Knockout Punch

Between them three promoters, all under a decade old, are making a lot of the running in the Bristol comedy scene – not least ensuring that the city punches above its weight in producing and nurturing new comic talent.

Oppo, at nearly ten years old very much the elder statesman here, introduces a beguiling mix of emerging talent, more established names and more freeform stuff – open-mic slots, game even – at its Sunday night sessions at Clifton’s Channings Hotel. Since forming in January 2012, meanwhile, the all-female comedy night What the Frock! has showcased a wealth of talent from Bristol and beyond at its monthly Bristol nights, as well as staging events in London, Manchester and elsewhere – and launching one of only two all-female comedy awards in the UK.

The youngest of the trio is also making waves. Founded in the spring of 2013 by a quintet of comics and promoters wanting some decent stage-time, Bristol Punchline now hosts regular gigs at The Lazy Dog pub in Ashley Down and the Greenbank pub, BS5. In its short life to date, BP has already welcomed circuit comics including John Robins, Wil Hodgson and 2014 Edinburgh Comedy Award shortlister Sara Pascoe (pictured).

Of that founding quintet, Dave Taylor and Alice Matthews help to run the monthly comedy and film nights at the Cube cinema, while Luke Sargeant and Joshua Sadler are stand-up performers and Alex Hoyle is involved in Bristol’s thriving improv scene. There’s talent to burn here, too: Luke won his 2014 Comedy Gladiators heat, while both Alice and Josh were shortlisted for the BBC Radio New Comedy Award. The team’s first event was in May 2013 at the Lazy Dog pub on Gloucester Road, now the regular home of their comedy night A Man Walks into a Bar.

“At the time most of Bristol’s amateur gigs were closing or floundering,” Dave recalls. “Oppo Comedy had yet to be resurrected by Ben [Thurston] and George [Rigden], the Thunderbolt’s Dead Frogs were exactly that, and Tumbleweed at the Big Chill had blown out of town. Most of the other gigs seemed to be either out of reach (comedy at the Wardrobe, the Comedy Box, etc) or just poorly run.

“Our events were born out of necessity: Joshua, Luke, Alex and Alice needed somewhere to practice, and Alice and I wanted a place to scout talent for the Cube’s monthly comedy and film night. Plus we all fancied seeing some great comedy and not having to pay for it!”

BP’s standout gigs so far have included a memorable gig by Pascoe and Robins – the team’s first at The Greenbank. “I recall a nervous few weeks sorting out ticket sales, lighting and sound equipment, and wondering whether or not we’d bitten off more than we could chew with the new venue,” Dave recalls.

In the event, the room was packed to the rafters and the gig sensational. Equally importantly, that was the first night that BP managed to pay all its performers. “The circuit features a lot of ‘open spots’ – shorthand for unpaid – and when we started the Greenbank we were adamant that absolutely anyone who performed received a fee,” Dave explains. “We’ve stuck to that so far.”

Plans for 2015, Dave? “We’re very careful about the venues that we work with, as a good room is absolutely essential to a good night. Technical aspects aside, we’re looking to create a supportive environment for both audience and performer.

“Bristol Punchline will continue to promote shows in venues that suit us, and we have some plans for some pop-up outdoor events in the summer. Long-term, though, the aim is to secure our own venue. The city’s food trucks often make the jump to permanent premises and I don’t think we should be any different.” 

The next Bristol Punchline gig is at the Greenbank pub, Bristol on Wednesday, 4 February. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.bristolpunchline.com