Steve Bennett (I)
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 51
King Gary review
Despite there already being a pilot last Christmas, this first of six new episodes still feels like a sitcom trying to find its feet - drawn between being big, bold and lowish-common-denominator with more imaginative moments and not quite achieving either, despite some winning casting.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 10th January 2020Ken Dodd: Happiness and Tears by Louis Barfe review
While Happiness And Tears isn't as substantial a book as it looks - a good third is devoted to a 'Doddography' listing his appearances which is for completists only - it offers a brisk, yet comprehensive and meticulously researched, account of this unique comic's untroubled rise, and at least hints at the man beneath.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 6th January 2020Miranda: My Such Fun Celebration review
Like a middle-class Mrs Brown's Boys, Miranda Hart's self-titled sitcom is usually considered a love-it-or-hate-it affair. And this ten-year Such Fun Celebration is only likely to entrench opinions.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 1st January 2020The most memorable comedy gigs of the 2010s
Here Chortle editor Steve Bennett recalls the shows that had the biggest personal impact since 2010.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 31st December 2019The top ten comedy gigs of 2019
As is tradition, here's my look back at the ten most memorable comedy gigs of the last 12 months. There are bound to be omissions - the 300 or so shows I see each year are but a scratch on the volume of work the UK's industrious comedy scene produce - and the emphasis is on the 'memorable' not necessarily the funniest or the most game-changing, even if these qualities are so often interlinked.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 30th December 2019Review: The Goes Wrong Show
With two shows running in London and now this TV series, which kicks off with a festive instalment tonight, the Mischief Theatre Company behind the Goes Wrong franchise have proved the enduring success of slapstick.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 23rd December 2019Fascinating Aida review
Attitude, wit and attention to detail ensure an effortlessly entertaining show, even if some of the comedic content is away from the cutting show. It may be the easily consumed Christmas treat you need.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 17th December 2019Leicester Square Theatre New Act Of The Year review
Too much? Fifteen comedians on one new act final might feel like overkill, but no act seemed undeserving of their place at the climax of the Leicester Square Theatre talent hunt last night - and all were certainly strong enough to make a long show fly by.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 17th December 2019100 Things I Meant To Tell You by Arthur Smith review
This may be legally actionable, given the reputation that Arthur Smith has carefully fostered for himself - but I'm not sure he's all that grumpy.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 9th December 2019Preview: Gavin & Stacey Christmas special
"It's like old times, isn't it, babe?" Mathew Horne's Gavin says at the start of this festive episode, which has been a very long time coming.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 3rd December 2019