SXSW: Max and Ivan fly the flag for British comedy in Texas

Alice Jones' Arts Diary

Thursday 07 March 2013 12:58 EST

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It is best known for its music and film strands but SXSW, the Texas arts festival which starts this week, is building a strong comedy line-up too.

This year Sarah Silverman, Michael Cera and Reggie Watts are among the stars on show. British talent will be represented by the sketch double act Max and Ivan.

“We’re the only non-Americans flying over”, says Max Olesker. They will appear in various shows under the umbrella of LA comedy producers CleftClips.

The pair performed in CleftClips’ Super Serious Show, a stylish comedy night which counts Louis CK among its alumni, at last summer’s Edinburgh Fringe. An invitation to SXSW followed.

They will also perform their 2011 Edinburgh Fringe show Max and Ivan are Holmes and Watson. “It’s all set in 1920s Chicago so we hope it will translate ok”, says Olesker.

Also in the arts diary:

Steve Coogan is the King of Comedy in The Look of Love

Isabella Blow's life to be dramatised by Sex Addict playwright Tim Fountain

@AlicevJones