MATES RATES brings some of the UK’s best stand-ups to venues across Reading, with its latest offering seeing Ria Lina, Jake Steers, and President Obonjo performing sets at Double Barrelled’s taproom.
The event was hosted by Carl Richard, whose crowd work effortlessly assured the audience that they would be in safe hands.
President Obonjo was the first of the evening’s guest acts, taking to the stage with an immediately arresting and imposing presence.
His character comedy is loaded with political commentary both on the surface and its subtler implications.
The set included cheeky jabs at the British parliamentary system, the royal family, international relations, and democracy at large.
These are all knitted together to build a tongue-in-cheek routine about life in Britain more generally which is equal parts well-considered satire and throwaway silliness.
Jake Steers followed with an easy, laid-back charm which complements the relatability of his material perfectly.
Steers brings a personal angle to his stand-up, such as when discussing his own health issues, and displays a comfortable confidence, even going so far as to tell anecdotes about his less successful gigs.
Overall his approachability and natural delivery gives the “mates in the pub” feel to his stand-up which many comedians work hard to achieve, particularly with a bit about being heckled by his mum at a show.
Headliner Ria Lina closed the show with an assured set tackling divorce, parenthood, and dating in the 2020s, combining the brash, often titillating subject matter with disarming charm and tenderness.
Ria’s incisive observation turned towards topics of sending racy pictures and online dating, both subverting stereotypical expectations and making the whole system look ridiculous with often forensic scrutiny.
Particular highlights included the discussion of her ex-partner and material exploring age gaps in marriages, especially in relation to having children.
Overall, Mates Rates provided a mix of performers with different perspectives, from a diverse range of backgrounds and personal experiences, contributing to a rich and eclectic offering of live comedy.
Double Barrelled’s taproom also lends itself to stand-up, with the benches providing a good mix of easy access to the bar and laid-back seating which accommodates disparate groups better than more traditional theatre seating.
Naturally, their offerings of locally-brewed beers and ciders is a welcome addition, too.
Mates Rates Comedy hosts a number of stand-up events around Reading, including a new comedy festival set to take place from Friday-Sunday, May 19-21.
Information about upcoming events and access to tickets are available via: www.matesratescomedy.co.uk
