Tonight I was in Little Eaton at the Shiny Tap for the Flat Cap comedy night. This is a lovely little venue with an audience that are up for comedy, albeit usually going for room work over material. It was great to see that it had sold out and just as importantly to me, I’d brought a friend with me. I really enjoyed watching him laugh and see these comedians for the first time.
Stevie Gray (MC)
This year Gray has been nominated by his peers in the best act category in the Midlands Comedy Awards and looking at his performance, I’m surprised that he wasn’t more strongly supported in the nominations for MC, too. His very tangible sense of enthusiasm transmits itself to the audience very well and they love him for it. What impressed me the most about Gray tonight was just how easily, ie how skilfully, he managed to stitch various audience stories and personalities together and form a comedy loving community from this group of individuals. Beyond this, he demonstrated a lot of sense in how he dealt with a chap whose trip to the bar and back, pausing to collect a few glasses from his mates, interfered with Johnston’s second section. Gray pointed out that this wasn’t on and then did what was required to reset the room. This was done very well.
Edi Johnston
Johnston was a nice addition to the bill. The idea was that he’d do a couple of five spots before both Ian D Montfort and Ivan Brackenbury took to the stage. This wasn’t a bad idea, as not many pro acts could follow either and a bonus ten spot wasn’t really enough to make a section all on its own. With his ukulele and upbeat songs, Johnston had a good night, the room liked him and he received good laughs.
Ian D Montfort
Montfort is a tremendous act. There is a lot of very clever and subtle comedy here. Every word and action adds a lot of value to the show. You get the impression that he is mentally 3-4 steps ahead of the audience in every interaction and has a ready answer for every response. Not only do I enjoy the comedy, but I really appreciate the construction of the whole performance.
Ivan Brackenbury
Brackenbury received huge laughs throughout. This is an act that is supremely well realised and his apparent lack of self-awareness is expertly portrayed. Also, there is always something new in this set. Most acts who had a bomb proof set would be loathe to change it, but Brackenbury isn’t afraid to strip out guaranteed bankers to keep it fresh. That makes seeing him even more rewarding.
nottscomedyreview 