and standup " is this variety comedy?As my colleague…
Paul MacInnes is spending the month in Edinburgh as a judge for the Foster's comedy awards. Follow his progress as he tackles the best and worst the festival has to offerPaul MacInnes
Josh Widdicombe is wowing Edinburgh festival crowds with his observational jokes that tap into hot topics for the younger generation. Should comics stick to what they " and we " know?If you …
Banter, patter, battle of wits " why is the exchange of friendly insults such a fixture of modern life? Paul MacInnes attended a 'banter night' to find outIf you are a man, or are think…
The lure of a TV show may have improved standards among young comics, but is careerism killing off the crazy and exceptional?It appears there's something of a quiet consensus this year that …
Sweat, swearing, singing " and Dave TV's best joke of the fringe. But I can't see Nick Helm on Live at the Apollo …After leaving for Nick Helm's show in a rush, I forgot my notepad. As a r…
From a comedian with experience of UK Uncut to an Australian Vic Reeves, here's the lowdown on this year's nomineesNick HelmLarge, bearded, shouty " but don't let that put you off. Nick Helm…
Topical material is creeping back on the agenda. Even Tom Rosenthal is getting political " in a gentle sort of wayOne of the eeriest things about the dearth of politics on the fringe these l…
Can you stop yourself looking at your watch at a comedy gig " and can any of Edinburgh 2011's acts keep going long enough?In the pub last night, in between discussions over the price of Pero…
With thousands of shows at the fringe it's hard to know where to start. Should you follow the recommendations of performers, your pals or just go it alone?If they're not struck with a desire…
It can be hard to tell whether a standup has stolen a routine or just happens to be riffing on the same subject as another comic. And it's impossible to copyright your style of delivery Cont…
