The finalists of Newbury’s comedy competition went head to head at the Newbury Corn Exchange on Wednesday last week in a bid to be crowned winner of this year’s ‘You Must Be Joking’.
Starting in 2004, ‘You Must Be Joking’ is an annual event that offers the finalists of Newbury’s Stand-Up Comedy competition the chance to perform in front of the 100+ audience at the Corn Exchange.
The finalists of Newbury’s comedy competition went head to head at the Newbury Corn Exchange on Wednesday last week in a bid to be crowned winner of this year’s ‘You Must Be Joking’.
Starting in 2004, ‘You Must Be Joking’ is an annual event that offers the finalists of Newbury’s Stand-Up Comedy competition the chance to perform in front of the 100+ audience at the Corn Exchange.
The audience welcomed the new comedians with roaring applause as the various performers brought a variety of fresh talent to the stage.
This included comical poetry recitals from Toni Kent, political musings from Richard Rycroft and musical numbers from George Rigden that involved him leaping off the stage to serenade a member of the audience!
Packing the best of their humour into their eight-minute slots, the evening was an excellent demonstration of Newbury’s comic genius. One of the stand-out acts was Chris Billingham, who was awarded second place in the competition, delivering hilarious antidotes about the trials of dating and singlehood.
Lucas Jolson bounded onto the stage with a bubbling enthusiasm, his performance cemented with a hysterical tale on how to handle cold callers.
However, winner Benji Waterstones stole the show thanks to his wonderfully skilful writing and cool delivery.
His intelligent humour, performed with a uniquely dry wit, sets him apart from contemporary comedians making him one to watch.
Taking home a £250 cash prize and securing a gig at the Corn Exchange’s ‘So Comedy’ event, Benji Waterstones was a worthy winner and we can expect to see a lot more from him in the future!Judging from the success of ‘You Must Be Joking’ be sure to check out ‘So Comedy’ taking place at the Newbury Corn Exchange in July and December, where you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of this year’s winner who will be performing alongside a host of hilarious comedy talent.
It is definitely not one to miss!
Amy Horsfield
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