Review of 21 October show

We were pleased that the numbers were significantly up after the smaller audiences for the August and September shows. With a comfortable number of pre-bookings plus some extras on the door we counted approx. 115 altogether which really added to the atmosphere and there was a great buzz in the room.

After a slightly delayed start – sometimes the comedians cut it very fine! – the show was opened by our fantastic MC, Rufus Hound. His ability to create humour out of his interactions with the audience was great and he is obviously quick-witted and intelligent which ensures that every show he does will be different. Highlights for me were; opening up the floor to guess the profession of the first person he spoke to in the audience (who turned out to be a reporter for the Surrey Herald – or should that be The Englefield Green Packet!?); the “virtual” flipchart on which he took us all through a lesson on why a particular heckle didn’t work; the universal cry of “Dave” from drunken blokes on a stag-night and his dead-pan complaint of having to hang around for the entire closing act just to deliver 5 mins at the end! A great guy who we hope to book again in the future.

First up was Jimmy McGhie, who soon demonstrated some great observational humour and a flair for accents – ie; the Geordie who waxed philosophical in the bar and the dutch policeman who was also amazed by the availability of a certain Mc Flurry in an Amsterdam McDonalds! A good start from a likeable (and nice looking - I think you will agree ladies?!) guy who I think will do really well.

Then, a change of style and pace with Henry Paker. I really warmed to his observations about visual grammatical marks and how predictive text can turn an enticing text message into a goofy one! He was very physical and the lunging and eyebrow flexing – although odd – really did work. I also liked his ploy to get some paid help to complete his tax return at a better rate than an accountant and overall, thought he was great.

Finally, the headline act, Rob Deering took to the stage. He soon got the audience going with his energetic take on different musical styles – “Don’t Worry Be Happy” was especially funny - and some clever and amusing use of the musical equipment, even prescribing to the Les Dawson school of wrong notes on occasion but that only added more humour to an already strong performance.

This was my favourite night so far as it ticked so many boxes but mainly because all the comedians were of a high standard and all very different – with a musical element too just to add even more variety.