Words: Mark Perkins
If I had to pick a ‘best ever Sheffield night out’, I’d be hard pushed to choose.
But I’m certain of one thing – it would be a night of stand-up comedy. Sadly, it’s been some time since this has happened.
My favourite venue, pre-lockdown, was always the Lescar.
Intimate, and in a small venue, where the audience and the comedian all contribute to the night. I’ve loved seeing the likes of Chris Ramsey and Dara O’Briain in there. And while I do not at all begrudge them their big arena success, I’m always on the look-out for somewhere to watch comedy, and make that connection.
I didn’t think it would be happening anytime soon, but thankfully I was wrong.
The inaugural comedy night in Haggler’s Corner was one of the best comedy nights I’ve seen in years.
Eight up-and-coming acts, all hosted by Daniel Inniss, had me shouting for more at the end, and I wasn’t alone. Several folks I spoke to on the way out, said that they’d be back, and they’d be bringing friends along too.
The acts were all good in their own way, so I’ll just pick on a couple for a special mention. First off, Callum Jones and his quiz. He needed to pick someone from the audience to help him, and as there was a guy resembling Tarzan, sitting next to me on the front row, there wasn’t really anyone else to choose.
When it goes well, an entire act based on audience interaction, is like nothing else, and this was comedy gold. My other top choice was headliner Kelli Taylor. Her character of a hairdresser from the North East had me laughing more than I’ve done on a night out in years.
So get yourself down to the next one, but don’t get there too early, I’d like to be able to choose where to sit next time.
