Sketchatron: Resurrection

January 23rd, 2008 • comedy, penny dreadfuls

If you’re in London this weekend, I recommend Sketchatron - the comedy brainchild of Penny Dreadfuls co-producer Idil Sukan:

CRITICS CHOICE
- Time Out

Banging and enormous sketch comedy showcase to usher in 2008 feat lots of new material and extended sets from the most excellent sketch troupes Pappy’s Fun Club, Penny Dreadfuls, Idiots of Ants and the Sunday Defensive.

On the beautiful big main stage at the Pleasance Islington.

BOOK NOW!!!! Tickets £6.50/£5 conc, available via http://www.pleasance.co.uk
Or ring 020 7609 1800

Time Out says it’s the number one comedy thing to see this week, putting Chris Rock at number two. So, no pressure to be funny then. The semi-inevitable facebook group can be found here.

The Penny Dreadfuls present.. The Brothers Faversham

January 16th, 2008 • penny dreadfuls

Two bits of news. First, The Brothers Faversham - written and performed by The Penny Dreadfuls, for whom I’m a Fringe producer - is currently airing on BBC Radio 7. The first episode was broadcast on Friday night, but you can listen again all week.

I managed to get down to London for the recording of two episodes before Christmas, and it’s a relief to hear that the huge audience response is obvious in the broadcast. There are pictures from the recording on the facebook group - and yes, that’s photographs on the internet of the radio: welcome to the future. Read more »

Amendment tabled to abolish UK blasphemy offence

January 9th, 2008 • theatre

As the final foot-note to the failed blasphemy prosecution targetting Jerry Springer: The Opera, The Guardian reports that:

Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris, the former Labour minister Frank Dobson and the Conservative MP David Wilshire have tabled an amendment to the criminal justice and immigration bill that would abolish the law making blasphemy an offence.

The chance of the amendment coming to a vote will depend on whether there’s any time left after the new clauses (which form the bulk of the business) have been debated.

This follows a letter published in The Telegraph earlier this week in support of the ammendment, signed by comedians, human rights campaigners and clergymen: Read more »