Amanda Dwyer: I Did Something Bad 5*****

“Disclaimer. This is going to get dark. Real dark.” That’s Amanda Dwyer’s opening gambit. You might think you’ve come for some chat about ADHD or shopping in Lidl. She’s level-setting the room early, because this isn’t just a ride—it’s a … Read More

Robin Ince – Ice Cream for a Broken Tooth 3.5 ***

I didn’t truly know what to expect when attending this gig. Ince is a revered name in some comedy circles, but it was my first time seeing him live…

Robin is the presenter The Infinite Monkey Cage on Radio 4 … Read More

Kelly Rickard – Free As A Bird 4****

A triumph. You’ve got to get her into your life. Kelly Rickard isn’t just funny. This Newcastle/Welsh hybrid is a whirling dervish of talent. The tone is set early with an absolute banger: a sharply furious routine about Tory … Read More

Tom Stade: Naughty by Nature 4****

Tom Stade walks onstage like a man with nothing left to prove — and then goes ahead and proves it anyway. From the outset, his signature crowdwork is effortless, expertly gauging a room that spans generations — from twentysomethings to … Read More

Ralph Brown – Dead Inside 4****

There is a quiet kind of thrill in watching a comic step into their prime. Ralph Brown, long a clever and likeable presence on the circuit, arrives this year with something far sharper, deeper — and frankly, funnier — than … Read More

Deage Paxton – Inappropriate 4****

Brazen, bizarre, and at times brilliant — imagine Adam Sandler transplanted into a Geordie vessel and set loose on a stage.

Newcastle’s Deage Paxton is one of this year’s surprise packages. If you don’t know him yet, you should. He … Read More

Gareth Waugh – This Guy 4.5 ****

For more than a decade local lad Gareth Waugh has been a major player on the Scottish comedy scene, and elsewhere, often opening for TV comics on their tours. It is not hard to see why; he is definitely a … Read More

Material, Girl – Susan Riddell and Amanda Dwyer 4****

The Stand Comedy Club is famous for presenting compilation comedy bills most evenings throughout the year. But this was 13.15 . Lunchtime. Okay, how will that work? Not daunted I went along to see an all-woman hour and do you … Read More

Robin Grainger – Refurb 4.5 ****

It must be galling at times being in the stand-up industry. You slave away for years and only one person turns up at your opening night. The show that has been honed over many weeks, ignored by most. But lady … Read More

Gareth Mutch – Modern Man 4 ½ ****

Gareth Mutch has had an interesting past 12 months he muses shortly after coming on stage and a gentle warm up. A lot has happened. On turning 30, he claims on of the worst ages, not old, but not young … Read More