Bruce Dessau
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 303
Review: Edward Aczel, Soho Theatre
In anti-comedian Aczel's latest gag-free gambit, his skits and routines were so bad they were brilliant.
Bruce Dessau, Evening Standard, 13th November 2013Opinion: When a character sticks around too long
I recently read a preview of Ardal O'Hanlon's forthcoming November 21 Richmond Theatre gig in the Richmond & Twickenham Times which began "Ardal O'Hanlon, who you may know as Dougal from Father Ted..." I wondered what O'Hanlon would be thinking if he reads the Richmond & Twickenham Times, as Father Ted finished way back in 1998.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 13th November 2013Opinion: Has Stewart Lee gone too meta this time?
The trouble with Lee is that these days his comedy is so "meta" it is hard to know on what level to take his material.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 10th November 2013Review: Richard Herring, Leicester Square Theatre
Richard Herring employs his trademark mix of high-brow wit and low-brow puerile style to good effect, debunking angelic depictions of heaven and considering immortality.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 8th November 2013News: Richard Herring reveals The Meaning Of Life
Even by Richard Herring's prolific standards he is busy at the moment. He is about to post his 4000th blog on his website, he is intermittently touring his latest Edinburgh show, and on Nov 17 at the Leicester Square Theatre he embarks on his latest online venture. The Meaning Of Life - I'm sure I'm heard that title somewhere before, but can't quite place it - will be a monthly stand-up-based programme that he will be filming and distributing himself, avoiding traditional TV broadcasters.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 7th November 2013Review: David Brent & Foregone Conclusion
Backed by four tousle-haired musos, including ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows, Brent's melodies made you want to tap your toes while the cliche-crammed lyrics made you want to clench your buttocks.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 6th November 2013Opinion: should comedy critics quote gags in reviews?
Jason Manford has been writing on Facebook about how two high profile critics - Veronica Lee and Julian Hall - have quoted his jokes in their reviews of his recent Hammersmith Apollo show. I was going to answer him on Facebook but this is such a complicated issue I thought it deserved a little more space, so here goes.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 3rd November 2013Review: Russell Brand, Birmingham Symphony Hall
Russell Brand has never been the shy, retiring type, but he has excelled himself by calling his world tour Messiah Complex.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 2nd November 2013Review: Andrew Maxwell, Soho Theatre
Last night's gig was a jamboree bag of Halloween wigs, free sweets and relaxed but deceptively sharp banter from the convivial Dubliner.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 1st November 2013New Interview: Nick Helm
Nick Helm is a busy, busy man.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 30th October 2013