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The Noise Next Door have proven their worth as a sharp and sassy improvising group, mixing music with mugging and basic acrobatics with have-a-go fearlessness. And it’s thanks to this worth that the upstairs room at Komedia was packed for their second ever Lock-In, combining their own improv games and skits with the stand-up of two comic guests who later joined in the games and showed off their own improvisation chops. Guests were Dundee comic shouty man Peter Pirie – a likeable everyman – and comic character embittered US country singer Loretta Maine – a creation of Pippa Evans, last seen on TV on BBC2′s forray into improv Fast And Loose. Although Pirie showed his gusto, running with the idea of yoga in a rainforest as suggested by the audience, Maine – in character throughout – was the headline guest with fabulous vocals and cutting asides. The show itself was very well paced, and a great showcase for these much loved boys. Set to be a jewel in the comedy month.

Komedia, 10 November 2011
Rating:
Victoria Nangle

The enigmatic singer began, swathed in low lights, her guitar heavy with bluesy minor sevenths, aided by soft Hammond, double bass and brushed drums, displaying a playful voice that recalled Billie Holiday. ‘Don’t Wait Too Long’ sounded like a female Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, while ‘The Kind You Can’t Afford’ with wah-wah guitar and a searing organ solo from Gary Versace was pure late night jazz club. A trio of busking songs included Gainsbourg’s classic ‘La Javanaise’ and her masterful intonation and note-bending on ‘I Hear Music’ was Anita O’Day reborn. A truly uplifting midweek musical tonic.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 10 November 2011
Rating:
Steve Clements

The evening was a roaring success as the three speakers took to the stage. Yvo Lunar did an inspiring, but yet heartwarming and hilarious talk about her journey into mental health. James Burt gave a very insightful lecture on psychogeography in Brighton and its influences around the world. But the real highlight was the opening speaker – the organiser of the event himself Dr David Bramwell who invited us into the mindset of those who experimented with the postal system by not only sending odd items, but actually toyed with the idea of sending themselves! This is the first talk he’s given in a while and it was wonderful to see this man in action. Actually, the Catalyst Club is one of those events which keep getting better and better – especially as we were told it was never the same crowd and one never knew what to expect.

Latest Music Bar, 10 November 2011
Rating:
Sascha Cooper

Hand on heart, I am an absolute dye-in-the-wool sceptic on all matters paranormal. Having said that this was still an enjoyable event and for those who do believe there was plenty to engage with. The event was part lecture, part experimental investigation but above all an interactive examination into the spirit world. The séance and ouija board sections were a little long but nonetheless engaging. And even this doubter had to question the very convincing ‘tipping table’ experiment, it moved and seemingly under its own will! Theatrical? Yes but why not. Believer or not it’s still worthwhile seeing.

Pavilion Theatre, Worthing, 10 November
Rating:
Lee Stevens