Review: Live Comedy | Howlers Comedy Club
…with Matt Richardson, Joseph Emslie, Dana Alexander & Michael Shafar.
Thursday, 17 September 2026 – Cheltenham Playhouse
As we know September is a new start for so many, however, the new season of Howler’s Comedy Club at the fabulous Playhouse was far from academic. Although, the night was certainly an education…
ADHD driven Matt Richardson must have spent a lot of time stood in the corridor during his time at school. Garrulous and ebullient the comedian presided over the night of comedy with the vigour of a beginning teacher determined to make a difference. Snapshots of his life – with asides about class and perfidious Albion – eased the audience into the night. The caricatures of the “local gang” in his Oxfordshire village home were all too recognisable. “Justin” and his bruv’s loitering, outside the local shop, for grown-ups to purchase them alcohol, “Rosé, Blood and make it a blush,” amused the Cheltonians.
Joseph Emslie with his wide eyed-innocence, underling his cheeky persona, offered up a brand of comedy with him at the core of the routine. Emslie’s ability to poke fun at himself was both amusing and a study in how to manage self-esteem. The skit about learning sign language brought forth much mirth. The signing for Trump and Clinton produced a near-presidential response that neither could create themselves. For his finale our Jo sang a song about his sexual prowess – subtle and nuanced – this routine was the first one we spoke about walking to the car afterwards…hilarious.
With all the sassiness and confidence and of a Yr.11 student who knows she belongs on the backseat of the school bus, Dana Alexander sashayed forth and took us from Canada to Enfield and on to Bangkok. Alexander’s quiet understated delivery allowed the comedienne to amplify her comedy: “I guess some of you have never been this close to a black person before?” Discussing dating men shorter than her produced an image of a particular suitor on tip-toe that I can’t and don’t want to un-see. Alexander’s hard won “snobbery” produced more caricatures for us to enjoy, her elegant Canadian accent mining the scenarios for fresh comedy. “Init!” The highlight for me was the analysis of signs and barriers in countries telling us more than they realise: “Please don’t throw poo out of the window…” I am still laughing as I write this now.
And, yes, I have to concur, “what the f*ck is a Thundercat?”
The Thundercats may have fled their homeland but we are still making a mess of ours. Aussie Michael Shafar’s opening gambit compared Australia to the UK and introduced an at times darker comedy. When you are offering up the juxtaposition of business class users on planes alongside paedophiles, for levels of hatred, you are aware of a warped comedian’s world view…and clearly of many in the room. The laughter for the “gallow’s humour” joke about babysitting inbetween the two was as salient as the punchline about The Lady Diana Driving School. Of course, the punchline for the end of the whole act allowed Shafar a comedic freedom that was appreciated by all.
I wonder if Shafar had his own designated chair in the Headmaster’s office when attending school?
Yes, the learning objectives were certainly achieved on the night and I think we should allow Howlers Comedy Club and the Cheltenham Playhouse to mark their own homework, as they certainly deserve the luxury after offering a superlative night out.
By: The Swilgate Scuttle