Stand-up comics in Surrey this September
Shappi Khorsandi performs at the Farnham Maltings on September 29
You don’t have to go to Edinburgh or London to see a household comedy name. Over the coming months Surrey is due more stand-up comedians than could comfortably fit on a TV panel show. George Arnett gives his top picks for September
September is a funny (peculiar) month for comedy, located as it is just after the hard slog of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. On the one hand comics could now be weary after performing their shows almost solidly for three weeks, but, on the other, there is unlikely to be a time when their shows will be as carefully honed.
Venues such as the Bearcat Comedy Club at the Turk’s Head in Twickenham and the Farnham Maltings are hosting a few who have completed runs at Edinburgh, and we’ve pulled together some of the reaction to their shows to give you an idea of what to expect.
There are also a number of big comics who opted not to take their show up to the Festival this year. Greg Davies will only just be warming up for his winter tour at the Fighting Cocks in Kingston this September, but if his material is anywhere near as good as his last show then he will surely impress.
LUCY PORTER – September 15
Croydon-born Lucy Porter has been on the stand-up scene for 11 years, in which time she’s been team captain on Radio 4 show Act Your Age, starred alongside Christian Slater in the West End and won Celebrity Mastermind (with a record score). It was her Social Anthropology degree that led Lucy to create new show People Person – after taking a two year break to give birth to two children. Using her knowledge and wit, she analyses the most mundane aspects of British people’s lives.
FRINGE VERDICT:
“Porter’s talent for cutely potty-mouthed storytelling and audience interaction remains, and fresher than ever.” – Mark Monahan, Daily Telegraph
“Porter’s comedy remains pretty much where she left it two years ago: delicately winning, gently challenging at most and undoubtedly feelgood.” – Julian Hall, The Independent
Lucy Porter performs at the Bearcat Comedy Club at the Turk’s Head, Twickenham, alongside Liam Mullone, Paul Thorne and Simon Evans. Tickets are £12 for members, £15 for non-members. To book visit bearcatcomedy.co.uk
GREG DAVIES (tour preview) September 19
The inimitable Greg Davies, best known for starring as the terrifying Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners, brings a preview of his new show to The Fighting Cocks in Kingston. Expect riffing on the ludicrousness of family life in the former drama teacher’s new tour, The Back of My Mum’s Head.
Greg Davies performs a tour preview at The Fighting Cocks pub in Kingston on September 19. Tickets are £7.50, £5.50 for NUS members. To book visit outsidetheboxcomedy.co.uk
SHAPPI KHORSANDI – September 29
Hit comic Shappi, who has appeared on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo, is finding laughs in her life as a single mother following a relatively recent divorce. In her new show, she talks about seeking adventure in the arms of an unnamed ageing rockstar. Her other discoveries in the complicated terrain of relationships are also touched on. Be warned though, the adult subject matter does make it unsuitable for under 16s.
FRINGE VERDICT:
“Overall a set with great gags, but even greater potential that’s been deliberately unrealised.” – Alex Mason, Chortle
“A pleasurable hour in the company of a natural performer who seems to be making a positive push towards shows which are more than the sum of their parts.” – Chris Tapley, The Skinny
Shappi Khorsandi: Dirty Looks and Hopscotch at the Farnham Maltings on September 29. Tickets are £13.50. To book visit farnhammaltings.com
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