A NEW comedy venue in Basingstoke is run by local people for local people and up-and-coming comedy artists.

Organizers Imogen Flowers and Phillip Jarvis have been successfully running these events for nine months so I thought it about time to write a little something about  the people that have performed there.

The venue is the White Hart opposite the police station (they should perhaps title one of their nights The Secret Policeman’s ball but that’s another story), on a Monday once a month from 7.30pm. I have only missed one so I am a bit of a fan, really. What better way to start the week.

The resident compere for November was local Emily Drew  and she has a very dry but charming and informing comedic manner.

She introduced the acts and provided links to some of her personal experiences of life, some shocking to the male ear as they were from a lady’s point of view, but charming nonetheless and very, very funny.

Nish Kumar opened with a refreshing if cynical take on multicultural integration, referring to performing on the Isle of Wight. It was a most enjoyable story of an audience over there and the warm welcome he and his friend got. It was so enjoyed by all of the audience. Hilarious!

Matthew Highton was so smart in his suit and tie, fresh from an advertising session but his hair was a blooming mess. He was so believable and funny.

Also on the bill were Malcolm Julian Swan, a strange animal who travels through time and to the other side. It’s hard to describe what I saw here - I am still trying to work it out but it was so funny, it hurt me and the audience!          

Adam Larter portrayed a baby coffee bean, faced with human beings’ reactions, whose only support was from his mother. This sketch moved seamlessly from childlike to adult humour like an intelligent pantomime

Finally, Ben Target. If his humour was music, think Progressive rock. It started very quietly like a first movement but not too long that you’d fall asleep. Well, you dare not actually or you will be dealt with.

His use of props to engage the audience and surprise them was both brilliant and skilful!

Ray Harvey

The next That Comedy Thing takes place on Monday, December 2, headlined by Nick Hodder.