Has anyone collared the word ‘sublime’ to describe standup Peter Brush yet? They should, as all present for his headline set at Cardigan’s Quay Street Studio can confirm. This monthly comedy club has had star names before, as organiser Penny Thomas has long believed in bringing award-winning artists together with new acts into intimate spaces.
“I used to go to these small venues in London with my mates in the 80s, and you’d see people like Eddie Izzard, when he was just starting out,” Thomas says, describing the alchemy between artists and audiences that larger venues can’t achieve. She’s created that atmosphere in an old Cardigan townhouse, which during summer has boasted performances outside, in its slate-terraced garden. Indoors, with local brews, home cooking and tiered bistro seating, the vibe is both cosy and close-up.
Topping September’s Comedy Club bill, maestro Brush brought a comedy and persona that are sublime, in all senses. His comic routine builds almost imperceptibly, while he proclaims his unsuitability to be our host. Think of fractals, worlds within worlds, and you’re halfway there; you can feel the jokes creeping stealthily up behind you like a game of Grandma’s Footsteps, then – pow! – the final reveal is beyond your wildest expectations, a surprise within an enigma, while the perpetrator of all this still looks nonplussed. Delicious!
We were spellbound by Brush’s sorcery, and it makes sense that he’s been widely recognised – winning awards, writing for The News Quiz and Newsjack, and touring with Alexei Sayle and Arthur Smith. Can you be both a classic and a one-off? Peter Brush will convince you of that.
Ably supported by all-Welsh talent, the flavour of the gig was generous and uplifting. Kris Davies and his occasional guitar kicked things off with a slice of life from the M4 corridor – inclusive jibes at the best and worst of twin-culture Wales, a distillation of Bridgend spirit in one man. Our hearts opened to Kirsty Davies and her honest voice – whether riding with her on the last ‘vomit comet’ to Ebbw Vale, or joining her non-co-opting gender politics by way of T shirts, we enjoyed the warm, sweary, strong/vulnerable cwtch she gave us.
The night opened and closed with the benevolent talents of Eglwyswrw-born comedian Steffan Evans, local lad back home, as MC. He brought us together, kept us together, warmed our cockles throughout – and because of him, we all went home twisting our tongues around the Welsh morse code: Ma da du da da dy dad di.*
The club night returns on Thurs 20 Oct with MC Sarah Bridgeman, BBC New Comedy Award winner Jethro Bradley, Glee Club favourite Lovell Smith, and full-on actor, presenter and sharply observant comedian Steffan Alun headlining at this special venue. Prepare for a winter of warmth and mirth, Cardigan-style…
*“Your father has good black cows”
Comedy Club, Quay Street Studio, Cardigan, Thurs 22 Sept.
Tickets for October’s Comedy Club are available here.
words JULIA DELI