A few years ago I wrote about the surprisingly strong feelings that came over me on the passing away of Leslie Nielsen. I wrote about how he was the first person to really inspire me to make other people laugh. ON his passing, of course I treated myself to a Naked Gun marathon, and reflected on what a shame it was that people don’t make movies like that anymore. Nobody writes that kind of stuff if it doesn't fit the sitcom formula, or contain at least one vampire.

If only I knew someone who writes stuff and can keep that sort of comedy alive, and who writes in a way that I enjoy, even if no-one else does.

Well, I guess there’s me. So this one’s for you Leslie. It’s taken a few years late, and been strung together with goodwill and zero budget. But never let it be said that I didn’t try.

Doing nothing is very hard to do. You never know when you’re finished. - Leslie Neilsen

The Sam Schumann Variety Hour and a Bit opens at Brownsmart Theatre on Thursday 20 November. Come along for some laughs, some music and then a few more laughs with some of Darwin’s favourite comic performers all gathered on one stage.

Make of that what you will. And don’t call me Shirley.




Garry with 2 Rs

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