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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Saw Nick's Jean Michel Jarre routine in Bradford too, absolutely brilliant, the long white coat was a stroke of genius

Brendan Ealing, September 2005

Nick is one of the most brilliant acts around. I have never laughed so hard in my life. He has fantastic material that is sure to put you into hysterics, unless you are an idiot. I saw a true gem on stage. I doubt he'll be on the circuit for mush longer. A TV show is likely to grab him away very soon, so see him while you can! Kevin 05.02.05

Kevin, February 2005

Saw Nick do an amazing Jean Michelle Jarre impersonation a few years ago in Bradford, had me in stitches for about three years after. Great stuff.

Paul Keane, November 2004

Very, very good.

Matt Price, October 2004

His material is like Bill Hicks. His delivery is better.

Iszi, April 2004

Stormed the Stand in Glasgow with a cracking set.

Q, March 2004

Saw him for the first time in Milton Keynes after an open spot had died on his arse. Nick picked the gig up effortlessly. Material, timing and performance superb. A gem who should be more widely known.

Dinky Cornwall, September 2003

Doody is well on the road to becoming one of the best around. The sooner he does his first Edinburgh show, the sooner everyone will know what a treat they're missing.

Rob Heeney, May 2003

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