Steve Bennett (I)
- Journalist and reviewer
Press clippings Page 12
British Comedian Of The Year 2023 review
Its £10,001 prize has previously wooed some of the circuit's biggest hitters, such as Ian Stone, Steve Gribbin, Mike Gunn and Jeff Innocent. But this year's final of the British Comedian Of The Year seemed more open, with many experienced names but no perennial headliners at the bigger clubs. Indeed, the winner, Alistair Williams, has previously complained about being cancelled from the circuit for his contrarian views.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 30th November 2023Review - Farah Sharp & Elaine Fellows: Greatest Hits
Review of two up-and-coming comedians.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 29th November 2023Such Brave Girls review
Such Brave Girls falls squarely into the contemporary fashion for TV comedies that draw on unhappiness and trauma, with no shortage of either.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 22nd November 2023Review - Fascinating Aida: The 40th Anniversary Tour
At 71, indefatigable founder Dillie Keane deserves national treasure status for four unflagging decades of telling it like it is, while maintaining the grouchy hangdog demeanour that trying to entertain hoi polloi like us really isn't worth the effort.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 15th November 2023Mark Simmons: Quip Off The Mark review
In the age of superstar comedians emerging from nowhere - or rather TikTok - Mark Simmons has been doing things the old fashioned way: relentlessly gigging and writing jokes.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 10th November 2023Berserker! by Adrian Edmondson
It's been more than 40 years since Adrian Edmondson first tore through the world of light entertainment with the rest of the alternative comedy cohort. And what a good job it took him until the age of 66 to write his autobiography. Not only because he can pack in so many anecdotes, with the added benefits of context that hindsight provides, but also the world is now more open to hearing of his struggles with mental health, that are frequently present - but never overwhelming - in this hugely entertaining and disarmingly honest memoir.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 9th November 2023Beat The Frog World Series Final 2023 review
Often new act competitions have a clear winner - a stand-out star-in-the-making, clearly head-and-shoulders above their contemporaries, however talented. Last night's Beat The Frog World Series final, however, was much closer to call. Any number of the acts could have taken the title without controversy, having bought various talents to the stage.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 7th November 2023Hot Water Breakthrough Act Of The Year final review
Hot Water's breakthrough act of the year competition is one of the comedy circuit's less structured competitions. Rising stand-ups cannot enter, but get chosen by the Liverpool club's management; there are just three heats, each sending acts to the final; and the prize is kept secret till the end.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 6th November 2023John Robins: Howl review
His willingness to share this turmoil and hopeful resolution makes Howl an affecting and powerful show. And yes, sometimes howlingly funny too - but that's only a part of it.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 3rd November 2023Maybe A Ghost Story by DanieI Kitson review
It's scary how charming and engrossing it all is.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 3rd November 2023