Review: Bargain Basement, The King’s Arms, Salford

Bargain Basement is a monthly new material night at The King’s Arms in Salford run by Foster’s Best Newcomer 2014 nominees Gein’s Family Giftshop, featuring some of the best stand-up and sketch from the North West, as well as often the rest of the country.

Gein’s are presenting the acts they themselves love from the comedy circuit, and it’s very easy to believe. Bargain Basement has already played host to brilliant Manchester-based comics including Kate McCabe and Rachel Fairburn, as well as sketch from the fabulously energetic Goose, and Sam Plus Tom (who are also hosting their own monthly comedy night, Boondoggle, in Sheffield. It’s worth a look).

Kiri Pritchard-McLean (quote: ‘the silent one in Gein’s Family Giftshop’) is a truly great MC: fabulously funny, very likable and just fantastic to watch. She is completely absorbing, as is the whole night – it feels less like a comedy gig and more a show put on by friends.

It’s largely a new material night, and one put on with such a gloriously laid-back approach that makes Bargain Basement a great monthly comedy night. Gein’s themselves throw out some absolutely hilarious new sketches in the same dark tone we’re all used to, all performed in their P.E. kits. As per.

Having such an ace team as Gein’s Family Giftshop based in Manchester is a blessing for a city sometimes lacking such brilliantly relaxed comedy nights to really enjoy. And Bargain Basement is free. Use it, don’t lose it, Manchester!

Date of live review: Monday 1 December 2014

Gein’s Family Giftshop’s Bargain Basement is held on the first Monday of every month at The King’s Arms in Salford. The next show is on Monday 5 January. More information can be found on their website and/or Facebook page.