July 1st Comedy Night

Don't forget that tomorrow night is Comedy Night at the Fox and Grapes. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Dave Twentyman will be unable to perform but never fear; MC Alan has managed to secure the services of a superb substitute in the shape of Jay Ryan.
Jay Ryan stepped into the ring during 2005 and has already proved himself to be a knockout hit with audiences, promoters and fellow comedians alike. Never pulling a punch, Jay's rock solid brand of observational, self-depreciating and no nonsence comedy will hit you square between the eyes, leaving you swooning and ready for another beating as soon as possible. A unique addition to the circuit, Jay is a comic who can float like a bee and sting like a butterfly.

"If you get a chance to see Jay take it now! Great material delivered in a easygoing manner that is just fantastic. He never fails to impress. He has such a great way about him on stage, a joy to watch. Going all the way to the top for sure!" - Paula Harrington, Tongue in cheek comedy.
Three time slimmer of the week award, Slimming World, Sefton park Conservative club 2005.

We also still have headliner Gary Delaney, who is fantastic.


Gary Delaney is a razor sharp one-liner comedian, who is widely regarded as being the most quotable comic on the circuit. But the high quantity of stand out gags leaves the audience struggling to remember them all.

Gary regularly plays all the big clubs including The Comedy Store, Jongleurs, Komedia, Glee, Rawhide, The Frog and Bucket, Hyena, Baby Blue, The Stand, Comedy Café, Lee Hurst's Backyard, Banana Cabaret and at clubs throughout the UK.

Gary co-writes Ivan Brackenbury's Hospital Radio Roadshow which was nominated for the If.Comedy award in 2007, and will be familiar to those of you who attended last month's triumphant birthday party. Gary will soon be appearing on Paramount's 'Comedy Blue'.

"Razor sharp one-liners" - Daily Telegraph

"Verges on the genius" - Chortle

"The man Jimmy Carr tries to be" - BBC Online

It will be great to see as many of you there as possible. Let's carry on the brilliant atmosphere from last month's show.

The Fox

Wigan

Don't forget the Wigan Comedy Night at Swinley Labour Club on Thursday. A great lineup and it would be fantastic if we could get another regular night running.

See you soon.

The Fox

Next Comedy Night - 1st July

The acts for 1st July have been confirmed as Dave Twentyman and Gary Delaney.

Regulars will remember that Dave was due to be with us in May and had to cry off at the last minute due to his wife being ill, so we look forward to seeing him this time. Dave is one of the most affable and naturally gifted comedians you'll see this year, with his strengths being his improvisation and interaction, delivered with genuine warmth and charm.

Gary Delaney is a razor sharp one-liner comedian, who is widely regarded as being the most quotable comic on the circuit. Gary also co-writes Ivan Brackenbury's Hospital Radio Roadshow, so those of you who were with us in June for the birthday party will no doubt be looking forward to more comedy of that standard.

Top line up, see you there.

The Fox

A Great Success

Well, I have to say that last night's 2nd birthday celebrations did the place proud. A good crowd were in, and everyone was receptive and appreciative from what I could see. Alan had played a blinder with the acts he brought and the pub absolutely rocked. The format was slightly different to normal with a support act, followed by two showcase acts then the headliner. Alan himself was back on form and started us off well before bring on Ben Schofield who had us hooked right from the word go. He played well off the audience and treated us to a great theory about galvanising dustbins.

Next up was Jimmy O'Neill who is finding his feet but has bags of potential. Unfortunately Jimmy had hurt his neck earlier and taken some of his mum's medication, which made him feel a bit woozy. In the circumstances he did well to remember any of his material and despite losing his way on a couple of occasions he left the audience laughing. Let's hope he is in top health next time we see him.

The second showcase act was Rod Shepherd, conspiracy theorist. His all-action style and paranoid persona struck a chord with the crowd (some of whom may not have realised it was an act!) and his stream of rants and warnings about the lies before our eyes worked extremely well. His props were well thought out even though I had to crane my neck to see them (note to self - don't stand behind the pillar next month). This character could really do things I believe.

Finally we had The Ivan Brackenbury Hospital Radio Roadshow - an act that had been nominated for the Perrier (or whatever it is called now) award at the Edinburgh Festival last year. We were privileged to have him perform for us and after the build up we had given him he had a lot to live up to. Fortunately he really brought the place down. The idea of a live broadcast back to the hospital from a pub in Preston worked a treat and his jingles and dedications had us all guffawing and on occasions doubled up with laughter. Ivan (or Tom to be more accurate) had a great time too and wants to come back for our 3rd birthday celebrations. That would be fantastic so let's hope it comes off.

Finally thanks to everyone who attended. Some new faces were in attendance, which was very pleasing, along with many familiar characters. Special thanks must go to Sharon the landlady for backing the event, to Alan for organising a top notch bill and to Stuart, Caroline and Mike for the publicity that seems to have helped attract a healthy intake of new (and hopefully future regular) punters.

See you all next month.

The Fox

P.S. Please leave comments and let us know what you thought of the evening. The blog has been altered to allow anyone to leave comments without the need to register or log-in. Just click on the 'Comments' link under each post and tell us what you liked, disliked or would like to see changed. It means a lot to know that people appreciate what we are doing.

Ivan Brackenbury

The Audience

Rod Shepherd and Jimmy O'Neill (in flat cap)

MC Alan and Rod Shepherd (in camo jacket)

Ben Schofield Performing

The 'After' Shot of Steve and Ian

Some More of Our Beautiful People

The 'Before' shot of Steve and Ian. Just look at the other post to see how the acts cheered up the miserable gits.

Tomorrow's the Night!!

Don't forget the 2nd Birthday celebrations tomorrow night. Four top class acts so it really will be advisable to get there early this time. Hopefully there will be real ale back on tomorrow after the disappointment of last month's hand-pump desert!

The Fox