The sell-out audience in the Red Lion Hotel last Thursday enjoyed another great evenings stand-up comedy. News of the high quality entertainment on offer had obviously spread since the last show, and regulars were joined by parties from several of Basingstokes large companies.

Phil Dinsdale, an ex-steel worker, opened the show, drawing on his upbringing in the North East and his rugby background to engage the audience with well-judged observational humour. His first appearance in Basingstoke will probably be best remembered for his opinions on Gillian McKeith.

Nessie Flange has clearly been neither a steel-worker nor a rugby player. Jan Jack uses her alter ego to deliver risqué material in the persona of a sweet old lady, often in verse form. She showed her strength, however, in despatching a member of the audience interrupting her set; as Nessie might say, an unfortunate case of premature ejaculation.

Another new face was Michael Mooney, a young man returning to the comedy circuit after a break. Physically imposing, he presented a cleverly written set. It will be interesting to see how his work develops.

By now the room was crackling with the kind of energy you find when the audience and performers are enjoying each other’s company.

The atmosphere was right, then, for Steve Jameson to close the evening as Sol Bernstein, Britain’s oldest Jewish comedian. This character was developed several years ago, and is a perfect vehicle for outrageously funny observations about race and religion and sex. It was a virtuoso performance. Long may he continue to be 84 and on first name terms with the Hollywood greats.

Danny Dawes closed the evening, drawing on the contributions from the audience who had helped to make the evening so enjoyable – especially Herbie and the Fujitsu employees who felt it necessary to disclose they weren’t Japanese.

John Shaw