Stephen K Amos Talk Show

By Ron Bingham

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon of Fringe, Stephen K Amos hosts a talk show featuring a variety folk from the worlds of theatre, comedy and music. These shows will be available later as podcasts on audible, so we had the airconditioners turned off as they interfered with the recording.

Today’s first guest was Australian comedian Nath Valvo, and we had thirty minutes of chat about his career, some anecdotes about his first trip to the Edinburgh Festival and an explanation of the word Bogan, although I can’t remember why Stephen wanted to know this. Very friendly and engaging.

Next up was German New Yorker Lucie Pohl, who had a running joke with Stephen that she was going to have his baby, although it turned out she planned to raise him in an octopuses garden, with which he wasn’t best pleased. On paper this description makes very little sense but it did in the context of the interview.

Guest number three was Indian comic Vir Das, who talked about the disappointment of his parents at his choice of career despite his success, working in Bollywood, and the joys of Edinburgh.

The musical artist of the afternoon was comedian Katie Pritchard who sang a little tune about the Roman Empire.

Stephen was a relaxed and entertaining host, although he was upset at the audience when we failed to meet his expectations for the recording. He really wanted a boistrous crowd but we were a little too genteel this afternoon.

Each day features different guests which are announced on Stephen’s facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stephenkamos/). It’s well worth popping in for a fun hour (and a bit) of chat.

Stephen K Amos Talk Show is on at Gilded Balloon Teviot until August 24
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/stephen-k-amos-talk-show

5 good reasons to see Michael Workman: Nothing You Do Means Anything

1. You have recently had a psychotic break, and you’re looking for a crowded place to ‘cleanse’ society of ‘thought stealers.’

2. You mistakenly thought this was the line for Stephen K Amos.

3. You couldn’t get in to Kitson.

4. You are currently a ghost haunting the theatre I’m playing in.

5. You are a ghost buster politely enduring my show whilst trying to catch the ghost that haunts the theatre I’m playing in.

Michael Workman’s Nothing You Do Means Anything is on at The Chinese Museum

https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2017/shows/michael-workman-nothing-you-do-means-anything

 

Stephen K Amos : What Does the K Stand For?

By Sofia Monkiewicz

UK comedic genius Stephen K Amos has done it again. His natural ability to take control of his stage and his audience and invoke a wave of constant full-bodied laughter is outstanding, and he has produced yet another top quality show. What Does the K Stand For? revolves around the questions we are always asked and are rarely asked; the topics we don’t talk about but probably should; and the things nobody ever discusses and for good reason. Amidst segments about touchy subjects like race, sexuality, religion and death, Amos also entertains with tales about his childhood and bad break-ups, along with a very impressive attempt at an Australian accent.

Telling jokes about serious issues like racism and homophobia is extremely hit or miss, but Amos is far from offensive. His observations are honest and undeniably hilarious, and he poses questions to the audience throughout the show, encouraging interaction about things people would not normally discuss. The funniest moments by far were when he interrogated those sitting in the first couple of rows and when he singled out any latecomers, so a word of warning: be prepared to be questioned if you sit too close to the front! His quick wit and talent for improvisation is what makes him so successful, and much of the show relies on some decent audience involvement, whether his targets want to participate or not. Amos’ eagerness for his audience to engage with him also triggered a couple of hecklers, which he clearly enjoyed, and effortlessly incorporated their comments into a part of the show. His sharp creativity means that no two shows are ever identical, which is definitely part of his appeal.

Stereotypes are shattered and taboo topics are flung into a public forum; What Does the K Stand For? is not only an A-grade comedy production, but it is also a heartfelt and empowering one-man discussion. Amos creates a sense of acceptance and pride amongst the crowd as he poses questions relating to multiculturalism and sexuality. He is able to mock and inspire simultaneously, which is certainly a skill to be admired, and it is evident why he is one of the most popular comedians at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Flawless, confident and charismatic, Stephen K Amos has unsurprisingly created another brilliant show. We even find out what the ‘K’ really does stand for, so if nothing else, check out What Does the K Stand For? simply to satisfy your curiosity!

What Does the K Stand For? is on at the Athenaeum Theatre until April 20
http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2014/season/shows/what-does-the-k-stand-for-stephen-k-amos

Stephen K Amos – Laughter is My Agenda

By Jayden Edwards

Ok, Stephen’s been around long enough that most of you already know what your getting at a Stephen K Amos gig, a bloke who’s extremely comfortable on stage, as witty as they come, and a razor sharp audience badgerer. You’ll get it in bucket loads in his new show Laughter is my agenda.

Taking a similar formula as to shows of previous years, Stephen dissects and explores what it is that make us, and himself, laugh. Picking up his yellow clipboard, Stephen proclaims if a joke is funny, it get’s a tick on his list and stays in the show. And I guess if a joke’s not funny, then it’s out, but i don’t recall anything getting the chop. With such a transparent approach to the whole stand-up thing, the audience is immediately on-side and primed and ready to watch Stephen push his own agenda.

Stephen tackles topics such as race, local politics, family matters and his childhood, not groundbreaking stuff, but still hilarious and only amplified by Stephens wit and charm. But it’s Stephen’s audience interaction that provides the biggest laughs.

This particular night, Stephen struck gold with a young man named Alan (just one of many Alan’s in the audience that night, including “The Qantas Alan”). For some reason or another, the conversation turned to porn with young Alan proclaiming he wasn’t into “Interracial stuff”. The resulting riffing allowed Stephen to flex his improv mussels and it received a big tick on his yellow clipboard.

You can tell Stephan has a genuine interest in people and the human psyche. His retelling of an encounter with an aboriginal man who was offended by a joke he’d told results some exploration of such themes, and adds a bit of depth and intelligence to the show. More highlights include the reading of a baffling Townsville show review and some strange blues music at the end of the night.

Yeah, Stephen does tread old ground here and it would be nice to see him push himself a bit more, but hey, if it if it aint broke, why fix it? If you’ve seen him before, maybe try something new, but if you haven’t, Stephen K Amos is essential viewing.

Stephen K Amos is performing Laughter is My Agenda in the Main Hall at The Town Hall.

http://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2012/season/shows/laughter-is-my-agenda-stephen-k-amos/