At Chortle's Fast Fringe

July 2011

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Minkley’s Night of Mirth 3
Live Review
Brighton Komedia

Ed Moore

It was a line-up many big charity benefits would envy – certainly enough to easily sell out Brighton’s Komedia.

Minkley’s Night of Mirth was the third such fundraiser in aid of The Samaritans and in memory of Oliver Minkley, a local musician and new-act comic who took his own life in 2010.

The biggest draw would surely have been Stewart Lee, here trying out material for the next series of his Comedy Vehicle on BBC Two. And if this set is anything to go by, he’s developing a more political edge, subjecting the party leaders and the entire system and its ‘illusion of dissent’ under the same intense, sarcastic scrutiny he’s previously applied to his fellow comics. Not that comedy itself escapes entirely, with the usual analysis of his own gags, and a typically iconoclastic attack on Bill Hicks, slaying a sacred cow many of his own followers will hold dear.

Lee was preceded by Rob Beckett, heavy on the ‘be lucky’ Sarf London patter, and ever-affable compere Ed Gamble, who couldn’t have been left in any doubt he was playing Brighton after engaging with one front-row punter who’s job was making windchimes, and another who worked in a chichi vegetarian coffee shop cutesily titled Wai Kika Moo Kau. [Why Kick A Moo Cow].

The second section was dominated by comedy hip-hop. Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, reimagining hits from the second summer of love with his ukulele and cut-glass accent proved the perfect entertainment for a crowd who surely still remembered those happy rave days, but now prefer to sit down for their nights out. Abandoman also featured, with their ever-crowd-pleasing improvised rap What’s In Your Pocket? and a mini-epic based on the lives of two audience members. The stand-up pastrami in this rap sandwich was Michael Fabbri, incredulously puzzled about how a world he doesn’t quite fit into, could possibly function. Smug grammar Nazis, ITV schedulers or unchivalrous pornographers are among those he just doesn’t quite understand.

Kicking off part three, Nick Helm, fresh from the announcement that he’s to star in his own BBC Three series, didn’t quite behave with the decorum that a representative of Her Majesty’s broadcaster should. Few are as expert at exposing the raw desperation of stand-up as him, barking his dubious jokes with such raw aggression right into the faces of the terrified front row, thirsting for their approval and even love. His typically full-on finale was a visceral overload that closing act Mark Watson, with his amiable commentary of life, found some difficulty in following.

Saw him yesterday at the Dome. He wasn't all that funny. His timing was off (perhaps to do with a sore throat...). In any event, any appreciative audience must have a touch of masochism about them. There were some small gems, but the performance lacked polish and direction. To carry off that level of abuse of the audience, contrast in mood and content needs a lot more panache than Nick Helms displayed. Oh, and the band is lousy.

Ray, August 2012

Just watched his fringe preview in edinburgh: unhinged, a bit like a breakdown in front of his father after years of pent-up hate, though with as much comedy if you did get to watch such a private self exposing moment. Moments of brilliance and real cheek burn. Some of the songs are priceless, others painful. Result: go see it and enjoy the rollercoaster, something different that once refined might just be a dream come true for unhinging comedy to find something new?

Flanders, August 2011

I saw him on Russell Howard and thought that it takes a lot for a comedian who nobody's hardly heard of to be so fearless of the audience. He is definitely something rare. I hope he gets the success he deserves

Haylea, December 2010

I saw Nick yesterday. The posted videos don't do him justice. He had the audience laughing or terrified the whole act. I laughed so hard I reached my laughter cap where I wish I could have laughed harder to assert my enjoyment but my lungs weren't strong enough. Really catchy, witty songs. Definitely would see him again.

Nat, October 2010

I have to agree with the two comments above - I especially love the description of Nick as an 'angry care bear'. Saw Nick's show, 'Keep Hold of the Gold' the other week at the Fringe - it was one of the few shows where I laughed consistently from start to finish. OK, so maybe sometimes the laughter was tinged with fear, but with the kind of adrenalin-joy-terror you get from roller-coasters, and being chased in 'it' as a kid, so it was all good. The show rolls on the audience participation (needs a willing audience to work best - luckily the crowd were completely up for it). It rocks on Nick's songs, which are full of clever lines, great rhymes, and tunes that stuck in your head for weeks afterwards. I will definitely go see Nick again, and would recommend his show to anyone that likes funny.

Knox, August 2010

Saw Nick @ The Stand in Glasgow. You feel like you have been attacked by a very scary Care Bear. Aggressively sweet and very very funny. 10/10

Jeanne, May 2010

Angry, compelling, engaging, possibly slightly mental, but a genuine breath of fresh air amongst a sea of comedy clones. I'd pay to see him again, and I'd encourage others too.

Ni Tle, May 2010