Hi Diddly Dee, an Actor's Life for Me
"Those who agree with us may not be right, but we admire their astuteness."
Cullen Hightower
Off the Rails is a monthly comedy slot at the Railway in Clapham and I went along there last night. Yes, I went south of the river. It was scary, but I made it through and only got a little bit drunk - if anyone tells you anything to the contrary, he's lying. Ahem. So anyway, back to the comedy... The evening kicked off with Lee Bannard, who started the act by saying that he wasn't very well and looked like he was going to be sick at any moment. My partner-in-crime and I disagreed about this act - he really enjoyed it, while I had reservations about the performance. There was some good material and he did make me laugh, but I felt that the act was too scripted, certainly to start off with. He warmed into it, but I got the impression that he could do with some more experience. Good start to the evening, though. Next up was Joe Bor, who has an excellent line in observational comedy. Plus, he's cute. 'Nuff said. (What, you expect a rational review after I've been drinking gin all night and only had 5 hours sleep?) OK, seriously, he's very good - his act is slick, he's good with the audience and his material's funny. I was mercilessly ribbed by my companion, who spotted straight away that I wasn't immune to Joe's charms, but what's a girl to do when faced with a good-looking, talented and funny guy who states in the act that he's single? Sheeeesh. The next set held the first appearance of Simon Brodkin, a character comedian. I, along with quite a few people in the room, was unsure about this act. The character was a racist holiday rep, who delighted in making jokes about Alcoholic Assault night and the like. There were definite funny moments, but there were also quite a few points when he went too far. At one point he was heckled and, rather than moving on, he got stuck in a battle of wills which became really uncomfortable. It felt at the time like this was a lairy comic who didn't know when to give up, whereas in fact, on chatting to Simon afterwards, it transpired that it was totally about the character. He's a seriously good actor - bah, I am jealous. I think this act would probably have worked better in a larger room where the audience didn't feel so exposed; but it wasn't right for The Railway. Still, you live and learn. After a short break, the comedy returned with Matt Whiteley, who was, unfortunately, 4 or 5 pints down and underprepared. He had some good material, but he didn't make the most of it and seemed not to know which was his good and not-so-good stuff. He also has an arrogant stage persona which I feel alienates the audience. I'd like to see him when he's on form, as I'm told that when he is, he's good, but last night was not that time. Finally, Simon Brodkin reappeared as Lee 'Nelsy' Nelson, a nylon sports gear-clad chav character. It's a testament to how good his character work is that I honestly didn't have the first idea that he was the same guy that had played the holiday rep until I started talking to him after the show. The characters really couldn't have been more different - accents, verbal and physical tics, humour, the whole lot. I thoroughly enjoyed this character, who won the audience over right from the word go. He was chatty, lovable and knew absolutely how to work an audience, using material that had been gifted to him (Personal Finance Journalist haha), not just at the time of giving, but harking back and linking it in later on in the act. Brilliant stuff. Finally (yeah, I know I said that already, but this time I mean it), I must mention Adam Terry, who compered the whole evening. Very funny in his own right, he's a master of rolling with the punches and getting things going - the ideal host. He organises the Off the Rails evenings and if last night is anything to go by, then the next show will definitely be worth seeing.
Off The Rails
11.12.06 12:51
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amillionpieces / Website (11.12.06 13:17) I would comment, but as the blog title on the recently blogged list gave me a coronary wondering what on earth had made you go off said rails, I shall be restraining my commenting self, ma'am. |
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badger (11.12.06 13:34) It is vital to mantain a level of intoxication when in South London. Especially when you live there. |
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amillionpieces / Website (11.12.06 13:35) I drove through some parts of South London a few times. Safe to say we locked the doors, wound up the windows and did not look anyone in the eye. |
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valentia / Website (11.12.06 13:50) i kind of hate stand ups, bar tim minchin, tommy tiernan, lizzy roper and a couple others..... i used to COMPLETELY hate them all but then people started to yell at me so i pretend to like a few more than i really do. i really really (generally) dont like character stand-ups. is the railway place like this bar with tables outside and then you go upstairs to see the acts. and its like nice and white and wood floors? |
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Fab (11.12.06 14:02) So Joe B was good because he was fit and single. Good excuse to like a guy. And he made you laugh. All round top guy then. Marriage material. |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 14:20) Bnadge: How's your liver? V: I'm not a fan of Tommy Tiernan, but I'd agree with you generally about character stand ups. This guy was seriously good, though. And yes, that's the Railway. Fab: If you're going to be sarcastic please do it somewhere else. I'm not interested. |
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Fab (11.12.06 14:30) I was in no way being sarcastic. I was just clearly mentioning that you said that he was cute. And it is hard to find someone that is cute and funny. I cant see how that was Sarcastic? Sorry if i have offended. |
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valentia / Website (11.12.06 14:31) but hubby, tommy is from where im from! we went to the same youth theatre, hes seen me act, we've hung out in the pub! yeah i thought that was the Railway, i did improv there before. |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 14:45) V: really? Aw - cute. I'd like to point out that I'm actually a total doofus and meant that I don't like Tim Minchin, but let's draw a veil over my stupidity, shall we? Ahem. Fab: apology accepted. Thank you. |
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amillionpieces / Website (11.12.06 14:50) Katja, I said I didn't like Tim Minchin once. She beat me up. I'd be careful. |
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valentia / Website (11.12.06 14:55) YOU DONT LIKE TIM!!!!! but but if u weren't my husband (and if he wasnt already married) id soooo want to marry him. and duncan downstairs knows him and said hes lovely and they went to dinner and and but but i love him?! *caught between love of kat and love of tim* your words are true and powerful pete |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 14:59) Pete: I'm going into hiding as of now. V: Um - sorry... |
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valentia / Website (11.12.06 15:05) next time tims here i am takin u to see him. and u will fancy him, YES YOU WILL. and stop talkin to me, im very busy dont very busy things.... *mwah* |
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Fab (11.12.06 15:16) Yeah sorry i might have been having a hangover moment and not realised i had said something wrong. |
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Amy / Website (11.12.06 15:57) Ooh! I want to see that comedian..he sounds good. |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 16:08) Which one, Ames? The cute one? |
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badger (11.12.06 16:26) Needs more onions. |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 16:32) Best with mashed potato, I find. |
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badger (11.12.06 16:50) If you lived in south London you'd be wanting eels with that. Of course. |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 16:55) Mmm...slimy... |
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badger (11.12.06 17:02) Is it too early for a quick sharpener? |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 17:03) That sounds everso rude. No, never too early for that. |
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badger (11.12.06 17:09) It seems natural to have a stiff one when it gets dark so early. |
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Katja / Website (11.12.06 17:21) Gosh. Bnadge, I think I love you. |
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badger (11.12.06 17:29) Bottoms up! |
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Amy / Website (11.12.06 17:45) The cute one silly! He's cute,funny and single. He is perfect! |
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Chintzy / Website (11.12.06 20:10) We don't get many comedy shows here, but there's been a comedy festival called Last Laugh, with some dude who was in Phoenix Nights, and it's proved hugely popular. When comedy is good, then it can be a great night. And as for good looking funny men, is it no wonder I am marrying Robert Webb? I'm making my shallow marriage bed and I'm going to lie in it. Cor. |
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Amy / Website (11.12.06 20:26) Nowt wrong with being shallow Luce..I'm looking for a rich chef..one because I'm poor and two I can't cook.Problems solved!! |
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