Brighton Comedy Festival Opening Night Gala

The Opening Night Gala in aid of the Sussex Beacon has a long held tradition of mixing up some of the biggest names in comedy with the next superstars on their way up. Testament to this was tonight’s headline act Seann Walsh, who a few years ago was occupying one of the ‘promising new act’ slots with total aplomb. Tonight the prodigal Walsh was in brilliant form, a worthy closer even if he seemed slightly surprised by it.

Other treats included a short set from James Acaster, whose festival show has already sold out, playing with dry whimsy and delightful faux celebrity titbits. Elliott Steel was a new face to the Concert Hall’s stage, with an easy confidence and strong persona matched with the tightness and quality of his material.

Phil Jupitus as Porky The Poet held the room captive, proving once again that seeing a great performer performing something unfamiliar in this television age holds a magic of its own. And there were great short sets from local rising star Phil Jerrod, with memorable material on the rising bar to earn middle classness, as well as the engaging and always good Suzi Ruffell and strong and quirky Tom Allen. All MC’d by the caustic wit of Mr Simon Evans.

Diverse acts, proving that comedy can offer so many different things, a marvellous way to kick off this year’s Brighton Comedy Festival.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 9 October 2015

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