This week I’ve seen two shows that made me laugh and cry for all the right reasons.
I have to admit that both are performed by friends of mine so I went to see them originally out of duty but emerged feeling extremely proud of my talented pals.
Alistair Barrie’s ‘No More stage Three’ is an account of his wife Emily’s diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.
Emily is bald and obviously in recovery from chemotherapy but has already been told by someone she flyered in the street that Cancer is not a suitable subject for comedy.
This show reinforces what every good comedian knows. Everything, however terrible, is a suitable subject for comedy if it’s handled in the right way. Here it’s done beautifully. A very funny and extremely moving show.
Alistair Barrie will perform No More Stage 3 at Movement on August 14-16 and 18-20.
My second recommendation is ‘Ecce Homo’. You want camp cabaret? Look no further.
Nick Phillips recounts his days as Naughty Nickers of the cult gay theatre troop Bloolips in the 1980s, and his life as an HIV positive man. He sings songs, tells stories and makes jokes, but beneath the smiley make up there’s powerful anger at the prejudice he’s faced and the friends he has lost.
An incredibly emotional piece packed with showstopping tunes.
Nick Phillips will perform Ecce Homo at the Pleasance Courtyard from August 14-16, 18-23 and 25-31.
Wear waterproof mascara to these two but I promise you’ll leave feeling a little more in love with life.
Hal Cruttenden will perform Straight Outta Cruttenden at the Pleasance Courtyard on August 14-16 and 18-30.
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