Editor's choice: Comedy

James Kell • Published 18 Sep 2009 08:00 0 Comments

RECESSION, global terror threat, swine flu, still, you've gotta laugh haven't you?!

How about raising a chuckle in these grim times with a bit of credit crunch comedy?

Not as expensive a night out as you may think - comedy clubs can offer great value for money and there's usually something on the ticket to tickle even those with a funny bone of pure steel.

The autumn is proving a boom time for stand up in Reading, with several popular comedy nights relaunching and some new ones taking off.

Next week sees the launch of a brand new comedy night the Madejski Stadium's Jazz Cafe.

Compered by Tim Clark (panelist on TV's That's Show business and pictured right) the bill features some of the UK's top comics including Phil Butler (Hotel Babylon, Funny Business, The Des O'Connor Show, pictured left) and deadpan genius Mike Gunn.

In Cantley Lodge Hotel, Wokingham, the highly successful comedy night continues to thrive in the Arts Bar, home of Wokingham Comedy Club.

The bar has hosted great nights of stand up in association with Bartlee Theatre, finishing with a band after the set.

These will continue in the regular slot of the first Friday of the month. Tickets are available at the door but it's best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Meanwhile in Woodley, after a two-year break, popular comedy club Gigglers returns to The Inn On The Park, Woodford Park.

Promoter Bob Cunningham said that there had been a real clamour from comedy fans, who had missed a laugh during Gigglers' two-year hiatus.

He said: "Most people didn't want to brave the nightlife that is Reading and couldn't afford the rip-off it had become, so Gigglers was born and it was a real success.

"It was never a big money making thing, it was more about entertainment, but we had sell-out shows every month.

"But the expected second season never happened for a variety of reasons, not least of which was in increase in costs, which meant that we couldn't keep up the great standard and value for money shows.

"My partner Andy's job took him down to Dorset and it was too much for one person to organise so we had no option but to close as a monthly club.

"But people never stopped telling us how much they missed it and asking us when it was coming back, so The Inn On The Park approached me and said they'd sponsor it."

The relaunch gig on Friday, October 2 features among others, Earl Okin, who was the first ever headline act for Gigglers in Woodley.

Coming shows feature the likes of John Maloney, Ricky Grover and Jo Caulfield.

Bob added: "Gigglers earned a reputation among the comics for having a friendly and intelligent comedy crowd, and we know that the atmosphere we had before will be a winner again."

Where and when:

Jazz Cafe, Madejski Stadium, Wednesday September 23 - www.hahaheehee.com or call 0118 968 1442.

Inn on the Park, Woodley, first Friday of the month from October 2 - www.gigglerscomedy.com or call 0118 901 4631.

Arts Bar, Cantley Lodge Hotel, Wokingham, first Friday of the month - www.courtlodgewokingham.co.uk or call 0118 977 5886.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 17 Sep 09

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