Russell Brand ‘Scandalous Tour’

Final Trio Of Shows

LONDON November 8th – DUBLIN November 10th – BELFAST November 11th

“Massively Entertaining” – The Times

“Russell nailed it” – The Sun

“Rampant adventures and fizzingly lyrical leaps” – Independent

Russell Brand has announced a FINAL trio of shows to bring the curtain down on his hugely popular ‘Scandalous Tour’ in what will be the LAST CHANCE to see the explosive and thrilling show LIVE.

The three shows are in support of Focus12 charity, which deals with all aspects of addiction and helped Russell overcome his past addiction problems. Russell has been a patron of Focus12 since 2005.

Russell Brand FINAL ‘Scandalous’ tour dates:

November 2009

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Sun 8th LONDON, Royal Albert Hall
Tue 10th DUBLIN, The O2
Wed 11th BELFAST, Odyssey Arena

Tickets go on sale: Friday 9th October
Ticket hotline: 0844 875 8758
Also available from: www.ticketzone.co.uk

Russell also releases his third DVD ‘Scandalous – Live At The O2′, November 9th.

Buy DVDs:

Russell Brand on amazon.co.uk

Russell Brand on amazon.com

The highly-charged set was recorded at Russell’s sold out O2 show to an 18,000 strong audience, April 17th. He rolls out two hours of boundary pushing, fantastically original material, confronting ideas that others would never dream of voicing.

Russell Brand, who won ‘Best Live Stand-Up Performer’ at 2008s British Comedy Awards, kicked off his critically acclaimed 30-date ‘Scandalous Tour’ back in January. It was also brought to Australia for four performances and New York as part of a one-hour special for Comedy Central.

Russell Brand Official Website

What with the internet, airplanes and the media, I suppose you’re probably familiar with Australian born comedian Mr. Jim Jeffries. But if you live in a hole in the ground in the woods and you eat badgers, then you might not be. Jim Jeffries has been out there for at least the last five years, and like any good old cheeky vintage, he improves with age.

I like the fact that he isn’t afraid to say anything he wants without reprisal. He tells it straight. He’ll talk about his experiences as if they happen like that to all of us. His influences range from Eddie Murphy to Richard Pryor and even Magic Johnson.

Now, if you’re scared by rude words and think that your soul will plummet towards the centre of the earth if you laugh at anti-christian jokes, then I would give this bloke a miss because Jim Jeffries is that Australian geezer down the pub swearing his head off – except he’s painfully funny and he gets paid for it!

It’s not all fish and chips on a sunny day for Jim. No, not at all. At one gig he was performing at, a member of the audience was so offended by the humor, that he clambered on to the stage and smacked poor old Jim in the face. Now I know you type of people like that sort of stuff because let’s be honest, we do like to soak up a bit of other people’s suffering. Don’t we? It makes us feel better about our own sorry existence. So here you go, knock yourselves out on this one:

Watch Jim Jeffries getting punched video:

If unlike the idiot from the audience you are a fan of Jim Jeffries, then you can spend some of your time looking at his website and find out more about this wonder from down under. Ouch! Sorry about that tag. Where’s the bloke with the fist. I need a smack for that.

Jim Jeffries Official Website
Jim Jeffries MySpace

By: Dave Tommo

Ross Noble. Now how do you begin to explain this bloke to the general public? He’s one of comedy’s greatest improvisers. At least when you see one of his shows you would think it was improvised. Free form humor. No. Not free from humor, I mean free form. Humor. You never know what’s going to happen next.

If you were bullied at school and you don’t like being picked on and singled out, then never go see Ross Noble live. As he will seek you out. Like a guided missile he will find you and expose your weakness.

His humor has no rhyme nor reason. I can’t think of another comedian to compare him to. He runs on stage with a Richard Beckinsale type of look and then says the first thing that enters his head. That is the only way to describe him.

To find out more about him you could visit his website and maybe that might give you a better view of the situation. Also if you like to be singled out and ridiculed, you could purchase some tickets and go to one of his shows.

Here is a sample of the crazy man from up north. Just to give you a taste of the most random comedy in england at this moment in time.

Watch video Ross Noble – Live At The Apollo (Part 1/4):

Ross Noble video (Part 2/4)

Buy comedy:

Ross Noble on amazon.co.uk

Ross Noble on amazon.com

Ross Noble Official Website
Ross Noble YouTube Channel
MySpace

By: Dave Tommo

Did you know that Ricky Gervais started in the entertainment business back in 1983 singing in a pop band called Seona Dancing? There’s even video evidence of this. Look! -

Bitter Heart – Seona Dancing video – (YouTube notes from user: “The full video isn’t anywhere so I put this together with what I could find online. Sorry for the bad cuts that have had to be done.”)

Much later on he reemerged as a type of funny man on the radio. He was offered a job as head of speech at XFM London. Needing an assistant, Mr. Gervais interviewed the first person he saw. The CV belonged to a guy called Stephen Merchant. Job done.

I first became aware of Ricky Gervais when watching a Channel 4 program called The 11 O’clock Show where he would have a small slot. He walked on to the set and you thought, “Who the hell is this guy?” and I don’t believe how close to the knuckle of political correctness he sailed. I liked him. He was a random geezer. It’s like you were embarrassed for him, but you agreed with him too. You didn’t know what he was going to say next. He seemed to be the peoples’ person. Have a look at these clips of him on this show to see for yourself.

Ricky Gervais on The 11 O’clock Show

The next thing he did was a chat show called Meet Ricky Gervais. This show actually inspired me to write a tune because Ricky said there is no theme song to this show, so if there are any old sad losers out there with nothing better to do who would send in a tune, he would use it as a theme tune. I wrote “Who’s Your Monkey” and sent it in but the fat git never used it. He then did The Office which to many, was the next best thing to Fawlty Towers.

Check out this nifty little dance for charity, and these catchy little numbers will get you either cringing or singing along:

David Brent – Free Love On The Freelove Freeway:

Extras was a comedy about being a TV or film extra. You think to yourself, “how can you follow something as genius as The Office?” Well. You bang out a brilliant comedy like Extras with all sorts of guest appearances including Mr. Robert De Niro among others. Look at this for an example:

Robert De Niro on Extras

Then you think, that’s it. He can rest on his laurels and scoop the awards, sit on his ass and rake in the cash flogging DVD’s and appearing on chat shows. Wrong. He decides to go stand up, and it has to be said, one of the funniest stand ups going. How does he do it? If I knew I would be out there and not sitting here. This is Ricky doing his one man show.

Fame – stand up (follow the links on YouTube to continue)

Buy comedy DVDs and more:

Ricky Gervais on amazon.co.uk

Ricky Gervais on amazon.com

Now you can go to his website and become another one of his gullible victims like me.

Ricky Gervais Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

Alexei Sayle is a man who was there from the beginning of alternative comedy. Hosting the Comedy Store in Soho, London and creating a few of his own characters on the way. Welcome to the intimidation that is Alexei Sayle. He’s not only been one of the finest stand up comedians from our time zone, but he has also had hit records, starred in many movies and he’s been an international football hero (well that last one may be a bit of a porky). Here is Alexie singing his heart out on one of his many songs “Ullo John Got A New Motor?”

Watch “Hello John Got A New Motor?” video:

Alexei Sayle doesn’t do stand up comedy anymore. He writes and acts – and a fine actor and writer he is, too. He’s had many TV shows over the past 20 years. You could say his humor is in the area that Spike Milligan used to vacate. Very physical in his deliverance, he is the guy that you hope doesn’t pick on you while waiting at the chip shop.

If you need to find out more about this great man, go to:

Alexei Sayle on Wikipedia

If you just want to laugh at a comedy genius, then simply watch the video:

Alexei Sayle on first episode of O.T.T. YouTube notes – Alexei Sayle doing a stand-up routine on OTT (Over The Top), the adult spin-off from Tiswas. Originally shown on 2 January 1982 (Central Television’s second day of broadcasting). Co-presenters: Chris Tarrant, Lenny Henry, Bob Carolgees, Helen Atkinson-Wood:

Buy Books, comedy DVDs, more:

Alexei Sayle on amazon.co.uk

Alexei Sayle Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

I like Lee Evans. He’s one of those people who will make you laugh no matter what type of mood you’re in. He comes from the school of physical comedy. Charging around the stage putting actions to his words. I saw Lee in 1998 at the Apollo in Oxford, and he’s one of the funniest acts to see on stage. In his tight suit and his monkey looks.

Some people compare Lee to Norman Wisdom, and I can see what they mean, but for my money Mr. Evans is much funnier. I know Norman Wisdom was funny back in the day, but the trouble is, I don’t think his humor passes the test of time. God bless him and all that, but the only similarities are the suits.

Did you know that Lee Evans started off in the business as a drummer in a punk band called The Forgotten Five? It all makes sense now, yes! Most drummers I know are wanna-be comedians! Don’t give up your day job mate.

He popped up as a character on Dr. Who recently, on the Easter special “Planet Of The Dead” episode. He played a wacky scientist.

If you want to see him do what he does best – that is – ‘Sweat like a nun awaiting a pregnancy test’ (his words not mine) running around on stage, explaining his view on the world, then check out Lee Evans on Off The Kerb website and you will find all sorts of Lee Evans type goodies there. But first check out this clip of him and I swear you will be chewing the carpet in fits of giggles before tea time.

The Best Of Lee Evans YouTube video part 1 (swearing):

Buy Comedy DVDs:

Lee Evans on amazon.co.uk

By: Dave Tommo

Tommy Cooper was one of those people who was born with that magic laughter gene. I mean, Tommy could just stand there on stage, look into the audience and he would have them roaring without even saying a word.

Look at this short piece from one of his TV shows as an example:

Watch Tommy Cooper “Magic Cloak” video:

Tommy Cooper still makes me laugh when I look at him, and I mean that in a good way, not in a freak show way. He had it in spades. All he did was walk on stage and do what came naturally to him.

His act would comprise of performing magic illusions and messing them up. He did this on purpose. Tommy Cooper was a member of “The Magic Circle”, so he could get these tricks right if required, but for him it worked better if he got it wrong.

As a child, Tommy grew up in Exeter, England, and sometimes worked on the family’s ice cream van. At around eight years old one of his aunts bought him a magic set, which he fell in love with, and he perfected all the tricks. Magic ran in his family. His twin brother ran a magic shop in Slough High Street called “Coopers Magic Shop”.

During World War II Tommy was called up as a trooper in the Royal Horse Guards regiment of the British Army. He became part of the NAAFI entertainment party and developed an act around his magic tricks and a bit of humor. One night he forgot his uniform hat, so grabbed a fez off the head of a passing waiter to the hilarity of the audience. So the fez stuck.

Tommy enjoyed a long and successful career as an entertainer right up to the end when he died on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Haymarket, Westminster, London, on 15th April 1984 aged 63.

In respect to Tommy Cooper (one of my top favorite comedians of all time) and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his death, here are some more clips of the man at work.

The Very Best Of Tommy Cooper – Split Personality Sketch:

Tribute to Tommy Cooper by YouTube user

Buy DVDs, VHS tapes, books and more:

Tommy Cooper on amazon.co.uk

Tommy Cooper on amazon.com

By: Dave Tommo

I don’t know much about George Carlin. I have to admit, I’ve only just discovered him. I know! Shame on me. What I have learned though, is that this man wasn’t afraid to face the demons, and then tell them they were wrong.

So George Carlin has been making people laugh since the 60’s. Wow. You know, when you think about it, back in those days, there were more states that had the death penalty, they had corporal punishment in schools…but still, these people, comedians, would get up on stage and make fun of religion and world leaders. Mostly without reprisals!

I think they can get away with this type of stuff and continue to gain more fans over the years because they’re not lecturing you, they’re not bashing you over the head with a protest banner. No, they are usually up there saying what you are thinking, but are afraid to say yourself! This is why we laugh.

Unfortunately George Carlin passed away on June 22nd, 2008. His way of looking at this weird planet we share will be sadly missed.

Visit George’s website www.georgecarlin.com. You can have a humorous educational night-in with him by buying his DVD “Its Bad For Ya”, but before that, I’ll offer up a clip of Mr. Carlin explaining why saving the planet is stupid.

Watch George Carlin – Saving the Planet video:

Buy George Carlin CDs, DVDs, Books, more:

George Carlin on amazon.com

George Carlin on amazon.co.uk

Wikipedia

George Carlin Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

Capitol Records Nashville will release Ron White’s third solo comedy album ‘Behavioral Problems’ on April 21, 2009 as part of a trifecta “event” release of the Grammy nominated comedian’s Comedy Central one-hour television special (debuting April 19) and the DVD release (April 21).

Ron White on amazon.com

Ron White on amazon.co.uk

Shot in Seattle, WA last November, ‘Behavioral Problems’ marks his third solo comedy CD following on the heels of his gold-certified ‘Drunk In Public’ and ‘You Can’t Fix Stupid.’ The latter premiered at #14 on the Billboard’s Top 200, ranked #1 on the Billboard Comedy charts for 9 consecutive weeks and was nominated for a Grammy award.

Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White is best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon. But with two Grammy nominations, a Gold record, two of the top-rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million units, Ron White has established himself as a star in his own right.

Ron White Official Website

There is always room in this world for dead comedians, eh? I think sometimes dead comedians are funnier than live ones…so this one’s for Dave Allen.

Dave Allen was born July 6, 1936. In 1959 he got a break by appearing on a talent show called New Faces, and he made a name for himself in the 1960’s. In 1961 he toured England and France with the then unknown band The Beatles.

He was famous for sitting on a stool on stage drinking whisky and smoking. I remember, way back in 1979 trying to impress one of my first girlfriends by buying her a ticket to see Dave Allen at Portsmouth’s Kings Theatre. Unfortunately the humour went strait over her little head (bless). But for me it was one of the funniest shows I had been to. Dave Allen was well known for his jokes about the catholic religion:

Dave Allen on Religion video

Unfortunately Dave Allen died on March 10th 2005, leaving us with over 30 years of the funniest fact based comedy. Goodnight. Thank you Dave Allen and “may your God go with you”.

Here are a couple more of clips of Dave Allen telling it strait!

Watch video: The Vagaries of the English Language

Dave Allen – Telling the time video:

If you feel like you need to own a piece of Dave Allen you can always buy one of his DVDs from Amazon.

Dave Allen on amazon.co.uk

Dave Allen on amazon.com

By: Dave Tommo

I think it’s time to set the balance. So far all the stand ups that I’ve reviewed are guys. I know when we talk of stand up comedians we automatically think of blokes. You know, Ben Elton, Bob Hope, Bill Hicks, George Bush etc., but there are some very funny female comics out there.

I’m gonna start with Joan Rivers. Probably one of the most controversial comedians to walk the boards of any stage.

Joan was born June 8th 1933. She started her career in the late 1950’s and in the early 60’s, performed in various comedy clubs around Greenwich Village; also appearing as a guest on the Tonight Show and working as a gag writer for Candid Camera.

This woman has been around. Wrote the book and wore the t-shirt (I reckon she invented the f****** thing). Joan Rivers is an award winning comedian who isn’t afraid of saying what she thinks and wearing her heart on her sleeve.

You can find out more about her by visiting the website joanrivers.com. She’s up to so much stuff! Also, you might like to treat yourself to one of her DVDs. Like ‘Joan Rivers Live At The London Palladium’ recorded in 2006. Still currentish.

Joan Rivers on amazon.com

Joan Rivers on amazon.co.uk

Here’s Joan doing what she does best on Live At The Apollo (not necessarily safe for work):

Watch Joan Rivers Live at The Apollo video [original air dates 2007] Part 1

Joan Rivers Part 2:

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwHfxj6QrkM

Joan Rivers Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

The other day I was talking to a lorry driver mate. It’s funny how in England we call lorries, lorries. In America they’re called TRUCKS, and a truck is a much more impressive piece of machinery. Huge long hood and gleaming with chrome.

This driver was telling me that the Yanks even have toilets in their trucks!! Whereas here, our lorries are not as impressive are they? Flat fronted none discript boxes on wheels. It does what it says on the tin, mate! Gets goods from point A, to point B.

Anyway. I was talking to this lorry driver mate of mine about British comedians. He was trying to remember this guy’s name, describing him as “that bloke who tells it like the way you’re thinking”.

I then suggested the joke he does about the funny walk (not John Cleese) and he said “Michael McIntyre” and I said yes!! Oh how we both laughed just thinking of him. What a funny chap he is. Well done Mr. McIntyre for being funny and thank you.

If you want to go see him live he is playing all the big venues (how kind of him) so that you all can get in to witness this gentleman’s humour.

Michael McIntyre 2009 UK tour dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

Wednesday 23rd September 2009 – The Cardiff International Arena
Saturday 26th September 2009 – Nottingham Trent FM Arena
Saturday 3rd October 2009 – London Wembley Arena
Friday 9th October 2009 – Birmingham N.I.A
Sunday 11th October 2009 – Bournemouth International Centre
Saturday 17th October 2009 – Sheffield Hallam FM Arena
Wednesday 21st October 2009 – Manchester
Saturday 24th October 2009 Glasgow
Wednesday 28th October 2009 Newcastle
Saturday 31st October 2009 Belfast
Thursday 5 November 2009 Brighton
(check his website for more dates and details)

If you can’t wait that long to see him (cos he is funny) you can pick up one of his DVDs, like ‘Live & Laughing’, and if you still can’t wait to experience this man’s wit, then I will give you this taster.

Michael Mcintyre on amazon.co.uk

Watch Michael Mcintyre – “Live At The Apollo” video part 1 (some swearing):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLPyPJTwEC4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YsJ186p17U&feature=related

Michael Mcintyre Official Website

Recently I stumbled upon Carlos Mencia on Youtube. God how this man saved me from a couple hours of boredom!

I haven’t had such a comedic eureka moment since the day I superglued my math teachers ass to his chair (honestly you had to have been there). This guy is one of the funniest, most honest stand up comedians since (in my opinion) Bill Hicks.

Carlos has a number of DVD’s out there, one of which was released back in 2005 entitled ‘Not For The Easily Offended’ and it does what it says. I mean if you think this world is a beautiful place, our children are our future and religion is our savior, then this is not for you.

But if you like to laugh at reality in all its ugliness, then Carlos Mencia will have you slapping your dog, with tears of laughter rolling down your cheeks.

Here is Carlos doing what he does best. From his ‘Not For The Easily Offended’ DVD. If this don’t kick your laughter button into action then stick your fingers in to the electric plug socket while standing in a bucket of water and give us all a good laugh. Just kidding!

Watch “Not For The Easily Offended” video (explicit, not safe for work, adults only, etc., etc.) part 1

Carlos Mencia on amazon.com

Carlos Mencia on amazon.co.uk

Carlos Mencia Official Website

By: Dave Tommo

I recently had the pleasure of watching the Tim Vine Live DVD.

Tim Vine holds the record for the most jokes told in a certain amount of time – it says on the cover of the DVD “Guinness world record holder for telling the most jokes in an hour”.

He rattles them out at a furious pace. He uses props including a dictaphone which he refers to throughout the show. I found myself pausing the DVD on a number of occasions just to catch my breath. He really does crank them out. He’s like a human joke telling machine gun.

This show was recorded in 2004 but it’s still fresh. Tim is one of those comedians you’re gonna love or hate. He’s sort of in the same shop as the late great Tommy Cooper, with his sweating and the occasional pleading look out at the audience.

I recommend this DVD as a good night in with some friends and a few drinks. You too will have aching jaw muscles by the end!

Here is a taster: Tim Vine at The Comedy Club (watch video):

Tim Vine on amazon.co.uk

Tim Vine Official Website

By: Dave Tommo