Sitting across from British comedian Paul Chowdhry on a Zoom, it is hard to believe that he was once banned from a U.K. dating app. With his steely gaze, elegant authority, and leading-man presence, he radiates a distinctly James Bond–like charisma. But unlike James Bond, Paul is profoundly funny—and willing to be both provocative and

INT. DANA OLSEN’S HOUSE – LATE AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER Three friends gather in the living room. Victoria, Paul and Dana met at Northwestern University in the late 1970s. They have been close ever since. As they settle in for a Zoom interview about their new 2025 year-end revue “Quick! Before We’re Cancelled!”, simply getting their mics,

If you could give a new comedian one piece of advice, what would it be? Andrew Brynildson doesn’t hesitate. “Anytime a new comic’s willing to listen, I tell them, ‘Let me tell you about a guy named Bill Young.’” Bill Young was a rarity. He was known in Minneapolis as a transcendent presence in comedy

Orly K.G. will be at City Winery with Shahar Cohen this Wednesday night. As we slog through bleak, dystopian times, what we need most is light. What are the odds that a single comedy show—coming up on Wednesday—features both an opener and a headliner whose names literally mean ‘light’? “You’re just making that up,” I