Here we are again. Another Thursday evening and Geoff and I are on our way to The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh. This time we are in the company of Peter a friend who has just become a member; with just 4 visits to The Stand you can save your annual membership fee and more.

Back to this Thursday on the bill we have Dan Nightingale, Andrew Learmonth, Mark Bratchpiece, together with headline act Stewart Francis and host Bruce Devlin.

What can I say about the brilliant Bruce Devlin that we have not said before? Bruce is one of the regular hosts and is superbly suited to this job, he can at times be a little ascorbic but rarely offensive. He has the ability to sum up his audience quickly and perform to their level. Let’s hope Bruce will be doing ‘Devlin’s Daily’ lunchtime show at The Stand during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August.

Our first act of the evening was Dan Nightingale, I had seen Dan before during the Fringe as part of ‘Seven Quid Comedy Cabaret’ at which time I thought he had potential, and both Geoff and Peter seemed to enjoy him. His set was very interesting and different from last August. His observational humour this time was built around his relationships and going to the gym, where he comments on posh kids, grunting weirdoes and their washing and dressing habits.

After the first interval Bruce introduced Andrew Learmonth. This Aberdonian was new to us all; in my opinion this tall good-looking chap presented a good set full of fairly gentle humour. His material included the recent disruptive weather, pregnancy test kits, the rivalry between Aberdeen and Dundee, along with his childhood nickname ‘scarf sniffer’!!

Mark Bratchpiece followed Andrew. Again new to us although both Geoff and I have seen one of his progeny, a young comedian we both rate and is certainly up and coming. Mark in appearance is fairly small and at first glance ancient. His material is very varied, dolphins, TV, one liner type questions and observations on Glasgow’s death rates. I must admit his set was over all too quickly and we will all be looking out for further appearances from him. It is definitely obvious where his son gets some of his talent.

Finally after yet another interval Bruce introduced our headline act Canadian Stewart Francis.  No definitely not the Stew Francis from kids TV. Stewart specialises in one-liners and despite having to cope with a very inebriated female audience member, had most of us rolling in the isles. Sorry to say one or two went straight over my head. Unlike Americans Stewart definitely understands and utilises ‘irony’. Let’s hope we get to see more of this Canadian even if he thinks he is God’s gift!

Once again we had an amazing night at the Stand I would have great difficulty in picking out my favourite act of the evening. On a slightly different subject, we have a new chef at The Stand, Ryan, who has now been working there for a few weeks. Geoff, Peter and I have experienced several different meals and are delighted to report the food is as delicious as ever.  For further information as to what is on, membership and food available see The Stand’s website www.thestand.co.uk.