Edinburgh Festival Fringe Preview at the Lawrence Batley Theatre Huddersfield Review

Reviewed by HW

As part of their monthly comedy cellar, the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield town centre hosted one of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe preview shows last night. For those that have yet to visit this theatre, it is not to be missed. Tucked behind one of the main shopping streets in Huddersfield town centre and within easy walking distance from the train and bus stations as well as local car parks, this theatre offers a great array of productions, comedy and artistic performances. The charming community focused theatre has a main and cellar bar offering a range of drinks and snacks and nearby are several local bars and restaurants.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Preview performance was held within the intimate Syngenta Cellar which provides the perfect environment for an evening of laughs and entertainment. The Syngenta Cellar, along with the main auditorium is also fully accessible for wheelchair access. Free tickets are also offered to those visiting with carers.

The theatres resident compare Anthony Brown scaffolded the performances and hosted the routine photo caption competition allowing great audience participation and two free tickets to the winners.

First up was Christian Reilly, previewing his upcoming show ‘Gig Economy.’ Seen previously on Late Night with Conan O’ Brien, That Was Then, This Is Now and Jammin’, Christian Reilly offers a truly unique combination of music and comedy. The wide array of topics ensured laughs for everyone and threads woven throughout the performance demonstrated a cohesive nature to this guitar based show.

Certainly worth the wait and the highlight of the night for us was Martin Mor. Previously seen on tour supporting the likes of Lee Evans, Frankie Boyle, Jack Dee, and Steve Coogan and cited as a legend of British comedy Martin previewed his upcoming ‘Martin Mor is BLOCKED’ show. Quick witted with the audience with likeable charm, this guy gave a thoroughly great show well populated with topical news and everyday occurrences bound to make you laugh.

For those easily offended at swearing these may not be for you but if you can get past this a good few laughs are up for grabs.

Rating: 4/5

For other shows at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield visit www.thelbt.org or call the box office on 01484 430 528.

Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP