Think Before You Laugh

Archive

 

Welcome to my archive – which I’ve just made a start to. It will aim to present a record of over thirty years in comedy as a writer, performer and curator. Do check back from time to time and watch it grow.

 

1. Red Rose Club

Recollections in sound and print of my tenure as curator and resident compere of north London’s famous old Red Rose Comedy Club in the 1980’s and 1990’s. View the link here

2. Opinion piece

An article I wrote for the BBC in the aftermath of 9/11. Published on 19 October 2001, its addresses the subject of censorship and self-censorship in comedy. Its entitled ‘Don’t Gag Our Gags…We Do It Ourselves’ here

3. Press review

Review of ‘Old Jewish Jokes’ at the Edinburgh Festival in 2014 in ‘The Scotsman’ by Ben Walters. Read the review here

4. Book References

I have yet to write my own book but I have been mentioned in those of numerous others. See here

5. Comedy Curator

  • Founded the Red Rose Comedy Club in Finsbury Park London in 1985. At the time it was the largest comedy club in North London. Performers included Eddie Izzard, Frank Skinner, Jo Brand, Arthur Smith, Malcolm Hardee, Stewart Lee and Jack Dee (Ended 2000).
  • Founded the Comedy Boom with Addison Cresswell in Edinburgh in 1987. It was the first ever venue at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe entirely dedicated to Stand-Up Comedy. The first season included Julian Clary (Known at the time as the Joan Collins Fan Club) and John Dowie (Ended 1992).
  • Founded the Hampstead Comedy Club in 1994. Original location was the Washington Arms in Belsize Park, London. Moved in 2005 to The Adelaide in Swiss Cottage, London. Moved in 2008 to the Pembrook in Primrose Hill, London. Moved in 2013 to the Camden Head in Camden Town, London. Still operating. www.hampsteadcomedy.co.uk
  • Founded the Brixton Comedy Club at the Hobgoblin, Brixton, London in 1999. Performers included Daniel Kitson, Rich Hall, Harry Hill, Al Murray and Simon Munnery. Moved in 2008 to the Dogstar in Brixton (Ended 2012).