How a nightmare turned into a privilege!

The view from the front row - was originally scared

The comedy circuit in London is renowned for its regularity, and having attended a fair few shows on any given night, a Saturday evening at Highlight Comedy, Camden, has always been a particular favourite of mine.

The first point of this blog is that it would be an offence to type jokes and the set of any of the comedians, so that won't happen. What I shall do is review the comedians we saw (you can easily find out where they are scheduled on the circuit) as well as the venue.

The obvious difference in this venue, is that it is set up for comedy, in so far that it is not a big room in a pub, but a well-furnished, stage-led venue, with cameras excellently positioned so if you're ordering a beer at the bar, you won't miss the 'action'.

The entrance I have used previous - down through Camden market in a door at the bottom, has been changed, and now it's a trip up some steps into the famous 'Dingwalls,' or Lock 17 as many might know it, and down some more steps.

The first point of note, and your night may be different, but we were greeted by an annoying queue mostly combined of +40 years-old stag do.

Here is the first constructive criticism of the night - although by the end of the review, you might forgive it.

Jason Patterson - owned it!

The rules were simple; if you're coming in, in a stag group, you will pay your way, you won't heckle, and you will be sitting/standing wherever isn't booked.

Straightforward?

This is where my first encounter came with the more-than-friendly French manager/supervisor occurred. He gave them the time of day! Chat, instructions, chat, more instructions - meanwhile the queue behind us was growing, with the less-than-friendly bouncer making sure people weren't 'blocking the stairwell' and instead snaked them round ridiculously, while we were 'tutting' at the overly-chatty old stag do.

Eventually, obviously noticing the groans, raised eyebrows, and watch-glancing, the oldies were motioned through, and we were there, ready to be sent to our table. Happy days!

Front row!

That's where we were told we were sitting. Front row. Enough to make any man weak at the knees - but this northerner was excited. It is probably where I have always wanted to be!

My partner wasn't so enthused - even asking if there was any chance to move  - of which I dismissed (apparently we had been put there because her surname made the manager think she was French - bravo to him!).

Kerry Godliman - Changed my perception

The compere for the night was Jason Patterson, my first viewing of the fine gent, and he put in a similarly fine performance. Witty, superb with the crowd (which did include a few jokes at my 'lack of commitment' with the missus), and up-to-date, he was one who we thought could go on all night, and we wouldn't get bored.

First on was Kerry Godliman, and (upbringing blamed) I am not not usually a fan of female comedians.

Nothing chauvinistic, nothing sexist, just the simple fact that I have been brought up with a gruff voice, making dirty jokes.

And that's what Kerry was like. Top marks.

While humouring her own lifestyle and odd traits, we could all relate to the everyday things she talked about. She was a crowd-classic and didn't lose the enthusiastic mass, and her brutal honesty, whether acted out or truthful, was refreshing and delightful.

James Redmond appeared on the stage with a few whispers of 'I recognise him,' or 'he's been on the telly,' and he proceeded to confirm that when he re-encated the theme tune to hit BBC hospital drama Casualty - via vibrating lips and shaking head.

Of course, James was the widely-known Abs Denham, from the grim depiction of real life, Casualty.

Erich McElroy  - lovely face and great act

James' set was good, if not a little nervy. Perhaps some will say his gags were long-winded, but as he exited, I wanted more. His return to the comedy circuit  should go well as long as he has more confidence, gets a bit more 'everyday man real life' and extends it to longer than 10 minutes!

Next up was Erich McElroy - the name didn't ring a bell, but his face certainly did.

Not that it's a face of any particular negativity, as it is a beautiful, round face, but it is a recognisable one. And as he entered the stage the bounce, enthusiasm, and an American accent, I remembered him!

A great set, superb crowd interaction, which, as opposed to putting a bracket in, I shall explain.

A heckler. And a very BAD heckler, for no reason, decided to try and be everyone's memory of the night.

'I hate you' rang out. Everyone looked, no-one could really see, but the 'voice' came from what looked like a big group of girls, and most of them looked embarrassed.

She tried to explain 'why' (she obviously had taken advantage of the very reasonably-priced pitchers of lager), which was met by her friends stroking her hair, and telling her to 'go back to sleep'. Now if I was a comedian, I would rinse her, but Erich, experienced as he is, rinsed her for about 60 seconds, then settled, and finished, in great style.

Pete Johansson was the final act one - and what an experience.

If he doesn't come on talking about bears, I advise you to heckle and ask for it. Whether his act was 'actually' meant to be about bears or not, or even how he got on the subject is beside the point. As is the fact that the UK doesn't even have wild bears; his set was hysterical.

And so a fantastic end to a cracking line-up.

And now a word for the French manager as aforementioned. Chatting away to a fellow 'comedy-loving' couple, my drink was inexplicably-taken. So a trip up to the bar, an honest explanation to the lovable (and I am heterosexual man) French man, and a full pint was presented.

Then followed a drink of our choice from Mr manager, a great chat about how things are going at the club, and we were on our way.

I asked the name of the gentleman, but Comedy Highlight are less than forthcoming. Shame. Their manger for the night was a credit just as much as the acts were.