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Steffen Peddie's Chat Show Thing
Newcastle Stand Comedy Club
Sunday 31st January 2016
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| Steffen Peddie |
There
was a time when Terry Wogan, who sadly died today, dominated the television
ratings with a chat show with a wide variety of guest. The way in which he was better
than Michael Parkinson, and much better than Jonathan Ross, is that he would
let his guests take centre stage. Terry would throw an open question and sit
back as the guest was able to articulate their feelings and values. It wasn’t
about Terry but the interesting people that sat opposite him. The audience felt
the pain, the excitement and the joys of human emotion.
Fast
forward to 2016 and Steffen Peddie hosts a monthly Sunday slot in the intimate
confines of the Stand Comedy Club. The January show had a healthy crowd who
were entertained by a canny crop of guests. Steffen much in the mould of Wogan,
allowing each guest to open up without incessant interruptions. The end result is a classic chat show. Except there are no cameras, no censors and
anything can slip out.
First
up was a warm up act, The Mimic Men,
comprising of local breakfast radio star Alfie Joey and Cal Halbert. Starting
with the funny A-Z of impressions, and concluding with a version of Frozen, the
pair used a variety of impersonations to entertain. They are in with a great chance of success
when they appear at Britain’s Got Talent later in
the year.
Steffen
started the show to explain that everyone had offered their service for free so
that all of the money taken could be used to help little Kian Musgrove who’s
story has been in the newspapers recently. The 3 year old lad needs treatment
abroad as he is suffering from a second case of cancer. A fund raising page is
on the internet at http://www.kapipal.com/caringforkian.
Steffen
started the comedy with some inappropriate old adverts and some of the crazy
stuff from the internet. It just goes to show that Dave Gorman hasn’t got the
monopoly on funny powerpoint presentations.
 |
| Scott Tyrell |
The
first guest was the 2015 BBC Edinburgh Festival
Poetry Slam champion Scott Tyrell
( NETG News LINK).
The conversation was a fascinating mix of inspiration for the poet and the
nature of performing. The North East’s love of the brevity of language was
celebrated.
 |
| Rob Temple |
Hypnotist
Rob Temple has turned from a child magician
to an adult hypnotist. Steffen’s approach is never patronising. He gets the
guest to discuss the questions that the audience are wondering about hypnotism.
 |
| Stephen Cochrane |
Music
came from ex-This Ground Moves songwriter
Stephen Cochrane. During his 2 sets Stephen played a mixture of new and
older material. Steffen is clearly a fan. It is a shame that both of Stephen’s
new albums have not seen the light of day yet.
His music has featured on tv during the CSI series and deserves a
bigger audience.
 |
| Vicki Elliott |
The
last guest also starred in the tv series Hebburn. Vicki Elliott was happy to discuss her appearance at Northern Stage
next month in Get Carter, Hebburn and the Harry Hill written X-Factor musical.
(Get Carter preview LINK: ).
The format of the show enabled Vicky to open up with her amusing anecdotes.
The
evening finished with questions from the audience which brought about a number
of laughs.
 |
|
Photo: Andy Hollingworth
|
The
show works as Steffen is a great host who puts everyone at ease so they feel
they can talk. If Carlsberg made chat shows then this would be it.
Steffen
is currently touring his solo show (’99 Problems’ NETG Review LINK)
and the chat show returns each month at the stand from which tickets can be
bought from The Stand: http://www.thestand.co.uk/whats-on/Newcastle
or from their box office on 0191 300 9700.
This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the
North East Theatre Guide from Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
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