Bruce Dessau
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 308
Opinion: Phil Kay's catalogue of comic anarchy
People talk about the likes of Simon Munnery, John Hegley and Malcolm Hardee as being alternative comedy legends but Phil Kay is one of comedy's true genius mavericks.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 8th June 2013Opinion: First Impressions - how not to start a gig
I've heard it said that a famous comedian has about two minutes grace to make an audience like them, while for newbies the stay of execution lasts a brutal 30 seconds. I've rarely seen this confirmed as much as last night at the 99 Club in Leicester Square during Alfie Brown's set.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 5th June 2013Review: Cat Laughs Festival, Kilkenny, Part 1
The Cat Laughs Festival does feel very Ireland-specific. It is like comedy in a bubble. There were very few references to Jimmy Savile, though Karl Spain drew some gasps suggesting that Savile was now a very modern celebrity because he was famous for who he slept with.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 4th June 2013Review: The Lumberjacks, Leicester Square Theatre
It's the moment the comedy world has been waiting for. Craig Campbell, Stewart Francis and Glenn Wool back together again at last.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 1st June 2013Review: Wil Anderson, Soho Theatre
Mainly this is a slick, easy, friendly feelgood set that never makes the audience awkward, even when it is about osteoarthritis.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 30th May 2013Want to get old? Buy a typewriter or hide away
I guess the longevity of comedy writers and of Bill Pertwee suggests that if you want to live to a ripe old age don't be a star.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 27th May 2013ITV's Tommy Cooper drama - Can we see the funny side?
The question is will this be another example of a drama that focuses on a comedian behaving badly?
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 24th May 2013Opinion: In praise of Michael McIntyre
Onstage at the Bloomsbury, Michael McIntyre seemed as hungry for laughs as when I saw him playing a converted public toilet on Shepherds Bush Green a decade ago.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 20th May 2013Opinion: How do you follow the main attraction?
Lee Evans went on during the build-up to the end. This made it harder for the acts that followed.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 19th May 2013Review: Russell Howard's Good News, BBC3
Good News has tapped into the teenage/youthy TV-viewing market with a vengeance that would almost, though not quite, make Harry Styles envious.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 18th May 2013