Steve Bennett (I)
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 35
Steve Bennett's notes on this year's Edinburgh Fringe
This festival is chilled and lovely - but it's not the Fringe we love.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 16th August 2021Jane Is Trying, by Isy Suttie review
Suttie has a keen eye for supplementary detail, which makes her story seem all the more real, and an ear for a nice turn of phrase, which makes it delightful to read.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 12th August 2021Phil Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang on Netflix review
The ironic distance that informs his writing isn't such a friend when it comes to the static performance, and his standoffish persona can be difficult to warm to. But the gags and well-crafted turns of phrase are undoubtedly strong enough to overcome that - and give him further justification for his superior stance.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 10th August 2021Clown Nipples and Nice Try reviews
Two new comedians, American expats both, share this hour en route to their first solo shows... but it looks like it's going to be a long road to the finished article.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 9th August 2021Artificial Insmelligence
Well, you can't say the title didn't warn you. Artificial Insmelligence is often puerile and dumb. But frequently stupidly funny too, and performed with zest by a cast with dependable comic instincts.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 9th August 2021Bill Bailey: Summer Larks review
It's a selection box of treats without any grand narrative or themes... just a much-loved comic hanging out with his audiences after so many months apart. And, aptly, Bailey hits all the right notes.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 6th August 2021Harry Wright: Smalltown Boy, Camden Fringe review
The show, billed as 60 minutes, fizzles out after 40, with no build-up to a conclusion or feeling that a narrative has come to an end. Wright has a lot going for them - there's sensitivity, honesty and a winning lack of guile at the heart of their work - but a full solo show is currently something of an over-reach.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 6th August 2021At Home With Angela Bra review
As it stands, although there's plenty of jollity here, this Bra has too much padding.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 5th August 2021Buffering review
Having a cast that can light up the screen is no substitute for a confident script with a sense of purpose - and in Buffering, it seems this crucial element is still waiting to load.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 5th August 2021Jerk Series 2 review
Tim Renkow's Jerk is a clear example that anything's up for mockery, just as long as it's done with clear, uncruel intention.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 2nd August 2021