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A fabulous set from Alex Cornish and his band, including a heart-stopping, stripped-down version of Dire Straits’, ‘Brothers in Arms’. Cornish instinctively understands that writing a song is so much more than merely telling the world how s*** you feel now that your lover has gone. His songs are beautifully structured, filled with tension and topped off with lovely little melodic flourishes which give them genuine emotional impact. Equally important, the lyrics eschew the banal, faux angsty posturing which bedevils the output of so many singer-songwriters. The only ‘negative’ was that certain audience members (you know who you are) thought it OK to talk and laugh during his performance. Nonetheless, a truly great evening out.
Latest Musicbar, 1 September
5/5
Gary Mepsted

A construct inspired by the classic ’80s film, this tribute is less a theatre piece, more a floor-stompingly enjoyable cabaret night. A delightful cast with voices picked to suit the songs selected by the original duo, as well as a strong support from a trio of belting soul female singers, made for a fun night all the family came along to enjoy. The only weak moments came when the ensemble of performers, plus the live band on stage, fragmented. Some solo performances without the support of the others showed the bare bones of a performer’s limitations. For the most part, though, no one cared, as the audience danced in the aisles, singing the virtues of ‘Sweet Home Chicago’, and feeling the joy of the party.
Theatre Royal Brighton, 31 August
3/5
Victoria Nangle

Before reggae and ska there was mento and The Jolly Boys have been playing it for over 60 years. Probably the oldest performers to grace the Coalition stage, the snappily dressed septuagenarians, dubbed the Jamaican Buena Vista Social Club, were here to promote their new covers album. Most of the songs suited their laid back calypso style, with ‘Rehab’ and ‘Ring Of Fire’ standing out. Both ‘Powda’ Bennett, 73, and Albert Minott, 72, were surprisingly sprightly and ‘Johnny’ Henry, 71, sat sage-like as he played his sitting bass rumba box. A great show from a group who have more than paid their dues.
Coalition, 31 August
4/5
Steve Clements

Bent Double is a much taken-for-granted monthly alternative comedy night. It’s hosted by Brighton resident and Mock The Week semi-regular Zoe Lyons – who was also nominated for the Edinburgh Award for Best Newcomer in 2007, as well as garnering the wrath of Germaine Greer.

And it’s very gay-friendly, which means, from that starting point, very ‘alternative’-friendly. This makes it a good home for the likes of the My Little PonyTM-tattooed Wil Hodgson, as well as Michael McIntyre Comedy Roadshow guest Kerry Godliman.

Offering a home to club sets wishing to get away from the stags’n’hens weekend mainstream clubs, it shouldn’t be overlooked just because it is always there.

This time we personally can’t wait to see Wil Hodgson again, having seen him in Edinburgh two years ago. His gentle delivery and lilting accent contrasts wildly with his substantial tatooed form and pink dyed hair. Declaring a love of lesbians, Roland Rat and punk, his storytelling and leftfield gags are an indulgent delight, like aural chocolate. The good stuff.

Also on the bill is Kerry Godliman, a popular act encapsulating the virtues of the ‘everywoman’, extoling the funny in marriage, motherhood and the mundane. Joining her is Mary Bourke, with a soft Irish accent delivering a fair amount of filth.

Zoe Lyons has built up this gem of a club ethos herself, mixing up comedic styles but keeping the quality high. It provides a place to see the really rather good and out
of the ordinary, without the need to invest in an entire hour-long show of something new.
Bent Double, Sunday 5 September, 7.30pm, £10/8.