What do you do on the first day of winter after an extra hour in bed when the nights are really drawing in? Go to the Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh.

On this particular Sunday the 25^th October the line-up is John Whale, Garry Dobson, Danny Pensive, John Gordillo and mein host Scott Agnew.  Scott is well known to both of us but on this occasion I saw an angry young man. Scott’s change in presentation was rather unusual but certainly very effective. He had his audience firmly in the palm of his hands, not only that but he managed to whip us up in to a frenzy to greet all the performers.

The dubious pleasure of opening act fell in to the capable hands of the young good-looking John Whale. Hailing from South Shields his opening volley contained the hundreds of which describe being drunk compared to the one for being ‘Tipsy’! Other topics cover N.M.E.’s Villain of the year, Fritzel V Lorraine Kelly and the Metro. These somewhat emotive subjects were covered with a cheeky grin and great humour. This was the first time I had seen John but certainly hope it wont be the last. I think Geoff would enjoy his comedy as well.

Garry Dobson is more of a pal these days but is seldom seen without Stuart his double act partner. What I was un-prepared for was the speed of delivery, topics covered and utter underwear soiling giggle-fit he set me off into. I was laughing so hard my inhaler was clasped in my hand to stop me going off into an asthmatic fit. Garry was totally rocking.

Danny Pensive looked to me like a slightly more human form of Paddington Bear complete with duffle coat. After Gary’s gazillion miles an hour onslaught, Danny has a far more laid back slightly simple presentation, which was a fabulous contrast. He started off with a Goldfish song, food information from packets, the difference between Mormons and Normans, the relationship between Les Dennis and Stefan Dennis. But it was his Rice Krispies, bowl, spoon and M-----, which got me in the end. Danny has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe (not totally in person) but is due to venture out in 2010.

The headline act was John Gordillo. Having seen John before I was looking forward to seeing him again. Almost all his material was new to me his opening “Whose Taking You Home Tonight?” was by far the most memorable moment of his set. The material about his Spanish father was fun and the revelation about his ‘shampoo’ name got some of the audience in a bit of a lather.

Despite Geoff being ill and my going to the Stand on my own, I had a fabulous night. I never feel uncomfortable and the staff are all very friendly and approachable. For all Stand dates in both Edinburgh or Glasgow go to www.thestand.co.uk