Sam Wollaston
- Reviewer
Press clippings Page 5
Going Forward: serious comedy, just don't expect laughs
So it's not that funny, for a comedy. But it is sharply observed, nicely performed, with credible dialogue, some of which is surely improvised. The days when sitcom meant a door opening, someone walking in and delivering a one-line, then pausing for the canned laughter, are nearly over, thankfully. Plus it captures a hellish world where people come second to profit, a world of care that doesn't care. And it will strike a chord with - or maybe send a shudder through - anyone who has ever worried about money, or has or will have elderly relatives who need or will need help. Everyone, in other words.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 20th May 2016Mum review - Lesley Manville puts the fun in funeral
A new sitcom from the Him & Her creator shares the same warmth and subtle characterisation - though it starts, incongruously, with a burial.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 14th May 2016Camping review: a gloriously bleak comedy masterpiece
I'm not yet sure that it's quite up there with Nighty Night or Hunderby, but there's no better comedy around at the moment. The only pity is it's on Sky.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 13th April 2016Fresh Meat review: time to grow up, sadly
Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain's excellent comedy drama isn't quite as fresh as it once was - but it hasn't gone off. Just aged a little.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 23rd February 2016Comic Strip Presents ... Red Top review
Great turns from Maxine Peake as Rebekah Brooks, Nigel Planer as Rupert Murdoch and others provide lots of lols - especially the scene set in our offices.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 21st January 2016Tracey Ullman's Show: it's not brave or funny enough
If you're a fan from before, way back then, you're probably thinking this is all marvellous and isn't it fantastic to have Our Trace back after all that time, she's a national treasure herself, even if she does now have US citizenship as well. But if you're a Tracey-Who under-45, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Another observational sketch show, with impressions: is that a good idea?
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 12th January 2016Doug Stanhope profile
It's just an ordinary weekend at the Arizona compound of America's most abrasive stand-up. But who is the man behind the foul-mouthed rants?
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 27th September 2015Would I Lie to You? review
Grime artist Tinchy Stryder gave Jack Dee, Rob Brydon and co plenty of opportunities to be very uncool as the panel show continues to go from strength to strength.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 12th September 2015The John Bishop Show review
This unapologetically, even proudly, retro venture sees Paul Weller, comedians, and a beatboxer topped off with the wit of Trevor Noah, who turns the joke on us.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 1st June 2015W1A review: 'nibbling, not biting, satire'
The problem with W1A is that reality is funnier than spoof - just look at Jeremy Clarkson. And the annoying language really is annoying.
Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 24th April 2015