11th April 2015
Arriving onto Bristol’s vibrant culture and entertainment scene is Laughs Comedy Club (every Friday & Saturday) at The Cuban. Following a successful launch party on Friday we made our way down for the second evening to see what the new night had to offer.
Karen Bayley (Compere)
Self-declared “Brummie MILF” Karen Bayley comperes the proceedings with a bawdy and sexualised set, that sees her flirting outrageously with the audience whenever the opportunity arises.
Opening for such shows is always a tricky scenario given the crowds comparative sobrity and tonight the crowds hesitation’s are not initially aided by Bayley’s “saucy” style that works much better as the evening proceeds and inhibitions are thrown to the wind. A dry, self-deprecating wit Bayley performs the unenviable task with admirable skill and cajoles a tough crowd into the evening deftly – her former life as a substitute teacher (and dealing with problem children) no doubt serving her well.
Ryan McDonnell
A Belfast boy Ryan McDonnell’s material consists of both political and cultural taboos that make you laugh and think in equal measure. Its an interesting blend that brings together the strange bedfellows of paedophilic priests and body hair in a delightfully hilarious manner that is all his own. Sadly though as the crowd are still yet to fully awaken and the rapport with them lacks some zing initially (a reflection more on the stuffy/stiff crowd rather than the excellent material) before he does finally win them over.
Mandy Muden
Endearingly shambolic, Mandy Muden shuffles on stage armed with an elderly persons shopping trolley and an array of magic tricks. It all makes for a very funny and unique set that has an inimitable style and has a real sting in its tail at the very climax of her show, by which time she has the crowd eating out of her hand.
An all around entertainer with rare talents Muden shows that magic still has its place in comedy.
By Kevin McGough
To find out more or get tickets for the next showing click here.
This review was amended on 24 April after originally failing to credit Bristol’s current comedy scene.
