On Tuesday I had the happy pleasure of being a guest at The Wagon.TV comedy night in The Library at Shoreditch House. Being a penniless comedian, I was not going to pass up such a rare opportunity of passage into the elusive fortress of beautiful people that is Shoreditch House (although I always wear skinny jeans and act cool (is it even cool to say “cool”?!)), so off I went!
Feeling like a fraud, donning my best ‘I belong here’ face and screeching “dahhhhllliiiiing” at the top of my voice, I made it past the bearded guest list guards and up to The Library on the fifth Floor, checking out the bar for any talent on my way in, of the comedy variety that is.
The Library itself is an elegant space, the whitewashed brick walls partly covered with walnut panelling, a large fireplace complete with artefacts straight out Dickens’ front room and a large decorated Christmas tree, scenting the air with pine.
The brilliant Canadian, Mae Martin, was our host the evening, and her goofishness instantly put the audience at ease, especially as the first thing she did coming on to the stage was to knock someone’s drink over. Mae’s effortless storytelling, recounting stories about her Canadian upbringing and straight-laced parents captivated the stylish audience.
Next up was David Elms who treated us to a song made up of the phonetic alphabet, which was both hilarious and educational. Elms has the gift of looking like a chipper Jack Nicholson and just had to look at the audience to evoke a chuckle.
Then the audience were transported to the company boardroom as we heard Ellie White’s film pitch from a character who had blatantly never seen a film before. White finished with a song about One Direction accompanied by Mae on the guitar, a great finish to a talent-fuelled set. Watch out for both of these newcomers in the future!
After the break Mae brought on the excellently weird Norwegian, Daniel Simonsen who also spoke of his background and the reason he got into comedy in the first place. Well, for a dork, this foreign funny man has certainly done well for himself, with excellent one liners and stunning comic timing.
And our headline act of the evening was the endearing Holly Walsh, complete with dinosaur Christmas jumper. Having recently married, Walsh talked about the highs and lows of marriage and called upon the audience to share relationship advice.
This was a thoroughly lovely Christmassy event and I look forward to seeing what kind of online content Wagon.TV come up with.
Kate Lennon is a comedian, writer and Funny Women's marketing and production assistant. When she's not visiting swanky places, she's supporting female comedy anyway she can. Follow her on Twitter @katelennon. Why not invite her along to one of your gigs? Email k.lennon@funnywomen.com
Pictured top to bottom: Mae Martin, Daniel Simonsen, Holly Walsh
