Mar 2010 - Comedy comes to Gatton
Six talented young comedians took to the stage at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School this week at the first ever ‘RAAS the Roof’ stand-up comedy show. The lively teenagers started the evening with improvised performances in response to suggestions from the audience like ‘Things not to say when your phone goes off in chapel’ and ‘The world’s worst chat up line’.Seated at tables laid out in the drama studio, in a setting reminiscent of classic London comedy clubs, the audience was not allowed to get too comfortable as the compère, professional stand-up comedian, John Soffe challenged them to a joke and limerick writing competition. The audience duly contributed with their own brand of improvised jokes and poems and the winners were awarded a certificate at the end.
After the brief interlude provided by the audience participation, the young comedians confidently delivered polished stand-up routines. There were tense moments for some parents and friends as the performers drew on real life experiences for their material. Needless to say, it was all in the best possible taste and the evening was rounded off by fulsome applause from the delighted audience.
Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis, who had himself drafted a limerick during the evening when the audience were challenged to produce a poem containing both ‘libraries and Mrs Thatcher’, praised the pupils for their assured performances saying, “Performing stand-up comedy is not an easy feat. I was impressed that these pupils managed to captivate the audience and generate so much laughter in their first live show.”
The whole evening was organised by teacher, Emma Bennett who has inspired pupils to try new types of drama since taking on the role of Head of Drama in January.
Performers were Howard MacDonald (14), Conor O’Neill (15), Oliver Phillips (14), Callum Plews (13), Oliver Stedman (13) and Gregor Szulc (14).
