So what happened? Pete compered section 1 with a few bits of new material including his theory on the evolution of the cat, 'tiny lion spies.' He also tested the theory that there's nothing funnier than reading trivial pursuit questions with the wrong answers. This lead into the new competition based on the old Two Ronnies 'Mastermind sketch', where the answers arrive a question late;
What's the current most popular girls name? Paris.
Who is Peter Parker's alter-ego? Chantelle.
Who is Premiership footballs all time top goal scorer? Spiderman.
Which meant we gave away 2 prizes at the end. Mad Dog 20/20 AND le piat d'or? We really are spoiling you.
Paul Gerrard was our first act, making his second appearance at LLC, was back with all fresh material and produced another blast of fine one-liners.
James Christopher was on second. He is one of the best exponents of taking his image and working it as a full set. Check out his picture, can you guess what he mentions a lot? That's right, Doctor Who. He has perfected his set of spoddy sci-fi fan material. We've seen the routine before, but the delivery and new touches mean it's still a joy to watch. (And in real life he's a boxing steelworker on his third marriage.)
Section 2 was compered by Al, with new material, contemplating possible future fatherhood and the fact that he might be impotent, but not imPOtent. (He wanted to stress that.) Al has a lot of clever material but it has to be said, people still seem to like it best when he brings out the knob gags. As he said after the show...
"You can't escape the fact that the big laughs originate from the genetalia, or their functions. I'll be honest, I'd like to think I was bigger than my cock (gags), but rule 1 is be funny."
John Scott, who plays at Jongleurs and other places you've actually heard of, came down to help us out. (Hats off to him.) He showed the difference between a pro (him) and a new act (The rest of us.). He took hold of the room, and made people more comfortable, as well as making them laugh. The night settled down and got even better after his set.
Ned Nineacres (Pete thompson back again disguised in waistcoat and scarf) was next experimenting with a wurzles type character. He had some good gags, sang 'cross town traffic' in a (vaguely) west country accent and chinned 2 pints of cider. He regretted this soon after, which was even funnier.
Callum compered section three, and kept things moving with a combination of tried and tested material and new stuff.
Penultimate act was a magician (woo) -the Flash. He has a funny likeable style and, while some of his tricks are just gags, he is a talented magician and some bits are really impressive. I must say that I preffered tonight's trick last time I saw it, as the audience member was a bit thicker and was utterly astounded, like she'd wittnessed a miracle.
Last act was, Donnacha O'Connill whose dry one-liners on failure in love, life and everything make him sound like an Irish Woody Allen. We forgot to get a picture but he is on next time (18th April), so if you want to see a truly funny act on the up and up before he grows up and gets a proper job, i recommend you come along.
