Review: Magpie and Stump Comedy Night

Winstanley Lecture Hall, Trinity College.  Held once a fortnight on a Friday.  Free.

President – Jack Lewars

*** and a half.

With three comedians, a well and truly gazebo-ed post-formal audience and a refreshingly cynical Jack Lewars to tie it all together, last Sunday’s Magpie and Stump was fulfilled it’s promise to leave your average non-Trinity pleb wondering; wondering whether it justified you tearing yourself from that essay that’s definitely due tomorrow and definitely yet to be started.

First to hit the stage was Tarini “doing it for a dare” Ratneswaren. Shy, apprehensive and nervous (who wouldn’t be!?) this second year medic had taken time away from her studies (poor thing) to raise money for charity through her gags.  In no time, with some energy from the vaguely inebriated audience, she delivered her act well; an act that turned out to be really quite witty with John’s-slating corkers like how making Trinity all-girls would be similar to opening a primary school next to a paedophile correction facility. Nice.

Next up, an old hand at the game of masochism was Australian Alex. If crude jokes with strict undercurrents of sexism, racism and general-isms is what you look for, then he’s your man.  Falling well below the cuff, we had a real insight into the physiological effects of combined ejaculation with exhalation, nipples, why cuddling cannot come before cumming and why it’s better to be tall (turns out it makes it easier to shit on people). This boy is quick witted and frankly freakin’ hilarious, but not (quite clearly) for the delicate hearted. In an exclusive interview with The Tab, the youth also requested that we mention that he’s not sexist. OK my son; you keep thinking that.

Finally, in seemingly the most anticipated performance of the night, we had Rob “everyone’s favourite chimney sweeper from Essex” Young in the spotlight.  Polished, genuine and admiringly self-deprecating, his performance was fun to watch. These last two look like they’re going to be regulars and are certainly a reason to pop your head through the door.

So, overall, by paying no attention to the over – priced stench of Trinity’s house wine chuggers, making the most of their limited time away from work, and the standard luxury assortment of audience twats who think they’re funnier,  as a light hearted Sunday entertainment option there’s a lot of appeal to it; it’s raw. There’s definitely talent there, but don’t expect perfection.