Addy Borgh/ Julia Chepson/Addy Borgh
11 September 2005
Geoff Whiting was back for his regular slot, compering a top evening of funniness!
First up was Bristolian Jon Richardson, a performer I’ve consistently enjoyed since his debut two or three years ago. I find comics often have some kind of bullshit façade but Jon’s got a really open style, which allows him always to try out new material and improvise off-the-cuff. He tells us a disturbing story about ejaculating up a gym rope, a freakish anecdote about a game he invented called “Horse”, and reserves special vitriol for clowns (“cowards – always hiding behind a mask!”). At one point, Richardson claims his ambition is to be “a twat” but thankfully, for now, he remains a very inventive and entertaining comedian. The highlight of the night.
Ellen MacArthur lookalike, Julia Chepson covered subjects such as Ikea, the British triathlon (“queuing, whinging and drinking”), and talking tampons. Some of the writing was fairly standard but she delivers it with pace and style and really raised the roof with her finale.
Addy Borgh was the consummate professional, managing to press all the right buttons on subjects like drugs, relationships, and de-toxing. A comfortable act to watch and one that was kept remarkably clean and accessible. The best point for me though was when he went off the beaten track a bit:- his meanderings about “Ghosts Caught on Tape” made me piss myself (although I confess I had had a few jars by then).
Heckles
Heckler: (Jabbering drunkenly)
Richardson: What’s your name?
Heckler: (slurring) Richard.
Richardson: Can I call you Dick?
Heckler: …Erm…
Richardson: … ‘Cos I have the feeling I will soon anyway”
Heckler: (mumbles inaudibly)
Chepson: (Sharply) What was that?
Heckler: Sorry, I was just saying to my friend that you were being funny.
Borgh: Are you in a relationship?
Heckler: Yeah.
Borgh: Where is she then?
Heckler: Err… she’s not here.
Borgh: Hmmm… (taps head with finger) Is that because she’s up here? I think it is!
Matthew Alford