Comedy: Laughing horse comedy shows

Asserting its own presence within the Brighton Fringe, Laughing Horse offers a variety of shows to laugh at

It’s been five years now that Laughing Horse Comedy has been coming down to bring its own contribution to the Brighton Fringe, and my how it’s grown. Now covering four venues around the city (The Quadrant, The Temple, Caroline Of Brunswick and The Hobgoblin) offering up over 100 different shows, the toe dipped in experimentation has spread a warm glow throughout, as we receive a mix of first-timers, old timers and the occasional half finished show. With most of the shows from the Laughing Horse stable either under a fiver a ticket or completely free, this is what a Fringe is supposed to offer. So what are some of the highlights?

First off, support some of the local talent with Threegomaniacs (14–15 May at 5.45pm, and 20 May at 8.15pm, The Quadrant, free). Made up of a trio of rapidly rising stars David Jordan, Melissa Moreman and Dan Fardell, this is a collection of short diverse sets come together to amuse. Next, make a date with a returning star – Helen Keen is an award-winning comedian and creator of BBC Radio 4’s It Is Rocket Science and returns with a work in progress called ‘Into the Beyond’ to give us a sneak peek at it before its debut proper later in the year (26–27 May, 6pm, Caroline Of Brunswick, £5/4.50).
Another thing to bear in mind is that a number of shows may look as if they’re returning when actually they’ve toured the country, evolved and are now back with the same title but a whole new set of stories and laughs. Chief amongst these is Ria Lina’s critically-acclaimed show It’s Not Easy Being Yellow’, about cultural identity (16, 23, 30 May, Caroline Of Brunswick, 8.30pm, free).

Chiefly though, don’t miss out on the plethora of odd and bizarre titles that intrigue and entice you, and can also suit your pocket. Amongst those list Krater regular’s Amadeus Martin in his show, Is Keeping It Surreal (24–26 May, The Hobgoblin, 9.45pm, free), the aspirational How To Be Rich And Thin from Pauline Curtin (19–24 May, The Quadrant, 5.45pm, free), and the regular blue night to end the Fringe Shaggers, hosted by Nik Coppin (31 May and 1–2 June, The Temple, 9.45pm, £5/4/3).

There are plenty more shows to choose from, and, if it’s a free show, it’s well worth just staying in the room after a show you’ve booked to see to catch whatever’s following too. It could be the next Michael McIntyre, Stewart Lee or Miranda Hart you’re about to stumble upon.
www.brightonfringe.org, www.laughinghorsecomedy.co.uk