Colder weather approaches, and with it the warming promise of curling up on the sofa, hot chocolate, feet up in front of the television.
But not yet. Before that, it’s time to fling aside any comforting thought of fluffy slippers and venture into the dangerous and exciting world of live comedy. For, once again, LOL Productions has a terrific comedy bill in store for us this week.
First off is Irish-Iranian comedian Patrick Monahan (from Teesside, Middlesbrough). In 2011, Monahan took home ITV’s Show Me the Funny award, winning against some fierce competition. He has become a well-known face on the UK circuit, with his audience-directed and engaging style. A touch reminiscent of old-school comedians, he yet brings to bear his own raw and contemporary edge.
His act rarely feels like it’s tightly bound to a script, but thankfully his skill as an entertainer makes the most of the margins that appear. Indeed, this openness to the audience may be one of his most endearing strengths, putting the audience in a position where they might feel like one half of a double act.
Marcel Lucont’s onstage persona plays into the French stereotype of pretentious sophistication, but in a manner which often cleverly comments upon the English audiences he usually plays to.
This he does from the dizzying heights of intellectual ‘superiority’ and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with for the Maltese audiences. A sort of Blackadder with a French twist (or sting in its tail), his wry deadpan delivery conveys weary cynicism and an unwavering belief in the wisdom of his observations. And of course, never fails to undercut it all.
Heightened and calculated as his onstage persona may be, it is consistently sustained, making him as much of a skilled character comedian as a stand-up. All non-Gallic, less enlightened mortals can now feel privileged to be allowed a glimpse into the UK according to Marcel Lucont, in the recently-published What We French Think of You British… And Where You Are Going Wrong.
The tone of the proceedings is likely to shift and turn in ways which will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. I have no doubt that Phil Nichol will release a burst of energy to dramatically counterpoint with Lucont’s laidback style. Manic delivery and boundless physical action are Nichol’s trademarks.
His uniqueness has been applauded by critics and several comedy awards and nominations have granted it the seal of acclaim. Expect the unpredictable is the aptest watchword for his act.
The LOL Stand-Up Comedy Show takes place on Friday and Saturday at the Oracle Conference Centre, Dolmen Resort Hotel Qawra. Tickets are available online.
www.laughoutloud.com.mt/bookings