WELCOME

This blog will give you information about the comedy night held on the first Tuesday of every month. The venue is The Fox & Grapes pub in Fox Street, Preston and is easily accessible by public transport or car. Best of all, admission is absolutely FREE.

The event is compered by MC Alan Donegan (pictured)



We will post pictures of previous evenings as well as details of forthcoming acts. Copyright permitting we may even post short video clips of the performers in full flow.

It would be really helpful if you attend a performance for you to let us know what you thought about the comedians, the organisation, the atmosphere, the venue - even the beer!

The Fox

Tuesday, 12 August 2008

The Audience





Can you spot yourself? I can!







The Fox

MC Alan Donegan




Mark Rough




Sir Richard Swan



Poxy - Urban Painter and Decorator



5th August Comedy Night

Another night of top entertainment at The Fox and Grapes. The conditions for the players of both sides were difficult, with a sweltering atmosphere draining some of the players early on, owing to the decision by the stadium management to leave the roof closed but the main men seemed to rally and delivered a great performance.

MC Alan had this time decided to pull a flanker with two definitely left field acts followed by a crowd pleasing mainstreamer to tap in the goals late on, ensuring a comfortable home win.

First up we had Poxy, Urban Painter and Decorator. Poxy turned out to be Salford's answer to Banksy and entertained us with sharp banter and well constructed visual aids. With a bit more exposure this guy could be attracting the attention of the big clubs before long.

Next up we had 'Sir' Richard Swan, someone who has graced the turf of The F & G earlier in his career before The Fox became involved. I had no idea what to expect, other than the word from a scout (not the Baden-Powell sort) who was present, and said "People either get Richard or they don't. There is no middle ground." Never a truer word ... I really enjoyed Mr Swan's act, which was far from the norm. I thought it was a well thought out, brave and provocative performance that had me laughing out loud. However, the alternative view from the terraces was, and I quote, "Self-indulgent crap." Anyone who can provoke such differing opinions is doing something right and whilst I may not have been in the majority on Tuesday I would like to see Richard again.

To finish off the evening we had the 'Mackem Mouth', Mark Rough. Mark concentrated on the traditional comedian's approach of straight joke-telling and apart from one baffling foray where he appeared to be bearing down on his own goal by engaging in some inadvisable personal insults he had the audience with him all the way. A consummate professional Mark read the audience well and stuck to his strengths. A real crowd pleaser who sent everyone away chuckling. And is there any better way to come away from a comedy night?

Top marks again to Alan for his hosting of the event and what a pleasure it was to welcome back our old friend, "I don't come round to your place knocking ..."

Next month's headliner is Seymour Mace so don't miss 2nd September.







The Fox

Monday, 21 July 2008

Next Comedy Night - 5th August

Well, we're into summer now as you can tell by the month if not the weather. Come along and shelter from the rain with us at our next comedy night on Tuesday 5th August. We have three quality acts on offer this time round. Our headliner is Mark Rough.

Mark Rough has been described as the most refreshing Comedian on the UK cabaret circuit. With his fast paced and gag filled set, Mark has been wowing audiences all over the world. Unusually for the mainstream comedy scene, Mark writes all of his own material and this, along with his chirpy manner has seen him perform over 2000 shows in his eight years as a professional Stand Up Comic.

Based in the North West of England, though hailing originally from Sunderland, he has seen his act work in everything from pubs and clubland and is now a big hit on the after dinner circuit. Mark's career has taken him to selling out small theatres throughout the UK and he is working on extending his fan base further south.

After his initial success on the comedy circuit Mark swiftly moved into more traditional venues, though modern and inventive, he is a joke teller.

In 2006 Mark, released his debut live DVD "Have You Ever Had It Blue" to critical acclaim. The show was filmed before a sold out crowd at Blackburn's King George's Hall.

Also appearing will be Richard Swan. Mr Richard Swan is an individual who writes and performs comedy.

Based in the North-West of England, Mr Swan has travelled the length and breadth of Britain playing such venues as The Stand Glasgow, The Frog & Bucket Manchester and numerous venues at the Edinburgh Fringe.

"Definitely a name to look out for." - BBC Lancashire

"Bizarre but very funny" - DerbyComedy.Wordpress.Com

Finally, a treat for those of you who, like me, enjoyed Rod Shepherd, Conspiracy Theorist, we have the latest character from the stable of Jeff Downs - Poxy, Urban Painter and Decorator. Poxy will be filling our special Showcase slot.

I look forward to seeing you all there.










The Fox