THE BEST OF LLC, Newcastle & Gateshead Comedy Festival

We didn't write a review this week - we didn't have to - it was in the Evening Chronicle.

Best down to earth comedy
Mar 5 2008 by Gary Beckwith, Evening Chronicle

THE Best of Long Live Comedy – The Dog & Parrot, Newcastle

Only a great show could top such a fantastic festival opener on Monday and after watching a brilliant two-hour stand up comedy session, it’s safe to say Long Live Comedy did just that.

The show was low-key, but nonetheless provided a night of down-to-earth comedy – all with only a stage and a microphone.

Compere Al Dawes warmed the crowd up superbly with his witty remarks and interaction with the crowd (including myself) on topics such as employment and relationships. Nothing seemed to faze him and, like a true comedian, he had a quick-witted reply for everything.

First up was young comedian Chris Ramsey and his use of colloquial language during his various sketches elicited large laughs from the crowd.

Following was Sean Mcloughlin, an edgy comedian who performed a dark and explicit routine, which was shocking, but funny.

John Whale then appeared and did a set on everything from posh jumpers to clichéd phrases. He was excellent and really had the crowd in stitches.

Callum Cramb was next and mocked Chavs, commenting on everything from their dialect to their dress sense, which was hilarious.

Carl Hutchinson closed by mocking X-Factor. He was just as eccentric as some actual competitors and had great fun with the crowd during this sketch, who laughed along throughout his entire routine.

Long Live Comedy was fantastic and proved that you don’t have to be famous to be funny.

CHRIS CONWAY

Tuesday 26th Feb, CLASS

With regular hosts Al and Callum (I'll let you guess which is which)



OUR SHOW THIS WEEK...
Feb 26th - Class
Opening the show, Donnachda O'Connil, who has taken some time off from gigging, so it was a pleasure to see his classic material after a long lay off.
Gagsmith Paul Gerrard was bemoaning having to suck up to his new boss.
Danny Jackson is another of the comedy flowers of newcastle that is really starting to flourish, with a well worked theatrical set of off-key stories.
Greg Larmouth, was very upset that he didn't get a mention in the press after his last gig! So, you know. Well done on your second gig, we promise to get you in the Metro next time.
Freaky-funny Sarah Speak, and angry young man Carl Hutchinson (can't we all just share?) finished the show.

Tues 19th Feb, Valentines

A bit late, but the theme was valentine's day.

Matt Davies talked about the old west shootout style excitement of trying to press the pedestrian crossing button before the guy on the other side of the street.

Pirate Chat Another surreal Q and A session from the podcast gurus. Chris had so many lovehearts this Valentine's that his shoes fell off. Ian was worried that he might have married an invisible witch. See them in Durham Sunday March 9th.

Dr. Carlos- Cutting political satire.

David Richards-existential angst and surreal humour. The weirdest thing he did was walk off with Calum's notes.

Chris Martin- he's half posh and half cockernee geezah! (on his mum's side.) Back with some new material, -how rock and roll can you be if the only instrument you play is the recorder?