June 2008: review by John Shaw

Danny Dawes as usual was the compere. His banter with the regulars and newcomers such as Stu, Basingstoke’s most laid-back carpet fitter, created a great atmosphere from the beginning of the evening – an atmosphere which never dropped.

John Smith started the show off. He introduced himself as “technically brilliant” but laughingly warned us that the content was “dubious”. No wonder that we were on the edge of our seats for his set, as he guided us expertly through some of life’s darker experiences. He was warmly received by an appreciative audience.

Two ladies, from very different backgrounds, turned our attention to lighter matters. Nessie Flange, an elderly resident in Basingstoke with the appetite of someone much younger, is given to bursting into verse. How helpful that she was in the presence of so many employees from Eli Lilly, especially when casting around for a rhyme.

Holly Walsh is a young performer who has survived a childhood in Guildford and working in an Art Gallery. She now writes and works for radio and television, in addition to building a reputation as one of the brightest young stand-ups on the circuit. She pitched her material perfectly and worked the audience with confidence.

Gary Delaney was the headline act. His deadpan delivery of one-liners was expertly crafted, moving at the right speed, leaving his audience just enough time to savour each punch-line. By the end of his set, it was almost impossible to remember any single joke. It was enough to realise you had been kept laughing for the entire set.

The Laughter House is in its first year and has already established itself as providing a great night’s entertainment in a great venue.