The Big Comedy Gala in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support is on sale now.
Things That Made Us Snort With Laughter This Week
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Mad About The Boy
The Boy with Tape on his Face will host this year’s Big Comedy Gala in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
We first became aware of the Boy with Tape on his Face in February 2010. We were in Adelaide enjoying the sun and catching up with long lost and newly aquainted relatives during the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Having no time to plough through their fairly hefty programme we decided to ask around. What’s the big show this year? What’s the must have ticket? What should we see before we head back to Edinburgh? Every single time, the respondent was emphatic.
“The Boy with Tape on his Face”.
Difficult to describe without demeaning his talent by implicating him with mimes, clowns and street performers, the truth is this: Tape Face Boy is the perfect amalgam of all three disciplines.
Indeed, in the Bosco Tent within the Garden of Unearthly Delights that evening, we were delighted to witness the bringing together of the very best of these genres into a rock solid fifty-five minute show while also winning favour with the new in-laws by getting them a sneak peek of the next big thing.
The. Next. Big. Thing. Every year at the Edinburgh Fringe this phrase is bandied around like hair colour. Anyone with a 5 star review can be it. The next big discovery. The one to bank on. The person for whom all other successes will be measured against (in that financial year at least).
Remember last year’s next big thing? No, we didn’t think so. But like the gaffer tape across his mouth, this time it stuck. And good god is it sticky.
Since leaving the Boy with Tape on his Face finishing off his Adelaide run amid a bidding war from Edinburgh’s Big 4 and a barrage of incredible reviews his star has done nothing but rise.
He’s toured the world, enjoyed three massive hit shows in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, stole the shows at last year’s Royal Variety Performance and BBC Comedy Prom while bagging himself a BBC3 Pilot as part of the Comedy Kitchen platform, and like Gaga has her Little Monsters and Beiber has Beliebers, the Boy has a growing army of Silent Ones.
And all without uttering a single word.
We are delighted that this year he’ll be hosting the Big Comedy Gala in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. But how will he do it without speaking? We guess you’ll have to buy a ticket to find out.
For those of you that seen the show last year, you’ll be aware that there is a very real chance that at this point in the evening you may well end up being ‘the show’. But how does he charm punters onto his stage so easily? Here he explains to Time Out London:
‘I treat them a wee bit like dolls,’ he says, audience participation at a Tape Face gig is never humiliating. ‘If there’s too much responsibility on an audience member there’s too much pressure for them to fail whereas if you give them the tiniest amount of responsibility, the moment they achieve it and the audience goes crazy, they feel like a star.’ Whether they’re forming a makeshift Jackson 5 or being transformed into a human puppet, this gentle approach comes from years of seeing ‘audience members treated badly’, he says. ‘I want them leave the stage a hero.’
Preparation is currently underway for his show ‘More Tape’ at the Pleasance Courtyard and we were lucky enough to steal him away to answer a few very important questions
What is your actual name?
The Boy with Tape on His Face
And exactly how old are you?
Not sure. Still Boy not Tape Man.
How would you describe your job?
Stand up comedian who doesn’t talk
And what is your involvement going to be at The Big Comedy Gala in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support?
I will be performing comedy antics at the event and introducing guests.
We’re sure you get asked this all the time but who is your favourite comedy hero, act or actor?
Everybody thinks I should like Charlie Chaplin but I prefer Buster Keaton
Well, the Guardian did refer to you as a latterday Buster Keaton. What’s your favourite comedy moment from the past few years?
I once saw a magician get locked into a mailbag and not get out. Longest yet funniest fifteen minutes of my life.
What in your everyday life always makes you laugh?
Being the owner of two bald cats and a dachshund
And who is your secret celebrity crush?
The guy from the Go Compare commercials, I would crush him with a shipping container and be given a medal.
In five words, why should people come to (or support) The Big Comedy Gala?
Laughter is the best medicine for everything in Life.
Not five, but a perfect summary of why the Big C exists.
The Big Comedy Gala is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. It takes place on Monday 12 August 2013 at 21:30 (2hrs), and tickets are £20 (subject to booking fee)
You can book tickets now by calling 0844 847 1639 or buying online at venue150.com.
You can also buy tickets for The Boy with Tape on his Face: More Tape here.
Life’s Survival Bible
It’s been a couple of days since all of our wonderful acts kicked the show in the clunge, and what an incredible night it was.
While we’re waiting for the final tally, what better way to occupy yourself than to getting to know some of the acts better.
Phil Walker, Steve Shanyaski and of course our wonderful host for the night Roy.
You’ll know by now that we’re the very stickler for taste and only ever settle for the very best. With that in mind, you’d have to be very special to grace our stage for both our galas so far (and yes, we’ll mention it once more – he smells like a fecking angel).
Ladies and gentlemen and inbetweenies, if you were at either of the shows you’ve already seen what this guy can do in 7 minutes. Why not let him pleasure your laugh holes for a full hour.
We give you Steve Shanyaski.
Age: 35
Occupation: Stand Up Comedian
What is your involvement in The BigC?
I performed in the first Big Comedy Gala in 2011 and also last Monday’s gig.
Who is your favourite comedy hero, act or actor?
Eddie Izzard was the act I watched when I was younger and thought, “That’s just like what we talk about?”. I was inspired from that moment to try comedy. All I had to do then was get a series of menial jobs so depressing that it forced me to have a quarter-life crisis, and eventually overcome stage-fright.
Favourite comedy moment (your own or someone else’s)?
Julie Walter’s waitress in the “2 Soups” sketch. It kills me every time. The pain and tension of eventuality in it – in fact, I’m going to watch it again on Youtube now… Done… “Ready to order?”… Brilliant! Either that, or the absurd Monty Python “Fish-Slapping Dance”.
What in your everyday life always makes you laugh?
Tough question this. A lot of my comedy material is born from frustration and anger, so anything that makes me angry will eventually make me laugh – except debt. Debt, and Piers Morgan.
Who is your secret celebrity crush?
Michaela Strachan – always will be. She had a few naughty years when she was working with her Granddad on “Hitman & Her”, but now she’s calmed down and settled into hiking and topography – and still looks great in cess-covered gaiters and full-body Gore-Tex, which is a difficult look to pull off?!
In five words, why should people support The Big Comedy Gala?
Charity GOOD… not supporting = BAD!
Steve Shanyaski’s show Life’s Survival Bible plays Pleasance Couryard every night until the 26th (inclusive) at 11pm. Tickets can be bought on edfringe.com or at the venue.
Final Big C line-up announced – see you Monday!
ROY WALKER
GEORGE WENDT
JOSIE LONG
SUSAN CALMAN
NICK HELM
FRISKY & MANNISH
TOM STADE
FASCINATING AIDA
DAN NIGHTINGALE
STEVE SHANYASKI
JOE LYCETT
THE BOY WITH TAPE ON HIS FACE
We’re thrilled to announce the final line-up for the Big Comedy Gala, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, with George Wendt kicking off the show this coming Monday evening by introducing our fabulous host, Roy Walker.
Wendt, who played Norm in Cheers and who is also known for appearances in The Simpsons and Family Guy, is in Edinburgh for Re-Animator The Musical at Assembly George Square this August.
Roy Walker and George Wendt head up an all star line-up at Venue150@EICC on Monday 13 August, including 2011 Fosters’ Comedy Award Nominee Nick Helm; BBC Radio 4 regular Susan Calman; Tom Stade; Cheap Flights YouTube sensation Fascinating Aida; Josie Long; Fringe favourite The Boy With Tape On His Face; and comedy newcomer Joe Lycett.
Those of you who joined us last August at for the inaugural Big Comedy Gala – also at Venue150@EICC – will be pleased to hear that we raised £18,433, all of which went directly to Macmillan Cancer Support. This year our goal is to raise £20,000.
You can book tickets now by calling 0131 226 0000 or 0844 847 1639 or buy online: www.venue150.com or www.edfringe.com / www.bigcomedygala.com. Tickets: £22 (subject to booking fee).
You can also find the Big C on Twitter (@bigcomedygala), and Facebook (facebook.com/bigcomedygala or search for big comedy gala).
Please share this message with your friends, family and on social media!
The Big Comedy Gala in Aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Monday 13 August 2012, at 21:30 (2hrs). Box Office: 0844 847 1639 or 0131 226 0000.
Josie Long joins the Big C line-up
Josie Long joins the Big C line-up
We’re excited to the point of leakage to announce today that the writer of teen TV sensation Skins, Josie Long, will be joining the line-up at the 2012 Big Comedy Gala!
Long has been a Fringe favourite since winning the Comedy Award for Best Newcomer in 2006 and has since enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the Beeb, appearing on BBC2 show The Bubble, hosting BBC6’s Saturday Morning show with Andrew Collins, and giving a memorable guest appearance on Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
At the age of 17, she won the BBC New Comedy Award and is known to many from her appearances on Channel Four’s 8 out of 10 Cats. As well as writing for Skins, Josie appeared in Series 1 and 2 as the careers advisor.
She will join a star-studded line-up at the Macmillan fundraiser, including: Roy Walker (host), George Wendt (intro), Susan Calman, Nick Helm, Nina Conti, Tom Stade, Fascinating Aida, Joe Lycett, Dan Nightingale, Steve Shanyaski and The Boy with Tape on his Face.
For more information, interview requests or images, please contact Miriam Attwood on 07825 642225 or email press@bigcomedygala.com.
You can also find the Big C on Twitter (@bigcomedygala), and Facebook (facebook.com/bigcomedygala or search for big comedy gala).
The Big Comedy Gala in Aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Monday 13 August 2012, at 21:30 (2hrs). Box Office: 0844 847 1639 or 0131 226 0000. Buy online: www.venue150.com or www.edfringe.com / www.bigcomedygala.com. Tickets: £22 (subject to booking fee of £2 to £2.40 per ticket + postage).
Q & A with Susan Calman
Susan Calman
Following on from our announcement last week that Susan Calman has joined our Big Comedy Gala line-up, here’s a wee cheeky Q & A with Susan for your pleasure!
What is your involvement in the Big Comedy Gala?
I’m performing at the Big Gala Comedy.
Who is your favourite comedy hero, act or actor?
Difficult to name one but I think Joyce Grenfell would be my pick.
Favourite comedy moment (your own or someone else’s)?
When I saw French and Saunders live in Edinburgh in the early 90′s: I’ve never forgotten how wonderful they were.
What in your everyday life always makes you laugh?
Almost everything. I try to laugh almost all the time.
Who is your secret celebrity crush?
Can’t say. I’m just married; I’d like it to last a year.
In five words, why should people come to (or support) The Big Comedy Gala?
Funny night for wonderful cause.
You heard what the lady said, guys; a funny night for a wonderful cause! So with less than two weeks to go, get your tickets now if you haven’t already bought them!
The Big Comedy Gala in Aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Monday 13 August 2012, at 21:30 (2hrs). Box Office: 0844 847 1639 or 0131 226 0000. Buy online: www.venue150.com or www.edfringe.com / www.bigcomedygala.com. Tickets: £22 (subject to booking fee of £2 to £2.40 per ticket + postage).
You can also find the Big C on Twitter (@bigcomedygala), and Facebook (facebook.com/bigcomedygala or search for big comedy gala).
BBC Radio 4 regular Susan Calman joins Big Comedy Gala celebrity line-up!
Susan Calman joins the Big C
Susan Calman, the star of Rab C Nesbitt, BBC Three’s Dead Boss, Have I Got News For You, and Channel 4′s Ugly Kid, as well as being a regular on Radio 4 (The News Quiz, The Unbelievable Truth, Vote Now) and Radio Scotland (Funny Friends), today announces she’s joining the all-star line-up at the 2012 Big Comedy Gala in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
From Glasgow, Calman gave up a lucrative career in corporate law to become a comedian and has proved herself one of the fastest rising stars in comedy. She reached the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards and So You Think You’re Funny in 2005, she was also a finalist in Funny Women in 2006.
The feisty Glaswegian went on to become resident compere at Glasgow’s famous comedy club, The Stand, and has been awarded Best New Comedian at the Scottish Variety Awards as well as a Scottish BAFTA.
Calman will join a star-studded line-up at the Macmillan fundraiser, including: Roy Walker (host), George Wendt, Nick Helm, Nina Conti, Tom Stade, Fascinating Aida, Joe Lycett, Dan Nightingale, Steve Shanyaski and The Boy with Tape on his Face.
For more information, interview requests or images, please contact Miriam Attwood on 07825 642225 or email press@bigcomedygala.com.
You can also find the Big C on Twitter (@bigcomedygala), and Facebook (facebook.com/bigcomedygala or search for big comedy gala).
The Big Comedy Gala in Aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, Monday 13 August 2012, at 21:30 (2hrs). Box Office: 0844 847 1639 or 0131 226 0000. Buy online: www.venue150.com or www.edfringe.com / www.bigcomedygala.com. Tickets: £22 (subject to booking fee of £2 to £2.40 per ticket + postage).
The Big Comedy Gala in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support is in its second year. The sell-out 2011 event raised £18,433.08 for Macmillan Cancer Support and featured Ed Byrne, Rich Fulcher, Fred MacAulay, Sarah Millican, Danny Bhoy, Frisky & Mannish and Roy Walker.
