It was packed to the rafters at The Slaughter House for the monthly midweek comedy extravaganza that sees the newer comedian dipping their toes in the live comedy waters as well as more established acts trying out some new material.
The evening was hosted by compère Phil Chapman, whose cheeky-chappy demeanour settled the crowd. A young chap on the front row by the name of Josh became the anchor of the host's banter throughout the night and an intriguing engagement with a young lady who came in late because she was getting ready and waiting for her friend who subsequently couldn't attend due to an injury.
Walking into the Quays Theatre to the background blaring of generic rock music and the shouts of a drunken man somewhere in the second tier of seating, I knew my night was going to go one of two ways.
Tom Stade, of Live at the Apollo fame, recently completed a run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is now embarking on a UK tour, with no signs of slowing down. The exuberant comedian, with his loud, distinctively hoarse voice, rushes onstage like a rock-star celebrating being released from rehab, to rapturous cheers from the crowd. This impression was only heightened at the end of his set, when a couple of men in the front row jumped up to shake his hand and as Stade leaned forwards I half expected him to try a stage dive: and, to be honest, he might have been able to pull it off
This is the fourth night of Isy Suttie’s tour and according to Isy it was the best one so far. I’ve seen Isy on TV as both stand up, actress and panel show pundit but tonight I saw the full range of her talent.
Isy welcomed us, in a light and self-deprecating way, before introducing her support act, Harriet Kemsley. Harriet is a wide-eyed performer who has won several awards since she began doing stand up in 2011. I found her to be a bit awful and, in her own words, a bit weird. She did manage to raise a few laughs but her performance felt a bit stilted and I felt she didn’t engage the audience as well as I thought she might.
Stephen K Amos took to the stage in the Quays Theatre tonight for another hilariously funny show. Influenced by the great Richard Pryor, Stephen has been on the comedy circuit for many years now making his Edinburgh Festival debut in 2001. With the exception of 2002 he has played there every year since and is now one of the country’s leading comedians.
I stepped in at the last minute to review this due to the indisposition of the original reviewer, and although it meant another late night and added stress, I was actually quite happy. I have seen Mr. Delaney on TV several times, as he is a regular guest on shows such as Mock The Week. He also writes for 8 Out Of 10 Cats.
I also had the fortune to see him live in an unexpected appearance at The Comedy Store a fortnight ago where he was trying out some new material, and liked his rather blasé and take-me-as-I-am approach.
The Comedy Store is widely regarded as a staple of comedy and entertainment, 
a place where anything goes and you can be assured of a fantastic night each and every time you visit, I was delighted to attend last night to see an incredible array of 4 sublime comedians that were at the top of their career and as you can tell - it didn’t disappoint. Additionally, the contrast of the comedian’s being so wide means there is always something for everyone!
ComedySportz UK is the North West’s top improvised comedy troupe. Founded in 2001 ComedySportz is a fast-paced improv comedy show where two teams battle it out for the biggest laughs. The players create quick witted sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them by the audience to create a show that’s fast, feel good and always unpredictably funny. There’s a referee on hand to steer the entertainment, call any fouls (the brown bag or groaner), and help the audience decide the winner.
Well after attending many theatre productions in my lifetime, and loving the theatre I really wasn’t sure how I would feel about reviewing the Comedy Store production. The closest it came to the theatre I love was that it was performed on a stage and was flood lit but other than that the experience couldn’t have been further away from a theatre experience if it tried to be. I am not saying the experience was bad but it was certainly different.
I have to here admit to a huge omission in my cultural experiences by saying that despite living so close to The Comedy Store for such a long time, last night was the first time I had ever ventured inside; however, now that gap has been filled and rectified I shall not be a stranger there. My first impression upon walking into the venue was just exactly how spacious and clean the whole place was. It's rather American in principal... a long bar down one side with lots of aluminium and theatrical style lighting, modern pop music playing (thankfully not too loud.. this was real background music), and all the staff in black logoed t-shirts. I have to admit to thinking I might have heard a 'have a nice day' from one of them, but was very relieved when I didn't!
Inside the theatre itself, and yes, it is a theatre. There is a stage, albeit very small, and around it in traditional Greek amphitheatre fashion are rows of seats. It doesn't go very far back, but it's very wide, and extra seating is catered for by two galleries on either side. It is therefore both extremely intimate and has a large capacity at one and the same time.
As a newcomer to live stand up and comedy I was hesitant of what my thoughts may be of a comedian that isn’t on the TV, but as I found out last night watching Alun Cochrane, as with everything else live - it’s always better. The intimate and small setting of the Studio made it a great space for an uprising comedian, but that didn’t put the fans off this comedian - it’s fully booked for his weekend run before he goes on tour around the UK. It was my first visit to The Lowry (Strange I know!) but I was in awe as soon as I walked in, with the chic style and splashes of colour, it seems a great venue for wonderful theatre. A short set was demanded from the lively audience to be extended as we got an extra half an hour of comedy.
The Frog and Bucket Comedy Club has been the pinnacle for new comedy talent in Britain and the Northwest and has seen many of its home grown comedian’s like Steve Coogan, Peter Kay and John Bishop go on to reach stardom and recognition.
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