Review: XS Malarkey, Pub/Zoo, Manchester
Image: Richard Shakespeare
XS Malarkey is arguably Manchester’s best regular comedy club, bringing brilliant alternative stand-up and sketch to Pub/Zoo every week.
It’s also one of the cheapest comedy nights in Manchester – just £5, or £3 for members (and let me tell you, membership is definitely worth it). During their tenure, XS Malarkey have played host to the likes of Phill Jupitus, Stewart Lee, The Boy with Tape on his Face, Sarah Millican and a vatful of other fantastic names from the UK comedy circuit, proof if proof were needed that XS are reliably brilliant in bringing wonderful headline acts to Manchester.
In the last few weeks, too, twice-Foster’s Comedy Award nominee John Kearns and Josie Long have headlined gigs to great audiences – always friendly, informed and very welcoming crowds.
As well as pulling in big names, though, XS Malarkey has a fantastic reputation for booking some of the best, relatively unknown comics from around the country. Pat Cahill, Harriet Dyer, Tez Ilyas, Phil Jerrod: all terrific comedians that have been absolutely hilarious entertainment at Pub/Zoo over the past few weeks. And these consistently impressive line-ups are set to continue into 2015 with Phil Ellis, Sophie Hagen, Fin Taylor, David Elms, That Pair, Gein’s Family Giftshop and loads more.
Resident MC Toby Hadoke [pictured] is a fantastically funny comic in his own right, and very good at establishing the friendly, familiar and wholly inclusive atmosphere that XS boasts. Not only are the acts great, the club itself is a really welcoming, really fun place to be. Hadoke, as well as the surnameless Jon and Ros (who also runs sister club Group Therapy) are fabulous hosts, and are continually booking great acts that aren’t to be missed.
Date of live review: Tuesday 2 December 2014
Pub/Zoo hosts XS Malarkey every Tuesday night. Sam Simmons headlines their last show before Christmas. More information about this and other upcoming shows can be found on their website.
