The basement of Komedia is buzzing as soon as I enter; this is the place to be for stand up comedy in the South (or so I’ve been told). Krater Comedy Club appears to have the formula for laughter just right – burgers, booze and excitable comedy fans gathered together equates to a lively night.
Those who have seen a lot of stand up comedy will know that a dodgy MC can turn an event sour, but David Ward did not disappoint. Almost immediately he demonstrates his quick wit by instigating banter with audience members. His energy is just what is needed to kick off the night. The first comedian Ward introduces on is Gareth Berliner, who begins his set energetic and sharp, but his jokes and anecdotes soon border on contrived. However I am grinning again with the entrance of Andrea Hubert, whose eccentric and dark humour has the audience in hysterics. She followed through each joke with the charisma and confidence of a natural performer. She is definitely one to watch out for. The next comedian to follow was the geeky Mat Ewins, who began his set with role-play, a potentially crippling move. But audience participation works well in this venue, and people were keen to participate. Then again, when you are sat at the front, you have little choice in the matter. The final act is Joe Rowntree, a wildly energetic performer, fast-paced and magnetic. He generates the biggest laughs of the night with his hilarious impressions and observations, but he did have the advantage of a markedly boozier audience.
If I had to pick out a winning act for tonight, it would Andrea Hubert, I would like to see her again. And the Krater Comedy Club is certainly an event I would attend again. My stomach hurt from laughter as I left so that has to be a good sign.
