It never ceases to amaze how often comedy can help people deal with significant problems.
Applause Break will send readers into the weekend with a few uplifting stories. The first in today’s Stand-Up Spotlight is about an autistic man who found a sense of community in comedy – and is now welcoming others with autism.
There’s also a story about comedian Dai Henwood getting back on the stage following his cancer battle. In another feature comedian John Mulaney discusses his battle with addiction.
With the weekend nearly here, there’s a review of Chris Fleming’s comedy special on Peacock for those who might be searching for a weekend watch. Don’t have Peacock? There’s also one person’s list of the top comedy specials currently on Netflix.
Get the weekend funny rolling.
STAND-UP SPOTLIGHT – August 25, 2023
Man’s dream turns reality after life ‘transformed’ by comedy
A man with autism whose life was transformed through stand-up comedy said he wants to help others find community and friendship after setting up an arts group run by and for autistic people.
Marshall Brook set up a social group with co-founder Linton Jonas in a one-room office in Southport several months ago, frustrated at the lack of options for people with autism that weren’t run by organisations or “authority figures”.
Click here to view original web page at Man’s dream turns reality after life ‘transformed’ by comedy
‘I’m ready to saddle up’ – Dai Henwood on new stand-up show
Comedian Dai Henwood, who has just finished his latest round of chemotherapy following his cancer diagnosis, is getting together with some of the biggest names in comedy to host The Comedy Treatment, a night of stand-up comedy to raise money for the Cancer Society.
Henwood is one of our best-known comedians, star of Dancing With The Stars, Seven Days, Family Feud and Legomasters.
Click here to view original web page at ‘I’m ready to saddle up’ – Dai Henwood on new stand-up show
John Mulaney opens up about addiction and rehab, and Alex Timbers has his back
It’s late July, and the very busy Alex Timbers has managed to carve out a little time to talk about “Baby J,” John Mulaney’s superb Netflix stand-up special that Timbers directed and executive-produced. He’s deeply proud of the show, which is nominated for two Emmys, including variety special (prerecorded), but the veteran theater director is also in the early stages of rehearsals for “Gutenberg! The Musical!,” which premieres on Broadway in less than two months. If Timbers is feeling anxiety, he’s not showing it as he speaks over Zoom, a big smile on his face.
What Fresh Hell Is This?
In his Peacock special Hell, Chris Fleming more than once attempts to explain how he became the person he is now. It’s a good comedian’s device: the childhood story that illuminates the current onstage weirdo, an anecdote that’s part autobiography and part personality test. For Fleming, one version of this is to display a photo of him as a child standing with his family; while everyone else is looking off to one side, he’s the only one who’s actually looking at the camera. In another photo, he’s a kid typing on a computer with a bird on his shoulder. A third version of this, the longest one, is a story about visiting his aunt that winds up with Fleming being “witch-christened by a seaside coven.”
Click here to view original web page at What Fresh Hell Is This?
These stand-up comedy specials on Netflix are worth watching
The best stand-up comedians are able to grip their audiences with a commanding tone, a relatable set piece, and interactivity with the audience that makes people feel like they are part of the joke rather than just listening in on one. Stand-up comedy offers commentary on the current times we’re living in, or reflection on the past from a different angle than we’re used to experiencing. It’s a practice that started eons ago and is still going strong in the 2020s.
Click here to view original web page at These stand-up comedy specials on Netflix are worth watching
