Review of Best in Comedy at the South Holland Centre in Spalding

A strong line-up entertained an open-minded audience at the South Holland Centre in its popular Best In Comedy night presented by Anglia Comedy Co.

We were in safe hands with MC Peter Flanagan, who did enough crowd control to keep hecklers in hand.

The Irish-born comedian has great stage presence and a lot of craic – with funny tales and humorous improvised interaction with audience members.

He didn’t just focus on the front row and got some big laughs from asking people the standard ‘where are you from?’.

Zoe Lyons headlined, preceded by great sets in the first act from Tez Ilyas and Paul McCaffrey.

Tez Ilyas is skilled at storytelling and the art of misdirection and although the audience was asked not to heckle the acts by the MC, he handled a couple hecklers with aplomb.

Paul McCaffrey had us in giggles with his lamenting of car boot sales describing those who go along as vampires and ridiculous offers of 50p for a top he wanted £5 for.

Zoe Lyons was an absolute delight – wearing bright orange trainers which she bought while drunk and opening with the gamble of taking the mick out of Spalding and Cowbit.

Having seen her on Live at the Apollo I thought she was brilliant live – warm, open and she talked about personal subjects such as splitting up briefly with her wife during the pandemic.

There are a few comedians I have seen that are able to hold the audience in the palm of their hand – while turning and facing the back of the stage.

Zoe Lyons is one of them and the audience really enjoyed her headline set.

It is worth booking for Best In Comedy as it regularly sells out and the next line-up is another belter on Saturday, November 25 with Iain Stirling, Fin Taylor, Sara Barron and Jack Barry.

Visit https://www.southhollandcentre.co.uk/whats-on/view/the-best-in-comedy-november2 for further information.

Did you go? What did you think? Post your thoughts below or email jenny.beake@iliffepublishing.co.uk