Have a laugh ... and another ... and another (Comedy Store)

Member Name: sandrabarber

Product:	Comedy Store
Date:	28/12/01 (206 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great value night out

Disadvantages: There's only 2 of them

The Comedy Store London has made many an appearance on our TV screens and provided a launch pad for such stars as Lee Evans, Peter Kay and Paul Merton. Last year saw the opening of The Comedy Store in Manchester, and it's an absolutely cracking night out.

I'm going to review the Manchester venue in particular, because that's the one I've visited most often, but the London one runs along exactly the same lines and all I say about Manchester applies. (Except for the prices - London is a bit more expensive)

Shows are on at 8 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday, with extra 11 p.m. shows on Fridays and Saturdays. I've been on a Friday, a Saturday and a Thursday.

The Thursday show is a 'whose line is it anyway' style improvisation starring The Comedy Store Players. They are superb - even better than those on the TV show, and because it's live, you get to see all the mistakes and flops, which can be even funnier than the witty sketches that work smoothly. The Comedy Store Players sometimes have 'special guests' joining them, and on June 21st the special guest will be Greg Proops of the WLIIA TV programme.

On Fridays and Saturdays you get five or six different comedians, each doing a 10-20 minute slot with the compere in between. I have not seen any big names, but I have seen some amazing comedians. Their styles have run the gamut of comedic styles and themes, and they have been consistently hilarious. Comedians come from all over the world to gig here, so you get a really wide range in the one night.

I'm not going to go into routines or jokes, because they just wouldn't translate via the written word, as it is the delivery, timing and persona of the personality on stage that makes the comic work.

Also vital is audience participation, and you get plenty of that at TCS. Don't worry, you don't have to join in if you don't want to (in which case you're advised
not to sit near the front), but it is such a good, uplifting night, and people get so carried away by the atmosphere that they often jump at the chance to answer a comic's questions or volunteer to get up on stage.

Being in a club amongst 500 people helpless with laughter while you watch a sublime comedian act, improvise and wind you round their little finger is absolute magic.

And if heckling's your thing, you've plenty of chances, but be warned, they will wipe the floor with you, so good are they at their craft.

The great beauty of TCS Manchester is that you get to see comedians who are just about to break into the big time at a very affordable price. And sometimes you get to see a surprise big name. For instance, Peter Kay was there a few months ago testing out his new material pre-tour, and many others have done the same. So you go never knowing quite what you're going to be getting.

The venues themselves are extremely relaxed, laid-back and welcoming, and they're stylish at the same time. TCS Manchester consists of a large bar, a superb 500 seater theatre where the performances take place, and a bistro selling excellent food at reasonable prices.

There is no trouble being served in the intervals as the bar is so large and well-staffed, and you can take your drinks into the auditorium with you. They even provide you with perfect pint-sized drink holders on the arm of each chair. If you run out of booze during a performance the bar is still open, but you might get picked on by the performer if you don't sneak out stealthily.

Tickets cost £7 on Wednesdays, £10 on Thursdays and £12 on Fridays and Saturdays. Students and nurses only ever pay £6 subject to proof of identity.

If you want more info you can look on the website at thecomedystore.co.uk, but wait a couple of weeks as it's about to undergo a major revamp.

You can buy tickets for either venue through
ticketmaster.co.uk, or you can just turn up on the night and hope there's some seats left.

I go about once a month and look forward to it all month long. I have never been disappointed there and have actually had 'laughter hangovers' the next day (stomach and chest ache and irritated eyes from crying with laughter).

TCS Manchester is at Arches 2 & 3 Deansgate Locks, Whitworth St. West, Manchester.

Get along there a.s.a.p. and take a crowd.

Warning: Not suitable/legal for children. Many comics talk explicitly about sex and swear like f***.

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