The title comes from one of the schedule-filling Best 100 Anythings Ever knocked out by Channel 4, allegedly voted for by the public, which has surpassed the achievements of previous shows in the series by providing Stew with a substitute title for his show. Originally, and it was billed at the Glasgow Comedy Festival as such, it was called March of the Mallards. Then Lee realised it was a one-gag concept, albeit a good one, and siezed upon his new-found rating. Which is also, he presumes, why last year he played in a cave and this year stages his show in a tent. An upside-down purple cow sponsored by his least favourite television channel – allowing E4 into your home is akin to having sewage sprayed in your face in his considered opinion – but a lovely billowing 323 capacity tent.
For the uninitiated, Stew’s style is immaculately measured and delivered, honed over the 20 years he has been exposing himself in Edinburgh, so to speak.
Despite his contempt for E4, currently most of his bile is reserved for the BBC, having received an unsolicited commission to produce six half hours of stand up. It was taken away as unexpectedly as it was offered, and with a baby on the way, he was forced to do panel shows such as 8 Out Of 10 Cats, which would make anyone resentful.
This year there’s more Stew on stage, and he has joined his local WeightWatchers in Stamford Hill, an experience he likens to a United Nations day out to a Hall Of Mirrors.
Clearly he is heading for the Top 10, but it is all so subjective isn’t it?
Karen Laidlaw, Edfringe. com.
Karen Laidlaw, Edfringe. com.
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Stokeylitfest, Twitter
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Brendon, Vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk
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Lee Mack, Mack The Life, 2012
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BBC iPlayer edition of discussion of Stewart Lee on A Good Read
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General Lurko 36, Guardian.co.uk
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Esme Folley, Actress, cellist, Twitter
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Alex Quarmby, Edfringe.com
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Mini-x2, readytogo.net
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Anon, BBC Complaints Log
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Rowing Rob, Guardian.co.uk
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