» Comedy Preview: Charity Chuckle
In the second of our series on local new act oasis we have a chat with Jim Holland,who, with Kerry Herbert, runs the monthly local fundraiser Charity Chuckle. With a headliner accompanying booked new acts raising money for local charities, it’s an opportunity to catch hand-picked comics with promise brushing shoulders with a proven circuit regular. Jim has a word with us.
Why a charity night?
Nobody else was doing it! We wanted to give stage time to newer comics and at the same time help raise much-needed funds for local charities.
Why should we go to Charity Chuckle?
With some of the best up-and-coming comics and a professional headliner there’s a very good chance that you’ll catch the next big thing, and all the while you can feel smug in the knowledge that you’re giving back to the local community. Plus there’s usually a raffle; we all love a raffle.
Who’s been the biggest name at CC?
Brian Gittins and Angelos Epithemiou (who is now on Shooting Stars) headlined the gig a while back and I think it was my favourite comedy experience ever. Anarchic and subversive and, of course, very, very funny.
Who will be the next big names that you’ve seen on the Charity Chuckle stage?
Phew! Er. All of them! Especially me. Romesh Ranganathan is probably the longest name. And he’s ace. Anyway, the big names you see on telly are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stand-up. There’s a real breadth of humour and taste out there and the only real way to experience stand-up comedy is to see it live.
What’s the best heckle you’ve ever had?
I was the first act on and had just started my set when a woman in the second row turned to her partner and said loudly, “Ugh. I hate stand-up comedy.” Which is kind of impossible to come back to. No matter how witty you are, she’s still going to be fundamentally opposed to the idea of someone being amusing while vertical.
Who would be your ideal line-up?
Stewart Lee, Daniel Kitson, Eddie Izzard, Bill Hicks, Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, Les Dawson and Laurel & Hardy. (Kerry says: Sarah Millican, Joan Rivers, Jo Brand, Victoria Wood, Jerry Sadowitz.)
What’s the best thing about comedy in Brighton?
The comedy’s diverse and the audiences are really friendly and open and more intelligent than most. And more attractive. And they have this sort of glow of intrinsic awesomeness. Brighton audiences are absolutely the best in the world. Please come to our gig.
Charity Chuckle New Act Night Spectacular, Tuesday 10 August, (see 10 brand new acts try out their three-minute sets). Latest Musicbar, 7pm, £6/5
