Review by Steve Bennett

The cavernous venue was host to just a score of punters, offering little prospect of a cosy evening's comedy from this trio of up-and-coming stand-ups.

Justin Moorhouse, a formidable character with good stage presence, had the hard task of compering, and got off to a bit of a nervous start, and floundered a little when the audience banter proved fruitless

Similarly, Josie Long seemed left out on a limb when her uninspired material drew silence from the audience.

Moorhouse regained his confidence for the next link, and warmed the crowd enough for them to welcome Luke Ponte, whose material was well written and well, if a little rigidly, performed. And his finale, involving mimed bongo drums, was most amusing.

Given the circumstances, these three young comics could have died a death, but they ploughed on regardless and the audience gave them a rapturous and admiring round of applause for their efforts in making the best of a bad job.

Review date: 1 Jan 2001
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett