In between deadlines, library sessions and lectures it’s hard for students to find a reason to smile at times. However, LSTV in conjunction with Comedy Soc offered the perfect opportunity for anyone to enjoy a bit of light comedic relief in the form of the fantastic Live at LUU. An evening full of laughs, great performances and a chance to forget about all those little stresses in student life, for just an hour or two.
The evening kicked off with the rather likeable MC Joby Mageen who is well known on the Leeds Comedy circuit for not only being genuinely funny but for also his hilarious songs played on his ukulele. It’s safe to say he was the perfect choice to MC the show and provided just as many opportunities for the audience to laugh as the acts did themselves.
With the audience already warmed up the first act, the former Leeds Tealight Patrick Turpin continued to increased the enjoyment of the show, being no stranger to knowing what typically the Leeds audience finds funny. Even so, he out did himself with a highly comical performance detailing a letter given to him on his birth – he was certainly welcomed into the world in a very strange way.
This was followed by yet more talent from Leeds students in the form of Callum Scott and Stephanie Hotchkiss. Their comedy was slightly different and involved reflecting on their own views and beliefs, which managed to be funny and challenge audience opinions at the same time. Callum reflected on the ‘oh too true’ Leeds gay scene while Stephanie raised the question of feminism in both society and comedy. Each was powerful and delivered their performances successfully, generating many laughs along the way.
Up next we had what could quite have easily been the headline act – Eddie French was in his own words ‘delicious’ and extremely comical, with many of his jokes becoming the highlights of the show. And, we hadn’t even reached the actual headliners of the show yet, The Jollyboats. Their short set could have been an entire show in itself. From the moment they jumped on stage and begun their ‘pirate themed’ renditions to the very last comedy musical number the whole audience couldn’t stop smiling.
To have been treated to such incredible talent in a local student union is more than any student could possibly ask. Much of the performances tonight wouldn’t look out of place at leading comedy events and I’m sure a lot of the comedians seen at the show will undoubtedly become more well known in years to come- it was a truly fantastic show, and real credit to those who organised it.
Emily Willson
Image: Facebook/ Comedy Society