Jokein @ The Lass O’Gowrie

The Lass O’Gowrie

On Saturday night I went to watch Jokein @ The Lass O’Gowrie. It’s largely an open-mic night which runs every week. The Lass is not new to live entertainment – over the years it has proved itself as one of Manchester’s finest venues winning Best North West Entertainment Pub 2010 and playing host to the Old Speckled Hen New Act of the Year Award.

Jokein is situated upstairs in a cosy room which seats 20-30 people, this intimate atmosphere proved very welcoming as MC ‘The 1 Like Fish’ takes to the stage. The Chorley-born stand-up is a solid MC that holds the night together with straight-talking material whilst keeping the banter lively and the audience onside.

One of the most interesting elements of the night is the range of acts I saw. From first-timers and sheepish new acts to seasoned professionals and established acts. Last night the line-up consisted of: Carl White, Christopher Norton Walker, Diane Fitton and Chris Roche. All the acts performed decent sets with some outshining others, however the great thing about this night is its hospitable atmosphere and the amount of respect the audience gives the acts. It’s no wonder that previous acts to grace the stage include three respectable circuit headliners: The Boy with Tape on his Face, Ian Cognito and Chris Lynam.

The Lass also hosted a huge range of shows at this year’s Manchester Comedy Festival, from stand-up showcases to hour-long solo shows from the likes of Mick Sergeant, Matt Tiller and George Cottier. However the entertainment carries on all year round as character comedy showcase The W.A.R.T show is performed there on the third Sunday of every month.

The Lass O’Gowrie certainly delivers a substantial amount of quality comedy which is nice to see from a cosy venue with a characteristic interior. I would recommend it to anyone who fancies a calm night of live entertainment, especially if they enjoy real ales and generous helpings of humour.

Jokein @ The Lass O’Gowrie runs every Saturday night, and begins at 9pm. Entry is free.