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Imran Yusuf – Bring the Thunder **** FEST Review

Monday, August 8th, 2011 by comedy_admin

imran-yusuf-edinburgh-2011Imran Yusuf - Bring the Thunder - 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Show Review
“strong, clever material which builds to a thoroughly uplifting finale…fascinating” **** FEST

Date of live review: Sunday 7th Aug, ‘11

Imran Yusuf is by no means short of confidence. It’s perhaps not surprising: the Kenyan-born, Hackney-raised ex-computer games tester played 101 shows in 25 days at the 2010 Fringe. It’s an experience which, clearly, has left its mark. Here Yusuf breezes through a set of strong, clever material which builds to a thoroughly uplifting finale.

It is identity—specifically it’s malleability and ambiguity—which provides Yusuf with his comedic fodder. Undoubtedly, he speaks from a fascinating place on the topic, his mixed heritage providing him with a unique angle on national identity. This is a cultural no man’s land he works to his advantage, allowing him to exercise his knack for taking topics to the bounds of acceptability, digging deeper into uncomfortable territory on race and religion before dropping, erm, the comedic bomb.

This ebb and flow also allows him room to be, for want of a better word, preachy. But Yusuf steers well clear of boorishness, instead crafting a well rounded show whose central message—that it’s totally right-on to be yourself and to let others do the same—comes through gleefully, stripping away our various affiliations rather than asserting a political one of his own.

There’s the odd weak point – Yusuf can do much better than jokes about boobs and Back to the Future, and a recurring theme of him being “gangster” never looks close to sprouting wings. But these are moments of timidity among otherwise braver material. There are few comedians willing to recite the Qur’an as part of their finale – and still fewer who could make it work.

Review by Evan Beswick, FEST Mag

TAKE ME TO IMRAN YUSUF’S PAGE ON COMIC VOICE MANAGEMENT - THE OFFICIAL AND EXCLUSIVE MANAGEMENT AGENCY FOR IMRAN YUSUF.

Comedy Club Show FAQ

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 by comedy_admin

faq

Here’s a simple list of your Frequently Asked Questions. You should be able to find all the information you need below:

What do I have to wear?
Please come in smart/casual clothes, smart jeans and trainers are fine.

What time do I have to arrive?
The door open times and show start times are listed on the venues web page. If coming for the comedy only we advise you arrive no later than 15 minutes before the show start time. If you arrive after the show has started you may not be able to access your seats until a suitable break in the show.

How do I pick up my tickets?
The seating plan is done on the afternoon of the show so your tickets will be ready for collection at the door open time. If booking online you will be able to print out a booking confirmation that you can bring along with you on the night. Please note: we do not send tickets out in the post.

What’s the best way to book tickets?
The best and cheapest way to book tickets is online at www.hahaheehee.com. You do not have to pay a booking fee and you can print off an instant confirmation of your booking.

Can I choose where I am sitting?
All seating is allocated and we do our very best to honour all seating requests but cannot guarantee a certain seat. If you are a large group booking we will sit you as close together as possible.

Do you do food?
A lot of our venues do offer food before the show. Please check the web page for full details about the venue you are attending and what they offer. Most food is available on the night and does not have to be pre-booked.

Someone in my group can no longer come, can I get a refund?
Once tickets are booked and paid for we do not do refunds or exchanges unless the show is cancelled.

Which comedians will I see?
You can find up-to date information including what comedians are performing on the venues web page here. Acts are subject to change without notice.

There is a large group of us coming – can we get a group discount?
Discounts are offered at the venue Managers discretion for large groups of 10 or more depending on availability (excluding Christmas Party nights). Please email in to: enquiries@hahaheehee.com

Does the ticket Price include food?
Most of our venues do not have food included in the ticket price unless stated. Please check the venues web page for further details.

Will I get picked on by the comedians?
Comedy shows do tend to involve some gentle banter especially with people sitting right at the front of the room but Comedians will only really put down hecklers, so as long as you don’t keep shouting out – you’re safe.

My friend is not yet sure of they can come, can they just buy a ticket on the door?
Yes, but subject to availability only. Please note: A lot of our shows do reach maximum capacity so we would always advise booking in advance to guarantee a seat.

Imran Yusuf on The Now Show

Friday, March 25th, 2011 by comedy_admin

comedy-club-comedians-news

The Now Show lays host to Imran’s top satirical comments tonight. Enjoy comedy sketches and satire from Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis with comics Imran Yusuf and Rory Bremner as special guests.

The Now Show
BBC Radio 4

6.30pm
Tonight - Friday 25th Mar

-> Listen Live <-

Missed the Show?
Listen Again here on BBC iPlayer

More goss.
Snapped up for another prestigious comedy spot over the radio waves, watch this space for news on Imran appearing on Arthur Smith’s Balham Bash. The programme is going to be the first show to make it’s debut on 4extra (previously Radio 7) and the series starts on the 4th of April as Arthur Smith invites an audience into his home for music and comedy.

Karen Bayley Impresses at Drayton Manor

Thursday, January 13th, 2011 by comedy_admin

comedy-club-comedians-news“I HAVEN’T laughed this much in ages,” said the Tamworth Herald’s co-reviewer as she left the plush Comedy Club Tower Suite at Drayton Manor after taking in the venue’s Christmas comedy night. As The Comedy Club Drayton now comes it’s second year of shows, it’s great to hear the press behind the entertainment to such a degree adding “the venue was ringing to the sound of laughter and people genuinely having a good time”.

With 3 top stand-up comedians on the bill at each show, it’s inevitable each will vye for the biggest laughs on the night and at this show, Karen Bayley came out on top. The Tamworth Herald reports: “the show’s host Karen Bayley burst onto stage….Arguably she was the night’s star attraction, using her extensive experience as compère…Her witty, blue routine and interaction with the audience warmed us all up brilliantly for the first act…”. For any night’s compere to steal the show is an exceptional feat and offers confirmation of the huge success female comedian Karen Bayley is set to become.

Take me to female comedian Karen Bayley’s page on hahaheehee.com

Comedy News Snapshot

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 by comedy_admin

comedy-club-comedians-newsA snapshot of the week’s news from The Comedy Club: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Frankie Boyle has managed to upset 4,500 fans on his latest and last stand-up comedy tour: ‘I Would Happily Punch Every One Of You In The Face’. With deep snowfall in and around Glasgow, Boyle’s show went ahead playing to 4,500 who did turn up, offering no refunds to those who couldn’t make the show. In other news, young comedian Josh Widdicombe won £10,000 as he scooped the top prize in FHM’s ‘Stand-up Comedy Hero’ talent competition. Josh beat Henry Ginsberg, Liam Mullone, Nathan Caton and Andrew Watts to win the final. David Mitchell and Robert Webb’s Peep Show has staged a successful return to our screens with 1.3million viewers recorded for the second show in the series on Channel 4, up 25% on the first episode which managed a disappointing 880,000 viewers. The Peep show has a strong cult following of Comedy Fans so don’t be surprised if this figure rises week on week. And finally…stand-up comedian and comedy panelist, Russell Howard’s ‘Good News’ is returning for a 2 more series on BBC Three in 2011.

That’s it for this week’s Comedy Club news round-up. Check back soon for another look over the world of comedy and all the interesting nuggets it has to offer!

John Ryan - Can Mental Health Make Good Comedy?

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 by comedy_admin

crackin-up-john-ryanIncurable diseases and botched suicide attempts aren’t usually a laughing matter, but a taboo-busting new show is attempting to challenge cliches about mental health.

James Anthony from The Guardian Reviews: 21st April 2010
It’s not the done thing to laugh at mental health issues. Just ask Steve Penk. Strange, as most comedians react to taboos like bulls to a matador’s cape. As John Ryan, standup comic and compere of Cracking Up!, says, “You hear comedians doing jokes about paedophilia, rape, child abuse, murder … no one’s making jokes about mental health.”

Cracking Up! is about to change that, helping to reduce stigma by normalising mental health problems. It’s a variety night – a mix of comedy, sketches and poetry based on research and featuring contributions from people who have experienced mental health difficulties. Developed by NHS Surrey, the show has had a successful local run (including tough gigs such as Woking Football Club), selling out in its two-days in London, and could be coming to a club, theatre, school or business seminar near you.

One of the reasons people can laugh at jokes dealing with the taboos Ryan describes is they are relatively rare. It’s unlikely that someone in a comedy show audience has been directly affected by child abuse (although Jim Jeffries was famously confronted by a member of the audience who felt the comic’s bad-uncle gag was too close to home); one in four people are directly affected by mental illness. Monday’s sold-out theatre, if not quite the hard evidence needed to back up that figure, at least proved that many people are curious. Questioning revealed that a number of charity workers and mental health service users were among the audience.

It’s all very worthy, this desire to improve empathy. But is it funny? When I went along to find out, I realised I’d never seen anything like it before – and judging by the nervous atmosphere during the first half, neither had the rest of the audience. But any anxieties were assuaged by the compere: Ryan was personable and accessible, yet mischievous and willing to push boundaries. Once the audience realised what was going on, second-half laughs came easily and heartily. It felt inclusive and empowering.

Gareth Berliner has Crohn’s disease, and appears on stage with what must surely be a comedy first: a backpack containing a pump, which is connected directly to his heart. Undoing the valve, Berliner cheerfully related, would result in his swift and bloody death. He then told us about his botched suicide attempt. While fascinating in a morbid way, this is hardly a laughing matter. But on Monday night, delivered in Berliner’s twinkling style, it was a killer gag. In fact, it’s a good example of the obstacles the show faces: while mental health is still a hard sell, it needs to be pricked, laughed at, normalised – and ultimately accepted.

Cracking Up! proves that a comedy show about mental health can be hilarious. It’s a relief to see an agenda-led project, which mixes arts with education, deliver its message without preaching. But once it has raised its issues, the question is whether people are willing to face them head-on.

Cracking Up! is taking bookings now. Email producer Maya Twardzicki on m.twardzicki@nhs.net for more details.

The Comedy Club at Your Venue

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 by The Comedy Club

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General Comedy Club Show Q&A Below

Here at The Comedy Club we’re proud of our 18 years experience bringing laughter to life from Ashford to Aberdeen. As the UK’s market leading comedy provider, we’re dedicated to providing the best service to our clients with unparalleled results. Book a Comedy Club show in your own venue or hold an event at a venue near you. Our expertise in live entertainment and stand-up comedy is unsurpassed. Book a Comedy Club show and you will not only receive our industry leading service, your customers will enjoy the UK’s top comedians performing at your venue. Contact Us 

The Comedy Club has the IMPACT you need! It’s crucial in today’s environment to book entertainment that ensures you stand out from the competition. The Comedy Club Ltd is an internationally recognised Comedy Club brand and probably the biggest provider of quality Comedy Club nights in the world. By choosing The Comedy Club you can stand head and shoulders above the competiton and shout about the top entertainment at your venue, driving your revenues through ticket, food and beverage and other sales in an enjoyable and positive fashion.Contact Us

Want to be noticed? - You can’t beat the top spot on Google! Type most Comedy Club or comedian related words into a world search on Google and you’ll find www.hahaheehee.com No1 in the world. This is a great example of the scale of The Comedy Club’s brand awareness and the The Comedy Club’s huge power to reach new customers for your venue. Book a comedy show and with listings on our website, your Comedy Club night will enjoy promotion on www.hahaheehee.com with over 300,000 hits per week as No1 in the world. Contact Us 

Book The Comedy Club

How do I know if The Comedy Club is right for my customers? Take a look around the website and you’ll find a host of happy customers. Whether browsing our Venues, Show Reviews or Members Fan Groups, we are a transparent, fully independant company happy to do everything we can to ensure your comedy show is a success. We value all our Comedy Club venues, book one comedy club show or book a dozen comedy club shows, we are always keen to promote a healthy relationship between The Comedy Club, our venues, the customers and the comedians. We endeavour for 100% customer satisfaction. Contact Us 

Comedy Club FlyersAs the market leader, what do we provide?  Book a Comedy Club Event and we leave no stone un-turned in creating the perfect comedy night at your venue. From your first contact with The Comedy Club’s Head Office, you will have a team designated to you to help in every aspect of running your comedy night. Whether this is through our highly skilled in-house design team or talented marketing division, you are guaranteed complete support. We will assist in creating maximum media exposure for your show throughout its lifetime; this may come in the form of previews, interviews, competitions as well as reviews, none-of which require any additional expenditure of advertising often required from other comedy providers. Contact Us 

To Contact UsEmail Us or Call 08700 425656 to speak to one of our friendly staff.

Book The Comedy ClubHow about the acts?There is no substitute for booking top quality comedians, so our nights typically include 3 top named comedians from the prestigious UK comedy circuit. We never book ‘Open Mic’ acts or acts that do not already have great reputations and invaluable experience

PLEASE NOTE: Some comedy providers may supply only one credible act with 2 or 3 inferior acts to make up the numbers. We challenge you to compare one of our nights with another comedy provider. You’ll wonder why you ever considered anyone else! Request a visit to a Comedy Club NightContact Us

Comedy Club Head Office

So you’ll provide support for me? Book The Comedy Club and our professional, dedicated team are always just a phone call away. Plus, you won’t be calling a mobile or emailing a dodgy hotmail account, so we’re never out of reach. Whether you’ve just started your search for a comedy provider, or looking to change, we’re here to help. Why not call into the offices as well and meet the team? At The Comedy Club we’re proud of our history, reputation and standing in the entertainment industry and look forward to hearing from you. Contact Us

I’ve seen The Comedy Club on TV last year - anything else in the pipeline? The long-standing reputation of The Comedy Club within the entertainment industry has ensured we are at the forefront of many comedy related TV projects across the networks. Following the success of our ‘Funny Business’ documentary on BBC3 in 2006, the BBC commissioned The Comedy Club for a further 4-part series broadcast in Jan/Feb 2008. The series focused on not only the national stand-up comedy competition, but also the lives of the ‘wannabee’ comedians, what does make them so funny?! Besides TV projects, The Comedy Club also secured a major contract with Mediatheme (market leader in database driven entertainment) to provide recorded comedy performances to over 250 venues across the UK. Enhancing The Comedy Club as the No1 recognised brand name in Comedy. Contact Us

READ WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT OF THE COMEDY CLUB AT THEIR VENUE. To Book a Comedy Club Event or make an enquiry regarding booking a Comedy Club event, please call 0845 459 56 56 or contact us using the online enquiry form where a full trained and professional member of staff will only be too happy to helkp with your enquiry.


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I would like to thank The Comedy Club for this great night which sold out at 200 tickets! The Feedback has been great and would recommend The Comedy Club to anyone, as you are a very well organised and professional in delivering a great night out. I m so happy i booked The Official Comedy Club.
The Comedy Club Holbeach @ Holbeach Community Centre -  May 2012
I would like to thank you at The Comedy Club for your help in making our comedy night a huge success. The comedians were absolutely fantastic and went down a storm.It could not have gone better.
The Comedy Club @ Brize Norton - May 2012
Thursday show was very successful, it was one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen!
The Comedy Club Colchester @ Colchester FC - May 2012

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