Comedy: The Duchess of Canvey arrives at the Marlborough Theatre

The Duchess of Canvey arrives at the Marlborough Theatre

Valentine’s may be just around the corner, but if you’re more of a mind to nurse your broken heart or celebrate the bawdy robustly, check out these two delights either side of the lovestruck anniversary.
Two days before Valentine’s arrives, take a trip to the Bad Book Project – this time with extra smut to mark the romantic time of year.
The brainchild of Jane Postlethwaite, the Bad Book Club Project sees a selection of comics, musicians and writers gather together to form the line-up of this evening celebrating truly appalling writing with the joy and vigour it deserves. With past extracts coming from a mix of tomes, including celebrity biographies, sci fi, horror, poetry, fan fiction, and even guest childhood diaries, the evening’s readings will have been selected with bad romance, smut and sexy text in mind.

It’s an off-the-wall idea that taps into the creativity that’s shot through this town, and suitable for all with a broad mind.
The following weekend sees the arrival of the Duchess of Canvey herself, Diane Chorley, accompanied by her house band – The Buffet. Part cabaret, part female Ian Dury, this is a brilliant meeting of music and comedy, underpinned by our star’s tragic backstory and soldiering spirit. It’s hardly surprising that Stewart Lee has gone on record supporting such a strong performer.
Mixing waspy celebrity anecdotes from the 80s, when Chorley tells of running a media hot spot nightclub in Essex, along with tales of her ill-fated relationships, peppered with tightly written songs with cutting lyrics and a really solidly good band, it’s a full evening of entertainment that leaves you satiated and thoughtful.

The Bad Book Project #6 February Special Smut Edition, Marwood Cafe, Friday 12 February, 7.30pm, free
Diane Chorley’s Broken Heart Ball, Marlborough Theatre, Saturday 20 February, 8pm, £12.50 www.marlboroughtheatre.org.uk