I Have An Awful Lot To Say.

It's been quite a while since I last blogged and so much has happened in such a short period of time. I went to a fair few gigs, fell in love with someone who loved me back but I couldn't have, quit my job and I moved back to Perth to live. Blimey. Okay, enough of the personal stuff...

Rich Fulcher: Tiny Acts of Rebellion. Soho Theatre.

With the help of the brilliant Arnab Chanda, Rich Fulcher teaches us how to "stick it to the man" through small tasks that we can use in day-to-day life. Silly grown-ups are my favourite kind of grown-ups.

Max & Ivan are Holmes and Watson. Soho Theatre.

I enjoyed the show just as much as the first time I saw it. I took a colleague along and she giggled the whole way through.

Reggie Watts. Roundhouse.

This was he most bizarre show i've seen from Reggie Watts. He's got all the moves and his voice is incredible. He filled every inch of that iconic venue with his awesomeness.

Sex With A Stranger. Trafalgar Studios.

This is the latest play by the excellent Stefan Golaszewski. I love how real and relatable his work is. Russell Tovey gave an absolutely blinding performance. (I saw the play twice).

Mark Watson: Work in Progress. Soho Theatre.

I got a little worried when I saw the first work in progress in Edinburgh, but there was really no need for concern. I laughed loads and it was great to be in the company of my bestest friends (if you're reading this Anna, Kate, Kerri or Rachel, I MISS YOU!!).

Tim Minchin. Kings Place.

I don't think the opportunity to see a full Minchin show in an intimate theatre will arise again any time soon; I was more than happy with my 3rd row seat. The drums vs. piano bit between Tim and Brad during Darkside was IMMENSE.

A thought.

I feel i'm a bit too old to fall in love for the first time at the age of 26. Oh god.

The Pajama Men: In The Middle Of No One. Charing Cross Theatre.

It was a chilly Saturday night and after spending the day snuggled under a duvet, it was hard to make the effort to go out but i'm very glad I did. This was my second time seeing this particular show and it was by no means any less funny. I actually didn't realise how much of their material was observational comedy.

Go and see the Pajama Men for yourself if you ever get the chance, they're so much better live; seriously clever and funny guys. Not many people can jump from character to character in quick succession and have the voices, movement and stature of the characters they're embodying so down pat.

A thought.

I haven't seen 2 of my closest friends since well before Christmas. It makes me pretty sad.

School Night. New Red Lion Theatre.

I'm not very good at becoming a regular at monthly comedy nights, but I do hope to make School Night an exception. Mr. Matt Parker took us for Maths, Mr. Steve Pretty took us for Music, Miss. Helen Arney took us for PSHE (I swear we don't have this in Australian Catholic schools!), Mr. Steve Mould took us for Science, Mr. Humphrey Ker took us for History and our head teacher was Mr. Matthew Crosby.

Highlights included Mr. Crosby's true stories from when he was an actual teacher, Mr. Mould dressing up as a Lego man and Mr. Ker talking about British history from the Battle of Hastings in 1066 right up until the year 2000.

I can't stress how brilliant Humphrey Ker was, clearly battling a nasty cold and not really seeming to know what he was going to say, he managed to make an hour of chat on his favourite subject incredibly funny. Also, his turn of phrase is just the best: "I don't know if you can tell, but I went to quite a posh school. SAY WHAAAAT?!".

A thought.

Having a tuck shop at a comedy gig is a sure-fire way to make it the best comedy gig that ever was.

Ladykillers. Guilgud Theatre.

Take a bow Graham Linehan, Ladykillers is FANTASTIC. Brilliant cast, wonderful set, superb writing. "Old people give me the penises" will keep me giggling forever. Special mention to Peter Capaldi who plays Professor Marcus. Who new gangs, heists and death could be so funny?

For a proper review, look no further than Anna's blog.

A thought.

The people at my work suck at lift etiquette.

Ten-Year Self-Improvement Challenge. Update Ten,

Initial challenge can be found here and this is my update:

1) Okay, so I haven't been reading books... I have, however, been reading fashion magazines religiously. I promise to try harder.

2) I said hello to someone i've been meaning to say hello to for ages and a friend introduced me to someone else who i've wanted to introduce myself to for a while. Not bad.

3) I've been very slack for past 3 months, but have just bashed out several "recap" blogs.

4) Fail.

5) I'm so much better at keeping in touch with family and friends back home than I was when I started this challenge. Tick.

6) I've been so good all year and then it got cold and i've struggled. Still, i'm 3 dress sizes smaller than I was this time, last year.

A thought.

I've completely changed my life around this year and I have become a better person; there is still room for improvement. A lot less selfish, more happy and comfortable in who I am.

Recap. December. 2011.

Humphrey Ker Is Dymock Watson: Nazi Smasher. Pleasance Theatre.

Fantastically written and wonderfully performed. Kudos.

Karaoke Circus. Bethnal Green Working Man's Club.

The official start of Christmas. Best performance: Tony Gardner (yes, that is my woop at the start of the video).

The Leisure Society Meets The Heritage Orchestra. Barbican.

Supported by Lonely Deer. Absolutely fantastic gig, my only regret was that I was very tired and had to rest my eyes for the last couple of songs.

Tim Key: Masterslut. Soho Theatre.

Genius.

Freeze! Duke Of York Theatre.

Tim Key was on fine form. There may have been alcohol involved.

The Joy Of Sketch. Lyric Theatre.

The Penny Dreadfuls, Pappy's, Will & Greg, Idiots of Ants, Late Night Gimp Fight, Pajama Men, 2 Episodes Of Mash and Anna & Katy. Enough said.

I recommend reading Anna's review of the evening.

Ben Target And Robin & Partridge Work In Progress. Hen And Chickens.

Robin & Partridge are my new favourite comics. If you haven't seen them, please rectify this IMMEDIATELY.

Sheeps: Festive Bash. The Invisible Dot.

Sheeps are damn good, y'all. Mr. Swallow had some gripes about The Twelve Days of Christmas; funny.

Sam Simmons: Meanwhile. Soho Theatre.

I love this guy! Seriously. Songs and dancing and lots of sillyness. Also, profound.

Again, I recommend reading Anna's review.

9 Lessons And Carols For Godless People. Bloomsbury Theatre.

This has become a Christmas tradition; such a charming gig. Highlights included Robin Ince, Richard Herring, Jo Neary... oh and NEIL HANNON!!

A thought.

My last Christmas in the UK for quite some time and i've only just got used to celebrating in the cold.

Recap. November. 2011.

The Special Relationship. Concrete.

Without Tom Basden, Sam Taradash and Jarred McGinnis took up hosting duties. Such a wonderful night; i'm quite upset that I haven't been able to make it along to more of these monthly gigs.

Allo Darlin'. Scala.

Darren Hayman supported - he is so cool. Allo' Darlin sound rather different live. Lovely night.

Lady Garden & Friends. Leicester Square Theatre.

I'm not that keen on the direction LG are taking at them moment. Hannah Dodd still outshines the other members in my opinion. Jonny Sweet, Nick Mohammed and Pappy's were all rather wonderful.

Los Campesinos. King's College Student's Union.

Love Los Campesinos... can't say the same for their support band. Heavy Metal isn't really my thing. I'm glad I got a prime position on the balcony as i'm not really a fan of mosh pits either.

Detective Sergeant Nick Mohammed Recording. BBC Broadcasting House.

Nick was joined by Anna Crilly and Colin Hoult. Nick's character, Sophie, is my second favourite character by Nick Mohammed (the first being Mr. Swallow). "I have to go, I slept with the window open last night and have a cold arm".

Matilda: The Musical. Cambridge Theatre.

Still one of the best musicals I have ever seen; just as good one year on. I think I liked it a little more when it was performed at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford upon Avon.

Discover Ben Target. The Invisible Dot.

Supported by Liam Williams; excellent. The funniest moment was when Ben asked his assistant that he'd picked out of the audience to hit him with the stick of humiliation and was then pounded by a sausage (not a euphemism).

William Andrews: TV. The Invisible Dot.

The Invisible Dot HQ was transformed into a television studios at part of a work in progress. Nick Mohammed as Mr. Swallow stole the show - just thinking about him wrapping up a knife in a tea towel and solving a rubik's cube on stage makes me giggle.

6 Day Riot. The Lexington.

Pippa Evans at Loretta Maine and Chris Peck supported. Fun times.

The Pin. The Invisible Dot.

A Work in Progress gig at The Invisible Dot HQ. Their closing sketch was by far the best - "may I please have the spring rolls" " is Pepsi okay?",

Mark Watson's Live Address To The Nation Recording. BBC Broadcasting House.

So much more fun when you're in the audience. See if you can spot me and my friends, yo.

Stand Up For Depression. Union Chapel.

An audience full of posh people; they were rather quiet... Daniel Kitson seemed to have lots of fun taking the piss out of them. Jonny Sweet made me get the giggle when he corpsed during his set: "ha, I just made myself laugh. Someone has to".

The Horne Section. Criterion Theatre.

The Wheel Of Wonder was on our side when it landed on Buckaroo and Boy Band - my faves. The band were joined by The Magnets, Pete Firman and Tom Basden.

A thought.

I went to York with my friend, Anna. I love families and babies and York and The Inkwell (above - I bought A Charlie Brown Christmas) and my friend Anna.

Recap. October. 2011.

Robin And Partridge: Secret Adventure Club. Various Secret Locations.

The audience were split into 4 groups depending on the item they brought along/what they wore; those who wore all black belonged to Project Mayhem, those who brought a poetry book belonged to Les Bohems, those who brought a houmous sandwich belonged to Greeks and those who wore a hack hat belonged to Hacks.

Some of the acts included Thom Tuck, Jessica Fostehew, Chris Coxen, We Are Goose, Ben Target, Doctor Brown and Paper Tiger.

The hipster that assisted Doctor Brown almost outshone the comic. Just brilliant.

Demitri Martin. Leicester Square Theatre.

What a treat to see this marvelous American comic in London. I also got to hang out with my friend, James (above), who came down from Edinburgh for the gig. I just wish I hadn't been so damn tired.

Ward & White: Fun Haus. The Camden Head.

Ward and White are among my favourite collaborators. Everything they touch turns to comedy gold.

Jerusalem. Apollo Theatre.

A gift from my awesome friend, Kate. WOAH. Give this play and Mark Rylance ALL THE AWARDS.

Helen And The Space Rocket. Etcetera Theatre.

A lecture about a librarian's favourite space probe, Voyager. Pure joy.

Max & Ivan: Are Homes And Watson. Leicester Square Theatre.

I had so much trouble trying to get a ticket to see this in Edinburgh. Absolutely cracking show! I have to go and see it again. Ivan Gonzalez, you are the greatest.

Nick Mohammed And Brendan Patricks: A Magic Show. The Invisible Dot.

Impressive. Great tricks, wonderful chemistry. Nick Mohammed "whited up" for the occasion.

A thought.

Not sure if packing up my London life and moving back to Perth will make me happy, but I can't take much more of this homesickness.

Recap. September. 2011.

Peggy Sue. The Lexington.

This gig was the album launch for their 2nd album, Acrobats. The supporting acts were Monument Valley and Laura Gibson. To date, this was my favourite music gig i've ever been to.

Treetop Flyers. Hoxton Square Bar.

Bit boring to be honest. Treetop Flyers are well and good, but I just wasn't feeling it. Their support band, The Sundowners, were absolutely awful (sorry).

ACMC. New Red Lion Theatre.

Tom Basden headlined. Tom Bell set music to Colin Firth's Oscar acceptance speech and danced; HE IS SO BRILLIANT. Nadia Kamil was a favourite.

Michael Legge: Curse Sir Walter Raleigh. Leicester Square Theatre.

He's well funny.

An Event Of Some Kind. The Black Heart.

AEOSK has changed venues and is now on a Sunday evening - a welcome change. I really wanted to like Carly Smallman, but I remain unsure. Matthew Highton gave a wonderful set and as ever, James W Smith rocked.

Story Jam. Leicester Square Theatre.

Gavin Osborn, Isy Suttie and Emmy the Great. Suffice to say it was pretty damn brilliant. Gavin Osborn has the most wonderful voice.

A thought.

I had 2 bug cups of hot tea in my nice toasty house before rugging up and going to wait for the bus in the cold. My insides felt like they were made of warm caramel.

Ten-Year Self-Improvement Challenge. Update Nine.

Initial challenge. Update:

1) I have read 0 books since my last update. I'm only letting myself down. I bought Demitri Marton's Book and I received Tim Key's new book for my birthday, so I hope to have read both of them by my next update. I have read loads of magazines (Grazia and Glamour), but that doesn't count.

2) Um. Nope. Next?

3) Done and done.

4) I've been worrying an awful lot lately and feel like i'm becoming a very anxious person. Must put an end to that and start having small, amusing thoughts again. Stupid brain.

5) I've had fun sending parcels to family back home which always ends up in email exchanges.

6) I've now lost 20 kilos since I went to the doctor in April. Having to buy new clothes has been very expensive.

A thought.

OCD is manifesting itself again. Oh man...

Double Feature: Nightwatchman. There Is A War. The Paintframe. National Theatre.

I feel i'm unable to review these 2 plays. I loved the space. I thought the actors were superb. I liked the sets and lighting and costumes and sound effects.

I had goosebumps throughout There Is A War - Tom Basden's script was amazing; the right mix of light and shade. I enjoyed Nightwatchmen too, but ashamedly I didn't know about the Sri Lankan civil war until i'd seen the play.

Please read here. Thank you.

A thought.

The trendiness of this gig made me feel massively intimidated.

Daniel Kitson And The Post-Fringe Gala Bash. The Union Chapel.

A last minute gig to showcase some of The Invisible Dot and Daniel Kitson's favourite acts from the Edinburgh Fringe. Nick Helm, Colin Hoult, Sheeps, Dan Antopolski, Tony Law and Neil Hamburger made the cut.

Kitson is good at the ol' audience banter - I think he was very proud of the numerous jibes directed at a lady who thought she had the best job; a sex therapist. I also loved how he recalled the mishaps he'd had during the day: "I thought that story would have a few more laughs in it than that".

Nick Helm was funny and scary and adorable and sounded like he'd been eating gravel. Such a talented comic! I'm so pleased his show was nominated for the Foster's Comedy Award - much deserving.

Sheeps' sketches are just wonderful, their Oliver sketch is a fave, but I felt they struggled in the HUGE venue. I think it was mainly to do with microphones.

Tony Law is so funny ("I like to call this "very long build up, tiny little punchline""). I prefer watching a set to a full show - less exhausting. Ha.

It was the first time seeing Neil Hamburger and his shtick wasn't for me. Not a big fan of one liners. Daniel Kitson quipped "I like how angry he makes some people".

For a more conclusive review, look no further than Anna's blog.

A thought.

I like how Scottish people say "soup".

Greenwich Comedy Festival: Tim Minchin. Old Royal Navel College.

For a festival pulling in some huge names, it was extremely unorganised. So many things go wrong with unorganised gigs and these are a few we experienced: an incredibly late start, a seating plan that was all over the place, cables falling down in the middle of the gig, set times that didn't make sense and difficulty exiting the venue. For someone who likes order, I found it hard to enjoy the awesome acts which included Dan Antopolski, Tim Key, Holly Walsh, Tim Minchin and MC, Dan Atkinson.

Dan Antopolski had a long set and seemed a little bit overwhelmed by the size of the audience. Minchin permitted him to use his piano for his final piece; a hidden talent. Walsh and Key made the best of their 10 minutes, but it just wasn't long enough. NOT HAPPY.

To annoy the heckler that shouted "tell us a joke" before Key's "war poetry", Minchin played with the microphone for about 5 minutes before explaining "I thought it would make her [the heckler] angry". I was very pleased that he played 'The Pope Song' and I loved the new stand-up/adaptions of old stand-up (SPOILER ALERT: "she's not even adopted... as if i'd go to Moldova... or bring up someone else's skanky child").

As always, Atkinson was pure brilliance.

A thought.

It was a lovely surprise to see The Wagontales playing next to the bar upon arrival.

Claudia O'Doherty: What Is Soil Erosion?

I've just read a great ThreeWeeks review and I couldn't have put it better myself:

"Are you a soil erosion enthusiast? Well, don't get too excited. "Let's get rill!" Claudia bellows at the audience as we are speedily guided through her 26-part documentary; bizarrely Australian TV execs have failed to see its brilliance. Recalling 'Look Around You', O'Doherty's nonsensical science demonstrations include using rocks as puppets, disintegrating a pudding and downing pints of a mysterious black fluid. Our stained turtleneck wearing host is manically enthusiastic, verging on mentally unstable, but an instantly likeable creation who confidently cruises through her own unique brand of comedy. We may learn nothing about the erosion of soil, but Claudia O'Doherty does a great job of making us giggle".

A thought.

Claudia O'Doherty pulled a Jonny Sweet with this follow-up show. If it works the first time, do it again. And why not, mate?

One Man, Two Guvnors. National Theatre.

My goodness, this show lived up to all the hype! I WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN. Damn it being expensive and so hard to get a ticket. Sterling cast (especially enjoyed James Corden, Oliver Chris and Daniel Rigby), loads of slapstick (loved the dinner scene just before the interval) and a live band in between set changes.

I could go on and on about how glorious it was, but i'd just be writing gushing gibberish. Instead I shall link you to the Guardian review. Oh, I forgot to mention the audience participation! Corden was excellent at interacting with the audience - kudos.

A thought.

Daniel Rigby is so awesome. He deserves all the success in the world.

Camden Fringe. Camden Head. Etcetera Theatre.

James W Smith: Living In Syntax. Well structured and polished show. His influences were very apparent. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Richard Tyrone Jones Has A Big Heart. A story about Richard's struggle with heart failure interspersed with poetry. Wonderful.

Leads and Stern. Average sketches. Not bad.

Iszi Lawrence's Watnot. A work-in-progress show. I think it'll be swell when it's finished; very open and honest.

Rob Deb: A Comic Book Guy. Most of the things that Rob Deb talked about went over my head.

The Pauly Show. I LOVED THIS SHOW. Really silly and a little bit awkward - right up my street. He deserved a much bigger audience.

Luke Toulson: Laid-Back Grouch. It was certainly apparent when watching Luke Toulson, that a comedy master was at work. Ace show. Would've liked more music, though.

Guardian Reader. Definitely not for me. That is all i'm going to say.

Moon Horse vs. The Mars Men Of Jupiter. A silly story with songs and lots of props. Adorable.

The Trap: X. I really did think I was going to enjoy it much more than I actually did. I'm not sure who's to blame...

A thought.

I enjoyed volunteering at the Camden Fringe. I met some very lovely people and saw some great shows.

Edinburgh Fringe 2011. Day Six.

The Choob. The Counting House. This was recommended to me by a friend. She failed to warn me that a man in his underwear might dance over me; it happened... at 12pm... Fringe time. Absurd little "whodunit" character comedy show.

Matthew Crosby: Adventure Party. Matthew Crosby nailed the commentary at The Wrestling and also put on a fine solo show. I also heard he was an amazing judge at Karaoke Circus. Nice one, sir! His chat with a girl in the audience who'd lost her job at Nando's because she "wasn't very good" was very funny.

Eric Lampaert. Pleasance Courtyard. Half an hour of show and half an hour of getting distracted. Plenty of laughs. A few routines which i'd heard a few too many times, though.

Mark Watson. Guilded Balloon. A properly structured show for a first preview, the only thing that was missing were a few more jokes. Rather self-deprecating.

Anyone For Tennis?: Prepare To Be Tuned. Guilded Balloon. This was my penultimate Fringe show and I was rather shattered. Stupid drunk lady behind pissed me off throughout by being incredibly loud (chatting/eating crisps/dropping things/looking through her bag). 'Time of the Month' made me crease - LOVE IT.

Horne Section. Assembly Gardens. There was time for one last spin of the wheel at the end of this show (hadn't happened at the other 2 shows i'd seen) which stopped on Scottish Medley; I can die happy now. Guests included Tim Vine, The Magnets and Paul Foot.

I couldn't breathe due to laughing during Paul Foot's set. Oh my goodness, the funniest thing i'd seen in some time; impulsive comedy is my absolute fave. He was going to conduct the band while he did "an old joke about cake" and then started commenting on how he was going to stand and what his face was going to look like which progressed into a story about a conductor with fruit growing out of his face. I had to do controlled breathing after he shouted "DO IT AGAIN AND FACE THE WRATH OF MY GUAVA!" at Joe Stilgoe for fear of passing out.

Paul Foot, you are my comedy hero!

A thought.

There were 2 things that I hated at the Fringe this year: 1) unnecessary PowerPoint and 2) fake corpsing.

Edinburgh Fringe 2011. Day Five.

Tony Law: Go Mr Tony Go!. The Stand. Hilarious, yet exhausting. I really enjoy Law's running commentary throughout his material. I don't know how he managed to do an hour of high energy comedy each day during the Fringe.

Joanna Neary: Youth Club. The Stand. Adorable! Loads of characters, a few songs and dancing. What's not to like? I would like to be Joanna Neary please.

Footlights: Pretty Little Panic. Pleasance Dome. Slick. Professional. Slightly homoerotic. The sillier the sketches were, the more I enjoyed them. Also, the 4 chaps were very easy on the eye.

David Reed: Shamblehouse. Pleasance Courtyard. "Combining extreme silliness with moments of total poignancy, Reed is utterly captivating, and the audience hang on his every word" - couldn't agree more. David Reed is a highly talented performer and writer and I am a huge fan.

A thought.

I was meant to see Humphrey Ker's award winning show before David Reed, but I am inept and therefore missed out. I think i'm the only one of my friends that haven't seen it. Awful.

Edinburgh Fringe 2011. Day Five.

Tom Bell: Tom Bell Begins. Tron. Warm stuffy rooms and hangovers don't mix well. I liked all the bits, but felt it was too disjointed as a whole. I agree with all the sentiments in this review.

Jigsaw. Pleasance Courtyard. Nat Luurtsema, Thomas Craine and Dan Antopolski join forces to form the brilliant sketch trio, Jigsaw. An hour of strong, tight sketches that were superbly acted. Loved it.

Colin Hoult: Inferno. Pleasance Courtyard. I love Colin Hoult's characters, but I felt they were a bit lost in the large venue that is Pleasance Two. As a theatre piece, I thought it was excellent; as a comedy, not so much.

Henry Paker: Cabin Fever. Pleasance Courtyard. I just adore Henry Paker's slightly bizarre observational material. He's still yet to top his routine about how he starts his day. "HENRY PAKER DOESN'T WAIT FOR TOAST" makes me laugh just thinking about it.

A thought.

I met an online friend in person. She was very nice. Most of my online friends I have met in person have been very nice.

Edinburgh Fringe 2011. Day Four.

Smith & Beckett. Whistlebinkies. Ian Smith is the finest up-and-coming comedian I had the chance to see at the Fringe. My only criticism is that his set was very similar to his Lunchtime Club one from last year.

Hannah Gadsby: Mrs Chuckles. Gilded Balloon. I really dislike the Gilded Balloon, but I very much like Hannah Gasby and her "if she was any more laid back, she'd be horizontal" approach to comedy. A delightful, slow paced, hour of stories about growing up in a small Tasmanian town.

Alex Horne: Seven Years In The Bathroom. Pleasance Dome. What a busy show! Alex Horne fits our entire lives into one hour of stand-up. Fun. Once again, i'd like to state how much I love his vocalised thoughts.

Tim Key: Masterslut. Pleasance Dome. I didn't think it was possible for him to top Slutcracker, but my goodness he did. I salute you, Tim Key. The most structured, beautiful show I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. Brilliant films, awesome props, wonderful poems, excellent banter. Having Daniel Kitson giggling behind me was an added highlight.

Horne Section. Assembly Gardens. The show wasn't as enjoyable from the back of the room... Guests included Boy With Tape On His Face (I adore his Lady In Red routine so much!), Antonio Forcione (TALENT), Fork and Tim Key.

A thought.

Vodka is not my friend. Rachel is.

I drank an awful lot in an attempt to keep up with my lovely friend Rachel (above) and it just couldn't be done. I know I did a lot of rambling, but i'm not entirely sure what I said. Rachel ROFLed down The Royal Mile. Literally. The next day, I experienced my first ever hangover and it was HORRIBLE.