If it’s March and a Thursday then it seems you will find Sheila and I at Edinburgh’s premier comedy club The Stand, for Ryan’s food, the selection of booze and of course the high standard of comedy on offer.

The compere for this night was the effervescent Glaswegian Susan Morrison. Ms Morrison is somewhat of an institution with The Stand and we have seen her many times in charge of proceedings, a role she is oh so suited to. Although there were slightly fewer punters than usual, Susan was absolutely up for it!! Her skills in garnering information for others to use , a couple of comedy gifts of Americans and Canadians and others to ‘play’ with soon had the club rocking and set the scene for opening act Tiffany Stevenson.

It was the first time either of us had seen this young Londoner although I had heard plenty of good things about her and the potential she has. Hitting the stage with style, she was straight into her no holds barred set. Tiffany has no favourites, no she is equally happy taking the mick out of anyone, herself included. I really liked her material and delivery style, but for some reason the crowd were not always with her. Still what I applaud her for nothing fazed her, onwards and upwards, on with the next gag. I’m sure Ms Stevenson is going to be an even bigger name than she is currently and I can’t wait to see her again.

Stephen Callaghan had the opening spot of part two. This Blackburn born youngster started of very well and just got better. It was the variety of material that hooked me in and one just have to hear his analogy between getting a haircut and loosing his virginity!! He is certainly one to look for in the future and hopefully with a longer slot.

Closing part two was Keir McAllister. I first came across this Glasgow born comic during Fringe 2005 and was reasonably impressed. Subsequent viewing has reinforced my opinion. McAllister is up with the very best now, he has stage presence, wicked material to spare, great comedy timing and Sheila tells me he’s exceptionally cute as well!! For the entirety of his all too short set this bundle of energy had all in his spell, and bombarded then with excellence of his wit and storytelling. I really hope that is isn’t long before he makes that step up to the major name list. He is certainly far more worthy of a place than many others I have seen. Hopefully he will be doing something Fringe wise in August and if so go check him out when you get a chance.

Following the final interval and prize draw, Idaho raised, London living Dave Fulton took over the space with the bar already at a high following McAllister’s set. Fulton was equal to the challenge. It was almost a year ago when I last saw him, but it was Sheila’s first time. Always willing to interact with the crowd, Fulton took advantage of the fellow North Americans, was very anti-Bush, in fact generally anti politicians in general and has a definite opinion on certain British Comedians also. He is an American who not only understands irony, but is extremely proficient in executing it to great effect.

It is always an indication I feel that when a comedian starts to wind up and you feel they have only been on stage five minutes. Again this was the feeling for all I’m sure, even thought he had done fully 30 minutes.

So all in all I feel this is one of the best nights we have had at The Stand for ages with not even the hint of a weak act anywhere.

For future gigs at their establishments both in Edinburgh and Glasgow check out the website www.thestand.co.uk and talking of Glasgow the Comedy Festival is still on. www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com is the site to check out for all that is on there.