Coastal Comedy At Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lisa
My husband and I have just returned from a great night out at Coastal Comedy in Poole, which was nothing short of electric. Held in the intimate Sherling Studio of The Lighthouse, we had two hours of sharp wit, and we were sometimes crying with laughter! We have been once before in the past, but where it was held in the main theatre. Even though the seats aren’t as comfortable in the studio, it was such a warm, communal atmosphere that it reminded me why live comedy is such a joy.
The evening was hosted by Adrienne Coles, the ever-charismatic founder of Coastal Comedy. Her welcoming energy and quick-fire banter set the tone perfectly, easing us into a night that felt both professionally curated yet personal. Adrienne’s rapport with the crowd was effortless – she’s a seasoned pro who knows how to read a room and keep the momentum flowing and even knew a few of her regulars.
The first act was Dinesh Nathan, whose high-spirited delivery and self-deprecating humour had the audience hooked from his first line. His material was fresh and relatable, using cultural and race observations with a cheeky charm that never felt forced. It’s easy to see why he’s a rising star – his timing was impeccable and he easily engaged us all!
Next up was Dave Chawner, whose blend of observational comedy and mental health advocacy brought a thoughtful edge to the evening. Dave’s ability to tackle serious topics with levity and grace was impressive. He wasn’t just funny, but insightful, and his jokes often carried a deeper resonance. His anecdotes about everyday life, delivered with a cheeky grin and a twinkle in his eye, made him instantly likeable. The crowd certainly enjoyed both of the first acts with their different slants on humour.
After an interval between each act, came the headliner: Ben Norris. What a powerhouse! Opening his performance with several one liners, it was a masterclass in stand-up. His relaxed stage presence, razor-sharp material, and brilliant improvisation had us all in stitches, and he managed a heckler in the audience well too. Whether riffing on parenting, poking fun at British quirks, or sharing some of his life stories, Ben’s set was packed with killer gags and unexpected twists. He found it funny that we all seemed to take it in turns to laugh at different jokes, but he was seriously hilarious throughout. He’s the kind of comic who makes it look easy – effortlessly weaving punchlines into stories and bouncing off audience reactions with speed.
The Sherling Studio itself added to the magic. Its intimate layout meant every laugh was shared, creating a sense of connection that’s hard to replicate in larger venues. We were glad to have arrived early for a drink as the tickets aren’t numbered – you will want to do the same if you don’t want a front row seat!! The Coastal Comedy team clearly knows how to curate a line-up that balances seasoned talent with rising voices, and as our 2nd time at a Coastal Comedy night we know that we will get quality entertainment each time we go.
If you’re looking for a night out that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits, Coastal Comedy at Poole Lighthouse is a must. They are winners of the best Comedy club in the southwest 2021/2022, and we felt it definitely deserved that title! It’s more than just a comedy show, it’s an evening of community, creativity, and the kind of laughter that leaves your cheeks aching and lifts your spirits for the rest of the week!
Over 18s only.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets: £19.50 advance (includes booking fee) | £24 on the door
You can purchase tickets online at www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or by ringing the box office on 01202 280000
Address: The Lighthouse, 21 Kingland Rd, Poole BH15 1UG