Steve Bennett (I)
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 93
The Nightly Show review
In the intro, Walliams joked that confused viewers might think 'the News At Ten's gone a bit down-market'. Downmarket's not the issue, bland is. The Nightly Show does not feel like the mustn't-miss proposal that ITV need it to be. The gamble hasn't paid off.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 27th February 2017Sarah Johnson: Reminisce
Sarah Johnson's sold-out Leicester Comedy Festival crowd are primed for a lively night out, buzzing with excitement at the show ahead. Though that's not entirely surprising, since almost every one of them seems to know this localish, newish act.
That fact notwithstanding, she's an energetic performer who works to amplify that enthusiasm. She's been a comedy character you can hire for corporate events, among a chequered career that also includes working front of house at Jongleurs, and audiences hold no fear for her.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 25th February 2017Sarah Johnson: Reminisce review
Her big personality and raw brassiness go far in making the good times roll.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 25th February 2017Nathan Willcock: State Of The Nathan
Nathan Willcock is upfront about his shortcomings, joking from the start that as white, twentysomething left-leaning white male from London who hasn't yet figured out what he's doing with his life, he's hardly a comedian who is seeing the world through a fresh pair of eyes.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 24th February 2017Nathan Willcock: State Of The Nathan review
His writing skills and confident delivery make for a solid enough hour, liberally shot through with skilled turns of phrase. But the ideas underpinning the writing are just a bit too samey to really pique the interest.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 24th February 2017Preview - Inside No. 9: The Bill review
It's been a while - the Yuletide release of the none-too-festive Devil of Christmas notwithstanding - but Inside No 9 has returned in style.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 21st February 2017Review: Madame Senorita: The Expector
It's no surprise to learn that Paula Valluerca has studied at the feet of Philippe Gaulier, given that her show displays all the hallmarks of the prolific Parisian clown school.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 20th February 2017Review - Joanna Neary: Faceful Of Issues
Very much in the tradition of Joyce Grenfell and Victoria Wood, and worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence, Jo Neary has created a delightfully uptight alter-ego in the form of Celia Jesson.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 20th February 2017Review - Norman Lovett: Entertaining Moaner
Authenticity is what you get. If he gets distracted by an audience member, it's not in the artificial pursuit of an easy gag, just that he genuinely got distracted. Memories of his pug Elvis, who died last year, are sweetly melancholic reminiscences, not part of anything greater.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 20th February 2017Ashley Blaker: Meshuga Frum review
At long last, a Jewish guy gets a break in comedy....
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 19th February 2017