Bruce Dessau
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 294
Classic interview: Russell Howard
One day your children will say to you "what's a DVD?". You can simply plug their hologooglegizmo into this article and give them the answer. Back in 2009 comedy DVDs were selling by the truckload. People still actually bought things in shops and slid them into machines. While Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans and Peter Kay were the big sellers Russell Howard was comedy's rising star. I interviewed him for The Times in Brighton in sunny June where he was shooting his live DVD for a Christmas release. Five years on Howard is very much in the premier league, taking his feelgood banter around the globe.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 8th April 2014Opinion: The riase of non-alcoholic comedy venues
It's a difficult balance, of course. Audiences who have had a bit to drink are undoubtedly more relaxed and up for a laugh. But for some their concentration spans can dip dangerously low after a tipple and any routine longer than a Tim Vine one-liner may be too much to take in. And, of course, alcohol gives some the Dutch courage to heckle badly. And, even worse, not know when to shut up.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 7th April 2014Opinion: Derek - Ricky's Folly?
The debate this time isn't about whether Ricky Gervais is mocking people with learning difficulties, it is whether his portrayal of innocent, saintly, simple soul Derek Noakes has any connection whatsoever with reality.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 4th April 2014Opinion: Howard's Wa-Hey
A blog about Russell Howard. Does a comedian have to be challenging? Isn't making people laugh enough of an achievement?
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 31st March 2014Russell Howard, Wembley Arena - comedy review
Russell Howard was funny but fairly obvious for much of his Wonderbox show, which was dominated by trademark feelgood anecdotes about his crazy family plus a leitmotif of mucky humour.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 28th March 2014Sean Hughes, Tricycle Theatre - comedy review
In his latest show, "Penguins", Sean Hughes offers an engaging combination of wit and wisdom.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 27th March 2014Patrick Kielty - From stand-pp to shiny floor and back
Patrick Kielty is a regular TV face but I can't remember the last time I saw him do stand-up. As I arrived in SW7 I thought to myself, this is going to be interesting...
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 26th March 2014Comedy Snapshot book published
Did you know that Jack Whitehall was related to David Dickinson? No, me neither. That is just one of the little gems in Steve Best's new book Comedy Snapshot.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 26th March 2014Katherine Ryan interview
Katherine Ryan has been on the UK comedy circuit for a few years now but she is currently having a well-deserved surge in popularity.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 25th March 2014Interview: I Can't Sing co-writer Steve Brown
I Can't Sing opens at the Palladium later this week. Beyond The Joke spoke to co-writer Steve Brown while the show was previewing. Brown has been a regular musical collaborator with Harry Hill over the years - he was in Harry's Band The Caterers on their last tour.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 24th March 2014