Funny business
‘Laughter is a physical reaction in humans consisting usually of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system resulting most commonly in forms of "hee-hee" or “ha-ha”.’
Thanks Internet, it’s been so long, I felt like I needed reminding… although seriously, who the hell “hee-hees!?"
However you show amusement, if you’re anything like me… then you’re no doubt be missing having a good old laugh! Not the lite ones on Zoom, but the full-fat ones actually somewhere else other than your living room, like in places with other people, back when eating bats was just a rockstar thing.
I don’t know about you, but the days before lockdown are becoming all to worryingly hazy! As that cloud of new normals barges its way into our every days, keeping us at home… the list of things I miss, continues to grow.
Somewhere in that long list, next to impromptu happy hours, sits live stand-up. Before times became unprecedented, I used to love getting my humorous hit at local comedy club Komedia...
Age-old laughs
Founded in 1994, the multi award-winning Komedia has been showcasing new talent from the off, helping launch the careers of then newcomers like Graham Norton and Johnny Vegas. Originally based in Brighton’s Kemp Town, like that Chicken - they crossed the road, relocating to the North Laines in 1998 (where they’ve been ever since).
I’ve only really known the club since its move there (apparently it was a Tesco previously), with my fave night being Krater Comedy Club, hosted by the razor-sharp compère Stephen Grant; known for whipping the crowd up into a hot-pit of hysterics, the night would introduce new comics before a headline act, leaving the audience physically aching from an evening of relentless laughter!
Stellar line-ups
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see some top acts that have gone on to do amazing things. Like who? Off the top of my head: Russell Kane, Daniel Sloss, Angela Barnes, Milton Jones, Seann Walsh… the list goes on, but all respected artists with world tours, Netflix exclusives, TV appearances and even a Strictly stint between them…!
Man I miss everything about that place… even the anticipation of queuing up outside! From getting your hand stamped on the way in, to being shown to your seats, and the relief of being outside the stage’s splash zone, sniggering at those sat at the front… they’re in for a ride (thoughts with all the first rowers I’ve seen tenderly destroyed over the years).
Laughter is the best medicine
Ah the joys of my pre-pandemic life, I’ll never take you for granted again! Okay, being stuck at home 24/7 is enough to send anyone a little cabin fever, but it’s not just the excitement of being somewhere else I miss. There were so many other benefits a good old LOL brings, I kinda overlooked:
How it helps increase and release health-enhancing hormones like endorphins (the feel-good chemicals that reduce stress, anxiety and depression);
Laughter activates multiple regions of the brain that can help us increase alertness, creativity and memory (definitely one not to forget);
It can even help protect the heart; reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow, all positives for helping you live a longer life!
And if that wasn’t enough, it also helps you lose weight. Seriously! A recent study found laughing for up to 15 minutes can burn up to 40 calories… so now you can have your cake and eat it (as long as you laugh for about three hours before hand).
I guess the point I’m trying to make, is that it’s good to laugh. Something it could be all to easy to forget with everything going on at the moment. So release the inner-kid inside you, the one that reportedly used to laugh on average 400 times a day, not the adult that now only does it 15 times a day in comparison.
All joking aside
With over 600 comedy clubs in the UK, many will be unfunded so relying on the donations of their fans to help survive these incredibly challenging times. So whether you’re a smirker, shrieker or even one of the lesser-spotted hee-heer’s out there, please help support your local clubs through donations and purchasing your tickets for future events: let’s not let this unforgiving pandemic have the last laugh.
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