Well here we go again, off and running for a new year at the second home. Tuesday 5 January saw us back at ‘the second home’ for our regular fix of female frivolity with the first Wicked Wenches gig of 2009.

The master of ceremonies for this series of monthly shows was the small in stature, yet large in talent, Susan Calman. This Wee Weegie has really got the knack of this compering lark and really did a grand job of whipping an initially slightly lack-lustre crowd into a frenzy with her own style of stories coupled with interaction through out the busy club. Susan really got the place buzzing for the opening act, new to us, Kim MacAskill.

Ayrshire lass Kim had some very different material and an interesting perspective on some parts of her life. She has a style of delivery and accent that I wonder could loose non-Scots, or at least those that don’t live here, which would be a shame as I’m sure she has the potential to go far. Still her set went down well with the crowd and finished all too soon for most.

After the first interval the Wicked Wench stalwart Alison Kennedy. We must have seen Alison over a dozen times over the last couple of years and seldom if ever heard the same story twice. She must be one of the most prolific comedy writers around, maybe a follow on from the ‘other’ career as an award-winning author. Her set this time again was new, albeit slightly more surreal than usual, however with her you always get your money’s worth.

Top of the bill following, the second interval, was one of our favourites, Brighton based Zoe Lyons. Zoe has been to Edinburgh as a Fringe regular for a few years now and over the last couple has been receiving the critical acclaim she richly deserves. She has marvellous stage presence, really funny material coupled with a wicked sense of humour.

Ms Lyons has the knack of gathering everyone up and transporting them along with her journey through a whole range of topics, and manages to find humour in any situation. The set was very well received by one and all and flew by with all looking for more.  I suppose the next time we get to set Zoe on stage will be in August when a little bird tells us she’ll be back at the Fringe once more.

So that was that, the first of many planned visits to The Stand whose programme for the next three months is available on line at www.thestand.co.uk