Latest news with #EddieIzzard
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
This might be the funniest TV show you'll ever see – and it's not Fawlty Towers
Last One Laughing, a series recently released on Amazon Prime, might be the funniest thing I've ever seen. The schtick, if you haven't seen it or its endless clips on Instagram, is simply this: ten comedians are stuck in a room for six hours, trying not to laugh. That's it. I mean, it can't be the funniest thing I've ever seen. I've seen Fawlty Towers. I've seen Some Like It Hot, Airplane! and Groundhog Day. I've seen Eddie Izzard doing live stand-up comedy in the 1990s, I've seen Dame Edna host a chat show. An anonymous media source of my acquaintance, often quoted in this column, is the funniest person I've ever met and he's not in this series – so how could it be? It's not painstakingly crafted; it's a studio show which covers a single day and is broken into six half-hour bits. And it's broadly improvised! How could any of that result in the funniest thing I've ever seen? And yet its bang-for-buck, laugh-per-minute rate seems unbetterable; I have laughed without cessation through every episode. And that's speaking as someone ageing, tired and sleep-deprived, juggling children and pets and National Insurance (which I really wasn't when I saw Eddie Izzard doing live stand-up comedy in the 1990s) with a global backdrop that is bleak and riddled with horror, and I'm still laughing without cessation through every episode. So it certainly feels like the funniest thing I've ever seen. I should make it clear: the comics assembled for the series aren't trying not to laugh as a collective. That would be too easy. They are in competition. If anyone chuckles, they're knocked out. So the job of the contestants is simultaneously to make each other laugh while remaining totally impassive themselves. It's a very, very funny idea for a programme. Even if the comedy bits weren't funny in themselves, the importance of their onlookers not laughing would immediately render them so. It brings a wave of the ghastly hilarity we feel when someone whispers a joke during a funeral, or passes you a secret cartoon of the maths teacher. It takes me back to my days at the Edinburgh Fringe (often in the company of some of the people who make this programme), when tickets for everything were about £3 so you could see ten shows a day, finding ourselves reasonably diverted by the comedy acts but only made helpless with painful, unconquerable merriment by amateur opera, or fiery political tub-thumping, or inexpert contemporary dance. The only thing in the world that's funnier than trying not to laugh, or watching someone else trying not to laugh, is someone who's genuinely unamused for reasons of disapproval. 'This is no laughing matter' is one of the funniest sentences in the English language. And that's why the cultural era we're living through, while no doubt the most puritanical and purse-lipped it's been for over a century, is also, in many ways, the funniest. With that in mind, the show is tremendously well cast. It's hosted by Jimmy Carr, the court jester of our age, who has survived attempted cancellation so often that his whole self is a counter-argument to 'This is no laughing matter'. He just stands and stands and stands for the principle that everything is. The contestants are perfect for the game in hand, including some (Daisy May Cooper, Richard Ayoade) whom you'd particularly credit with the ability to keep a straight face, and some (Bob Mortimer, Joe Wilkinson, Judi Love) who are so deeply, naturally hilarious that it's hard not to start giggling before they even speak. This makes for a magnificent tension as the competition gets underway. We see Bob Mortimer putting on a magic show, alive with patter and veils. Lou Sanders performs a piece of expressive mime with someone who may or may not be her mother. Rob Beckett explains the role of a proctologist ('Have you ever had a check up the bum?', he asks; 'A Czechoslovakian?' replies Bob Mortimer, puzzled). Each comedian in turn is obliged to sing Lovin' You by Minnie Riperton, with its high rippling falsetto – and all of it through the prism of fellow contestants twitching and fidgeting as they desperately try not to smile. And then, somehow, the funniest thing of all is Joe Wilkinson delivering an impromptu factual lecture on the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. We all know what it's like to try and quell a laugh that comes when it shouldn't. In a customs queue, just as you've been asked whether you packed your bag yourself. During a work meeting, as you're being told that everyone's being made redundant. In a school assembly, while a guest speaker describes the challenges of their disability. I don't think that comes from the bad part of us; quite the reverse, I think it's a physical reaction to an overdose of empathy. It requires full understanding of the gravity of the scenario; a sociopath wouldn't be tickled at all. It is the very confrontation with humanity that is, sometimes, our undoing. But this wonderful series has found a way to bottle that hilarious resource, the laugh-that-must-be-stifled, without having to lean on cruelty or bigotry or anything off-colour at all. It's not about 'saying the unsayable' or 'jokes you can't make any more'; in fact it demonstrates how the most powerful weapon in the comic armoury is simple silliness. Without spoilers, that is what must and does triumph in the end.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Lord Heseltine's old private school faces closure after Labour VAT raid
Lord Heseltine's old private school is facing closure following Labour's VAT raid. Oakleigh House School, a private preparatory school in Swansea, could shut its doors after more than a century of educating youngsters. The potential closure was blamed on financial pressures, and follows the Government's decision to apply 20 per cent VAT to private school fees. It also comes after warnings about the future of fee-paying schools. Cognita UK, the education company which runs the school, said in a statement: 'This week we shared some difficult news with our families and staff about the proposal to close Oakleigh House School. 'We carried out a comprehensive review of the school's sustainability in light of local demographic trends and a changing economic environment, which sadly concluded that pupil numbers are expected to continue to fall to an unsustainable level in the next academic year. 'We will do everything we can to support our families and staff and help our current pupils find alternative school places should the decision be taken to close.' Lord Heseltine, the former Conservative deputy prime minister, is one of several famous pupils to have been taught at the primary school, whose alumni include comedian Eddie Izzard. The school, in the Uplands area of Swansea, teaches children from two-and-a-half to 11 years old, with fees ranging from £3,736 a term for reception pupils to £4,492 for those in Year 6. Cognita UK confirmed St Clare's School, another school it runs in Porthcawl, would be closing in December but made no commitment on the date Oakleigh would shut. However, it is understood this could happen within the same month. Paul Norton, director of the Welsh Independent Schools Council, blamed the impending closures on the Government's imposition of VAT on school fees and increased National Insurance payments. He said there was a risk that any schools shutting would erode confidence in others and add to pressure to the private school sector across Wales. Mr Norton, who owns and runs Kings Monkton School in Cardiff, said his school is secure but added: 'The blanket application of VAT fails to consider the unique role of small independent schools in Wales. 'These institutions are integral to our communities and policies must reflect their distinct contributions. 'Small independent schools of around 250-300 make up the majority of schools within the independent sector and cater for the needs of the local community of children who cannot successfully access mainstream state school for whatever reasons.' It comes as the Government is being sued over its decision to apply VAT to fees, with separate challenges being held at the High Court. Documents show Labour chose the 'most disruptive' start date for the raid when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July last year that the plans would come into force on Jan 1.
The Independent
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
London Marathon runners warned of the importance of a post-race plan
As the sun rises over the River Thames on marathon day this year, tens of thousands of cheering spectators will fill the streets and a record-breaking 56,000 adrenaline-fuelled runners will gather at the starting line of the TCS London Marathon. At the start of the gun, the stampede of runners will surge forward, bringing the streets of London alive with the rhythmic thud of trainers, the sweat of determination, and the roaring of the crowd shouting: 'Come on, you can do it!' The race isn't just about competition; it's a celebration of perseverance, passion and overcoming adversity. 'Every marathon is up and down, very emotional' says 'Britain's bladerunner', double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead, who holds the Guinness World Record for fastest double amputee marathon in 2024. At the finish line, exhaustion is mixed with triumph and runners share in a sense of collective achievement. But once the race is over, it's back home to daily tasks; the gruelling demands of the training schedule vanish, and the highs of the marathon can fade quickly. The low after the high While marathon runners usually experience a great sense of accomplishment and euphoria after completing a race, it can often be followed by a lingering sense of emptiness. A 2024 study found that endurance athletes often face a mixture of emotions after a race, both physically and mentally. Their feelings seem to depend on factors like how much time they spent training and their ability to set new goals for the next phase of training. A comedown after a major event is a common experience for many athletes. After the months of intense training, physical exertion and the emotional high of participating in such a momentous event, the mind and body can experience a crash and 'post-marathon blues' can set in as the excitement, adrenaline and sense of purpose and meaning fades. The post-marathon blues describes mild depression and feelings of emptiness. It's characterised by increased anxiety levels, depression, burnout and challenges in adjusting back to everyday life. Set goals, rest and recover Marathon runners report that it can take between one to eight weeks before they feel their well-being return to pre-race levels. While setting goals ahead of time could help alleviate negative emotions after the marathon, attempting to achieve another goal too soon also has its risks, including injury and training plateau. Eddie Izzard, who ran 43 marathons in 51 days in 2009 and 31 in 31 days in 2020, has been open about the physical toll of running multiple marathons. For some, though, marathon running is a way of life, as ' ultramarathon man' Dean Karnazes explains: 'I run because if I didn't, I'd be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I run to breathe in fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run … to savour the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. I like that.' Setting a new goal, however, doesn't have to be another marathon or even another sports-related goal. Reflect on and enjoy the sense of achievement from running a marathon and channel this into other aspects of your life and explore other interests like a DIY project or a hobby. A post-marathon plan is just as crucial as the pre-marathon training schedule. Proper recovery and continued maintenance of your physical and mental wellbeing are essential for long-term performance, injury prevention and overall health. While there is no one-size-fits-all recovery plan, some suggest a phased recovery, building up to a return to training after adequate recovery time. In the end, post-marathon blues is a real challenge. Despite the euphoria of such an incredible achievement, experiencing negative emotions is inevitable and something you might not be able to avoid. But post-marathon blues doesn't have to define the journey. It's all part of the process. And athletes, if physically and psychologically prepared, can turn the finishing line into a new starting point.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why a post-race plan is just as crucial as the pre-marathon training schedule
As the sun rises over the River Thames on marathon day this year, tens of thousands of cheering spectators will fill the streets and a record-breaking 56,000 adrenaline-fuelled runners will gather at the starting line of the TCS London Marathon. At the start of the gun, the stampede of runners will surge forward, bringing the streets of London alive with the rhythmic thud of trainers, the sweat of determination, and the roaring of the crowd shouting: 'Come on, you can do it!' The race isn't just about competition; it's a celebration of perseverance, passion and overcoming adversity. 'Every marathon is up and down, very emotional' says 'Britain's bladerunner', double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead, who holds the Guinness World Record for fastest double amputee marathon in 2024. At the finish line, exhaustion is mixed with triumph and runners share in a sense of collective achievement. But once the race is over, it's back home to daily tasks; the gruelling demands of the training schedule vanish, and the highs of the marathon can fade quickly. While marathon runners usually experience a great sense of accomplishment and euphoria after completing a race, it can often be followed by a lingering sense of emptiness. A 2024 study found that endurance athletes often face a mixture of emotions after a race, both physically and mentally. Their feelings seem to depend on factors like how much time they spent training and their ability to set new goals for the next phase of training. A comedown after a major event is a common experience for many athletes. After the months of intense training, physical exertion and the emotional high of participating in such a momentous event, the mind and body can experience a crash and 'post-marathon blues' can set in as the excitement, adrenaline and sense of purpose and meaning fades. The post-marathon blues describes mild depression and feelings of emptiness. It's characterised by increased anxiety levels, depression, burnout and challenges in adjusting back to everyday life. Marathon runners report that it can take between one to eight weeks before they feel their well-being return to pre-race levels. While setting goals ahead of time could help alleviate negative emotions after the marathon, attempting to achieve another goal too soon also has its risks, including injury and training plateau. Eddie Izzard, who ran 43 marathons in 51 days in 2009 and 31 in 31 days in 2020, has been open about the physical toll of running multiple marathons. For some, though, marathon running is a way of life, as ' ultramarathon man' Dean Karnazes explains: 'I run because if I didn't, I'd be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I run to breathe in fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run … to savour the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. I like that.' Setting a new goal, however, doesn't have to be another marathon or even another sports-related goal. Reflect on and enjoy the sense of achievement from running a marathon and channel this into other aspects of your life and explore other interests like a DIY project or a hobby. A post-marathon plan is just as crucial as the pre-marathon training schedule. Proper recovery and continued maintenance of your physical and mental wellbeing are essential for long-term performance, injury prevention and overall health. While there is no one-size-fits-all recovery plan, some suggest a phased recovery, building up to a return to training after adequate recovery time. In the end, post-marathon blues is a real challenge. Despite the euphoria of such an incredible achievement, experiencing negative emotions is inevitable and something you might not be able to avoid. But post-marathon blues doesn't have to define the journey. It's all part of the process. And athletes, if physically and psychologically prepared, can turn the finishing line into a new starting point. Helen Owton is a Lecturer in Sport and Fitness at The Open University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Independent
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Why a post-race plan is just as crucial as the pre-marathon training schedule
As the sun rises over the River Thames on marathon day this year, tens of thousands of cheering spectators will fill the streets and a record-breaking 56,000 adrenaline-fuelled runners will gather at the starting line of the TCS London Marathon. At the start of the gun, the stampede of runners will surge forward, bringing the streets of London alive with the rhythmic thud of trainers, the sweat of determination, and the roaring of the crowd shouting: 'Come on, you can do it!' The race isn't just about competition; it's a celebration of perseverance, passion and overcoming adversity. 'Every marathon is up and down, very emotional' says 'Britain's bladerunner', double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead, who holds the Guinness World Record for fastest double amputee marathon in 2024. At the finish line, exhaustion is mixed with triumph and runners share in a sense of collective achievement. But once the race is over, it's back home to daily tasks; the gruelling demands of the training schedule vanish, and the highs of the marathon can fade quickly. The low after the high While marathon runners usually experience a great sense of accomplishment and euphoria after completing a race, it can often be followed by a lingering sense of emptiness. A 2024 study found that endurance athletes often face a mixture of emotions after a race, both physically and mentally. Their feelings seem to depend on factors like how much time they spent training and their ability to set new goals for the next phase of training. A comedown after a major event is a common experience for many athletes. After the months of intense training, physical exertion and the emotional high of participating in such a momentous event, the mind and body can experience a crash and 'post-marathon blues' can set in as the excitement, adrenaline and sense of purpose and meaning fades. The post-marathon blues describes mild depression and feelings of emptiness. It's characterised by increased anxiety levels, depression, burnout and challenges in adjusting back to everyday life. Set goals, rest and recover Marathon runners report that it can take between one to eight weeks before they feel their well-being return to pre-race levels. While setting goals ahead of time could help alleviate negative emotions after the marathon, attempting to achieve another goal too soon also has its risks, including injury and training plateau. Eddie Izzard, who ran 43 marathons in 51 days in 2009 and 31 in 31 days in 2020, has been open about the physical toll of running multiple marathons. For some, though, marathon running is a way of life, as ' ultramarathon man' Dean Karnazes explains: 'I run because if I didn't, I'd be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I run to breathe in fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I run … to savour the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a little more intense. I like that.' Setting a new goal, however, doesn't have to be another marathon or even another sports-related goal. Reflect on and enjoy the sense of achievement from running a marathon and channel this into other aspects of your life and explore other interests like a DIY project or a hobby. A post-marathon plan is just as crucial as the pre-marathon training schedule. Proper recovery and continued maintenance of your physical and mental wellbeing are essential for long-term performance, injury prevention and overall health. While there is no one-size-fits-all recovery plan, some suggest a phased recovery, building up to a return to training after adequate recovery time. In the end, post-marathon blues is a real challenge. Despite the euphoria of such an incredible achievement, experiencing negative emotions is inevitable and something you might not be able to avoid. But post-marathon blues doesn't have to define the journey. It's all part of the process. And athletes, if physically and psychologically prepared, can turn the finishing line into a new starting point.
