Fussy

In three words: copious, compact comedy

The whole set: You know that ‘what’s in and what’s out’ trend that’s been doing the rounds on social media? I can’t stop thinking about how a CEO on LinkedIn had ‘laughing’ as one of his ‘what’s in’s’ for 2025. But I’ve booked myself three comedy shows this month already… I guess that CEO’s right: laughing is in!

With its blues-busting and dry-Jan-agnostic qualities, comedy is the perfect pastime for January. So, whether you’re dry or having a dry white wine, an Angel Comedy gig in Islington is a cheap, and certainly a cheerful, night out.

Angel Comedy have always offered heroically low prices or free entry to their shows to provide accessibility to lols. It’s run by comedians who sniff out promising new talent, but you’ll find big names (Nish Kumar, Aisling Bea, Tim Key) on the programme too. Free shows run nightly at The Camden Head, but this time I popped into The Bill Murray, which opened in 2017 thanks to a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign, for one of their regular 90 minute showcases.

There are two acts in the first half, two in the second (or, as the host explains, ‘two acts followed by a break, then two acts followed by an even bigger break – the rest of your life’). The room seats 70-odd people, and the stage is so small that the front row is within arm’s reach of the performer. The intimacy ups the ante: eye contact is intense. Audience grilling is searing. Hecklers are loud.

The evening’s topics included sign language on early morning TV, vaping (classic) and some musical numbers. The variety was exciting and the standard pleasingly high. The host and performances were excellent, and the event ran on time – no mean feat when sandwiched between two other shows. With 40+ gigs a week, Angel Comedy is a live entertainment powerhouse that never feels commercial. Fill your boots.

Comedians on Thursday 9th January were Masud Milas, Raj Poojara, Adam Hopkins, Bennet Kavanagh and Kate Barron.

WHEN: Angel Comedy shows are on every night of the week at The Camden Head and The Bill Murray.

WEBSITE: click here

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