Funny business is booming in Sale
THERE’S some funny business going in south Manchester…
But no-one will be complaining at the VAO waterside restaurant in Sale when Comedy For Sale (get it?) relaunches tomorrow night (Thursday November 10).
The stand-up events run by former engineer-turned-MC and comedy entrepreneur Trevor Cunningham proved a massive hit when they initially kicked off at the nearby Steamhouse pub in central Sale in the summer.
Such has been the popularity among audiences and would-be comics, willing to get up for no fee, Cunningham is taking the event to the VAO every second and fourth Thursday of each month.
Word has quickly spread about the popularity of the events and as a result another event – Comedy For Sale: Out On a Lymm – is also launching at the HQ Bar and Kitchen in Lymm. There, the nights will run on the third Thursday of each month, starting on November 17.
Cunningham, 58, who not long ago retired as an engineer before undertaking a comedy course at Manchester’s Frog and Bucket venue, said he had been amazed by the interest in the event from both the audience and the quality of performers they are attracting.
“When we launched at the Steamhouse, Russell Kane (writer, comedian and actor) offered to do a slot, provided we didn’t publicise it,” said Cunningham.
“But he mentioned it himself on Twitter and we were packed out on the night. He was in the middle of a tour, but it was a great opportunity for him to try out new and different material.
“I now realise that there are quite a lot of talented and name comedians who need an audience to try their material out on who are willing to perform for little or no fee.
“I’m getting calls from scores of comedians who want to perform, and that’s fantastic.”
Cunningham also paid tribute to VAO boss Juan Aslava for giving Comedy For Sale a home.
“He is even offering food at 50% off on the (Thursday November 10) night,” said Cunningham.
Meanwhile, Cunningham is also aiming to launch a self-contained roadshow of comedians which can tour round the pub circuit, possibly branding it “Comedy in a Box”.
“The difference between music and comedy, is that once you’ve done your set in one venue, you can’t really do it again, because the audience knows the joke,” said Cunningham. “So touring round is the best thing to do.”
