REVIEW: Jason Cooks Comedy Club at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

A Laugh On The Tyne

Jason Cooks Comedy Club

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House

Saturday 16^th June 2016

Jason Cook has been running comedy nights across the north east for a while now and this was an opportunity to catch him at his latest outpost, Newcastle's Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

Jason is a very affable comic. He opens the show by working his way across the front row. His ability to react sharply to the audience's answers was reminiscent of the late great Bob Monkhouse. He made comedy out of any response which in turn warmed the room up nicely.

First act was North East Theatre Guide favourite Gavin Webster who ran through a classic Gavin set. He clearly had a number of people in the audience who had not seen him before enabling him to run through some of his classic repertoire. The I've Got A Job For You, Gav star added a local angle to the evening's proceedings with tales of life in Blaydon and Wallsend. Gavin finished with a couple of musical numbers which nicely rounded off the set.

Gavin Webster will be performing a preview of his new Edinburgh Fringe show around the corner at the Alphabetti Theatre on Sunday 29^th July between 14:45 – 15:45. Tickets are on a  Pay What You Feel basis.

To reserve tickets: http://www.ticketsource.co.uk/date/512478

Jason kicked off the 2nd act with advice for the pair of 17 year olds in the front row. He has natural ability as a raconteur which fills the room with laughter.

Radu Isac has been in England for 3 years and the Romanian used the rest of the second set to compare the west with eastern Europe. Trying to discuss immigration and those who peel oranges in public perhaps didn't hit the sweet note with the Tyne audience on this occasion. But that's comedy. Sometimes on a multi-act bill you'll find some acts get a bigger reaction than others.

Jason Cook warmed up the crowd for the third time. The development of Whitley Bay's Spanish City and sand dune activities creating many a laugh. We'd happily see Jason perform a headline set. Hopefully that will happen soon. His demeanour is everything about an entertaining evening rather than being cruel.

Completing the bill was Mock The Week panellist Andy Parsons.  His combination of political commentary and observations about life went down a storm with the Opera House crowd. Not being on television offered Andy a number of freedoms. Whilst both ends of the political spectrum, and Trump, were covered, there was no tv director insisting on political balance. The incumbent government and its cabinet made for popular ridicule as their shortcomings were highlighted. It was the first time we'd seen Andy live and he is well worth checking out.  Like most TV comics he is much better live when the cameras are not there.

Review by Stephen Oliver

On the web:

www.jasonscomedyclub.co.uk or www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Tickets:

The next Jason Cook Comedy Club show at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre will be on Saturday 10^th November 2018, starting at 8pm.

Age Restriction 16+

Tickets: £12.00 (Plus booking fees when booking online or over the phone)

Tickets available from Online Ticket LINK from our affiliate Eventim Tickets

or 0844 249 1000 or in person from the theatre’s box office.