This evening of frolics at the spacious Social Club is hosted by the suave Dicky Hart, (Pavel Douglas of Natural Theatre) a Jack Benny-like old-style American comic, who has come out of retirement from his cryogenic chamber just for tonight. And his crisply delivered, ouch-y gags go down very well.
First act up is Charlie Partridge, who turns out to be a crazed German DJ with a very noisy set that has lots of beat-boxing, audio loops, and bad dancing; accompanied by cryptic comments to the audience, some of them in German. I couldn’t begin to tell you why this act is funny, but it is, very. Is he really German? We shall never know.
Next, Cheryl from Mojo Moves, Frome’s unique comedy exercise class. Yes, that’s right. It really is an exercise class, and it really is comedy. And Cheryl (Ginny Adams from Rare Species Theatre Company) actually persuades an entire audience to do a 15-minute workout, while laughing!
Magician Gazzo, despite complaining that he’s not brought any of his magic props, does a very pleasing routine with just a pack of cards and lots of well- timed witty patter and satisfying audience humiliation.
Headline act Dr Phil Hammond bounds on and straight into the medical benefits of laughter. He’s funny, he’s part Australian, and his energetic and upbeat delivery of health tips; graphic tales of a doctor’s life; its occasional tragic, but hilarious in hindsight, blunders; what kind of cock-ring the NHS recommends; how to stand up to Jacob Rees-Mogg; and much more such hilarity, provides the perfect end to an excellent evening.
All this, and a Grand Raffle too, certainly fulfils the promise of the event’s title. It most certainly leaves its audience, this critic included, feeling good – lots better, in fact, than when we came in. Should be available on prescription.
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Reviewer: John Christopher Wood | Star Rating: *****
Bath Comedy’s Feel Good Cabaret took place at the Widcombe Social Club on Thursday 7th February, in association with Visit Bath’s Feel-Good Bath campaign.
