 About a year ago, while
attending a Comedy Gala featuring Janey Godley, Lucy Porter and
Adam Bloom at the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh, I first learned of
NikNik Productions. I assumed it was something to do with Jim
Davidson. I realise I’m showing my age with that comment and of
course I was wrong.
NikNik Productions is in
fact the brainchild of Nicola Connor, a student of Drama and
Theatrical Arts at Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University and as
part of her course work Nicky was promoting the Gala as part of
her course work, and an excellent night it was as well, even if it
could have benefited from a larger audience.
One year on, and she is at
it again, this time produced a benefit night for the Children’s
Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), and together with her
supportive parents, The Stand Comedy Club, various local sponsors
and of course the talented bunch of comedians, the whole evening
was an unmitigated success and the charity benefited to the tune
of £1100 to boot.
 Compere for the night was
the very talented and lippy Susan Morrison. Susan is of course a
Stand stalwart and is well versed in the noble art of warming up
the audience with chat and laughter. She set the tone for what was
to come as only she can.
The first act were duo
Paul Graham and Stuart Murphy, Stand regulars, who entertained the
sell-out audience with their own brand of improvised comedy. As
with all impro comedy some material works better than other, but
the general standard was good.
A
short break, then Aussie Kieran Butler, together with is trusty
guitar, performed in his inimitable style, very funny,
occasionally ‘iffy’, with both songs and gags. It was the
first time I’d seen him, but I hope it won’t be the last.
Another
Stand favourite was next, the posher than Mrs Beckham, Miles ‘ I
was born with a silver canteen of cutlery in my mouth’ Jupp.
Miles is in a class of his own while delivering his deadpan humour
with comic timing to die for. He gets mileage out of the most
unlikely things and is surely destined for absolute stardom, I
would say a cert for television, but isn’t he there already with
another character he has invented!!
Richard
Herring was the bill topper. Of course he is a fell known name in
comedy circles, not least for his previous partnership with Jerry
Springer – The Opera creator, Stewart Lee. These days Mr Herring
is doing his own thing both writing comedy plays and, of course
his stand up career. His set was well received and pacy, however,
how did he manage to spread a story of him purchasing 9 yoghurts
into a 15-minute soliloquy? I’m not sure but some how he managed
it.
As
always one is never left short changed at The Stand, and I
certainly felt it was very good value for money yet again. All
credit to them and of course NikNik Productions for a great night
and I’m sure we’ll all hear more from them in the near future.
For more information on what
is on offer at The Stand check out their website www.thestand.co.uk
for future listings and for the best of comedy in March check out
the Glasgow Comedy Festival on
www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com
as I know Kieran, Miles and Richard are all appearing as well
as numerous others.
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