Hot Water Comedy Club; Liverpool’s Home of Humour, Seven Days A Week

Liverpool isn’t exactly short on comedy, scousers are a pretty funny bunch of people in general so you’ve probably got to be pretty good to get genuine laughs out of a crowd who have come to be entertained.

Luckily for Hot Water Comedy Club, the city’s only purpose built comedy club, they have the laughs all wrapped up. Operating seven nights a week from their Seel Street home they are pros at the comedy game.

We headed down on Wednesday night to check out one of their ‘As Seen On TV’ nights – an opportunity for pro comedians to test out their new routines – so you know you’re getting really fresh material. The team a Hot Water Comedy describe this night as having a very comedy literate audience, so you’re not likely to find stag or hen party hanging around here! The best thing about the night is that it’s free. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night is free entry but reserving online is recommended.

Each of these shows features a recognisable TV name and tonight that is Ivo Graham, who’s appeared on shows like Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central. Ivo’s 30 minute set is impressive! More on that later.

MC for the night was the brilliant Paul Smith who does a fantastic job of warming up the crowd and interacting with the audience. His rapport with the crowd is great and we’d actually love to see a full set from Paul in the future.

First up on the night was Harry Stachini, a Manchester lad who was greeted warmly by the crowd. Harry recounts stories of meeting the in-laws and heavy drinking sessions as well as nailing some Aussie and Welsh accents along the way. He keeps the audience laughing throughout.

James Meehan is a comedian with a different approach, preparing a set for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, he talks openly about struggling with depression however he does so by also delivering some of the funniest lines of the evening.

Adam Rowe is a regular at Hot Water Comedy and many in the crowd cheer at the mention of his name. He comes onto the stage with typical scouse swagger and delivers some hilarious stories, unafraid to poke fun at himself in some very personal ways at times. He’s a good choice as the final act before the headliner of the evening.

And what a headliner we were treated to! Ivo Graham is a former Eton and Oxford student but without any of the undesirable qualities of the stereotypical alumni. Poshly spoken yes but with a passion for TransPennine trains and being thrifty, Graham is instantly likeable and hugely enjoyable.

Hot Water Comedy Club runs seven days a week. Visit the official website here for information and listings on all their upcoming shows.