Performing in comedy is a tough life to
choose. It's not just being funny, it's being funnier than most people
on the planet. It's about being as consistent as possible and relevant
too. Sure, Jim Davidson was seen as funny once, but times have changed
and comedians have to change with them or perform on those terrible
'Grumpy Old Men' programmes. Reprobates.
So, when you hear about
a comedy show that has managed to maintain its format for 30 years and
can still boast sold out performances, you know it must be something
special and that they clearly know their stuff. That, or they have
somehow managed to drip heroin into the audience's drinks. Happily, we
can confirm that the drinks don't taste heroin-y. A little crack-y at
times*, but definitely not heroin-y. (*not really).
Pete definitely didn't come here for the drinks. He was addicted to comedy.
Boasting a 30
year run (a Guinness World Record), NewsRevue has been entertaining
people in London and Edinburgh with its intelligent satire rolled out
in short sketches (often in amusing songs) at their hour long shows.
The performers change regularly, though they remain in the two boys/two
girls ratio and there is a battalion of writers used whose best stuff
is cherry picked each week to keep the regulars happy.
Needless
to say, with such tinkering, the sketches (and shows) can be hit and
miss, but that is comedy. More importantly, the duff sketches are
quickly discarded and the show's content is constantly updated to
maintain its relevance. Given its changing nature fans tend to visit
the show once a month or so - keen to get the latest laugh.
Given
it's 30 year run, NewsRevue is comedy royalty with past performers and
contributors including past (and current) legends such as Bill Bailey,
Rob Newman, Rory Bremner, the League of Gentlemen and many others
(though Ben Elton was turned away because he couldn't sing or dance
apparently).
A bit like Spitting Image but with slightly less
rubbery faces, NewsRevue should be given your attention (and money) as
it is a true comedy force.
http://www.newsrevue.com/