Goring and Stokes: Nerds of a Feather

Chris Stokes and Graham Goring have come together at the Caves just after lunch to present an hour of stand up, with Chris opening and Graham winding up. Goring & Stokes present ‘Nerds of a Feather’ as both to identify themselves as geeks or nerds, and go to some length to prove this, and indeed, to point out that everyone is geeky about something.Stokes’ material often looks back to his childhood, and he comes across as charming, intelligent and slightly geeky (though possibly is growing up to be too good looking to qualify as a true nerd?). He has a measured delivery and is not afraid to make us wait for a punchline, and this laid back is style seems to delight the audience. Occasionally he seems slightly too hesitant and quiet – there is no need for this nervousness as his material works well. Coming on for the second half, Goring performs with more pace and confidence. He is much more full on, building up a good rhythm, punctuating his routine with lots of photos and animation. Goring is also computer games designer, and he makes good use of these graphics during his set to illustrate his gags about being a nerd, movies and games.It’s a satisfying show, and good value. Both are in the early stages of their comedy careers and show promise, so for all nerds of all varieties, it’s the ideal show to fill that after lunch slot in your Fringe diary.