PAUL VALENTI

Question 1

The Chris & Paul Show

Answer

Review by Steve Bennett A good ‘best newcomer’ shortlist makes you go ‘Who?’ A poor one makes you go, ‘Why?’ This year the first criterion was definitely fulfilled with The Chris & Paul Show, as a genuine new discovery was thrust unexpectedly into the Edinburgh Comedy Awards limelight. Yesterday’s surprise announcement clearly caught the industry on the hop, as the audience for the first show after the nomination was announced was half-human, half-notebook as critics, myself included, rushed to play catch-up. And after watching gifted New Yorkers Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti, who describe themselves as modern vaudevillians, the ‘why’ question is firmly answered, too. They are sharp physical performers – reminiscent of the best silent comedy stars – with a keen sense of melodrama, surprise and the absurd, often all at once. It takes a while for their charm to work its magic, though. They open with an interminably slow scene full of excruciating pauses that prepares you only for an hour of discomfort. Thankfully, that was a one-off – and although they are not afraid of quieter moments, the pair are judicious in their use. They largely treat each other like squabbling siblings, always spoiling for a fight but so ineffectual when it comes to trading blows. In the first scene where this happens, you think you have them sussed – but then get treated to an out-of-nowhere punchline. It’s not the only time that such a surprise happens either. One particular scene – to call them sketches would seem to demean their unquestionable artistry – builds up the tension so beautifully, then punctures it so hilariously with just two short words, it’s one of the best single moments of the Fringe. Wringing moments for drama is the pair’s forte. A scene may be ridiculous – an Easter Bunny distributing chocolate eggs, for example – but they can spin in into menace on a sixpence. Very Donnie Darko. A similar switcheroo happens when Valenti starts a talking to an unseen class of infants, in a Joyce Grenfell-y kind of way, only for a tragic back story to emerge during a jaunty kids’ song. Their performance skills are beyond doubt, just one look at the scene where O'Neilli inflated like a giant balloon man is proof of that, and their comic timing for individual gags impeccable. The pacing of the show is less perfect, as the vast majority of scenes take a fair time to set up so if the payoff needs to be worth the wait and occasionally, such as in the otherwise silly bumblebee sketch, it doesn’t always happen. But these two are certainly slick, talented and with undoubted funny bones, like their compatriots The Pajama Men, but different. You might not have heard of them 24 hours ago – despite their 11 years working together – but you will surely hear more.

Question 2

The Chris & Paul Show

Answer

Review by Barrie Morgan New York based duo Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti arrived at the Fringe to little fanfare. However, if they maintain the quality and professionalism of their show throughout their run they're bound to leave in a blaze of accolades. Fundamentally a sketch show with its origins in vaudeville, the pairing offer up a unique show of interesting and surprising skits that are both intelligent and hilarious. The show starts slowly but the audience instantly warm to the two Americans. Their comedic dynamic is spot on, and it shows. The element of surprise, along with the top-class comedic acting on display, ensures each sketch evokes the desired emotions throughout. Even the audience participation was endearing as it welcomed rather than alienated. The hour itself flew by and left the modest crowd instantly wanting more. A brilliantly thought out and expertly performed little gem. A must-see and one of the greatest sketch shows I've ever seen.

Question 3

The Chris & Paul Show

Answer

Review by Steve Bennett A good ‘best newcomer’ shortlist makes you go ‘Who?’ A poor one makes you go, ‘Why?’ This year the first criterion was definitely fulfilled with The Chris & Paul Show, as a genuine new discovery was thrust unexpectedly into the Edinburgh Comedy Awards limelight. Yesterday’s surprise announcement clearly caught the industry on the hop, as the audience for the first show after the nomination was announced was half-human, half-notebook as critics, myself included, rushed to play catch-up. And after watching gifted New Yorkers Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti, who describe themselves as modern vaudevillians, the ‘why’ question is firmly answered, too. They are sharp physical performers – reminiscent of the best silent comedy stars – with a keen sense of melodrama, surprise and the absurd, often all at once. It takes a while for their charm to work its magic, though. They open with an interminably slow scene full of excruciating pauses that prepares you only for an hour of discomfort. Thankfully, that was a one-off – and although they are not afraid of quieter moments, the pair are judicious in their use. They largely treat each other like squabbling siblings, always spoiling for a fight but so ineffectual when it comes to trading blows. In the first scene where this happens, you think you have them sussed – but then get treated to an out-of-nowhere punchline. It’s not the only time that such a surprise happens either. One particular scene – to call them sketches would seem to demean their unquestionable artistry – builds up the tension so beautifully, then punctures it so hilariously with just two short words, it’s one of the best single moments of the Fringe. Wringing moments for drama is the pair’s forte. A scene may be ridiculous – an Easter Bunny distributing chocolate eggs, for example – but they can spin in into menace on a sixpence. Very Donnie Darko. A similar switcheroo happens when Valenti starts a talking to an unseen class of infants, in a Joyce Grenfell-y kind of way, only for a tragic back story to emerge during a jaunty kids’ song. Their performance skills are beyond doubt, just one look at the scene where O'Neilli inflated like a giant balloon man is proof of that, and their comic timing for individual gags impeccable. The pacing of the show is less perfect, as the vast majority of scenes take a fair time to set up so if the payoff needs to be worth the wait and occasionally, such as in the otherwise silly bumblebee sketch, it doesn’t always happen. But these two are certainly slick, talented and with undoubted funny bones, like their compatriots The Pajama Men, but different. You might not have heard of them 24 hours ago – despite their 11 years working together – but you will surely hear more.

Question 4

The Chris & Paul Show

Answer

Review by Steve Bennett A good ‘best newcomer’ shortlist makes you go ‘Who?’ A poor one makes you go, ‘Why?’ This year the first criterion was definitely fulfilled with The Chris & Paul Show, as a genuine new discovery was thrust unexpectedly into the Edinburgh Comedy Awards limelight. Yesterday’s surprise announcement clearly caught the industry on the hop, as the audience for the first show after the nomination was announced was half-human, half-notebook as critics, myself included, rushed to play catch-up. And after watching gifted New Yorkers Chris O'Neill and Paul Valenti, who describe themselves as modern vaudevillians, the ‘why’ question is firmly answered, too. They are sharp physical performers – reminiscent of the best silent comedy stars – with a keen sense of melodrama, surprise and the absurd, often all at once. It takes a while for their charm to work its magic, though. They open with an interminably slow scene full of excruciating pauses that prepares you only for an hour of discomfort. Thankfully, that was a one-off – and although they are not afraid of quieter moments, the pair are judicious in their use. They largely treat each other like squabbling siblings, always spoiling for a fight but so ineffectual when it comes to trading blows. In the first scene where this happens, you think you have them sussed – but then get treated to an out-of-nowhere punchline. It’s not the only time that such a surprise happens either. One particular scene – to call them sketches would seem to demean their unquestionable artistry – builds up the tension so beautifully, then punctures it so hilariously with just two short words, it’s one of the best single moments of the Fringe. Wringing moments for drama is the pair’s forte. A scene may be ridiculous – an Easter Bunny distributing chocolate eggs, for example – but they can spin in into menace on a sixpence. Very Donnie Darko. A similar switcheroo happens when Valenti starts a talking to an unseen class of infants, in a Joyce Grenfell-y kind of way, only for a tragic back story to emerge during a jaunty kids’ song. Their performance skills are beyond doubt, just one look at the scene where O'Neilli inflated like a giant balloon man is proof of that, and their comic timing for individual gags impeccable. The pacing of the show is less perfect, as the vast majority of scenes take a fair time to set up so if the payoff needs to be worth the wait and occasionally, such as in the otherwise silly bumblebee sketch, it doesn’t always happen. But these two are certainly slick, talented and with undoubted funny bones, like their compatriots The Pajama Men, but different. You might not have heard of them 24 hours ago – despite their 11 years working together – but you will surely hear more.

Question 5

Answer

Improv for Everyone I If you are new or want to tune your tools, our introduction to improv concentrates on connections and how to stay grounded. We’ll focus on character creation, object/environment work, and most importantly, working as an ensemble. We believe improvisation can be used in everyday life; whether you are performing on the stage, priming for an audition, or connecting with co-workers.
sheencenter.org/shows/improv/all/

Improv for Everyone II
Improv for Everyone II are for people who have taken improvisation classes in the past. You will learn to create grounded scenes by pulling from the height of your intelligence. Along the way you will learn how to develop characters and even impressions/impersonations. You will expand your mental and physical abilities that will enhance your everyday interactions.
sheencenter.org/shows/improv-2/2019-02-27/

Improv for Everyone: Where is the Where?
"Where is the Where" An 8 week course that helps the improviser explore objects and places around them. Created a world where you can draw in the audience. An environment can help ground an improviser and help figure out who they are. At the same time connecting to your fellow players. Where you are always has an effect on you. Expand your physical presence and ability's. Contact To RSVP

Question 6

Answer

Improv for Everyone I If you are new or want to tune your tools, our introduction to improv concentrates on connections and how to stay grounded. We’ll focus on character creation, object/environment work, and most importantly, working as an ensemble. We believe improvisation can be used in everyday life; whether you are performing on the stage, priming for an audition, or connecting with co-workers.
sheencenter.org/shows/improv/all/

Improv for Everyone II
Improv for Everyone II are for people who have taken improvisation classes in the past. You will learn to create grounded scenes by pulling from the height of your intelligence. Along the way you will learn how to develop characters and even impressions/impersonations. You will expand your mental and physical abilities that will enhance your everyday interactions.
sheencenter.org/shows/improv-2/2019-02-27/

Improv for Everyone: Where is the Where?
"Where is the Where" An 8 week course that helps the improviser explore objects and places around them. Created a world where you can draw in the audience. An environment can help ground an improviser and help figure out who they are. At the same time connecting to your fellow players. Where you are always has an effect on you. Expand your physical presence and ability's. Contact To RSVP

PAUL VALENTI

Performer | Director | Coach

Reviews

The Chris & Paul Show

The Chris & Paul Show

The Chris & Paul Show

The Chris & Paul Show

Performance Schedule

Live Shows

Tours

Festivals

Classes & Workshops

Physical Comedy

Environment Work

Silent Comedy & Timing

Networking

Classes & Workshops

Physical Comedy

Environment Work

Silent Comedy & Timing

Networking

Directing

Coaching

BACK TO TOP