Category Archives: Tom Binns

Ian D. Montfort – Comics with “a little something extra up their sleeves” in The Observer on Sunday

07/08/2011 Georgianell Leave a comment

The Guardian‘s Observer on Sunday reviewed Tom Binn’s newest incarnation Ian D. Montfort today In an article that lists comics who offer something a little more special than straight stand-up, Stephanie Merritt said,

“Since retiring his award-nominated amateur DJ Ivan Brackenbury, character comic Tom Binns has found new success in the guise of spirit medium Ian D Montfort (Spirit Comedium, Pleasance). Simply spoofing this dodgy profession offers plenty of comedic scope on its own (“There’s a lady here,” Montfort says earnestly, eyes closed, “who’s either thinking about losing weight or has just lost some weight…”), but what makes this show so compelling is that Binns has learned the genuine tricks of the trade, so that laughter turns to astonished gasps as he appears to receive real information about audience members from their chosen dead celebrity. There are some lovely moments – “Is anyone here thinking of Ernie Wise? Anyone?” Pause. “No one again, Ernie, sorry. Next time, bring Eric with you” – and, as with Brackenbury, the details of the character are beautifully observed, down to the embroidered jeans and flip-flops. This is a superbly original idea, skilfully executed – an affectionate debunking of the genre that also admires the cleverness of its deceptions.”

Read the who of the article here

Learn More about Tom Binns as Ian D. Montfort – Spirit Comedium on his show page

And buy tickets from the Pleasance

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We’re getting close! 2 Days to go – Tom Binns as Ian D. Montfort

01/08/2011 Georgianell Leave a comment

Already picked by The Times and The Guardian as shows to see in 2011, Ian D. Montfort’s second Edinburgh Fringe Festival offering, ‘Spirit Comedium‘ is looking to be a huge hit.

Last year Tom did a lunchtime experiment in cold reading and mind magic, developing a character that became a critically acclaimed, sell-out smash. It came as a total surprise for Tom Binns and was one of the few things he wasn’t able to predict with his newly learned Spirit Medium skills.

Tom has already proven himself to be a masterful character comic as the man behind every one’s favourite hospital radio DJ Ivan Brackenbury.

“I was blown away. It wasn’t really a complete or finished show it was a dry run for this year. I was too wrapped up in learning and performing the skills of a mind magician to give the comedy the attention I would have liked. I’ve been performing Ian D for a year now and talking to the dead has become second nature to me so that frees me up nicely to think more about the character and jokes – I prefer it when I’m focused on the comedy rather than the magic”

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Ian D. Montfort picked by the Guardian & The Times as Best of the Festival

18/07/2011 Georgianell 1 Comment

The Guardian online and the Times+ Online have announced their picks for this years Edinburgh Festival, choosing just a few gems from all the different genres of arts and entertainment that Edinburgh has to offer.

In the comedy section of the Guardian’s choices, alongside Phil Jupitus and Comedy Award winner Tim Key, they highlight Tom Binn’s character Ian D. Montfort,

“Taking the mickey out of spiritualism is obvious – but funny. Tom Binns’s masterstroke is to couple his Montfort character with actual clairvoyant ability, or at least, a talent for simulating it.”

Check out the full list online at Guardian.co.uk

The Times+ says in its Top Comedy Pick The Times section,

‘This psychic from Sunderland, as played by character comic Binns (Ivan Brackenbury’s Hospital Radio Roadshow), was the nicest surprise of last year’s Fringe: an uncanny spoof that also featured some jaw-dropping mind magic. The joke is, Binns can actually do the job. But he’d rather mock it. ‘

Book tickets to see Ian D. Montfort for yourself at the Pleasance.co.uk