At Christmas we enjoy unwrapping presents one by one and the Edinburgh Stand Comedy Club’s Christmas cracker night’s are doubly special as it’s final guest was an unexpected surprise.

It is some times since Geoff and I have seen Glaswegian Raymond Mearns whose mastery of feedback is utilised in his role of host. His skills were used to the full by this packed out audience, who appreciated his Glasgow humour.

His first gift to us was Rab Brown.

Rab is a bit of a bear in size and looks, whilst I enjoy his humour, which has only been slightly expanded since the last time we saw him, he was sadly not fully appreciated by this boisterous audience.

After the interval Raymond unwrapped Ed Patrick who was new to both of us. This young lad looks like a mix of Russell Brand, Russell Kane and a hyena not quite sure about the hyena but he certainly made us all laugh. This boisterous crowd took to him the way most kids look forward to Santa’s arrival.

The main meal in the second act was Shazia Mirza who enchanted us with her own unique style. Her sweet saucy humour is curried with a touch of devilry. She is certainly no turkey and can please the appetite again and again.

Our headline act and superb surprise was author, actor, playwright, comedian and hero Owen O’Neil.  This Irish star may be at the top of the tree, shining bright over the whole room spreading joy and mirth to all.  I had not seen Owen perform stand-up and loved every second of it.  I am hoping that unlike Christmas it won’t be a full year till I get to see him again.

I am a bit of a humbug about the festive period but if it were more like the Stand festive celebrations perhaps I would be more of a fan.  For all future shows at the Stand Comedy Club in both Edinburgh and Glasgow see the website www.thestand.co.uk or telephone 01315587373. Some of the proposed shows for 2010 are going to be phenomenal.