Thanks to those nice people at Remote Goat I was able to attend my first event as a proper review. I would not have attended this show otherwise so I am obliged to them for allowing me to witness this unique and ultimately, enjoyable event.
Originally launched in 2002 the Real Deal Comedy Jam made its first appearance in Cardiff last night. A predominantly London group of comedians were expertly hosted by the experienced Kat. After unexpectedly opening with Bruce Forsythe and Max Boyce catchphrases he quickly won over a rowdy Friday night audience by making a second row heckler officially apologise for calling people in the front row "losers". After sensibly making nice comments about Cardiff he limited his sheep remarks to complimenting the Welsh capital on the freshness of its food - eg a lamb walking off his plate.
The first act, Little Man soon showed why he is an up and coming comedian with a hilarious set around his experiences of trying to be gangster in South East London. A set up about choosing the right music to seduce a girl failed when he a DJ played the wrong tune, an event amusingly referred to throughout the night.
The content of this show then took a surprise turn with the appearance of Twist and Pulse, a two man dance act featured in last year' s Britain's Got Talent. Their energetic routine combined rhythmic dexterity, split second-timing and flashes of comedy. An enjoyable and impressive diversion ( worth catching on Youtube).
Glenda Jackson may not be the slimmest comedian on the bill but she certainly filled up the stage with her talent. Showing complete control of her material and the audience she upped the level of laughter with her tales of sexual conquests. A perfect way to end the first half.
Undoubtedly the main reason for such a big turnout was a rare Cardiff outing for Richard Blackwod. Billed as the most successful UK urban stand-up comedian he was mobbed ( by both
sexes) when spotted in the interval. This rapture continued when he came on stage in the second act, leading him to repeat his entrance claiming that since he was no longer on television he rarely received such attention. Every joke or gesture was duly greeted with the obligatory whoops and cheers ( whether deserved or not) and the applause he received going off would have thrown most comics who had to follow him.
Not top of the bill Tiger though. The New York based comedian took up the challenge and soon won over an increasingly lively crowd. He was the only act to make any kind of topical eference by claiming a round of applause for arriving despite the volcanic ash cloud. He then launched into a forceful rant about New York rats, " they are now so self-confident they wear the same clothes as us" and made it relevant by claiming that Welsh sheep were just fluffy rats. A strong physical presence, including bulging eyes added to his full-on delivery style, including one fantastic story about enjoying listening to sex from adjoining hotel rooms. With a vociferous crowd in the palm of his hand it was closest I have ever come to experience the atmosphere of a New York comedy club.
As the evening came to a close Kat brought all the comedians back on stage ( the Real Deal Comedy Jam family) along with the two promoters responsible for bringing this unique event to Cardiff to receive deserved rapturous applause.
Looking back at the evening as a whole three themes ran through most of the acts. Predictably, sex and colour ( always funny, relevant and never aggressive )and surprisingly, Primark!!
Credit most also go to the resident DJs " Urban Fusions" for providing impressive music, before during and after the set and the Millenium Music Hall itself. Cardiff is crying out for an intimate comedy and music venue and this seems to fit the bill nicely. And the drinks are reasonably priced.
A great and successful night. Good luck for the future to all concerned.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment