The jokers went wild

Some of the comedians posed for a photo

There was a cabaret atmosphere

All photos:henrybrucephotography.com

NLCA comedy evening, 16th November 2011

By Tim Curran, North Laine resident

North Laine Community Association's first comedy night, JOKERS WILD, was a sell-out in the 80 capacity Studio Bar at Komedia, Gardner Street, on November 16th 2011.

Twelve comedians

A total of 12 top Brighton comedians gave us a fantastic night out. Many people came out afterwards saying how much they'd enjoyed it and that they hoped we might be able to do it again next year.

Compere was Flange Krammer

German skiing sensation Flange Krammer compered the fast-paced show. On the bill were Ella Josiah, Eden Rivers, Paul Jones, Anthony Ayton, Jaq Bayles, Mari Polonen, Joe Foster, Rob Dumbrell, Shannon Sales and Adam Smith as well as North Laine's own Kathryn Spencer, who organised the programme and coaxed the comedians to give their services free.

Thanks to Komedia

Thanks to all of them and to Komedia who made this NLCA benefit night possible by allowing us to use the room free of charge. Special thanks to Ollie Catchpole for making the arrangements at Komedia, as well as the friendly bar staff and management. The room looked spectacular as the audience sat in a cabaret atmosphere at candlelit tables.

Raffle raised more money

Apart from ticket sales, the raffle raised £110 for Association funds. Prizes were donated by several local businesses and individuals:

·   Mange Tout gave a meal voucher for  their Trafalgar Street restaurant.

·   The Point, also in Trafalgar Street, donated a free haircut in their hair salon.

·   Komedia gave two free tickets for a Krater Comedy night.

·   Prizes donated by residents included sparkling wine, a vintage dress, a book and a set of candles and room spray.

Thanks also to Kevin Daly at Rainbow Books in Trafalgar Street who sold the bulk of the tickets at his shop as well as donating a raffle prize; and to Henry Bruce for the great poster and photographs which advertised the event.

I co-ordinated the evening on behalf of the NLCA and was pleased that this new idea received such a warm welcome.

A thriving centre of stand-up comedy

Brighton has become a thriving centre of stand-up comedy in the past few years and Komedia has been its hub, with many new comedians having trained on Jill Edwards courses there, so it was great for local residents to glimpse some of the talent that's been developing in the heart of our area. Look out for people on our bill who may be stars of the future.

Some had never been before

For some who bought tickets, it was the first time they had been to a stand-up night and, judging by the reaction, many look forward to doing it again.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 213, November/December 2011]