Chuckle Busters presents a host of top draw Edinburgh previews

Chuckle Busters is continuing its run of Edinburgh preview standup shows with three nights of double headers at The Wardrobe Theatre on July 22-24.

It is a last chance for Bristol audiences to see work-in-progress shows only days before the Fringe begins, and a valuable opportunity for some of the best comics in the country to fine-tune their new hours of material before they come under the national spotlight.

Opening the run are Suzi Ruffell and Josh Jones, before a Saturday night split bill from Angela Barnes and Sean McLoughlin, rounded off on the Sunday by John Hastings and Pierre Novellie.

(l-r) Suzi Ruffell, Josh Jones, Angela Barnes, Sean McLoughlin, Pierre Novellie and John Hastings

Bristol24/7 caught up with Jones, Barnes, Hastings and Novellie to gauge the mood, a couple of weeks away from arguably the most important time in the stand up comedy calendar.

How have you been?

Jones: “Yeah fabulous thanks, hope you are well!”

Barnes: “I’ve been alright – apart from, y’know, the semi-constant existential dread that we all have now. Things are good – busy, and that’s a good feeling after the last couple of years.”

Hastings: “I have been a lot of things. All of them are to be discussed at this sexy show we are plugging together.”

Novellie: “Hayfever is killing me! And I’ve been very sweaty. So: absolutely standard stuff this year so far.”

Josh Jones

Can you describe how you’re feeling about returning to ‘a proper Fringe’ again for 2022? Does it feel different?

Jones: “I’m excited to be in one place for a month and not have to travel for that full month! Also there’s so much great food which I’m buzzing about.”

Barnes: “I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Fringe. I haven’t been since 2018 – there are new acts that were still doing their GCSEs last time I was there – so I’m excited!

“It’s hard to know what to expect really after the last few years – times are hard right now and coming to the Fringe is a luxury for most people, so I guess we’ll see what audience numbers are like. If there’s one thing we like in this country it’s laughing in the face of horror – so maybe it’ll be a bumper year.”

Hastings: “I am fucking excited. It’s a fine way to spend a month and of course it feels different. We all went inside for two years. Everything is different now. Also I did not get my regular flat. Feels like an all new year!”

Novellie: “Very much so. It was nice to have a break and this Fringe is going to be my 12th I think so it feels like coming home. It’s VERY expensive this year though so if you’re in Bristol you need to see as many previews as you can because you’ll be saving a bomb.”

Angela Barnes – photo: Chuckle Busters

Give us some insights into your show, where it came from, and how it has evolved in the writing of it?

Jones: “It’s an hour of funny stand up; no sad stories or big political points, it’s just me talking about loads of silly stuff from my life.”

Barnes: “My show this year is a stand up show mostly about what’s been going on in my life because comedians are essentially narcissists. It’s been a helluva year for all of us – but I had a few extra life things to throw into the mix, including being diagnosed with ADHD and getting married (those things aren’t necessarily connected).”

Hastings: “I have had a brutal year. I lived it. Wrote about it. It’s good too. Been on Chortle and everything.”

Novellie: “It’s the same title and concept as the cancelled 2020 show but it has changed a great deal – ‘why can’t I just enjoy things’ looks into how and why my experience of fun or enjoyment is so different to everyone else’s.”

John Hastings – photo: courtesy of Chuckle Busters

What is your experience of playing The Wardrobe Theatre? How would you characterise Bristol audiences, especially where work-in-progress is concerned?

Jones: “I love Bristol audiences. I always have a lovely time in Bristol and this is actually my first experience at The Wardrobe Theatre so that’s exciting!”

Barnes: “I think I’ve previewed most of my shows at The Wardrobe and it’s always been a joy. It’s a comedy-savvy audience who love to see work in progress because they know they’ll see the workings of the show a bit and the bits that end up not making the cut. Bristol comedy audiences as a rule are a good bunch and I always have fun when I come to the city.”

Hastings: “Last time I was there the promoter and I drank eight pints each, got shirtless and then took turns running into a wall. It was a grand time and taught me to drink less at the Fringe. Bristol rules; where else do you see a goth working at a fucking Tesco?”

Novellie: “Bristol audiences are among the best in the country – maybe even the top three. They tend to be pretty savvy but with the city’s cool vibes it means they are more into or tolerant of experimental or intellectual stuff. It’s always a pleasure.”

Pierre Novellie

Chuckle Busters presents: Suzi Ruffell and Josh Jones on July 22, Angela Barnes and Sean McLoughlin on July 23 and Pierre Novellie and John Hastings on July 24. All shows begin at 7.30pm. For more information and tickets, visit www.chucklebusters.com.

All photos: Courtesy of Chuckle Busters

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