After being in hair and make-up for some time, I grabbed some sushi, kissed my immaculate children, cuddled the baby and dashed out the door to my awaiting car. Though I almost slipped over on my way out as I had carelessly spilt champagne earlier…
The music comes to a dramatic end with the needle scratching on the vinyl…OK, I am lying.
Actually, I frantically got ready holding a baby that desperately needed changing. Cold leftover fish fingers were hastily stuffed into my mouth as I slipped on the puppy wee on the way out to catch a bus..Phew! I could not wait for an evening with Funny Women at the Brighton Komedia!
The audience was a wonderful mix. A young gaggle of girls, some lovely my age ladies (The good side of forty), couples, men and women all of types having a lovely time. The fantastically talented Lucy Fredrick hosted the evening and got everyone going.
First up Liz Peters bounced onto the stage bursting with energy…A little pocket rocket with oodles of talent. Liz immediately set to making best friends with the audience with her wonderfully funny songs. Liz reminded me of a Dolly Mixture of the greats – Victoria Wood with a smidge of Julie Walters sprinkled with Jane Horrocks.
Next up the very funny Naomi Hefter a blonde vision with a no holds barred style of comedy. She did pass me by with a couple of her stories, only because of my pure ignorance of being young now! Naomi held up a wax strip… I had never seen one before! Yet the young gaggles of girls were in fits. You see when you’re the good side of forty, rusty razor blades and tweezers are good for the job…If you can be bothered.
Shelley Bridgman closed the first half with her quick wit and topical subjects. She was brilliant, clever and very, very funny. Her formidable persona slowly softened as the act went on as she recounted some snippets of her past. She is a must see again and again – because of her topical comedy, she will always be fresh and exciting to listen to. Shelley should be on the Telly!
The audience came back bringing with them the scent of smoke and fresh lipstick and drinks. We were now all best mates. Lucy bounded on with whoops and cheers for the second half of our evening of brilliantly funny women.
Bisha K. Ali came on looking rather sensible and studious looking! I loved her style of comedy. She managed to educate us on science and religion – I kid you not! Her interaction with the audience was superb. It was a shame when her set finished, as I definitely was left wanting more! Studious in comedy she is. Sensible? Maybe not… That is why we loved her.
Following on was the wonderful Jane Postlethwaite. With a growing fan base Jane did not disappoint, taking us back to her roots in the Lake District. We were gently caressed with her ease of telling gags. Beatrix Potter is a follower of the Postlethwaite on Twitter, as am I and all of you will be too. I urge you to go and see this new and emerging talent.
Headlinging was the brilliantly talented Vicky Arlidge! A pure genius who had us all in fits and singing along. I will never listen to Paul McCartney’s ‘Frog Chorus’ again without breaking into fits of giggles.
What a brilliant night! Funny Women Brighton Nights gave an eclectic mix of comedians. A flavour for every flavour!
I had to dash as my driver was waiting……..The number 49 to Hove.
Becki Charles
Pictured: Above – Lucy Frederick, Below- Liz Peters, Naomi Hefter, Shelley Bridgman, Bisha K. Ali, Jane Postlethwaite, Vicky Arlidge
