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This, my friends, is where original comedy is born. Like a maternity ward for popping out jesting stars

Gong shows are springing up almost everywhere these days, given the vast oversupply of new comedy hopefuls desperate for stage time – however gladiatorial the environment. Few venues have made such a success of the idea than Manchester’s Frog & Bucket with its weekly Beat The Frog contest. This is its festival-time showcase of their best discoveries.

For this night only, the dreaded audience green cards that can terminate any set are out, and the performers are guaranteed their five minutes – although the Frog Chorus that interrupts them the second their time has expired, even mid set-up, can still be disconcerting. But this is their chance to show what they’ve got…. and it looks like there may be a few aces in the 2008 pack.

Andrew Ryan started his set by impersonating young Dougal from Father Ted. And indeed, he shares a lot of Ardal O’Hanlon’s modest charm, twinkle-eyed naivity, and, of course, Irishness. The soft-spoken Corkman certainly seduced the audience, cleverly exploiting his innocent image by describing, with endearing bemusement, activities that would seem outside his experience – especially the sexual ones. There’s a need for more substance behind the huge likeability, but it would be impossible not to warm to him.

Chris Sharpe has the air of an old-school pro, with a bold, confident stage presence, great timing and an act delivered with the obvious rhythms of jokes. The set-up for his gags, however, are equally old-school – from ‘my ex is so fat….’ feedlines, to gags about the clitoris being hard-to-find and descriptions of masturbation. Such comic shorthand means the audience immediately knows what the act is about which, combined with the undeniable oomph of his performance, ensures he goes down very well. But the more discerning might be disappointed with the lack of invention and ambition behind his lashings of charm and technical skill.

In his pinstripe waistcoat, Sam Gore looks more like a snooker referee than a stand-up, but it certainly helps the aloof demeanour that defines his high-status act. Taking a leaf out of Jimmy Carr’s book, he deals in savagely unkind one-liners, delivered uncompromisingly. While his attitude is unrelentingly intolerant – a ‘gag’ about Jamie Oliver is simply a huge list of unflattering adjectives – the well-crafted punchlines are so strong that his lack of empathy is no obstacle. Such strong writing means he has the makings of a class act indeed.

The Frog audience duly voted him the night’s deserved winner, with Andrew Ryan and Chris Sharp first and second runners-up, respectively. Personally, I’d have liked to see Stokes and McLoughlin on the metaphorical podium; they’re less obvious crowd-pleasers, but offer a lot more potential. But you can’t ignore the paying punters, that’s what gong shows are all about.

Full Review Here

Ever wanted to split yourself in two and be in two places at once? During the Manchester comedy festival there is that much choice, you need to do just that.

The atmosphere was electric with nearly 300 people gathered to see and vote for their favourite amateur act. The standard was very very high, after four weeks worth of heats, with a lot of croaking it and beating the frog, took forty starters down to the eight who got to perform for seven minutes each.

The mad dash meant I only got to see the last two acts, the headliner and the winners crowned.

The audience were fantastic and contributed to what will be a memorable night for all acts, even if they did not win - this really was about the taking part.

Whilst everyone waited for the votes to be counted, headliner Jason John Whitehead, a Canadian comic whose transatlantic observations really helped to add to the World Series title, entertained the masses. His was a side splitting set, so much so that the audience didn't want him to leave. It seemed Whitehead agreed, as he did not want to leave the stage when his time was up! It was a fantastic performance that helped everyone forget the tense atmosphere of the vote tallying.

Compare for the night was Dan Nightingale also helped, but then he is a comic talent so hot, he is nearly on fire.

Then came the moment of truth and, in true competition style, the winners were announced in reverse order... In joint third place, Andy Smith and The White Chris Rock took the applause with massive grins. In second place, Dave Longley came close but no cigar. But the winner was Peter Von Natzmer, and judging by the cheers that accompanied his crowning, the German comic was a popular choice even for those who hadn't cast their vote his way.

Original Review Here

After the weekends royal fiasco, it wasn't going to be long before we saw comedy terrorists popping up everywhere.  And last night the Frog and Bucket was the first place in Manchester to see it's own Aaron Barshak cause havoc.

"Just as we're kicking off the second half, a guy shows up dressed like Osama Bin Laden and steals the show," says owner Dave Perkin.  "He marched on to the stage, took the microphone from the compere's hand and ranted on until he was wrestled from the stage and detained by a fake copper."

Apparently the real Barschak has played in Manchester, but Dave tells me that it's not for want of trying.  "He has contacted the Frog before about doing an open mic spot, but we turned him down," adds Dave.  "I'd heard that he was a bit of a nutcase and would just grab the mic off comics, when he didn't have a booking.  Also, even our open mic comics have to be funny!"

The Diary, The MEN, 24th June 2003.