Stand Up For Cider 2024 – Heat 2
Heat 2 took place at the wonderful CICCIC on Friday 17 May. We were entertained by 8 contestants, our gorgeous David Arnold as resident MC and fantastic headliner Chris Brooker. Our audience were brilliant too! Thanks everyone….
First to the stage was Michael McMahon who performs as IRISH. We all loved him from the start as he leapt on the stage and dumped a rucksack! he has only been doing comedy for 10 months and has made a fabulous start – spoiler…he came 3rd! He had a very warm and engaging style with the audience.
Next up was Leslie Gold – A little firecracker with a New Jersey accent! Some brilliant jokes about Trump and American politics…..warm, friendly and likeable.
Our third contestant was Patrick Carmody – Young and very fit looking young fella – some material was based on when he was a lot heavier. Including a story about doing a charity sky dive where he was told he was too fat to do it by one company….so he tried another one with hilarious results!
Our next competitor was the adorable Sallyann Fellowes – Dressed like ‘Where’s Wally’ She delighted us with tales of her Cornish upbringing, being autistic and part time lesbian. Huge laughs ensued, the good ones, the ones that start in your belly! I was laughing so much I wasn’t able to take many notes.
We then had our beer break…..some naughty audience members took to the stage for some fab selfies! This one is my nephew Dave!
After the break our David Arnold welcomed everyone back…..what a first half!! We also discovered our youngest ever audience member…gently in a carrier, close to dad, who stood at the back and gently moved around to keep them calm and cosy…they also had little baby headphones on! Super cute!
First up after the break was Jack Allen – He has already taken part before. This time it felt much more mature, with added experience. A few jokes about his much married and mature dad. Good family material. I especially liked the fact he was once a debt collector, a bit rubbish, so he used to take his mum along as no-one can win against her menopause!
Second up after the break was Richard Beardmore. Richard has been an audience member for several years and had already taken part once before. This time he was so much more improved. Well practiced jokes and good delivery. He seemed to really enjoy himself this time!
Next up was Sue Carey – a local lady from Taunton. Sue had some good material. She was relaxed and confident. The audience enjoyed her performance. I hope Sue takes part again in the future.
Finally, Shane Oggz leapt onto the stage! Describing himself as a red-neck Bristolian. A bunch of council estate jokes, very self deprecating. Said he was great at colouring in at school but was a bit shit staying within the lines! Lots of laughter in the house. All right my luvver! he also had some great hairstyle material. You needed to be there.
In the next break David and I added up the score sheets from the audience. While we were working our headline act Chris Brooker topped off a brilliant evening with some fabulous jokes. He was very polished and entertaining. I was a naughty promoter and put my pen down to enjoy his set! And I really did. It is wonderful to relax and watch a pro do their stuff.
Now for the results! In third place and getting a Wildcard for the final in November is Irish! (Michael McMahon)…..our runner up is Patrick Carmody and our clear winner in this heat is Sallyann Fellowes!
A quick note to mention our fantastic sponsors! Sheppy’s Cider – Berrys Coaches – Walpole Dunn, Chartered Accountants – Sally at Design Bean – Our wonderful venue The Creative Innovation Centre – not forgetting our media partners Somerset County Gazette – Stand Up For Cider is only as good as it is thanks to the support from these amazing local businesses!
