Preview: Stand Up Hastings, Venuu, tonight (Tuesday), 7.30pm.
Hastings is a hot-bed for comedy, with yet another regular night opening later this month.
However, us 1066 folk are a loyal bunch, so expect the usual good turn-out at tonight's Stand Up Hastings night. A new name it may have, but the Venuu showc
ase is sure to have retained the gallons of goodwill it built up under the Laugh It Up banner.
Like Prince, a change in name has not meant a drop in talent. Although, if the people behind Stand Up Hastings decide to turn its name into a symbol I might have problems writing about it.
Top of the bill on Tuesday is Gareth Richards – a comic who randomly made his stand up debut on board a boat. And a rowdy one at that.
Surely then he will feel at home here on the south coast, nestled in heart of the Old Town, surrounded by fishing boats and fish and chips.
Not to mention swan pedalos and the steepest furnicular in the whole of England. Even if it is shut.
Anyhow, I digress. Richards is developing a reputation for himself as a sharp writer and rock solid performer, according to more knowledgable critics than me. His outsider viewpoint and appealing persona, they say, re already making him a favourite with audiences all over the UK.
Will he have enough to go down a storm here in our little cinque port? One can only guess. And I guess yes.
Support comes from Luke Benson, who has worked with people like Noel Fielding and Phil Kaye. I am always sceptical about people who write on their biogs about other, more famous, people they have worked with. I wonder if Noel Fielding gives a nod to Luke Benson on his? Who knows? I am too lazy to look.
Opening is Martin Hill who reached the final of the Amused Moose New Act of the Year in 2008, so clearly boasts some comedy pedigree.
Although his biog says he started performing in 2007 so perhaps he competed under false pretences. The tinker.
His charismatic style combines with a wonderful grasp of language to make Hill the Strawberry cream of the comedic newcomers box of Roses.
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8.30pm start and tickets are £7 or £5 for concessions.
