Comedy: Great & Small

Reaping the benefits of living in comedy-loving Brighton

I am constantly counting my blessings that I live in a city that not only loves comedy, but is also loved by comedians. Just count the respected names who call this city (and surrounding areas) home – Zoe Lyons, Joe Wilkinson, Stephen Grant, Romesh Ranganathan, Brian Gittins, Colin Hoult, and more. The rising stars that have come from here and are still developing, coupled with these great headliners and others who have cut their performing teeth here and are happy to return having made a name, means that we also get some of the best quality mid week, room-in-a-pub, comedy showcases too. Not least, this Thursday’s Comedy Cooler Opening Nite at Brighton’s latest new venue, the Rialto.

Comedy Cooler has been going as a monthly night for quite some years, but it took a breather for a while last year and now it’s moved home from The Alibi in Hove to the spanking new centre of town venue: the Rialto. Headline names for the night are Brian Gittins and Flange Krammer – both larger than life in their own ways. Gittins has gathered an incredibly eclectic following over the years, with headliners for his own monthly night over at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar including Al Murray and Harry Hill in recent times. Whereas Krammer brings his own style of kickback against the conventions of comedy, embracing catchphrases and audience interaction, and unbelievably weaving a sexist ‘70s athlete persona with truly enjoyable and likeable character.
Support slots include Sam Savage, who has been seen in her new persona – Linda Larkin – around town with material for a show that will be fresh to the Brighton Fringe, giving glimpses of the pure joy it will be to behold. Not to be missed.
And of course, as a comedy Mecca, we also attract the big guns to the big venues.

Stewart Lee is in town for two nights this weekend at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall. Yeah baby. The show is called ‘A Room With A Stew’, and sees him return again with new material in readiness for his next series of Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle. After he recently hit the headlines for lambasting ticket tout websites, and for his opinions on attending award ceremonies, it’ll be interesting to see if any material on those topics makes it to the big stage.

So turn up and laugh it up. We are the lucky ones.
Comedy Cooler Opening Nite, Thursday 26 February 2015, 7.30pm, £7.50/6, Rialto, www.rialtotheatre.co.uk
Stewart Lee – A Room With A Stew, Friday 27 – Saturday 28 February 2015, 8pm, £22, brightondome.org
Extra Stewart Lee date added: Sunday 21 Jun 2015

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