I’m not sure if I agree with Eric Gudmunsen’s sentiment that ‘Cheap laughs are better than no laughs’ after his alternative evening of late night comedy at Captain Taylor’s Coffee Shop. Greeting us with loud retro-pop Gudmunsen began his set by promising no political correctness, plenty of swearing and a few good laughs. This grumpy Scotsman became someone you hated to love as he balanced on the dividing line between offense and comedy. However, once the show got underway he unceremoniously leapt over that line - his bombardment of unflattering jokes about his wife seemed not to hit the mark with the quiet audience.
With such a brash persona the more sensitive musical additions to the show seemed at odds with the rest of the show. However, despite some of his song’s more colourful lyrics, he was quite a talented musician. The Ryanair song proved that there could be moments of comedy gold in Gudmunsen’s line up as well as a smattering of very witty and comforting one-liners. The whole show was a bit of a guilty pleasure. Some of his comic observations hit very close to the truth and against all odds, the audience couldn’t help but laugh. Don’t expect a jolly, friendly, comedy set but if you’re fine with breaking the rules and having a few cheeky laughs then this free show could be a good start to the rest of your night.
