Opening Night Gala

Alan Carr returned once again to host his annual fundraiser as patron of the Sussex Beacon, cultivating a generosity of spirit that spread throughout the Concert Hall like a warm smile. Stepping out of his Mr Saturday Night Telly attire for an evening to enjoy hosting a night of good quality live comedy, Carr tripped happily with friendly and risqué barbs and banter. So reassuring that he has not been swallowed by the mainstream genericisms of comedy.

Opening the event was a maniac set from Terry Alderton, bouncing off the walls with an air of menace and a comedic jerks from semi-improvised puppetry, character comedy and fast-moving creativity, knocking the socks off the collective audience.

Next up, and in a difficult slot following such vast energy, was local rising comedian Romesh Ranganathan, whose sly, darker (in many ways) perspective on family life was sharp and engaging, if a little muted after the exhaustion of Alderton.

Then came Seann Walsh, loved already by the audience as the prodigal son. That said, he was on dynamite form, throwing himself physically into each set-up and punchline, and his material positively embracing the apathy of modern life beautifully.

Rounding off the first half was Paul Chowdry, the second comic of the evening to suffer the stilted energy of following a highly physical comedian. His political racial commentary fell slightly flatter than it might have done, being the second Asian comic that night to touch on these issues. Still, he raised a lot of laughs.

The beautiful dry, sardonic wit of Jo Brand followed, mixing it up with a well crafted – if close to the bone – gag about the latest Jimmy Saville controversy, along with topics on her family and careers, leaving the impression of a chatty and very likeable comedian still going strong and feeling fresh.

Irish double act Abandoman opened the second half with a couple of improvised raps, inspired by the audience, creating a fabulous atmosphere in the Dome. They proved themselves both funny and captivating.

Then came the ironic snobbery of Hove local Simon Evans on excellent form, mocking the manners of modernity with a lovely precision and delivered through a great rictus grin.

Kerry Godliman was the only woman on the bill and, after a shaky start with some gender generalisations, hit her stride well with references to conspiring toddlers and the like.

Headlining and closing the night was Jon Richardson. Less boisterous than some of the acts preceding him and at the end of a laughter-filled show, the exhausted audience thoroughly enjoyed his stories of being tormented by the details of life, mining his rich vein of fresh comedy with a light but practised touch.

A great night with a lovely and varied line-up fora very worthy cause. What an excellent way to start the Brighton Comedy Festival.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 5 October 2012

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