Bruce Dessau
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 234
Preview: Upstart Crow, episode 4, Love is Not Love
I'm not enough of a Shakespeare scholar to vouch for the accuracy of Ben Elton's historical sitcom, but as a comedy geek I can at least confirm that it is funnier than his last effort, The Wright Way.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 30th May 2016Review, Mum, BBC2, episode 3
There has been some grumbling recently about sitcoms that aren't wall-to-wall laughs and Mum might fall into this category.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 27th May 2016Review: Upstart Crow, BBC2, episode 3
There was a bit of chat on Twitter recently about how Upstart Crow is a refreshing real sitcom, contrasting it with the trend for non-sidesplitting studio comedies, which I guess means things like Going Forward and Mum. I think there is room for both. I like the more subtle comedies and while there is nothing subtle about Ben Elton's Shakespearen send-up I can certainly see the attraction of Upstart Crow if you just want stupid, painless laughs and smutty innuendo.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 26th May 2016TV review, Mum, episode 2, BBC2
If you haven't seen Mum catch the two episodes so far on iPlayer and make an appointment to view from this Friday. Don't say I didn't tip you off.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 25th May 2016Sara Pascoe, comedy review
Hilarious confessions of a forensic mind, says Bruce Dessau.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 20th May 2016Opinion: Comedy Careers Advice From Charmian Hughes
The precocious risk taker and experimenter essential to becoming a comedian was present in me even as a child - like the time we were in the posh hotel restaurant on a family holiday in Ireland and the pudding menu offered apple tart, fruit crumble, ice creams Various, I ordered the Various.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 19th May 2016Opinion: what is stand-up?
What is stand-up comedy? I thought I knew, but I'm starting to wonder.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 19th May 2016Review: Going Forward, BBC4
There are only three episodes in this run, which is a shame. Brand has become one of the highest profile comedians in the country in recent years and she is doing something here that is both relevant and funny. If Ken Loach made sitcoms they might be something like Going Forward.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 19th May 2016David Baddiel, comedy review
This "massively disrespectful" celebration of their lives is a brilliant cocktail of smutty revelations, smart insights and hilarious nitpicking about grammar, says Bruce Dessau.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 18th May 2016Rarely Asked Questions: George Egg
Comedians are always complaining about their unhealthy diets when on the road. Not George Egg though. Over the years Egg has developed a way of using hotel room accessories to conjure up healthy and, most importantly, tasty meals. You can do wonders with an iron, you can improvise with a kettle and you'd be amazed at what the appropriately-named Egg can do with...well, if I told you it would spoilt the surprise. In Anarchist Cook he tells jokes and simultaneously puts together a three-course meal. Play your cards right and sit at the front you might even get a free taste.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 18th May 2016