In Anticipation: Comedy Curator Joe Ross Williams
Another expedition in to the minds of the Handmade Team as they pick the acts they’re most looking forward to this year. Comedy Curator Joe Ross Williams Takes you through some of his favourites.
Gein’s Family Gift Shop
I’ve always been a big fan of sketch comedy - especially cutting my teeth performing with Michael Love and Kara Smith in Sad Little Flyer… who aren’t appearing at this year’s festival for ‘personal reasons’. (Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Love!) Instead, I am so excited to bring an act that I’ve heard so much about, Gein’s Family Gift Shop - who excel in sketches featuring ‘the hilarious subject of abject misery and human tragedy’. If that doesn’t get you down to St Martin’s Coffee, I don’t know what will. Gein’s are playing the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh this year, so Handmade attendees who are regular Fringe visitors might see them on the famous sold out chalkboard and rue the day they could have seen them for free. Likely recommended for people who find the League of Gentlemen a little bit too ‘gentle’.
Wil Hodgson
Russell Howard may well sell out arenas, and tickle a few million ribs of the nation’s youth on BBC Three, but even he bows down to the wisdom of Wil, declaring him a ‘genius’. Whilst Wil might not be a household name, he is something of an institution amongst comedy aficionados for his unique and candid storytelling style, balancing his own personal punk passions steadfastly against the grain of ignorance. It hasn’t always been easy for Wil, belittled for his love of My Little Pony by the small minded miasma of Chippenham, Wiltshire (up the road from me!)… but he has literally and figuratively grappled all obstacles in his path and worn his convictions on his tattooed sleeve. Prepare for stand up like you’ve never seen before. Mr Hodgson, I salute you sir!
Weikie
OK, so i’ll declare a conflict of interest here… as I do live with Adam and he is one of my best friends. However, we’re both unflinchingly cynical and we wouldn’t put in favours for just anybody… as soon as you’ve put the sick bag down, you have to believe that. Anyone who has ever seen the dexterous Weikie in action knows that he can wield almost any instrument to his command. There is a good reason that, after having so many trails of thought punctuated by a chord or a kickdrum from across the landing, that I haven’t made the front of the Leicester Mercury for strangling him with his own guitar. And that’s that he really, really is that good. The boy works hard. He deserves your love. Go see him!
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