Down The Hatch @ Komedia A Review
Brighton’s favourite comedy venue has launched a brand new comedy night with a difference in their famous intimate basement for every second Sunday of the month. Billed as inclusive, unconventional and alternative, as well as supporting MindOut – a charity supporting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities. The flyer boasts that it is “Full-to-the-brim with the very best in alternative comedy and drag,” so we could not resist checking out their most recent show.
Having frequented Komedia on many occasions we knew we had to to arrive early to get the best seats. It was not long before the venue filled up with an audience made up of people from all walks of life. I love how Komedia is focused on people having a good time so the set-up for tonight was nice and simple. There’s a stage, with tables and chairs spread out for guests, tables, and seating areas around the edges, a relaxed atmosphere but also full of excitement and anticipation. There is also a bar and food available too. Word of warning, beware of the front row if you attend Down the Hatch and you are not a fan of being picked on. You will be, and it will be fun, but harsh! As it was for one particular poor unsuspecting gentleman who got the full brunt of our host for the evenings sharp and incredibly funny tongue. He took it in good humour though.
As for our non-binary host Andrew O’Neil. They were unbelievably funny and brilliant at warming up the crowd for the various comedians billed for the night. Poking fun at theirself even more than the poor bloke in the front.
Our night included raucously funny performances by Cerys Bradley, Erynn Tett and Jack Rook. Each had their own style and brand of humour. With some performances based on their experiences, with gags that seemed to appeal to everyone in the audience at some stage no matter what gender or sexuality.
We had a great evening at Down the Hatch. The comedy was genius. We found ourselves in fits of laughter at the humour, often related to the personal experiences of the comedians. It is great to see a live comedy night and a great place to spend a Sunday evening.
Tony Shattell
Down The Hatch
Every second Sunday of the month @ Komedia
44-47 Gardner St, Brighton BN1 1UN