Page 18 - 368649 LP250851 NE Volume Magazine (170mm x 245mm 52pp) November 2022

C
EVENT
LAVA ELASTIC
AT ARC, STOCKTON
In recent times, popular culture has made strides in being more diverse and inclusive of all people. However, one place where this seems to fall flat is the topic of Neurodivergency (someone who has been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Bipolar, etc). For years, Rain Man (1991), while notorious for its depiction of autistic people, was one of the few autistic references that could be found in pop culture. Recent films have seen increased representation, but it is still very flawed. Films such as The Accountant (2015) or The Predator (2018) depict Autistic people as ‘geniuses’ simply because they are autistic, or in The Big Bang Theory with Sheldon Cooper, who is a walking stereotype for autistic people. The stereotypes they perpetuate are harmful and create a view that neurotypical people are odd or weird. It is also noteworthy that these neurodivergent roles are played by Neurotypical actors. With all this in mind, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Lava Elastic for a night of Neurodiverse comedy and poetry that focuses on celebrating the Neurodiverse acts that never get a chance to perform and show their talent to an adoring audience. Of course, Neurotypical performers are on the bill too, as Lava Elastic is inclusive of all people. Hosted by Sarah Saeed, who performs in her alter ego as Marianna Hartlotta, “an operatic comedy diva”, Lava Elastic is a night celebrating people of all minds and traits, being the UK’s first show dedicated to neurodiversity. As Neurodivergent performers often struggle to get booked, and with numerous acts getting overlooked, Lava Elastic’s mission is to give them the spotlight they deserve. Performer Victoria Melody, a performance artist, describes Lava Elastic as “like a TV variety show, if TV was allowed to be weird.” Other featured performers include Joe Wells whose show ‘Joe Wells Doesn’t Want To Do Political Comedy Anymore!’ played to sold-out audiences at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, besides Cheekykita, a comedian whose work has been described as “The Mighty Boosh on crack” by Broadway Baby, and Variety D, the UK’s first black disabled comic. It’s quite a broad cast and it is refreshing to see a show dedicated to celebrating our differences and bringing positive representation for neurodivergent people. CALLUM HEMMINGS
Visit: arconline.co.uk
MAFF BROWN
AT BISHOP AUCKLAND TOWN HALL
Hilarity Bites are bringing all the laughs to Bishop Auckland this month with a night of top-class comedy. Headlining the evening will be the fabulous Maff Brown. He oozes comedic talent and every bone in his body seems to be made of funny bones, so it is no surprise that GQ magazine has recommended him as one of the top-ten must-see acts at the Edinburgh Festival, twice. He also featured heavily on the Top Jokes of the Fringe List back in 2014. As well as being in-demand as a live stand-up, Maff is also a hugely in-demand writer for a variety of shows including Mock The Week and 8 Out of Ten Cats. Alongside Brown on the line-up is musical comedian, Ashley Frieze. For almost 20 years now, Frieze has been delighting UK audiences with his warm, charming and daft musically-infused stand-up as he takes to the stage with his guitar. Famed for his catchy and original songs, he can take well-crafted lyrics and set them to the sound of several musical genres, spanning from Coldplay to Jazz, and even detours through the sound of a ‘60s pop girl groups. Ashley can be found playing highly- prestigious clubs across the country or even at his own club. Fans can also check out a plethora of his content on his YouTube channel as a pre-cursor of what to expect from his live performance. Also joining the line-up is Jon Pearson who has been on the comedy scene for 12 years. Now a familiar face within the comedy circuit, Jon is no stranger to the likes of The Glee, The Boat Show, and The Comedy Store. His face may also be familiar to audiences thanks to his regular appearances at festivals throughout the UK. With a laid-back storytelling approach to comedy, audiences will be hanging on every word as Pearson shares stories about his personal life experiences that are relatable and
18 \\ NE VOLUME MAGAZINE \\ CULTURE
OMEDY