Before we get into this months blog, there were 2 things we missed from July, I know (slaps back of hand).
A Stag Do
We were asked to book a couple of acts for a stag do… In a blog post I did few months ago (March 2024), I mentioned about our first year in comedy, how we were asked to book acts for this event that turned out to be a stag do and it was an awful experience.
I was having all sorts of flashbacks to that night I said to Mike, “I’m not sure about this mate, I still have the occasional nightmare from 2017, and instead of being able to escape, the door is locked, we were plunged into darkness, it was terrifying. The pure evil resonating from the eyes of the stag, the silence stretched, oppressive and suffocating... ” Mike said, “What on earth are you talking about? We can’t do that date anyway, we’ve got another gig on. We can send someone we trust to run it though.”
The darkness gradually receded as slivers of light crept through the blinds, heralding the return of day.
So we sent Douglas Carter and John Newton off to this event. We received really nice feedback from the guys who trusted us to book them some comedy. All in all, a great success! I don’t know what all the fuss was about, I’ve been reading too much Stephen King in my break…
And A Corporate
The other thing we missed from July was the fact that we were asked to book a corporate event. The company had asked specifically for Chris Washington, so we got them Chris Washington. It was great to hear it all went according to plan, so if you know any corporate clients looking for great comedians. Hit us up!
Picturedrome
On August 1st was at The Picturedrome. MCing this show was Stevie Gray, a very likeable act with a knack for crowd interactions. Opening the night was the gigantic Kent Cameron, an act who we first saw at one of our intimate Saints Coffee gigs and knew straight away he was an act that would continue to grow, not physically that would be a scary thought. In the middle section was Alexis Roy who again we first saw at our new act night and made a really good impression. Headlining was the brilliant Matt Richardson who has never failed to end our nights on a high.
Pictured below: Kent Cameron
The Woolpack
The only other Comedy Crate night this month was our collaboration with Hats Funny Comedy in Islip, at The Woolpack Inn. Featuring the ukulele wielding Edi Johnston, Josh Watmore vs the hornet, Nuala Ryan who is enjoying her inheritance and the outstanding Roger Monkhouse closing the show. All hosted and show run by Ian Hayes. If you get the chance, you should absolutely try and get along to one of these shows, lovely intimate space for comedy.
Pictured below: Roger Monkhouse (Pinched from Hats Funny Comedy Facebook Page).
With this being a quieter month, we’ll move onto what I have called ‘Reminiscence’. Where I’m simply going to talk about a few shows that have probably shaped my love of stand up at various stages of my life. Please leave some comments and tell us about some shows that you remember fondly, or who were your go to comedians to watch.
Reminiscence #1 - Lee Mack Live
Lee Mack Live from 2007 is easily in my top 10 shows of all time. Why? Because it’s bloody funny! It was my go to whenever friends and family suggested watching a stand up comedy show at home, it was my safe bet. From swearing in front of your Nan to being riddled with Cockney, this show was full of relatable material that was delivered perfectly.
This was Lee’s first DVD release and a lot of the material was based on his famous sketches from ‘The Sketch Show,' like the driving instructor and the French perfume adverts. But this show really highlights how clever and quick witted Lee Mack is. If you’ve not seen it before, you should, it’s a safe bet!
Fun Fact, the Sketch Show first started at The Edinburgh Fringe in 1999 and starred Catherine Tate and Dan Antopolski. It was then taken to ITV in the early 2000’s where it won a BAFTA for best comedy. Two other familiar names can be seen as writers for the Sketch Show, Ricky Gervais and Jimmy Carr. ITV cancelled The Sketch Show after series 2 and according to Lee Mack’s autobiography the final 2 episodes have never been aired… If anyone has the contacts…I would really like to see those last 2 episodes PLEASE!
Reminiscence #2 - The Elvis Dead - Rob Kemp
One of my fondest memories of the Edinburgh Fringe was going to see The Elvis Dead in 2017. Written and performed by Rob Kemp. It was one of those shows that was getting so much buzz and I had no idea what it was about, other than it involved a crazy mix of Elvis songs and the movie Evil Dead 2. It’s niche, but its’ certainly a triumph.
I tried to convince my friend to come along to a midnight showing, extra times were added due it’s popularity. He wasn’t sold on the idea but undeterred I went alone, adamant to find out what this was all about and I was so glad I did. That’s the beauty of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, not just seeing all the acts you know and love, but discovering something completely new.
I don’t want to go into too much detail about the show and give anything anyway, but I can’t recommend it enough. It’s actually available on DVD, VHS and download on the GoFasterStripe website. (https://www.gofasterstripe.com/cgi-bin/w.cgi?showfull=44545)
We’re not on commission for plugging these things by the way, it’s just for the ‘love of the game.’
Reminiscence #3 - Daniel Kitson - After The Beginning, Before The End
Hypnotic sounds from a basic sampling machine and an alarmingly honest self examining monologue, this show had me thinking, laughing and replaying it over and over.
Daniel Kitson is a brilliant comic, and yes he’s done arguably better shows than this one. But this one stuck with me for its unique approach. Listening to Kitson examine parts of his life and wonder how he got there, wondering whether he has failed romantically due to not having kids but a pool table instead. Questioning whether he’s a comedy genius or a dickhead by googling his own name.
For all those who consider themselves a comedy connoisseur, you’re probably very familiar with the work of Kitson. To this day I’ve never seen an act like him, not just in his style but the way he has built up his fan base, or should I say, cult following.
You can get this show from Bandcamp.
Reminiscence #4 - Troy Hawke - Tiles Of The Unexpected
I’d be remiss not to mention this show. We’d worked with Troy for a few years back in our early stages of booking stand up and we were big fans of his work. Our friends at Screen Northants had mentioned to us about the fact that they could support us with recording a live show, and it was only by chance that Troy Hawke had a tour show booked in with us around that time so we put an offer out. We were very fortunate to be able to be part of Troy’s first ever tour, let alone getting to record it at the Charles Bradlaugh!
Still one of my favourite shows, it’s so well put together. We go on a journey with Troy as he attempts to deliver one of the funniest and most absurd conspiracy theories through the art of Scrabble numbers. You can watch the full show below!
“So What’s Next?”
I’m glad you asked. Not only is August a good opportunity to have a bit of a break from comedy, it’s also good for catching up on some of the admin. And we’ve been squirrelling away trying to get the rest of this year complete as well as making a start on 2025... “Don’t leave us hanging, who have you got coming up next year?”. Alright, alright, so a few names coming to Northampton early next year include the likes of… Hal Cruttendan, Jordan Gray, Phil Nichol, Ria Lina, Tony Law, Lauren Pattison, Lindsey Santoro and… that’ll do for the time being. Now onto September and back into the swing of it! Get your tickets!!!! >>>>>>> https://www.thecomedycrate.com/northamptontickets