Manchester comedy club celebrates birthday

On Thursday 26 March the Strawberry Gardens in Manchester celebrates the 1st anniversary of their comedy night.

For the birthday special compere and organiser Chris Tavner will introduce Lou Conran – described by Sarah Millican as “naturally funny” – North East stand-up Nick Cranston, and headliner Daliso Chaponda, who’s back at the Strawberry Gardens by popular demand.

Originally from Malawai, Chaponda then moved to Canada where he started his comedy career. He is now based in the UK.

He is a versatile comedian and in one week performed a filthy set in Silhouettes Strip Club in Birmingham and then, two days later, did an all-ages one hour show about faith and family in the 2007 Greenbelt Christian Festival.

“Everything is funny,” he once told a reporter from iafrica.com. “Why restrict yourself?”

Chris Tavner said: “I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since we started the gig here.

“Since the first gig the landlord has put his hand in his pocket each month to pay for a top night of comedy to ensure that his customers don’t have to pay a penny on the door to come in.

“In return, the crowd at the Strawberry Gardens have been fantastic, welcoming both brand new acts to the stage as well as some of the best headliners working on the circuit today.”

Funtime Comedy Club, Strawberry Gardens (70 Moorside St, Droylsden, Manchester, M43 7HL), Thursday 26 March, 8.30pm, FREE.