Queens Head Pub (Piccadilly), London
****
If your idea of a good night out is a laugh with your
friends in the pub then you’re in luck because The Secret Variety Club at the
Queens Head Pub in Piccadilly is just that. Even if that’s not your ideal night
out, it is a great opportunity to witness some new comedy from a whole range of
acts as the evening stays true to its name in variety, from all-female sketch
troupes to stand-up comedians to character acts.
This is a fantastic showcase for up and coming talent as
well as a great opportunity for the acts to try out new material, which
sometimes can mean a room full of silence, but not in this case. The evening is
well organised and fun; credit to the organisers The Intimate Strangers, who
also compere and perform. A small, intimate venue like the Queen’s Head Pub
means there is literally nothing for the acts to hide behind other than the
occasional pink wig. Up first are the female comedy troupe Funbags, who perform
a variety of sketches, some of which are notably stronger than others, but they
are fast-paced and topical, exemplifying the strengths of the performers’ ability
to play multiple characters. It is refreshing to see so many great female acts
on the bill, proving that women can be funny too. The young Elf Lyons is a
natural and we embrace her quirky, fast-paced energy through tales of a messy
break-up, which is heart-warming and relatable, not to mention very funny
indeed. Samantha Baines was delightful, performing as a bold, European woman
who shares her knowledge of the study of bird mating calls, getting the whole
room up on their feet, which is a nice touch and a clever way of getting the
audience involved without feeling too uncomfortable.
An audience can very much make or break a comedian’s
performance and this particular audience was most responsive - if not too
responsive in a few cases - with members of the front row getting so
comfortable with heckling they almost become part of the act. However, if
anything, this showcases the talent of the performers even more, particularly
Sam Golin who thrives off of the constant jibes proving a natural comic ability
and charm beyond his prepared act. The Intimate Strangers, James Taylor Thomas and
compere Matthew Radway, interject the evening with two interview based sketches,
with Radway staying in compere character as interviewer and Thomas playing the
celebrity interviewees. This is a clever way of smoothly tying the events of
the evening together giving us a tease of the company’s work. Radway throughout
controls the evening’s events with charm and Thomas shines, particularly
portraying first guest, posh celebrity blogger.
It is a pleasure to experience some talented young comics
and though this variety showcase in particular was for one night only, it is
back on Tuesday 19th March, so grab a pint and join in on the fun.
The next Secret Variety Club is on 19 March 2013.
For more information: http://www.intimatestrangers.net
@istrangers
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