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The Gag Factory at
The Star
Quarry Street
Guildford
www.thegagfactory.co.uk
The Third Wednesday of Every Month!
First Night REVIEW:
The Gag Factory, touted as Surrey’s premier comedy night opened in its new home, The Star in Quarry street, Guildford last night (Wednesday 17th Sept 2008). After an August lay off the event was back at the new venue, we’d heard good things about the night so hoped the evening warranted the hype.
It’s billed as a “Comedy Show” so when we walked into the room we were confused to see a band rocking out on stage. We were reassured that we were in the right place so settled in. After a couple of numbers the band, All On Red were joined on stage by the host and M.C. Stuart Morrison and together they tore through a version of the Undertones, Teenage Kicks.
Was this a suitable start to a comedy show? Yes, it was, Morrison pulls it off with infectious energy. Halfway between comedy cabaret and stand-up showman all we can say is “Go. Experience it for yourself” you will not be disappointed. It’s a must see night, you really have to witness it first hand to feel the warmth and good feeling that is generated. We were treated to 6 acts, all wonderfully different of varying experience levels but the mixed audience of all ages were highly entertained and most importantly laughing, a lot.
Dan Thompson is a name to watch for, engaging, relaxed and highly personable with his dark take on society and all done wearing eyeliner. Eric Lampaert, a nervous newcomer who may have been used to smaller rooms but he really shouldn’t worry the audience wanted more, his mime bit is pure farce and we wanted more. Maureen Younger a seasoned pro rounded off the evening and left the crowd wanting more, her timing and rapport are excellent and she should be more widely known. Of the other Acts, Angela O’Reilly stood out, her relaxed style suited her comedic observations and we’ll be keeping an eye out for her next appearance.
The brilliance of the show, and show it most definitely is, is the addition of the band playing walk on music for all the acts it just lifts the night and places it above a simple stand-up comedy night. The evening was masterfully handled by Morrison veered between groaning puns, cheeky banter and outrageous stories with a handy flip chart for visual gags but somehow he makes it work, maybe it’s the suit and shoes? A competition ran throughout the night ‘text a question’ which rounded the show off and then the band performed a few more numbers. All of this for just £8 on the door £6 in advance, amazing, we have already booked to go back we hope to see you there!
Details: www.thegagfactory.co.uk
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