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.

Skip to page: 1 | 2 | 3

Hilarious bloke, did a brilliant set at Lancaster and I just loved him. He is a Dood indeed.

Sara, February 2003

Absolutely cracking. Majorly offensive, completly topical, loved every minute of it.

Tristan, February 2003

I've seen Nick twice now and have been astounded by his inability to work a room both times. Could be my bad luck...

Pete Edwards, January 2003

Skip to page: 1 | 2 | 3