20 October 2012 (gig)
13 November 2012
Punchline is Edinburgh’s extra special night of laughs: set in the magnificent Usher Hall and occurring just twice a year, forget Noel Fielding’s TV show, this is the true definition of luxury comedy. Tonight, Punchline presents Josh Widdicombe, Roisin Conaty and Nick Helm, and hosted by Greg Burns.
Edinburgh’s famous Fringe Festival served as a platform for these comedians to make a name for themselves this year, but minus the constant fliers and street performers, there is a very different feel to the line-up in Edinburgh this evening. In fact, it’s a heartfelt apology from host Greg Burns regarding what comedians do to our city every year that opens up the show.
Greg Burns is a gentlemen, a quick-witted and authoritative host that would surely be handing out Ferrero Roche had he remembered to bring them. One thing’s for certain though, you do not want to get on the wrong side of Burns, as he’s got a long list of comedic throwbacks ready for all hecklers, and he’s not afraid to use them. One lucky audience member becomes the butt of every joke due to his contributions, a lesson learned for this drunken participator.
Up first is the adorable Josh Widdicombe, star of Mock the Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Stand Up for the Week. Josh is one of these observational comedians, pointing out the mundane and trying to derive humour. It’s not long in to the set however that you can see the happenings of Josh Widdicombe are not that ordinary (Coco Pops at the cash machine, Josh?), and his stories unravel into hilarious events as the time goes on. Josh Widdicombe is one to watch, and it is only a matter of minutes before he is the captain of a quiz team or presenting his own comedy road show.
Next up is the beautiful Roisin Conaty, sharing her delightful and very personal stories of being a single lady. Roisin is not a man-hating Jo Brand-like comedian, nor does she promote the style of divorcees Sarah Millican or Shappi Khorsandi, rather Roisin is a quirky but unfortunate young woman who takes great pleasure in ridiculing herself for the audience’s enjoyment.
Headline act this evening is the terrifying Nick Helm. From start to finish, Helm keeps the audience on the edge of their seats: not metaphorically with quick-witted jokes, but literally, with many Mexican waves, trips in to the crowd and lots, and lots of yelling. That’s not to say the jokes are missing – Nick Helm has got six of them up his sleeve. He’s also got songs and poems; he’s an all-rounder with a fiery and underlying sexy set. Nick Helm is unpredictable and loud, but he’s undoubtedly the star of the show for it. Nick has the audience, and myself, crying with laughter: he is deep down, side-splittingly hilarious and another great headliner under Punchline’s belt.
Punchline only comes to town twice a year, and you can see the thought and planning behind every detail. The promoters have inside knowledge of the business, and bring the best comedians to the stage to perform outside of the chaos of the Edinburgh Festival. Punchline will be back in March 2013, so for the most unique and glamorous night of comedy, keep tuned here www.punchline-comedy.com
