Review – The Mile High Club
Being ushered into the Tuxedo Cat @ Raj by a charmingly perky stewardess felt very much like flying first class, or at least what I imagine first class would be like. The smaller venue forces a level of intimacy that you don’t quite get with the bigger venues and for this particular show it worked gloriously. The Mile High Club is a comedy and variety showcase with a different line-up of artists each night, so you really never know what to expect.
Our MC for the night Simon Taylor combined situational comedy, audience involvement and just the right amount of airline jokes. Unlike other comedians I’ve seen he didn’t feel the need to embarrass or even suck-up to the audience, instead opting to treat us all like friends he’d met at the pub. His affable character stimulated a comfortable vibe and brought even the meekest of patrons out of their shell.
One of the great things about The Mile High Club was the diversity among the comedians who performed. There wasn’t an overwhelming amount of airline jokes and because of the variety of topics and styles on offer, there was something in there for everyone. From a particularly adorable story about a dad joke going too far, to a man realising his dream of participating in a threesome with a married couple, all the way through to a character comedian who reminded me of every delusional safety officer I’ve ever worked with, the laughs were always forth coming. The highlight of the night for me was comedian Nikki Britton whose distinct style of comedy makes you laugh, cringe and nod in understanding all at the same time. She’s that lovable mess of a friend you either have or are, but one way or another you feel as if you know Britton well.
The Mile High Club serves up a cocktail of hilarious entertainment in a welcoming setting. If you don’t quite know what you want to see at the Fringe yet then this sneak peak of what’s on offer is a great way to scope it out. Stow your luggage, grab your carry on and discard any dangerous goods; because while the crew of the Mile High Club are certainly accommodating, they’re not going to take any of that crap in first class.