On Sunday 5th of February a variety of acts gathered at the Hackney Empire to remember the great Malcolm Hardee; comedian, promoter and talent spotter all in one.

The show was five hours long, a comedy marathon with musical interludes from Jools Holland, Alessandro the menace from Venice, John Hegley and the Popticians and Glenn Tilbrook- one of the  highlights of the night was Glenn singing "Goodbye Girl" accoustically in the middle of the audience.

 Comperes of the evening were legend Arthur Smith, Brian Damage & Krysstal and Boothby Graffoe. All three brought their own unique style to the different sections.

Acts were friends of Malcolm or acts he had booked or just to show support. Not all acts were shown support from the audience, however, two acts in particular- Jimmy Carr and Johnny Sorrow.

Johnny lasted no longer than 2 minutes to shouts of Malcolm from the audience hinting it was time Johnny got off the stage, and he took the hint immediately.

As soon as Jimmy Carr walked on stage he was greeted by 25% of the audience booing and heckling. He was trying out new material with a clip board full of quips. He gave as good as he got heckling wise and stood his ground. 

Personal highlights were Stewart Lee reworking material he performed for Malcolm 16 years ago- the answer is Jesus, what is the question? And a rambling Johnny Vegas abusing the confused and drunken audience before being led off by the hand by Janey Godley.

The only thing that let the show down was the sound, with microphone problems being the bain of the night. However, without this problem the acoustic Glenn Tilbrook would never have happened. Cloud and silver lining?

Lets just hope this becomes an annual celebration!

    *****

Nicky