READING’S Indie Comedy Fest returned for its fourth annual outing last week, bringing headline household names and rising stars to stages across the town for a four-day fiesta.
It began with the Reading Comedy Showcase, which welcomed three up-and-coming acts alongside headline act Matt Price, to Reading’s Biscuit Factory on Thursday,
The show kicked off with an opening set from host Rhodri Buttrick, who announced that it would be the final show of the local Stand and Deliver Club programme.
Buttrick’s set was filled with his characteristically effusive and energetic crowd work, which marries the charm and cheek that has made him a reliable regular on Reading’s comedy scene–both within the festival and without.
Before long he welcomed Khalid Raheem, whose caustic yet casual delivery brought an approachable erudition to a set which touched deftly on religion, cultural difference, and family relationships.
Crisp and confident punchlines were interwoven with moments of genuine pathos and the occasional philosophical tangents which gave the set a gravity amid the levity.
Raheem was followed by Oxford’s Kitty Speed, whose effervescent and engaging style is complimented by playful crowd work and an arch set.
Among the highlights was an examination of Disney princesses as a subject of feminist literature.
The bit included a song from The Little Mermaid reimagined as Ariel singing for a certain kind of bodily autonomy, which was wry and ribald in equal measure.
Next up was Vlad Bihun, whose deadpan delivery was well-suited to an occasionally self-deprecating and socio-political set.
Originally from Ukraine, now living in Reading, Bihun gave a concise yet incisive set which took aim at, among other things, Chernobyl and Ed Sheeran.
The event was brought to a crescendo with London’s Matt Price, whose excellent crowd work devolved into deep existential dread through impressive and engaging improv.
Aside from a member of the audience forming an immaterial figment of his own psyche, he deftly sewed together serious subjects and flights of fancy, with a breathless, punchy delivery.
The event marked the final bow of Stand and Deliver Comedy Club after 10 years of shows in Reading.
Host Rhodri Buttrick said at the event: “If you do anything for 10 years, you’re due a bit of a rest–but it’s not goodbye forever… just for now.”
Speaking of the festival, he said: “It’s just got bigger and better.
“I’ve always traditionally done the first show of the festival, and this year the majority of the audience were festival pass holders.
“It means they’re really invested in it, and as a grassroots project which ties a lot of venues together.
“And at a time when venues are struggling, it brings money into the bars while bringing in bigger stars to the town while also showcasing the talent that Reading has.”
