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As the room slowly filled with people, it was clear Chris Martin (no, not the singer) had pulled in a strong crowd and they were not to be disappointed. This young comic spent the next hour giving us a hilarious insight into a world where being alone (weather that be in old age or in the bathroom) is his greatest fear. Not only did he keep the audience in stiches for a full hour with his quick quips and random musings but he also managed to reminded us that life is better and definitely less embarrassing when you’ve got a good group of friends on your side!

Laughing Horse @ The Hobgoblin, 12 May
Rating:
Carla Read

It’s fair to say that a midweek show won’t draw the biggest crowd. That said, there were nine of us in total. Out of the six comics performing, most were left undeterred by the small crowd and delivered a ‘stand up’ performance. However, I was less than impressed with the guy who brought his notes up on stage with him and then proceeded to rant about how much he hated his home town. Unfortunately the night seemed to focus more on quantity than quality, but if you’re looking for variety then this is the show for you! Any comic will be better with a crowd and on a Friday/Saturday nights I have no doubt this would have been a fun-filled evening.

Laughing Horse @ The Quadrant, 11 May
Rating:
Carla Read

Although numbers were thin on the ground The Hobgoblin felt electric and receptive to this comedian’s views on life, death, awards, and zorbing. It is, at its heart, a good show. Yes, there were some problems with pacing, and more than a couple throwaway bits here and there, which maybe would be improved with more planning, but his improvised conversational style sticks out in a world of recycled gags. This was a show that would have been improved by a packed audience. What Pat Burtscher provided is a show that is funny, and silly, in a good way. The Fringe needs more of this!

Laughing Horse @ The Hobgoblin, 12 May (until 15 May)
Rating:
Calum Anderson

The musical duo are clearly talented and work absolutely wonderfully accompanying each other. With Magadalena Reising on pedal harp and Udita Everett on flute, the pair played a mixture of genres ranging from contemporary to classical. The music was uplifting, peaceful and emotive and it was clear that all of us in the audience were touched in some way by the magical compositions arranged for flute and harp. A beautiful evening of beautiful music in the grand setting of Stanmer House. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Stanmer House, 12 May
Rating:
Laura Hayward