Reviews Archive
The Reviews Archive from 1997.
Interviews
Interviews with stand-up stars.
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Rob Rouse and James Holmes, Barnstormers Comedy, Lewes, East SussexWhat a marvellous club this is, bringing some of my favourite young comics to within a five-minute walk of my home!
The big cheeses on the Christmas bill were Rob Rouse and James Holmes - stand-ups with very different styles and equally innovative takes on their craft.
Holmes is a shock joker, hitting the audience hard with an account of his gayness and, curiously, details of what he won't do in bed.
His delivery is friendly and confident, so the crowd liked him, despite its clear discomfort with his material.
It seemed that would have gone down a storm down the road in Brighton is still able to shock slightly in-land.
Despite that, Holmes is a strong and original act - a showbiz-obsessed queen with a hugely-affable take on life.
Rob Rouse also has a pleasant and natural style which gives him a whooping headstart over many comics.
His substantial stage experience and gift for improvisation make him an all-weather comedian who is never likely to die on stage.
But he is at his strongest when doing his stand-up or musical routines and revealing the wicked streak behind the big grin.
A top night!
SHOW STAR RATING (out of five): ****
Chris Wilson
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Barnstormers Comedy, Lewes, East SussexTHIS monthly comedy club in a former church is coming on in leaps and bounds.
It pulled an audience of at least 70 people - all of whom were up for a Sunday night of comedy. Compere Kevin Precious warmed them up beautifully in his trademark deadpan style.
First act on was David Haddingham who is a very competent performer with some good jokes. Some of his material, however, seemed a little puerile and weak - and you were also left with the impression that he was not putting his all into the gig.
On the other hand, comedy magician Mandy Muden was really going for it. She raised the energy level in the room considerably with a high-pace succession of daft, failed tricks and silly gags.
Perhaps she overdid her persona - "slapper in desperate need of a shag" - and tried too hard to find gay men in the audience (why?) but it was an enjoyable performance all the same.
The undoubted highlight of the show was Hal Cruttenden.
Hal just gets better and better. . . he has fantastic delivery, a real feeling for its audience and superb material.
He lifted the roof of this creaky old church of a venue - and made it a memorable night. It becomes clearer by the day that Hal is going to be star.
SHOW STAR RATING (out of five): ****
Chris Wilson
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