13 October 2015
9 November 2014
A letter from Laughter-House
If you love live comedy, you'll know that a great comedy experience is like a wonderful meal. Shake all the best ingredients together in all the right quantities, and you'll end up with an unforgettable experience.
Such was our last comedy night on 6 November. Personally I was feeling lower than a dachshund's dinkie; having spent weeks in and out of bed (no, it's not what you're thinking). But you, our audience, made it a really special night.
Now, if you're a regular you'll know that Laughter-House nights are always buzzy, but sometimes there's an extra special vibe. Maybe it was partly to do with you guys from Matt Smarts Fitness Boot Camp with all your special energy. Right from the start you seemed especially 'up for it'.
Most of you probably don't know this, but when I book my acts, I do the my best to ensure that every comedian has something different to offer. Each night means carefully blending the talent; ensuring there's something that you, my customers, will love.
Last week we were blessed to have Angela Barnes opening the show. Wasn't she great! Angela's star is on the rise - you might have seen her on Mock the Week - and is clear to see why. She's lovable and witty, with oodles of jokes. You made it plain you thought she was terrific by raising the roof with your applause. She loved it too; she told me she'd come back to Laughter-House "in a heartbeat."
Next on the stage was me. I scuttled up, paler than an anaemic polar bear and in danger of losing my voice. To be honest I could be as funny as a collapsed lung and you'd probably still laugh. Thank you!
You loved Mark Hurman's measured delivery too. It was slower, and a complete contrast to Angela's faster pace, but also very clever and well written.
Your evening ended with the fabulous Jonny Awsum. His reviews describe him as a 'crowd pleaser'. Which of course explains why you were very quickly laughing (and singing) your socks off. You were game too, especially when Jonny coerced 'Bob' into joining in. Bob's animal noises will go down in the Laugher-House hall of fame. Jonny also described us as "Amazing - one of the best gigs going!" That's down to you.
Let's not forget our lovely Phil Dinsdale; a compere you really appreciate. And with good reason; he's so talented. He's capable, warm and funny. He's handy with a pasty too. Ask him.
When I set up Laughter-House in 2007, I dreamed of creating a perfect comedy environment; a club the acts would love as much as you, the audience. Seven years on, you've helped to make us one of the most popular clubs on the circuit, which is why we can bring you the big names you love to see.
Last week Angela Barnes described us as "a club run with love, with a great audience."
Thank you Angela.
And thank you to you too, our special Laughter-House audience; for your enthusiasm, loyalty, and your support of live comedy in Basingstoke.
12 March 2013
Did you see us on telly - Comic Relief Stand up if you Dare with BBC South & Laughter-House Comedy Club
If you ask someone what their worst nightmare would be, it's usually standing up in front of a room full of people they don't know. Add 'trying to make them laugh' to the mix and most people would be taking to the hills.
So imagine the courage it must have taken for the 15 wannabe stand up comedians who entered the BBC South Stand up if you Dare challenge - filmed at Laughter-House Comedy Club in Basingstoke last night.
Okay, it was the opposite end of the scale to the usual acts Laughter-House bring in... but promoting awareness of live comedy is always dear to my heart.
So what did they have to do? First off - attend the 'Boot Camp' where myself and Mervyn Stutter were appointed Comedy Mentors.
One woman turned up with a dog on the end of a lead. We were slightly nonplussed but apparently she 'thought he'd like to join in'. We all watched expectantly as he wandered up to the mic and considered cocking his leg. He didn't. Probably a good decision.
By the time a few of them had wandered up to the mic I was worrying. Some people appeared to think that just telling a story (because that's what Peter Kaye does) is how you do it. I have news for any who wants to do stand up comedy - shouting "Garlic Bread" down a mic takes a lot of practice. Trust me on this.
Some however were pretty impressive. As mentors we dispensed cheerful advice on tweaking and timing. All the acts joined in with the feedback and there was some definite 'bonding' going on.
The Big Night was last night. This time the fear was palpable - but I took a couple of valium and quickly settled. The stand ups were bricking it. Some gave interviews for BBC South....and the room filled with their family and friends keen to support them. No pressure then.
They were all amazing!. They were far better than I thought they would be. They'd listened and learned on the Bootcamp and re-written loads of material. I was particularly proud of a few of the Laughter-House regulars who gave it a go....Glen Forder, Calvin Sharpe, Dan Keilty and 'Boo' ...well done guys.
The reaction when Glen bounced onto the stage in a black stretch one-piece was a sight to see. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of him dressed like that....only this one
Today there are fifteen would-be comedians walking on air. Because they DID IT. You'll be able to see it on you tube soon. Watch this space!
The moral of the story? It's never too late to give it a go....
.....and if your friends enjoyed the night can you kindly remind them that we run great comedy on the first Thursday of the month at Laughter-House Comedy Club....with 4 April being no exception :)
See you there.
So imagine the courage it must have taken for the 15 wannabe stand up comedians who entered the BBC South Stand up if you Dare challenge - filmed at Laughter-House Comedy Club in Basingstoke last night.
Okay, it was the opposite end of the scale to the usual acts Laughter-House bring in... but promoting awareness of live comedy is always dear to my heart.
So what did they have to do? First off - attend the 'Boot Camp' where myself and Mervyn Stutter were appointed Comedy Mentors.
One woman turned up with a dog on the end of a lead. We were slightly nonplussed but apparently she 'thought he'd like to join in'. We all watched expectantly as he wandered up to the mic and considered cocking his leg. He didn't. Probably a good decision.
By the time a few of them had wandered up to the mic I was worrying. Some people appeared to think that just telling a story (because that's what Peter Kaye does) is how you do it. I have news for any who wants to do stand up comedy - shouting "Garlic Bread" down a mic takes a lot of practice. Trust me on this.
Some however were pretty impressive. As mentors we dispensed cheerful advice on tweaking and timing. All the acts joined in with the feedback and there was some definite 'bonding' going on.
The Big Night was last night. This time the fear was palpable - but I took a couple of valium and quickly settled. The stand ups were bricking it. Some gave interviews for BBC South....and the room filled with their family and friends keen to support them. No pressure then.
They were all amazing!. They were far better than I thought they would be. They'd listened and learned on the Bootcamp and re-written loads of material. I was particularly proud of a few of the Laughter-House regulars who gave it a go....Glen Forder, Calvin Sharpe, Dan Keilty and 'Boo' ...well done guys.
The reaction when Glen bounced onto the stage in a black stretch one-piece was a sight to see. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of him dressed like that....only this one
Today there are fifteen would-be comedians walking on air. Because they DID IT. You'll be able to see it on you tube soon. Watch this space!
The moral of the story? It's never too late to give it a go....
.....and if your friends enjoyed the night can you kindly remind them that we run great comedy on the first Thursday of the month at Laughter-House Comedy Club....with 4 April being no exception :)
See you there.
9 February 2013
The warmth of a Laughter-House audience
I've got a lovely job. I admit it. It's a far better job than I used to have; working in an office being bullied by someone with the personality of a bird bath.
However if you think being a comedy club promoter is easy you're definitely two meerkats short of an annoying advert.
Imagine the scene...there I am, at Basingstoke Comedy Club, Laughter-House, with a room full of people laughing their socks off at our opening act.
As a promoter, I am content in the knowledge that my audience are chuckling and that my headline act is on her way. And what's more, she's being chauffeured by my middle act. How cool is that? No leaving her arrival to the oddities of South West Trains, and their "no trains tonight as a leaf fell on the track at Farnborough" policy.
Then, a tale tell vibration in my back pocket. At 8.45 I couldn't help but think it was a bad omen.
"A wheel's come off the car," said a disjointed and somewhat disgruntled headline act.
"Oh," I said, always one for a sensible and intelligent response. "Er...where are you?"
"About 40 minutes away on the M25."
Lovely. That's good then. Half my acts wiped out in one fell swoop. At times like this I really do wonder whether I ought to take up the odd crafty puff of marijuana. It really can't do any harm.
It's time for a Laughter-House conflab. I huddle together with the compere and our trusty doorman Ben.
"I'll go and get them" says Ben. I always said he was a good lad.
"Stay where you are" I pant down the phone. "We're coming to get you."
Five minutes later Ben has jumped into his car and is chasing down the M3 quicker than Silvio Bernusconi after a prossie, whilst I sneak onto the Laughter-House stage to impart the news to the locals.
" I have some news" I tell the expectant audience. "My headline act and my middle acts were coming together.
Cue cheers from the dirty minded section of the audience.
"But they're stuck on the M25 and a wheel is off the car."
For some reason my audience seem to think this is part of the comedy routine. Apparently it's very funny.
"We're all winging it.." I say "The compere is going to do longer.." cue some more cheers, "Then you're going to get me for a bit longer" cue some more cheers.
"And then" I say. "Someone else is going to have a go, who's only ever done stand up once".
You'd think I'd have told them they were all getting free drinks. More cheering and beaming smiles.
So, we all did our bit, our newbie did a wonderful job, and our trusty door man Ben delivered one, very cold and shivery headline act just before 10.00pm. Ben, on further Headline Act duties, was despatched to get her some noodles, we plied her with brandy and pushed her onto the stage.
Duly warmed by the brandy and the lovely audience,she later tweeted that she'd fallen in love with comedy again after performing at our club.
And with the warmth of the lovely Laughter-House crowd, I can totally understand why.
However if you think being a comedy club promoter is easy you're definitely two meerkats short of an annoying advert.
Imagine the scene...there I am, at Basingstoke Comedy Club, Laughter-House, with a room full of people laughing their socks off at our opening act.
As a promoter, I am content in the knowledge that my audience are chuckling and that my headline act is on her way. And what's more, she's being chauffeured by my middle act. How cool is that? No leaving her arrival to the oddities of South West Trains, and their "no trains tonight as a leaf fell on the track at Farnborough" policy.
Then, a tale tell vibration in my back pocket. At 8.45 I couldn't help but think it was a bad omen.
"A wheel's come off the car," said a disjointed and somewhat disgruntled headline act.
"Oh," I said, always one for a sensible and intelligent response. "Er...where are you?"
"About 40 minutes away on the M25."
Lovely. That's good then. Half my acts wiped out in one fell swoop. At times like this I really do wonder whether I ought to take up the odd crafty puff of marijuana. It really can't do any harm.
It's time for a Laughter-House conflab. I huddle together with the compere and our trusty doorman Ben.
"I'll go and get them" says Ben. I always said he was a good lad.
"Stay where you are" I pant down the phone. "We're coming to get you."
Five minutes later Ben has jumped into his car and is chasing down the M3 quicker than Silvio Bernusconi after a prossie, whilst I sneak onto the Laughter-House stage to impart the news to the locals.
" I have some news" I tell the expectant audience. "My headline act and my middle acts were coming together.
Cue cheers from the dirty minded section of the audience.
"But they're stuck on the M25 and a wheel is off the car."
For some reason my audience seem to think this is part of the comedy routine. Apparently it's very funny.
"We're all winging it.." I say "The compere is going to do longer.." cue some more cheers, "Then you're going to get me for a bit longer" cue some more cheers.
"And then" I say. "Someone else is going to have a go, who's only ever done stand up once".
You'd think I'd have told them they were all getting free drinks. More cheering and beaming smiles.
So, we all did our bit, our newbie did a wonderful job, and our trusty door man Ben delivered one, very cold and shivery headline act just before 10.00pm. Ben, on further Headline Act duties, was despatched to get her some noodles, we plied her with brandy and pushed her onto the stage.
Duly warmed by the brandy and the lovely audience,she later tweeted that she'd fallen in love with comedy again after performing at our club.
And with the warmth of the lovely Laughter-House crowd, I can totally understand why.
3 February 2012
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.
26 January 2012
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...
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...
7 May 2011
Oh what fun we had
It's been a funny few days. Our Laughter-House show came and went last Thursday.. the turn out was a little lower than usual - but the the atmosphere was still wonderful.
Lower turn outs (to be fair, we still had 60 punters in) are always the case when Other Distractions come along, namely Easter holidays, and the excitement of Pippa Middleton's Very Special Day.
Which reminds me, if I ever got married again (no chance of that) in a church (even less chance of that) I will be definitely be recruiting a bridesmaid with a beard, a squint, and a bottom the size of Baghdad, and definitely not someone who nearly brings an excited Twitter crashing to its knees.
This month, the run up to Laugher-House was a Bit of a Worry, beginning with a call, the day before, from compere Danny Dawes. "I'm ill" he croaked. "If you can't find someone else I'll come along. But I won't be funny."
Desparate to avoid the disaster of Danny coming along and Not Being Funny, I telephoned our second-in-command Laughter-House compere, Phil Dinsdale. But no..he was washing his hair...and my stress levels rocketed skywards as I reached for the valium.
"Can't you do it?" somebody asked me. Well I could, but I'd be about as good as a porcupine in an advanced embroidery class...
The Laughter-House audience were saved such a spectacle however, as amazingly the wonderful Jeremy O'Donnell happened to be free to help us out.
http://www.beyondcompere.com/home/profile/jeremy-odonnell
Jeremy is a superb compere, every time I've seen him I've admired the way he makes it all look so easy. He settled our audience down beautifully. We were very lucky he was available...as quite understandly he's a busy bloke.
We were also privileged to have Rich Wilson and Brendan Dempsey on the bill; two of my personal favourites and two of the nicest men in comedy.
Rich Wilson http://www.comedycv.co.uk/richwilson/index.htm is a charming comedian; always so natural, and a big hit with our audience. It's the third time Rich has done a Laughter-House gig; his anecdotes and observations are brilliant, and he remains a firm favourite both with me and the crowd.
The same can be said of Brendan Dempsey;
http://www.comedycv.co.uk/brendandempsey/index.htm
Brendan has unique charm and superb material, ranging from the country's bygone concern about healthy chickens, through to a touch of cynicism about Children in Need. It's so lovely to see my audience in tears of laughter...after all that's what it's all about.
It's great being a comedy promotor. Especially when you receive emails from customers like this
Jan,
Now that I’ve recovered from a fantastic evening on Thursday, I wanted to say that we thought the evening – again – was a blast.
We thought Simon Evans was great when he came a couple months back but this time, headliner Brendan Dempsey, was superb. The funniest guy I have ever seen. Sharp guy, great material and bang up to date issues.
Great comedy on our doorstep!
Thanks Paul...really appreciate your sentiments...and looking forward to the next show on 9 June when we have Tony Cowards and George Egg joining us.
Tickets available here www.laughter-house.co.uk
See you then.
Jan
Lower turn outs (to be fair, we still had 60 punters in) are always the case when Other Distractions come along, namely Easter holidays, and the excitement of Pippa Middleton's Very Special Day.
Which reminds me, if I ever got married again (no chance of that) in a church (even less chance of that) I will be definitely be recruiting a bridesmaid with a beard, a squint, and a bottom the size of Baghdad, and definitely not someone who nearly brings an excited Twitter crashing to its knees.
This month, the run up to Laugher-House was a Bit of a Worry, beginning with a call, the day before, from compere Danny Dawes. "I'm ill" he croaked. "If you can't find someone else I'll come along. But I won't be funny."
Desparate to avoid the disaster of Danny coming along and Not Being Funny, I telephoned our second-in-command Laughter-House compere, Phil Dinsdale. But no..he was washing his hair...and my stress levels rocketed skywards as I reached for the valium.
"Can't you do it?" somebody asked me. Well I could, but I'd be about as good as a porcupine in an advanced embroidery class...
The Laughter-House audience were saved such a spectacle however, as amazingly the wonderful Jeremy O'Donnell happened to be free to help us out.
http://www.beyondcompere.com/home/profile/jeremy-odonnell
Jeremy is a superb compere, every time I've seen him I've admired the way he makes it all look so easy. He settled our audience down beautifully. We were very lucky he was available...as quite understandly he's a busy bloke.
We were also privileged to have Rich Wilson and Brendan Dempsey on the bill; two of my personal favourites and two of the nicest men in comedy.
Rich Wilson http://www.comedycv.co.uk/richwilson/index.htm is a charming comedian; always so natural, and a big hit with our audience. It's the third time Rich has done a Laughter-House gig; his anecdotes and observations are brilliant, and he remains a firm favourite both with me and the crowd.
The same can be said of Brendan Dempsey;
http://www.comedycv.co.uk/brendandempsey/index.htm
Brendan has unique charm and superb material, ranging from the country's bygone concern about healthy chickens, through to a touch of cynicism about Children in Need. It's so lovely to see my audience in tears of laughter...after all that's what it's all about.
It's great being a comedy promotor. Especially when you receive emails from customers like this
Jan,
Now that I’ve recovered from a fantastic evening on Thursday, I wanted to say that we thought the evening – again – was a blast.
We thought Simon Evans was great when he came a couple months back but this time, headliner Brendan Dempsey, was superb. The funniest guy I have ever seen. Sharp guy, great material and bang up to date issues.
Great comedy on our doorstep!
Thanks Paul...really appreciate your sentiments...and looking forward to the next show on 9 June when we have Tony Cowards and George Egg joining us.
Tickets available here www.laughter-house.co.uk
See you then.
Jan
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