Zoe Lyons performs live at Totnes Comedy Lounge Friday 8 February 2013

Zoe Lyons

Totnes FM continue to impress with their events at the Studio Lounge (Totnes Civic Hall).

Last Friday Garrett Millerick was compère for their latest comedy evening. As well as Garrett's wealth of comic reminiscences, there was also time for four visiting comedians to impress us with their material.

Chris Mayo, the heavyweight lightweight, kept everyone enthralled with his 'pressure of thought' routine about things that worry him and make him lose weight.

Tim O'Connor with his 'racing sideburns' and diminutive visual aids transported us to the monochrome world of his new home - Frome in Somerset.

Luke Graves struggled with a surreal act involving an ersatz electric exercise belt and a game of 'Top Trumps' with a member of the audience. Totnes were not having it. "Comedy!" one person cried, bringing the electronically enhanced attribute comparison session to a premature close.

Garrett proved his worth as a compère, filling the gap with more of his engaging material, before announcing a second interval - to be followed by the headline act.

Zoe Lyons! - Zoe's routine was an absolute delight. Urbane, yet unassuming, this was a comedian with whom everyone immediately connected. Her observations and comparisons certainly hit the mark. A Hove dog walker with two Chihuahuas in a 'dog pram', pulling a face like a man in his new BMW, rang a bell with everyone in the audience. Immaculate timing and skilful mime made this act a joy to experience.

The applause for Zoe's set was so enthusiastic and prolonged that Garrett had to drag her back onto the stage for an encore. Expecting a few closing words, the audience were surprised and delighted by a whole extra mini-routine taking us on another break-neck journey through her confusing, but familiar, world.

Top marks Totnes FM! Particular thanks go to organiser David Parsley who seems to be a very active promoter of entertainment in Totnes. The Totnes Studio Lounge (A.K.A. Totnes Civic Hall) is fast becoming an established venue for comedy - and music.

Following the sensational visit by Julie Biel and Phil King on Friday 18th January this year, Liz Lawrence and her band will be in Totnes Studio Lounge on Friday 15th February as part of their 'Bedroom Hero UK Tour'.

And, on Saturday 2nd March, the Totnes Comedy Lounge will be host to four more national/international names in comedy - Kim Hope, Micky Sharma, Jim Campbell & Will Scambler.

Full details on the 'Studio Lounge Totnes' website.

Come to South Devon - for great music and comedy!