If the first one is anything to go by, character comedians Louise Ford and Cariad Lloyd have started something very special with their new monthly comedy night. Something very special indeed…
In fact, the debut of Cariad and Louise's Character Night is sure to go down for everyone in attendance as an all-time favourite gig. Hosted by the girls, the incredible line-up featured Nick Mohammed, Gemma Whelan, Jessie Cave, Lou Sanders, Rowan Atkinson(!) and Tim Key.
In the quirky basement bar of Drink, Shop, Do, this intimate gig played to an audience of just 70 lucky people. Thrilling from start to finish, there were non-stop laughs, riotous must-be-seen-to-be-believed oddities and a plethora of hilarious characters. Sides were split as Nick Mohammed conducted an invisible orchestra, Lou Sanders showered in sugar and Tim Key recited Christmas poetry quite unlike any you've heard before.
The biggest surprise of the night was the appearance of the wonderful Rowan Atkinson who enthralled the audience with a brilliant new character and a masterful commentary in both word and mime.
It is testament to the comic sensibilities of hosts, Ford and Lloyd that a line-up featuring such a standout and well-loved name flowed seamlessly under their management. There were no holds barred from the moment tap-dancing marvel, Jenny Fawcett (ingenious creation of Louise Ford) took to the stage to host the first half. Her skilful audience interplay, oddball charm and hysterical characters worked magic.
Character Comedy Nights are in relatively short supply on the London circuit so it felt like a significant and very welcome step in a happy direction to sit in a roomful of people who just couldn’t stop themselves laughing gleefully at the sparkling wit of a very clever woman (Cariad Lloyd), dressed as a sanitary disposal bag.
*****
Anna Benjamin
Cariad and Louise's Character Night is a top-notch, sure-fire great night out and it’s happening again on Thursday 16th January. Tickets are available on HERE!
