Comedy review: Laughing Mash in Hull, by Sophie Kitching …
Laughing Mash is a comedy night in Hull that has quickly established itself as a platform for local comedic talent. Hosted at Princes Avenue’s Union Mash Up the increasingly popular event is tucked upstairs in what many of the comedians refer to as ‘someone’s living room’, which makes it feel somewhat secluded from the manic bars and pubs in its area. The vintage decor creates an antique hub featuring ripped leather sofas, wooden tables and lampshades. It is a relaxed setting where you can mingle with comedians, enjoy fresh talent and is perfect for anyone seeking something new.
Laughing Mash is now a regular comedy night hosted the first Thursday of every month and offers a chance for new and established comedians to entertain an audience in an intimate setting. New comedians get the opportunity to perform in front of an audience and established comedians often use it as a creative platform to try out new material. With comedians travelling from Leeds and surrounding cities to perform here it is fast becoming a successful event recognised outside of Hull too.
You’re sure to have a good laugh as there is a ‘everyone knows everyone’ feel to the night or there certainly is by the end when one or two jokes are sure to be made at your expense (well there certainly was at mine).
With nothing like it in Hull it has brought a wealth of talent together and has provided an opportunity for those wanting to get involved in stand-up comedy. With comedians of all ages and backgrounds a mix of different styles and genres are showcased here and you get a real sense of variety. The venue seats around twenty people with a bar area too and costs only three pounds for around eight acts. Host Jed Salisbury warms up the audience ready to unleash the acts which are often discovered through ‘Hull Comedy’s’ online presence.
With many comedians improvising on the audience it means anything can happen which is what makes it all the more entertaining to watch; no one is looking for a polished performance, just raw talent which is definitely what this night is all about.
The event acts as a comedy club and it’s evident that it has built up quite a following. Hull’s comedy scene is quickly becoming a big part of the local culture here and with Hull bidding for the City of Culture award it’s events like this that are really helping to put Hull on the map.