Penkridge Comedy Night

Saturday 9th May
Comedy Night at the Peace Memorial, and our first fund raising event of the year. This has become a bit of a fixture in the calendar, though slightly earlier in the year than previously. We have a good showing, with around 160 tickets sold. The evening takes the same format as usual: the disco gets the atmosphere going as the halls fills up, whilst the bar dishes out jugs of beer etc. First act is on at 8pm; it’s Martin Gold and he’s very funny. Then we have a break and dish out fish and chips, sourced from Oysters in the village. Serving fish and chips for 160 is a slight logistical challenge, so we make use of the food warmers in the kitchen to keep the first batch warm whilst Andy (who’s chaired the committee for tonight) fetches the second batch. Unfortunately the chip paper in the base of the fully-stuffed warmer ignites, and flames emerge from the food warmer. A rapid response, assisted by the fire extinguisher, means the fire is quickly out, and it’s back to the comedy business (whilst the Tablers clean up the dry powered from the kitchen area!). Second act is Oliver, well known on the comedy circuit having been a professional entertainer for over 30 years.
All too soon the comedy is over and the disco kicks in; and with the kegs of lager sold out the audience is on top form. Around 12:30 we manage to get the last stragglers out and clear up the hall, with a return trip in the morning to cart everything away. A thoroughly entertaining evening, and a decent amount raised for charity.