» Comedy highlight: The Humble Quest for Universal Genius
It has often been said in recent years that there are a darn lot of comedy nights around Brighton. They have sprung up like daffodils: each welcome, but not necessarily any different from the one next door. Not that that’s a bad thing – we like a proven working formula. But even more than that, we like a new idea. Enter The Humble Quest For Universal Genius.
Its first outing in February brought something new to this comedy city. The format is something like a ramped-up quiz show, with two circuit comics pitted against each other to find a renaissance person for the 21st century. Just because everyone thinks they’re good at everything doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. Bruce Willis, we remember those mid ‘90s albums…
This comedy night is hosted by Powerpoint whiz – and Brighton and Edinburgh festivals old hand – Mark Allen. The two comics in the hot seat to find the elusive talent this month are Joey Page (as heard on BBC Radio 7 and a Brighton regular with his own monthly show at Upstairs At Three And Ten) and the delightful Michael Fabbri, loved by the press and the festivals. Both, luckily for us, know this neck of the woods well, so be prepared for local angles.
Last month’s inaugural show was ram-packed with challenges to the players’ poetry, wit and sense of the surreal, with impersonations and an unusual version of Guess Who making appearances. Who’d’ve thought we could get this much high-calibre creativity at such a bargain price mid-month? Thank you kindly for disregarding the box as you’re designed to think outside of it.
The Humble Quest For Universal Genius, Komedia, Thursday 18 March, 8pm, £6/4.
