Stand Up For Cider 2024 – Heat One
Heat one took place on Friday 23 February 2024. Due to a couple of last minute drop outs we had 6 competitors in this heat. But BLIMEY – what a night!
Our resident superb MC was David Arnold….he always rummages back stage and find something fascinating to bring onstage to start the evening with a surprise – This time is was a Christmas Tree which he decided to stick on his face!
Now it felt like it was going to be an awesome night!
First to take to the stage was Alfie Dundas – Son of an Irish mum and a footy loving dad! He presented his material in a very confident manner. Lots of private school jokes (he did look quite posh!) – A brilliant joke about vegan shampoo!
Next up was Simon Hall – A very energetic walk to the stage in his sparkly boots! Shouting at the crowd and slapping many hands! He was so loud he didn’t use the microphone! Great dust jokes (you needed to be there!) adding in a bit of Brexit!
3rd up was Lee Hudson – Had the crowd in howls of laughter describing his dad who was on his 5th marriage! On the stag night watching his dad shove his inheritance in the knickers of a lap dancer! He asked the audience to guess the age of this latest wife in a Play your cards right way – Higher or Lower! Ended up she was 28 and his dad was 65! He also did some fantastic material about his younger brother! Over 20 years younger!
Our 4th contestant was Martin J Dixon – Looked a bit shy and quiet at first but boy was I wrong….He is adorable and very camp! Talked about being born by caesarean and never having touched a vagina! He discusses ex boyfriends including one who went to Germany. He basically took the roof off the venue.
Our 5th competitor was Sam Love! He described himself as a fat Joe Wicks! Very confident delivery, great jokes inc the NHS – when he went to see his Dr about his mole…was told to go to the vet! Good material.
Our final competitor was Rob Auty – A slightly older gentleman, gentle delivery, quiet and humble. He says he’s single as he has a cold for 9 months followed by hay fever for 3 months! Ended the set with an unusual crotch ornament!
Once the votes were counted Dave and I settled down to enjoy our headline act the wonderful Stephanie Laing! I book Stephanie as much as I can because she is just soooooo good! The audience absolutely loved her act! I was lucky enough to be seeing Stephanie at The Regal Theatre in Minehead the next night too. If you see Steph’s name on a line-up make sure you get a ticket!
After each show I love to read all the comments the audience have written on the score sheets! We have the best audiences at Stand Up For Cider and Taunton Comedy Club! All performed at The Creative Innovation Centre in Paul Street. We’ve been working together for 10 years now.
So, the scores on the doors! The first four acts scored the most points! Martin J Dixon was our outright winner! Simon Hall was in 2nd place and Alfie Dundas and Lee Hudson were just 2 points below. So…I’ve been very naughty and put all FOUR through to the Grand Final on 22 November! This show always sells out so if you definitely want to be at the final I would urge you to book now!
Also, I must take a moment to thank our brilliant Sponsors! Sheppy’s Cider, Berry’s Coaches, Walpole Dunn, Design Bean, County Gazette and CICCIC!
The next Heat is on 17 May and we have a big surprise for the 19 July show…..we are hoping to run a Champion of Champion’s Show! Inviting back all our previous winners! This show will be a part of Somerset Comedy Festival! More news will be available soon.