Nick Doody's Clown Song

Downstairs At The King's Head in Crouch End, London

More Nick Doody videos

Nick’s Doody’s career as a stand-up comedian got off to a pretty good start: while still a student, Nick supported Bill Hicks on his final tour of the UK, at Bill’s request. A finalist in the 199 So You Think You're Funny new act competition, Nick has gone to be a familiar face on the comedy circuit and as a writer for such shows as BBC4’s Late Edition and Channel 4’s FAQ U, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Friday Night Live.

Nick Doody: Schizo - Fringe 2009
Live Review

But for a show about extremes, Schizo strangely fails to elicit strong feelings either way. It’s a pretty good show, with isolated moments of genius, but despite his best efforts, falls short of brilliance.

Doody earns his crust mostly writing topical comedy, and most of the big stories of the last few months are covered: from Susan Boyle to MPs’ expenses; the credit crunch to Sachsgate. His opinions are sometimes contrary, but largely common-sense, which unfortunately goes against the pig-headed stance he planned to take, a fact which is papered over by passionate delivery.

There are some stand-out routines; his denial of the religious types’ insistence that ‘there are no atheists on a sinking ship’ makes a good point, while his denouncement of the tabloid’s hysterical description of ketamine as a ‘horse tranquiliser’ is, aptly enough, hysterical.

He skilfully frames these opinionated routines in the context of his mother’s death just before last year’s Fringe. Not the most obvious of juxtapositions, but the ever-eloquent Doody made it work, adding a touch of humanity – and indeed humility – to the tirades.

Yet for all that was admirable about the hour, something was missing – and not just the audience in this surprisingly under-attended show. Maybe it’s because telling the audience he was going to abandon subtlety means we already know these aren’t his true opinions, so that all that is left is insincere grandstanding. But it is damn fine grandstanding nonetheless.

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I saw Nick Doody in Bristol, at Jesters, a few days ago and he was great. It wasn't a full hour, but pretty much everything said by Michael Monkhouse stands.

Harriet R, September 2009

When was the last time a comedian was scarily, angrily, gut-wrenchingly dangerous? Ben Elton? Denis Leary? Or how about Nick Doody? Hypocrite - his second Edinburgh appearance - shows he's more provocative than ever. Back then he pointed out how we ridicule Bush's verbal slips but forget his warmongering. Now he once again takes on bog-standard subjects (Glasgow's terrorist attacks?) but instead of stroking our cosy attitudes he points the finger at us. And it hurts. But we need it. Now don't misunderstand me. Nick rants and raves but he also dabbles in the ridiculous (the similarity of ecstasy to soya milk), the spontaneous (arrive late? You have been warned) and the just plain silly (he can't ski). But it's all done with bile and style and piles of passion. Best of all, he understands the rhythm of a one-hour show: belly-laughs first, then riskier stuff, halfway slow-down, final wind-up into a whirling swirling frenzy of - of stuff I can't possibly do justice to. All I can do is suggest you check him out. Soon. One hour? Nick could talk all night. He's also scarily, angrily, gut-wrenchingly funny.

Michael Monkhouse, September 2007

The most exciting British comic since Alexei Sayle. Miss him at your peril.

Michael Monkhouse, September 2007

Real talent to perform intelligent and incisive material to crowds expecting something more Lowest Common Denominator and still have them rocking.

Steve Day, May 2007

Loved every minute of it. This guy is immensely talented.

Nathan Stanton, November 2006

Absolutely brilliant, comedy genius!

Roy Tabard, October 2006

Superb

Geoff Taylor, September 2006

Nick was briliant in Munich! I am still laughing in my head

TheDoryLama, April 2006

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