On Thursday 12th February Romesh Ranganathan, Ben Norris and Andrew Ryan graced the Bramall Music Hall, for what was aptly described, a Comedy Night. The show began with a tentative opening from the compere Andrew Ryan. As he later said, it was his first time at the Bramall Music Hall and the nerves were clear to begin with. Despite this, his performance as the compere improved throughout the show, and culminated in a memorable performance. So much so that it is still fresh in my mind that he will be at the Edinburgh Fringe festival this year.
Ben Norris followed Ryan, and his performance was truly brilliant. Norris has been on several television shows; such as Mock the Week and Never Mind the Buzzcocks. This experience was clear for all to see. The audience did not immediately warm to him, following a joke where he asked the audience to cheer when he said their decade of birth. When there were no responses to the 1930s, the evening did become quite tense. Yet, his subsequent jokes and clever use of the audience’s reactions to his questions saved his performance. Overall, he was clever, adaptable and confident, and this was a feeling that was felt throughout the Music Hall.
Romesh Ranganathan was incisive, witty and intelligent. His jokes centred on his three children, his Sri Lankan heritage and the implications that this had on family events. A well-rounded comedian, Ranganthan has been on the circuit for several years, also appearing on shows such as Mock the Week. His performance reflected this experience. Although his repertoire with the audience was not as quick witted as Norris or Ryan, but I can tell you as a member of the audience, you do not mind.
Speaking to other audience members it was clear that these ranked along side other Bramall Comedy Nights. Indeed this was an entertaining evening, and one that I would recommend.
The next Comedy Night is on Thursday 5th March, and the comedians appearing include, Ivan Brackenbury, Ian D. Montfort and Laura Lexx.
By Greg Beavis and Jack Harrington.
