Give us a laugh

The XFM Stand-Up Comedy Show (LoL Productions) will be presenting three comedians on Saturday and Sunday.

Starring in this edition are Nick Doody, Ben Norris and Carey Marx.

Stand-up comedy is swiftly becoming one of the most popular performance genres of modern times – a process that really took off in the 1980s, and shows no signs of abating.

Its mainstream entertainment value is confirmed by the huge turn-outs for arena-shows by crowd-pleasers, such as Michael McIntyre.

Yet, as the likes of Stewart Lee, Richard Herring and Mark Thomas demonstrate, it still has the potential to be a ‘dangerous’, challenging, highly exciting, powerful, anti-establishment, even ground-breaking genre of performance – with a keenly provocative edge.

Doody’s comedy is hard-hitting, irreverent, sharp and politically astute. He has worked with Mark Thomas, Armando Iannucci and Bill Hicks. Early on in his career, he supported Bill Hicks on the latter’s final tour of the UK, as requested by the man himself – a testament to Doody’s talent.

Norris gained experience working as a TV-warm-up comedian, eventually appearing on television programmes such as Mock the Week, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and various other quiz shows.

He’s at ease on stage, with the confident control and “laid back charm of a Jazz saxophonist” (The Stage), even when improvising – indeed, much in the manner of a jazz musician.

Marx has seemingly effortlessly made the transition to international acclaim, and in 2009, his stand-up show ‘Caryness’ was awarded the prize for Best International Show at the New Zealand Comedy Festival.

Described as “a bit like Peter Pan’s evil twin” by the New Zealand Herald, Marx tempers the deadpan approach with a cheekily engaging smile and a quirky streak, winning the audience over.

Occasional political commentary typically sits side by side with smutty jokes, a juxta-position that he skilfully coordinates.

The show will be held at the Oracle Conference Centre, Dolmen Resort Hotel, Qawra on Saturday and Sunday.

More information is available at www.laughoutloud.com.mt or by calling 9942 5265. Tickets may be bought from selected outlets, or online via PayPal and collected one hour before the show.