CULTURE CLUB
FUNNY BUSINESS Commoners’ Comedy Edition speaks to the founders of Commoners’ Comedy, Ali Warwood and Harriet Wells-Martin – two mental health nurses trying to make the world a happier place by tickling funny bones
INTERVIEW BY ALEX FICE
Tell us all about the origins of Commoners’ Comedy.
FOUNDING FIGURES Ali and Harriet (below) are the creators of Commoners’ Comedy
Ali: It started at the Corner House pub, back when they used to do live events. Initially, it was a place for amateur and up-and-coming comedians, but there was also a noticeable appetite for more intimate, independent comedy clubs in Cambridge. I think people were finding that going to bigger venues to see a comedy show could be really expensive – and even then, you’re often far away from the performer and don’t get the intimacy you tend to find in smaller comedy clubs in the city. Intimate shows have an amazing atmosphere that everybody just loves!
Harriet: …Why did you really start it?
its own appeal for the comedians themselves. It gives them a place to try out new material alongside improving current material – that’s not to say it’s unpolished, but it’s nice to have vulnerability from acts that are really successful. When we initially restarted Commoners’, we wanted it to be a place where up-and-coming acts got to be on the same bill as high-profile ones, many of whom have had work on TV or big successful shows. This helps new comedians build their skills and develop their comedy, which is something quite unique about Commoners’.
Ali: Well, I was only just starting out in comedy and wanted to get more stage time for myself! [Laughs] I thought if I compered a gig every month, that would be really good for my own development.
for some people. They come to Thrive, have a bit of dinner, order some drinks and settle in for a night of comedy!
How did you get into comedy management?
H: Commoners’ was relaunched after a bit of a hiatus last July, which is when I got more involved with logistics and headliner bookings. I have some links in the TV world which has certainly helped us bring in a different type of headliner from previous shows, but to be honest I don’t really think it’s about the line-up most of the time – it’s that intimate comedy club feeling that keeps bringing people back.
What plans do you have for the year ahead?
A: I think we’re just really enjoying putting on the monthly club night. It would be nice to do some pop-ups and corporate gigs, too. We did a Commoners’ kids event which was really popular, so we have another one of those next year. H: I do think it’s really nice to have a solid club every month and I wouldn’t want to overstretch to the detriment of it… that being said, we have been approached by some high-profile comedians about staging Edinburgh previews, so I think in May, June and July we may increase our nights to be able to bring more comedians to Commoners’ – watch this space! Commoners’ Comedy Club takes place at Thrive on the first Friday of every month. Tickets and line-ups can be found via the website. commonerscomedy.co.uk
Who has performed so far?
H: Since the relaunch, we’ve had some incredible acts and mixed-bill shows that have included Lou Sanders, Laura Smyth, Ian Stone, Darran Griffiths and Josh Jones. Alongside these, we’ve had lots of local (and some less local) comedians who’ve smashed it and have been such a joy to watch. And obviously every month you get the comedic powerhouse that is Ali Warwood, MCing the nights, so that’s obviously the main selling point!
Does Commoners’ Comedy have a unique approach in terms of the comedy it offers?
A: We have up-and-coming and exciting acts coming through Commoners’, and alongside these more established comedians who really know their craft. We’re very conscious about not booking the same types of acts, so we try to have different styles of character comedy, musical comedy and one-liners.
Tell me about the venue you have chosen.
H: Thrive has such a good ethos and that comes through in how they support Commoners’. It feels nice to be doing something that benefits them as well as having a laugh. It’s a full night out
H: A lot of the acts we’re getting may not have played a smaller club for a while, which holds
20 MARCH 2023 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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