On September 15th we welcome Alex Boardman, Meryl O’Rourke and Jason Patterson to the new autumn season of RITA.
Tickets are £9 and are available online from WeGotTickets, in person at Waterstones and on the door.
Doors open 7.30pm with show start at 8pm.
Alex Boardman is now one of the most sought after acts in the country due to his ability to interact with any audience and to seemingly conjure something out of nothing. His free flowing style and natural charm breeze through in performances. His unique brand of “Flattery and abuse” is done with a lack of malice and a big sense of fun.
Before you ask, he is no relation to Stan Boardman.
“Alex was one of a small band of writers who worked on the second series of John Bishop’s Britain on BBC 1 and he made a significant contribution to it being the highest rated stand up show of 2011 bringing in six million viewers a week. He can turn material around quickly and has the great skill of enhancing existing ideas to make a show better rather than just wishing to force his own material which makes him a great collaborator” John Bishop
“Alex started stand up the year before me at the same dodgy backrooms and pubs in Manchester. He has gone on to be one of the most assured confident stand ups on the circuit and regularly plays all the top comedy clubs here and abroad. I employed him as a writer when I was on 8 Out of 10 cats, he is quality.” Jason Manford
“A great comic and a skilled writer” Sarah Millican
Acclaimed stand-up comic and accomplished TV writer Meryl O’Rourke, revels in her bitterness. A potty mouthed potty trainer, she has delighted comedy audiences, written some of the best gags on telly and even hosted pop concerts (the last one to 12,000 people!)
She supported Frankie Boyle for part of his last tour, at his request. She also supported him at the Hammersmith Apollo. In his book ‘Work! Consume! Die!’ he calls Meryl “Inspiringly funny”.
Meryl’s cheeky routines of dysfunctionality get her choice gigs with major promoters. These include Up the Creek, Screaming Blue Murder, Off the Kerb, Banana, Comedy Company and The Funny Side; amongst many others. She performs 20-60 min sets, MCs and is also a popular choice for private parties and corporate events.
She runs her own club in Tooting where she is regular MC.
Her solo stand-up show Bad Mother… was a hit at Edinburgh and Brighton festivals. Directed by Foster’s Comedy Award nominee Thom Tuck, it received 5-star reviews and was The Times’ Critic’s Choice.
“★★★★★ Truly astonishing show…a must see” The New Current
“★★★★ Her devastatingly direct show stands out for it’s bold, boundary-breaking nature…the shocking casualness of her delivery is spot on.” Jewish Chronicle
“★★★★ Very funny. Tightly written, deftly performed, intimate storytelling and packed with punchlines” TheLatest
“★★★★ Meryl has a natural wit that few possess” ScotsGay
Jason Patterson absolutely sounds the part. He’s got a rich, deep voice that oozes confidence, and a perfectly measured delivery that gives him instant authority. – Chortle
Jason started out in comedy in 2006 and since then he’s performed at comedy clubs all over the UK . Jason brings the house down with his relaxed style of comedy which leaves the audience wanting more. With the confidence & stage presence of a seasoned pro this versatile comedian is definitly one to watch out for.
Competitions:
Winner -2010 The Loaded Laftas Rising Award
Winner – Comedy Store Gong Show
Winner – Comedy Cafe New Act Competition x 3
Winner – Funhouse Comedy Club Champion of Champions New Act Competition 2008
Winner – Beat The Frog New Act Competition 2008
Finalist – Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year 2009
Finalist – Laughing Horse New Act Of The Year 2009
Semi Finalist – Amused Moose Laugh Off 2009
3rd Place – The Big Big New Act Competition 2008
Nominated Best Newcomer @ The Black Entertainment Comedy Awards 2008
As ever our Rolling in the Aisles club nights are ably and amusingly hosted by our very own comedian compere – Nick Wills.
“The vicar is very funny” – Mark Steel