The Glee club at the Bullingdon offers constantly decent comedy in a slightly squishy venue, for middling prices. For around £17 you get two hours of comedy, two breaks and a plastic chair squeezed into a tight row - make sure to bring one of your slimmer friends!
Entering to dramatic power music, our compère Jojo Jacobs nevertheless set a surprisingly laid back and even surly tone. It wasn’t the greatest night for Jacobs to be honest: he struggled to engaged the audience in banter and was forced to take some cheap shots at the little he was given to work with.
Our first act, George Rigden, fared little better. Though less laid back, Rigden also took a slightly angry and aggressive stance. The key theme seemed to be an odd combination of self deprecation and self-aggrandisement. It could have worked but somehow wasn’t quite clever or polished enough to raise a consistent laugh.
With some trepidation, then, we welcomed to the stage our second act, Andy Askins. Balding, rigid and bespectacled, Askins affected the character of a very boring man. But that he was not. Askins kicked with a rolling series of simple, pacy and downright funny gags. The audience responded well to the jollier tone and clearer structure. With spirits lifted, Askins plugged in his guitar and delighted one and all with hilarious ditties about road kill and rednecks. Funny funny stuff.
Last but not least was Suzi Ruffell. Delivering a delightful set, Ruffell was full of energy and full of fun. It was clear that Ruffell had her set well honed and was confident in it. It didn’t really matter that much of the subject matter was the same old ‘behold, I’m gay!’ fare; it was delivered with verve and cheer, and was a really good laugh. I was particularly impressed that Ruffell didn’t have to be crude, offensive or angry to bring the funnies. The delivery was well thought out, the timing spot on and the stories all hung together. She finished her final gag, checked her watch, closed the set and almost sprinted out the door. But she did leave the crowd laughing, so a job well done.