Review: Midweek Comedy Cabaret, The Stand

Published on Thursday 6 January 2011 07:37

Midweek Comedy Cabaret, ** The Stand

CONFUSINGLY for many in the audience, this was their first day back at work.

Perhaps that explains the relatively subdued and frankly odd atmosphere.

Hosting was laid-back Geordie Gavin Webster. Not a natural MC, he did his best and got just enough laughter to justify his fee.

On first was the host's namesake, the enigma that is Daniel Webster. Webster's been on the circuit for about two years now and it's a mystery why. His act is poor, his delivery nervous and self-flagellating, and he seems to take perverse pleasure in not getting laughs.

Webster was followed by the far slicker comedy stylings of New Zealand's Stephanie Paul. Paul covered the old territory of relationships, sex and bodily functions, but did it with enough gusto and skill that she guaranteed herself a great response.

Mickey Anderson was next up with an act that wasn't the usual smash and grab comedy; instead it was clearly more a pencil sketch of a fringe show. Initially he received more bemusement than laughs from the crowd, but by the end, with a combination of energy, visual aids and some very polished gags, he won them over.

Last up before the final interval was Graham Thomas. Thomas is clearly a comedian to watch, his gags were brilliantly written and matched his jittery style perfectly.

He might not have chosen the most difficult of subjects, but his smart takes on smoking breaks, the joys of boxsets and his hilarious look back at analogue technology meant he got the crowd rolling in the aisles.

The evening was topped off with the dry-as-a-bone Mancunian comedy of Tony Burgess. Nostalgia played a big part in Burgess' act, be it bemoaning the passing of his raving days or tales of the Blackpool illuminations. He also, in between dealing with an overly chatty front row, told the disgusting and side-splitting tale of despoiling his sister's favourite toy.

This was a slightly odd, subdued, even weird, evening, far from typical of these gigs.

Perhaps next time when this midweek event really feels like the middle of a week, things might get back to their fully functioning and funny best.