Billy Connolly
- 82 years old
- Scottish
- Actor and stand-up comedian
Press clippings Page 26
A little like Billy Connolly's early travelogues, this lazily formatted affair dispatches the young Scottish comic - the most recent beneficiary of the small-screen stand-up boom - back to Glasgow to tell us about the roots of his comedy, interspersing the nostalgia with stand-up clips. The latter is sound, unsurprising observational fare, although Bridges has great stage presence for one so young, and his foul-mouthed bonhomie covers a few cracks. Off-stage too he seems a nice chap, getting some mileage out of a chat with Frank Skinner (who inspired him to go into comedy) and a trip to Utah to meet a real Chad Hogan (the source for a popular skit), but a contented guy with a secure upbringing and a happy life rarely makes compelling television.
Gabriel Tate, Time Out, 8th February 2012Kevin Bridges's chuckling man-of-the-people humour has sent the Glaswegian zooming up the showbiz ladder to a point where he now invites comparison with Billy Connolly and shared a sofa with Keira Knightley on Jonathan Ross's chat show last weekend. This new six-part series sees the amiable Bridges visit the places and subjects he mines for comedy; in tonight's first outing, Benidorm, Americans, and his parents.
Vicki Power, The Telegraph, 7th February 2012The Big Yin's not laughing any more
After 40 years in the job, why is Billy Connolly - recently voted the most important British stand-up of all time - walking off stage in a huff?
William Langley, The Telegraph, 5th February 2012Has Billy Connolly lost his mojo?
He's still on tour at 69, but Britain's 'greatest stand-up' is turning into a cantankerous and unpredictable diva, says Simmy Richman.
Simmy Richman, The Independent, 5th February 2012Billy Connolly should know how to deal with hecklers
Billy Connolly's irritation at hecklers suggests a dangerous disconnect with his own legend writes Dominic Cavendish.
Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph, 3rd February 2012Billy Connolly loses patience with troublesome audience
Billy Connolly has been criticised for the second time in a week for ending his stand-up show abruptly. Fans in both Blackpool and Scarborough were left disappointed when the comic lost patience with disruptive audience members and walked off stage.
Chortle, 2nd February 2012Video: Billy Connolly voted most influential UK comic
Billy Connolly has been voted the most influential British comedian of all time.
The Big Yin beat the likes of Morecambe and Wise, Les Dawson and Victoria Wood to top the poll.
It was voted for by the public and comedians.
It puts Billy Connolly on a par with his friend Robin Williams, who was named most internationally influential comedian.
BBC News, 31st January 2012Billy Connolly's bite changed comedy world forever
It's little wonder the Big Yin has been voted top British stand-up of all time, says Hardeep Singh Kohli.
Hardeep Singh Kohli, The Telegraph, 30th January 2012Billy Connolly named 'most influential comic'
Billy Connolly has been named the most influential British stand-up comic of all time, in a poll involving comedy fans and comedians.
British Comedy Guide, 30th January 2012Digital Spy poll: Billy Connolly is best ever stand-up
Billy Connolly has been named the greatest stand-up comedian of all time by readers of Digital Spy.
Mayer Nissim, Digital Spy, 17th November 2011