British Comedy Guide

Michael Billington

  • English
  • Journalist

Press clippings

Sir Ken Dodd's new 'happiness centre' tickles me but should be taken seriously

A £15m, four-storey space in Liverpool is to be dedicated to the man once known as Professor Yaffle Chuckabutty. Let's hope it will delve as deeply as he did into comedy's infinite variations.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 26th August 2024

The Real Ken Dodd film lobbies for creation of national comedy museum

Ken Dodd is to be the subject of a major new documentary celebrating his life and legacy, with hopes that the film will help realise his dream for a national comedy museum. The Real Ken Dodd: The Man I Loved will premiere at the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds on 9th June, when the performing space in the Victorian theatre is renamed The Sir Ken Dodd Auditorium in honour of his many appearances at the venue.

British Comedy Guide, 30th January 2024

Roy Hudd: a star immediately embraced by audiences

A versatile master of stage, radio and TV, Hudd survived changes in popular taste through his good-hearted skill.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 16th March 2020

I saw Miller in Beyond the Fringe - I'm still dazzled

The Guardian's theatre critic was at the sketch group's first show in 1960. It was the beginning of a friendship ... and a satire boom that changed the world.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 28th November 2019

Review: Fleabag in West End premiere

The first night, playing to a celebrity-packed audience, felt like a coronation but Waller-Bridge still has the ability to spring surprises.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 28th August 2019

Ken Dodd at 90

The rib-tickling genius is still crazy after all these years.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 4th November 2017

Labour of Love review - witty take on party's past

Martin Freeman and Tamsin Greig give sparkling performances as a reforming MP and his constituency agent fighting through Labour's fluctuating fortunes.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 3rd October 2017

Vice Versa review

Phil Porter's take on Plautus's bombastic farce is a crowdpleasing show that reminds us of the ancient playwright's immense influence on modern comedy.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 20th May 2017

The Philanthropist review

I love the play, but I think the age of the actors matters far less than their depth of experience and understanding.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 21st April 2017

Christopher Morahan obituary

Director and producer whose 60-year career spanned television, theatre and film - from The Jewel in the Crown to Pinter plays.

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 11th April 2017

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