Bruce Dessau
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings
TV review: Mammoth, BBC Two & iPlayer
Yes, there is a heavy reliance on time-warp gags, often involving Bille Jean King references. I do wonder what audience it's aimed at - not just people who were around then, surely? But if you get the name checks they do work, exposing how ridiculous the 1970s were while also slyly hinting that maybe some aittudes now are not necessarily as progressive as they might seem. It's also a sneaky way of getting unreconstructed gags back onto television. If it gets both demographics it could be massive. If not it could soon be extinct.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 17th April 2024TV review: Dinosaur, BBC One & iPlayer
The scene is set for a comedy that's funny, touching and sympathetic.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 17th April 2024Rosie Jones tops fundraising line-up
Join Rosie Jones and her comedy friends Katherine Ryan, Joel Dommett, Suzi Ruffell, Nish Kumar, Charlie Baker, Chantel Nash and Dane Buckley for an evening of laughs in aid of an incredible cause - Small Steps.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 16th April 2024Tom Allen headlines all-star benefit for St Christopher's Hospice
Join Tom Allen and his comedy pals including Joel Dommett, Suzi Ruffell, Seann Walsh, Peter Rethinasamy and Fatiha El-Ghorri to raise money for St Christopher's Hospice.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 16th April 2024Simon Brodkin extends tour due to demand
Simon Brodkin has announced extra dates for his already extended sell-out UK and European tour of his hit show Screwed Up.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 16th April 2024Review: We Got Tickets Musical Comedy Awards final
You certainly get a lot of bang for your bucks at the Musical Comedy Awards final.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 15th April 2024An Evening With The Fast Show review
At the start of An Evening With The Fast Show Charlie Higson suggested that catchphrases in themselves are not intrinsically funny. But through a combination of repetition and a talented performer saying them a phrase can become funny.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 14th April 2024Speculation on social media that Jon Richardson / Lucy Beaumont divorce is fake news
Following the announcement earlier today that comedians Jon Richardson and Lucy Beaumont are to divorce there has been speculation on social media that this is all part of an elaborate prank.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 12th April 2024Charlie Higson was planning a workplace sitcom but Ricky Gervais beat him to it
The Fast Show star Charlie Higson wanted to do a spin-off starring office joker Colin Hunt, but was beaten to it when Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant had a hit with The Office.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 12th April 2024Spencer Jones review
Jones is one of those performers who simply has funny bones.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 12th April 2024