Comedy editor Robin Morgan rounds up the second heat of the Welsh Unsigned Standup Awards
The second heat of the Welsh Unsigned Standup Awards took place last night at Nos Da, with a similar ferocity to its predecessor last month. I was racked with nerves from the off, mainly because of the lack of lighting in the toilets. I’m a maverick, though – more on that later.
Dubbed ‘The Group of Death’, this month’s heat posed arguably the toughest competitors aiming to go through to July’s semi-finals. The acts in question were Adam Gilder, Rob Hughes, Ben Partridge, Lucas Elliot and Ryan Cull, all vying for that cheeky £1000 prize, and a spot on the bill to support Rhod Gilbert at St David’s Hall.
Compered by Matt Price, the emphasis was firmly on the stature of the Cardiff comedy scene as a whole, with previous and future competitors present in the audience, and the quality of each act reinforced by the level of competition that is present this year.
The acts that proceeded to the next round are as follows: Adam Gilder, Ben Partridge and Ryan Cull.
The decision should take nothing away from Rob and Lucas, who were agreed to possess great potential in their sets, and personally (and I’m sure I can speak for the other judges, also). I’d be very intrigued to see them at the contest next year. The Group of Death simply had to take some victims. The different range of comedic styles that were present throughout the contestants should also be noted.
It is fair to say that Benjamin did steal the show, with the professionalism and experience that would not look out of place on some of the bigger stages around the country. So far, the semi-finals are shaping up to be a huge event.
The audience were receptive to all acts, which is a tantamount to their ability – sitting in a darkened “Fritz-esque basement”, and paying £5 for the pleasure of doing so, required a good succession of competitors, and that’s certainly what we got.
WUSA:2 has raised the bar. Roll on Heat Three.
The Welsh Unsigned Standup Awards take place at NosDa. The next four heats are Mon 26 April, Mon 24 May, Mon 28 June, and Mon 5 July, doors 7.15pm. The semi-finals take place during the Cardiff Comedy Festival 2010 from Sat 17-Sun 18 July. The final is on Mon 19 July, and the winner will receive a cheque for £1000 and appear on the St David’s Hall bill in the Festival Finale on the Mon 26 July.