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Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It
We've all had some pondering to do about the fragility of life recently, but don't worry, skinny national treasure Mark Watson has it covered.
At 41, he's halfway through his days on earth, according to the life expectancy calculator app he paid £1.49 for. That life is in the best shape in living memory... but one problem remains, and it really is a huge one.
Spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy as the 'Taskmaster' survivor, multi-award-winner and 'No More Jockeys' cult leader attempts to cram a couple of years of pathological overthinking into an evening of stand-up. Maybe we'll even solve the huge problem. Doubt it, though.
★★★★★ Telegraph
★★★★ Times | Independent | Metro | Time Out | Chortle
'Quite unlike anything else I’ve seen in almost 20 years of covering the Fringe... witty, warm, perfectly judged' ★★★★★ Telegraph
'This is a stand-up operating at the very top of his game' ★★★★ Independent
'He always displays an innate understanding of what the audience wants... creating a bespoke experience for every gig, an added flourish to a strong hour of stand-up' ★★★★ Chortle
'A quick-fire hour of fun' ★★★★ Metro
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The Shock of the Old by Terence Blacker
Terence Blacker has been stressing over how to grow old happily and with style ever since he got his bus pass.
Months of lockdown have not improved his age-anxiety one bit. Looking around, he has discovered that the world is every bit as muddled about age in the 21st century as he is.
Just when you’re getting going in your life, it happens. You catch sight of your father in the mirror and realise that it’s you. You start listening to your old Mungo Jerry albums. You feel the need to contact school friends you haven’t seen for years – even the ones you never liked. You join the National Trust.
Is this it? The start of a slow slide into Oldsville - comfy slippers, fussing over your breakfast cereal, talking at the TV, with the occasional Saga cruise thrown in as a treat?!
In his funny and perceptive new show, Terence faces up to the joys and pains of the passing years with songs, quotes, and anecdotes. It’s as if Victor Meldrew met Tom Lehrer for a none-too-serious debate about the meaning of life.
The result is a spirit lifting and timely celebration of the art of not taking the ageing process lying down - about being, in the words of one of Terence's songs, 'not quite done'.
Does The Shock of the Old finally reveal the great secret of the coming of age? Possibly not, but Terence Blacker shares a world of fun, warmth and wisdom looking for it.
'A bitter-sweet - and yet ultimately life-affirming - show, full of humour and terrific songs (with wonderful guitar-playing), giving two fingers up to old age. Even if you hobble in, you’ll leave with a spring in your step' Virginia Ironside, Journalist, Agony Aunt and Author
'Melodic, funny, and with a touch of melancholy, Terence Blacker’s Shock of the Old blends sharp, knowing comedy with cracking tunes. You’re in for a treat' Craig Brown, Satirist
Studio
£15
Dave Gorman (WORK IN PROGRESS)
Dave Gorman is hitting Norden Farm with brand new material. Taking a mischievous look at modern life, Dave will share his observations and frustrations with a little help from his laptop.
'[Dave Gorman] has transformed the seemingly mundane into hours of unabashed hysteria’ Metro
Courtyard Theatre
£15
Jessica Fostekew: Wench
A show about sexy things (awkward), private things (oh no) and a woman trying to sit on the face of time to keep it still (hot, right?).
You’ve seen Jess on Live at the Apollo, QI and on Harry Hill's Clubnite amongst other TV shows. She's a regular co-host of The Guilty Feminist Podcast, the host and creator of The Hoovering Podcast and you hear her regularly on BBC R4's News Quiz and Now Show.
Jess was nominated for the Dave Edinburgh Comedy Award – Best Show 2019 with her last show Hench, and she won Best Show and Best Breakthrough Act in the Chortle Awards 2020.
Suitable for ages 16+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£16
Promoter Credit: Little Wander
Photo Credit: Matt Stronge
Jen Brister: The Optimist
If Jen Brister has learned anything in the past 18 months, it’s that she’s no good in a crisis (unless you count getting into the foetal position in under 30 seconds).
Has the pandemic changed her for the better or is she the same old pessimistic naysayer she’s always been? I think we all know the answer to that. Let’s just hope she can make it funny.
'Furiously funny' The Guardian
'Her energy is explosive. Her use of space and delivery, mesmerising' The Sunday Times
'A phenomenal display of sinewy stand up' Chortle
Age guidance 16+ years.
Presented by Little Wander Ltd.
Courtyard Theatre
£16
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
Harry Hill: Experiments in Entertainment 3 – Work In Progress
Join Harry Hill as he test drives his latest idea of what a joke is.
Laugh with him as he succeeds, distance yourself from him as he fails, track him down in the bar and get a selfie, ask him if he’s bringing TV Burp back, phone your mum and get him to wish her a happy birthday. Let’s Mattress!
Age guidance 14+ years.
Courtyard Theatre
£20
Latecomers not admitted.
- 28 Sep SOLD OUT
- 29 Sep SOLD OUT
Helen Bauer - Madam Good Tit
2019's Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer nominee and your favourite self-aware stand up.
Helen brings a show about self-confidence, self-esteem and self-care. It’s the year of 'the self' and Helen is trying to be the change she wants you to see.
As seen on BBC's Live at The Apollo and star of ITV2, BBC Three, ITV2, Comedy Central and Radio 4.
'A personality that will fill a stadium... This girl will not be performing in small venues for much longer' ★★★★★ Sunday Express
'Slick, sassy and super satisfying' ★★★★ Broadway Baby
★★★★ Chortle | ★★★★ The Skinny | ★★★★ The List
Presented by Berk's Nest in association with Blue Book Management.
Studio
£14
Olga Koch: Just Friends
Star of Mock The Week, QI, Late Night Mash, her Amazon Prime comedy special and Edinburgh Best Newcomer nominee, Olga Koch brings you the roller coaster romcom you aren't tall enough to ride. Strap in.
Directed by Charlie Dinkin.
£1 from every ticket will go to Stonewall’s Ukraine Projects, in aid of the Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community.
'Uproarious, gleefully obscene comedy' The Guardian
'One of the most charismatic comedians on the circuit' ★★★★ The Telegraph
'A natural storyteller, she will keep you completely hooked' ★★★★★ Broadway Baby
★★★★ Funny Women | ★★★★ The List | ★★★★ The Skinny| ★★★★ Fest Mag
Age guidance 16+ years.
Studio
£15
Robin Morgan: Snip Snip, Bitch
One of the UK’s fastest rising comedy stars Robin Morgan brings a hilarious brand new show on tour for 2023
A lot has happened to Robin since the last tour. He’s moved back to Wales, happily married with two kids. So what happens next? A vasectomy of course.
Robin’s been all over your telly and radio, with appearances on Mock The Week (BBC Two), Richard Hammond’s Brain Reaction (Comedy Central), The Now Show (BBC Radio 4).
He created the topical panel show What Just Happened? (BBC One) and co-created Ellie Taylor’s Safe Space (BBC Radio 4), and also appeared in both, the greedy boy.
His writing credits include Have I Got News For You (BBC One), 8 Out of 10 Cats (C4), The Mash Report (BBC Two), The Great Pottery Throwdown (C4) and The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4), and is the studio warm-up artist for The Graham Norton Show (BBC One).
'Bloody funny. He must surely be on the verge of nationwide fame' Chortle
Studio
£13 | £10 conc
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