AND why not? The re-establishing of a live comedy favourite fills a gap we could have been too jaded to realise was there

Last Friday saw the first Capital of Comedy night, introduced at one of modern Liverpool comedy’s spiritual homes.

It all takes place down the stairs at the Slaughterhouse pub on Fenwick Street, which is beloved by comics because of the cosy atmosphere and closeness to the audience (Reginald D Hunter apparently says its the best room for comedy in the country).

Set up by Crosby comedian and Kill for a Seat main man Silky (pictured) and Paula Harrington of city-based promoters Tongue In Cheek, they aim to put on a weekly bill of double headliners (usually a well-known Scouse name and an established national act), compere and a rookie local comedian, all for a set ticket price of £10 and the opportunity to boot out anyone who is making the evening a misery for either the performers or the audience (hence the unofficial motto, "if you can't be nice, go home").

On Friday, Silky did a great job settling in the full house before introducing guitar-juggling madman and panto aficionado Steve Royle, newcomer Steven Potter and Keith Carter as Nige, whose latest material shows there’s plenty to keep his scally alter ego going for a while yet. New songs and timely Ringo-baiting had only been introduced to the set earlier that day, and it was good to hear some of his well-known material again.

And the carin’, sharin’ ethos of Capital of Comedy is down to attract the sort of people who could easily fill venues a few times the size, which is what makes it such an exciting prospect and so different to other comedy nights in the city. Book club champion and friend o’ Gervais Robin Ince is on the way on February 8 and Lucy Porter follows soon after.

This Friday Andre Vincent headlines with Sully O’Sullivan. For tickets call 08444 771000.

• Post to:
•  del.icio.us
•  Digg
•  Newsvine
•  Nowpublic
•  Reddit