Dave Fulton, and a great night at Laughter-House

Well, last night it finally happened. I've been attempting to get American comedian Dave Fulton to headline at Laughter-House for the last two years, and last night we finally achieved this. The evidence is below; he's the slightly dishevelled one.

I have to say he was worth the wait - what a cracking headline act he was.

The timing of his appearance was wonderful; Dave appeared fresh from his interview on the BBC Breakfast Show, where he uttered a somewhat naughty word. I won't say what it was, suffice to say it rhymes with 'tanker'.

One of our audience members had actually seen this little episode unfold before her eyes (you can catch it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcaFJsBSA_s which made for some very entertaining dialogue.

Dave Fulton's comedy is clever; some of it political, with very sharp observations. He strides onto the stage with a couldn't-give-a-stuff-approach which is very refreshing. Definitely one of our most popular headline acts who we'll be asking back.

We were also entertained last night by Windsor - an award winning street performer who had some wonderful interaction with our audience. Chris Norton Walker completed the line up, with a very interesting set. At one point, it could have gone either way, but the audience ended up in stitches.

Phil Dinsdale compered for us last night; a warm and witty comedian of Newcastle origin. I've seen Phil several times, and booked him several times, and he never fails to do a fantastic compering job.

We're also very grateful to Michael Palmer Photography who came along to take some piccies. Michael is a superb photographer; some of his images have been used in TV documentaries.

Have a look http://www.michaelpalmer.com/laughing-at-people-in-basingstoke/ and see if you're one of our audience members featured.

Next show 1 March 2012 when we have Gary Delaney and Edward Aczel. Can't wait!

Tickets from our website www.laughter-house.co.uk or from the reception at the Red Lion Hotel in Basingstoke.

A Costa Cruise, a Cockroach, and me!

I've been reading with fascination about Captain Francesco Schettino's strange behaviour in the recent Costa Concordia disaster.

It must be incredibly difficult for an experienced sea captain to fall into a lifeboat and not be able to get back out. But having had experience of Italian crew ship members aboard a Costa cruise, I can't say I'm too surprised.

Many years ago I took a trip on the Achille Lauro (which eventually caught fire and sank in 1994). It was termed a 'luxury cruise ship'; an ambitious description.

On our first day in the cabin we were joined by a plump, satisfied, cockroach. I called the steward.

"There's a cockroach in our cabin."

His use of the English language inexplicably became a little hazier.

"Cockroach? I not understand."

"Down there. Look." I pointed at the cockroach which was cheerfully waving its antennae at us

He looked. "I not see anything."

Suddenly the cockroach sprung into action and scuttled enthusiastically towards my bed.

"THAT cockroach."

"Ah." There was a pause. And then, defensively, "It's come in from outside."

I gazed out of the porthole, at the deep waters of the Mediterranean.

"It must be a good swimmer."

He waved a nonchalant hand.

"Anyway, it's lucky."

"I don't need to know it's name. Just get it out of my cabin."

He turned to me, his English getting better as he became more excited.

"It is no problem. There is no problem him being here. NO PROBLEM. It is LUCKY to have a cockroach in your cabin. Ask anyone."

I glanced at the cockroach, which had reached my bed; no doubt in the process of slipping it's pyjamas under my pillow.

The Steward turned to leave. This conversation was not going in the right direction.

"I DO NOT WANT TO SHARE THIS CABIN WITH A COCKROACH. IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE."

The cockroach was eventually removed, with the utmost hostility from the Steward; no doubt becoming a 'lucky' mascot for some other passenger.

And I was 'persona non grata' for the rest of the cruise.

All I can say is that if I had had to face that particular Steward in a tussle for a lifeboat...my money would have been on the Steward...