Comedy: GIG OF THE WEEK
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mark Lamarr Fri
Mark Lamarr is one of the best off-the-cuff comedians in the business. "Every night there'll be something different happening that only you will see," he says. "I hate watching those `fourth-wall' comedians who do a monologue and then leave. That's just treating the audience with contempt."
His proven ability to think on his feet makes Lamarr among the most in- demand comperes on the circuit. So he is a good choice to host "The Best of the New Act of the Year '99" show tonight at the Hackney Empire.
Lamarr will be introducing this year's winner, the laid-back Liverpudlian Anton, and other finalists, including Daniel Kitson, Paul Sinha, Danny Troy, Helen da Silva, Steve Morrison and Christopher J Hawkins. Go and see the stars of the future.
Hackney Empire, London E8 (0181-985 2424) tonight
THE BEST OF THE REST
Junior Simpson
Junior Simpson admits that he's confused. "I can't call myself Jamaican because I wasn't born there, and I can't call myself British because I'm not an athlete. People of colour have had to suffer 400 years of slavery, 500 years of apartheid, and four years of Ainsley Harriot on television." This sharp-talking stand-up heads Thursday's bill in Croydon.
The Upfront Comedy Club. Croydon Clocktower (0181-253 1030) Thur
Felix Dexter
Although his act plays on the comic aspects of race, Felix Dexter doesn't want to be seen as having only a limited appeal. "Richard Pryor is never described as a black comedian," observes Dexter. "He's just thought of as a comic genius." At the "Double Laughter" show on Friday, Dexter is on an impressive bill which includes the accomplished Curtis Walker and the highly promising Gina Yashere. Stratford Rex, London E15 (0181-215 6003) Fri
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments