Mike Curle

Esta lista es para los melómanos que están dispuestos a viajar por todo el mundo para ver a sus bandas preferidas. Descubre los más frescos e increíbles festivales de los cinco continentes, cada uno más asombroso que el anterior. Representando a México se encuentran Bahidorá y Vive Latino.

We spoke to Lolly Adefope ahead of her run at Soho Theatre with second full-length show, 'Lolly 2'. The first thing to say about character whizz Lolly Adefope is her comedy is silly. Gloriously, sublimely silly. The second is she’s black. Taken together, these two facts left some critics confused by her debut hour. ‘They were either “She doesn’t really mention her race – odd” or “She doesn’t really mention her race – great!”,’ Adefope tells me over drinks at Soho Theatre. Her second show, ‘Lolly 2’ – home to characters like Damian Speck, a politically incorrect cultural awareness co-ordinator, and 'Black Hermione' – is an attempt to wrestle with this conundrum: her love of pure nonsense, her facility with voices and character, rubbing up against hard truths about representations of blackness. Adefope, 26, got serious about performing after experiencing an alt-comedy epiphany at the Fringe, courtesy of deadpan sketch act Sheeps. ‘I remember thinking, where do they hang out in London? Because these are the people I want to be like.’ The answer? Invisible Dot. Adefope is quick to credit the sadly defunct alt-comedy hub with giving her the space to hone her work. It was there that she developed her characters: improvising with friends, latching on to silly voices. Occasionally real life would serve up the material ready-made. ‘My Black Hermione bit comes from an audition. They asked me to do the accent more “African”? I was like: What?’ Despite popping up a fair bit on the box Ad

Time Out spoke to cult US comic Barry Crimmins ahead of his three-night stand at the Leicester Square Theatre.  'I'd like to overthrow the government of the United States. And I'd like to close the Catholic Church'. Most comedians would settle for headlining the O2. But then Barry Crimmins isn't most comedians. In a 30-year career, the cult comic has inspired some of the sharpest minds in US stand-up, led a crusade against online child porn and agitated for political change. A loud-shirted Jongleurs MC he is not.  A suprise hit at the 2015 Sundance Festival, documentary 'Call Me Lucky' is a moving account of Crimmins's remarkable life and the truth-teller spirit he brings to his stand-up ('I do political and social satire. I smuggle content via humour', he tells me). Comedians Stephen Wright, Patton Oswalt and David Cross, fellow veterans of the '80s Boston stand-up scene, line up to acknowledge his influence. Louis CK is also a huge fan.  The focal point of 'Call Me Lucky' is Barry's on-stage admission in the '90s that he suffered repeated sexual abuse as a child. It led to the comic taking on AOL at the time over the issue of online chatrooms where child porn was shared. Humbled by the documentary's impact among survivors of abuse, Crimmins tells me: 'I now hear from a lot of people and try to help as best I can.' But it's politics he'll be talking when he visits London later this month. He's withering on the US presidential race: 'You have a woman who represents just about

Is there any stopping Amy Schumer? The New York comic took 2015 by storm, writing and starring in hit comedy film ‘Trainwreck’, recording the second season of her critically acclaimed sketch and stand-up show ‘Inside Amy Schumer’ and supporting Madonna at arenas in the US. Fast-forward to 2016, and she’s about to make her London stand-up debut at the cavernous O2. The hard work, it seems, is paying off. Here’s the thing: Behind Amy Schumer’s apple-cheeked, butter-wouldn’t-melt smile, lurks something wicked, devilish. Over the course of 12 years and three specials, the 35-year-old has birthed a stand-up monster: a dark-hearted ditz for whom no subject is off limits, no joke too filthy. It’s bracing stuff, for sure, but also not that uncommon: after all, you can’t swing a dildo in a NY comedy club without hitting a comic of the don’t-go-there school. What sets Schumer apart is the quality of her gags – up there with her comedy hero Joan Rivers – and her ability to ride the line between shock and offence. How deep she delves is questionable: Her material on race, promiscuous sex and abortion is, in truth, just a vehicle for hilarious gags. Nothing wrong with that, of course; but occasionally you’re left hungry for more meat on those comedy bones. Often held up as a feminist crusader, the truth is Schumer isn’t the placard-waving kind, preferring to tackle things in her own no-holds-barred way. Indeed, the best skits from ‘Inside Amy Schumer’ – particularly 12 Angry Men in which

London lad Rob Beckett has quickly become part of the comedy mainstream, popping up on Live at the Apollo and various panel shows with his unmistakable toothy grin. He's developed into a hugely accomplished stand-up and will play his biggest show yet in 2017, at Hammersmith Apollo. Expect the usual mix of cheeky stories and witty observations. 

Audience interaction can make or break comedy nights. So it’s a brave comedian who builds an entire show around the embarrassed mumblings of a handful of singled-out punters. Thankfully, New Yorker Todd Barry, a veteran of the US alternative scene who numbers Louis CK and Jerry Seinfeld among his fans, is a master of Crowd Work – the name and raison d'être of his tour. His cool, patient riffing is consistently hilarious – and, even better, every night is unique. 

The superb Ed Byrne – who can often be seen sparring with friend and fellow Irish comic Dara O'Brian on BBC's 'Mock the Week' – has been moaning about life's little annoyances since his early 20s. That's more than two decade of masterful comedy griping. Byrne brings his latest tour 'Outside, Looking In' to Leicester Square Theatre for four nights, but he's being pretty vague about what it'll contain – he just promises it'll be funny. NOTE: Because of ongoing work at Shepherd Bush Empire, Ed Byrne's London date has been moved to Leicester Square Theatre, where the comedian will perform a four-night run. 

Surely it’s only a matter of time before John Robins hits the big time. In addition to his confident, crafted stand-up, the Bristolian funnyman is pulling in the listeners on his excellent XFM radio show, which he hosts alongside friend and fellow comic, Elis James. At these Phoenix Theatre and Udderbelly Festival live dates, you’ll be treated to thoughtful, storyteller comedy on love, happiness and everything besides.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Oxfam has gathered together a very fine, very eclectic line-up of female comics, including the deliciously oddball Lou Sanders, the smart and gutsy Mae Martin, satirical storyteller Zoe Lyons, plus loads more. Still not convinced? Perhaps the additional promise of ‘glitter, goodie bags and pant-wetting surprises’ will seal the deal.

Everyone has something to say and a microphone to shout it into these days, but only the very best escape the stale air of the bedroom and are welcomed in front of a live audience. That’s the pedigree of the 30-plus shows at the London Podcast Festival, taking place this week at arts hub Kings Place. As you’d expect, the capital is well represented on the bill, so listen up as we talk you through five of the best homegrown efforts (plus one American one, just because). 1. My Dad Wrote a Porno Fathers are generally skilled in embarrassing their offspring, but Jamie Morton’s dad has gone way beyond bad jokes and cringe dance moves, penning terrible erotic fiction under the pseudonym Rocky Flintstone. Yep, Rocky Flintstone. In ‘My Dad Wrote a Porno’, chapters from the sexy adventures of a saucepan saleswoman are read aloud by the (presumably) red-faced Morton, with pals James Cooper and Radio 1’s Alice Levine on sniggering duty. Wed Sep 21, 8pm. Thu Sep 22 and Fri Sep 23, 9.30pm. 2. No Such Thing as a Fish Forever asking ‘Why?’ like an overgrown toddler? Then this is the podcast for you. An offshoot of BBC Two mainstay ‘QI’, NSTASF makes use of the same quirky facts and silliness as its TV sibling. Presented with nerdy brio by four QI researcher ‘elves’, including stand-ups Dan Schreiber and Andrew Hunter Murray, the show is chuckleworthy and always ‘Quite Interesting’ at the very, very least. Sun Sep 25, 9.30pm. 3. Do the Right Thing If you find yourself lying awake at night w

  1. The diehard Football can do strange things to a person. One minute you’re an awestruck child soaking up the atmosphere at White Hart Lane, the next you’re a hopeless junkie desperate for your next fix(ture). The kind of fan who feels every opposition goal as a rocketed free kick to the gut, who moves their wedding date because it clashes with a vital cup tie at Port Vale and who lumbers their offspring with the names Shilton, Lineker and Beardsley. Still, it could be worse: you could be into rugby. 2. The bluffer Every office has one. And they try, bless ’em, they really do. Unfazed by a complete lack of knowledge, these eager phonies blunder through footy chats with all the grace and skill of an arthritic Peter Crouch, pumping out hot air and received opinion in Alan Shearer-like quantities. Still, better a bluffer than the sniffy bore who makes a virtue out of hating football: ‘Twenty two men kicking a ball around? Grow up!’ they snort, before disappearing into busy traffic in hot pursuit of Pokémon.       3. The Premier League fanboy The money, the greed, the endless face-cream adverts: at its worst, modern football is like a two-footed tackle to the soul. For the average punter, this is something to be fought against, but for the Premier League fanboy, this screaming carnival of bullshit is football. In stadiums, pubs and living rooms across the nation there are men – and they’re always men – in wife-ironed replica shirts who actively look forward to transfer dea

What happened - did you hit snooze on the teasmade? Nope. Forget PG Tips: cold brew tea is a different kettle of fish. Only without the kettle (or the fish). Instead, it’s tea steeped in cold water for full-on flavour. But this is England. We're tea purists. Then you’ll love it. It’s a brew without the baggage (literally: it’s loose leaf ), so no fruit infusions, no sweeteners and no milk. No milk? I'm outraged! No, you’re probably just over-caffeinated. Relax with a soothing Darjeeling, Keemun or oolong cold brew. Oh, go on then. Where can I buy it? Twig Teas offers all of the above varieties on its website. A pack of six costs £18. Now you're clued up on cold brew tea, here's everything you need to know about kombucha.

East London foodies will remember last year’s pop-up experiences Summer Tales and Night Tales. Now the man behind those ventures, Alex Kaye, has decided to put down roots, with new restaurant Walter and Monty opening its doors – a stone’s throw from the Gherkin – to the public on April 14. He and head chef Nick Ross will be serving up marinated meats, Asian-inspired flavours and charcoal grill wizardry. You can lunch there for free on Thursday April 14 and Friday April 15. Walk-ins only.  Salivate at the mere mention of barbecued meat? Check out 20 of the most mouthwatering grilled meats in London. 

Easter: it's a time of miracles. So bang on cue, here’s one from the boffins at Portobello Road Gin – the first ever hot cross bun-flavoured martini! Christened the ‘Not Cross Bun Gin Martini’, this limited edition cocktail is made by distilling high-strength alcohol with (you guessed it) hot cross buns. The result is sprayed into a frozen glass and served with raisin-infused dry vermouth and a lemon cross. You can sample this delicious-sounding one-off at Jason Atherton’s Blind Pig Bar in Soho, the Portobello Star, Notting Hill and other select bars across London from Thursday March 24 to Tuesday March 29. Or if you can’t afford a swanky cocktail, why not experiment with dunking some supermarket hot cross buns in a tumbler of Beefeater? It beats going to church. Prefer your drinks bun-less? Check out our recently updated list of the 100 best bars and pubs in London.

Here's your chance to drink cocktails all night, without the horror of a hangover. Drinks company and social enterprise peeps Lemonaid and ChariTea are hosting a charity night to promote their new range of low-sugar soft drinks and ice teas. On Wednesday March 23, 6-9pm at Waterstones on Tottenham Court Road, you can sample cocktails like The Green Gin Julep and Vodka Mate Tipple (Mate, a favourite in South America, is a caffeinated alternative to tooth-rotting energy drinks) alongside vegan canapés. Even better, it's all for a good cause: the not-for-profit charity has raised close to £1 million for development aid in the communities from which they source their tea.  Mocktails not your thing? Order a good old-fashioned Old Fashioned (or some beer) at one of our 100 best bars ands pubs in London.

The wildly eclectic Meltdown festival returns to the Southbank Centre next week, and as usual the sheer number of thrilling, adventurous acts is enough to send any self-respecting culture vulture into, well, meltdown. There’s so much to see and do – and that counts double when you factor in the all-embracing tastes of this year’s curator David Byrne, who follows in the footsteps of Jarvis Cocker, David Bowie, John Peel and Yoko Ono. Lucky, then, that we’ve put together this comprehensive list of what’s on offer, including everything from African synthpunk to warped theatre to live avant-garde film scores. Dive in! Cult cool cats <img id="6ed35921-70ab-43ff-1091-d70339d825f7" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="171065" loaded="171065" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102431231/image.jpg" class="photo lazy inline"> They don’t come much more cult (in both senses of the word) than scary, hooded drone-metallers Sunn O))), whose crushingly heavy bass emissions will pummel you into musical ecstasy. Very, very slowly. Acclaimed songwriter Anna Calvi continues her musical evolution, performing with the Heritage Orchestra and a 12-piece choir, plus there’ll be found sounds and high-energy weirdness from Matthew Herbert. Unsung heroes <img id="6ed35921-70ab-43ff-1091-d70339d825f7" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="171065" loaded="171065" src="http://

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever your plans, it's quite possible they're not as fun as arts, music and food extravaganza Wilderness festival, taking place Thursday–Sunday of this very week. Hidden away on a private nature reserve in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, this boutiquey, eclectic event offers up woodland partying, outdoor hot tubs, brainiac lectures, horse-riding, delicious street food, long-table banquets (presided over by Michelin-Starred chefs Angela Hartnett and Raymond Blanc) and much more, alongside a stellar music line-up. And somehow, against all the odds, there are still a few tickets left – but be quick, they won't be available for long. As noted, there’s a whole bunch of great musical acts on the bill: from rousing singer-songwriter Ben Howard to multilingual dance crew Ibibio Sound Machine. But a couple of performers truly stand out (and not just for their colourful sense of style): namely Björk, that Icelandic queen of heartfelt, orchestral electronica, and the ‘King of Funk’ himself Mr George Clinton. The former brings an incredible live show heavy on songs from ace new album ‘Vulnicura’ and the latter a Mothership’s worth of cosmic funk in conjunction with his legendary Parliament/Funkadelic crew. Unmissable stuff. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Grab a ticket while you still can. For more information and to buy tickets, read our guide to Wilderness festival.