The opening showcase of Creatures Comedy Festival in Manchester certainly took on Lord of the Rings with its almost three-hour spectacle, and the talent showcased was indeed a fellowship of lols.
Club owner and host Evan Desmarais kept the vibes flowing with a well-seasoned and inclusive approach that kept the international audience-goers on side, among them an 80-year-old Liverpudlian grandad called George and his future son-in-law.
This is what comedy should be about. I particularly liked the evolution of this Mancunian fringe to offer such variety, not just a distraction from the world going to hell in a handcart but a beacon that comedy will survive it. A hot sauce business called Raju even had a little stall, which added to the festival feel.
Hannah Platt shared stories of mum–daughter relationships in the context of being LGBTQ+, with a strong opening energy (and possibly the toughest slot to do).
Alex Camp was a favourite performance of the night, with a 360-degree singing comedy package that was better value than a Jet2 holiday. A nostalgic aesthetic was spliced with the modern-day with themes including digital ads and neurodiverse women.
Karl Porter was a surprise tonic, with a kaleidoscope of facial expressions and a great pace of energy for a near three-hour show. His characterisations would cheer up even the gloomiest doom scroller.
Faizan Shah’s dry and understated wit was also a highlight, and the best-timed, leaving the audience wanting more. Particular highlights were discussions on the Royals and how he dealt with people coming up to him after his show, as part of exploring North West regional identities.
Brennan Reece seemingly whipped up a set from innate comedic intuition. Energetic and keen to bring together the trials and tribulations of mid-to-late-30s millennial chaos. He shared division of labour with audience members, making a shift sitting on the front row feel like 10 rounds with Tyson.
This is a comedy festival that doesn’t shy away from the joy, authenticity and clarity of original comedy.
I was expecting a series of ‘bits’ from wider shows without too much audience interaction, but the showcase took on its own northern identity with good old-fashioned audience chatter, wit and humanity.
It was refreshing, and there’s no doubt that the northern talent on show is the beating heart of what comedy should be about, made possible by the accessibility of this festival and its careful curation.
Catch a series of standout performances at Lost Cat this July. Kicking things off on Sunday 20th at 1.45pm, Proper Rank Podcast Live! features Brennan Reece and Danny McLoughlin. On Tuesday 22nd at 8.30pm, Faizan Shah brings Who Am I? to the stage. Then on Thursday 24th at 8.30pm, Alex Camp presents a work-in-progress show titled Six Addictions. Wrapping up the line-up, Evan Desmarais delivers Balding and Beautiful on Saturday 26th at 3.30pm.
Tickets start from £8 with over 40 shows until 26th July with a mix of household names and riding stars. To book, visit https://www.creaturescomedy.com/festival
