ON THE FUNNY SIDE

On The Funny Side is the UnderHand stand up night which ran fortnightly for three seasons set in the gloriously intimate and relaxed surroundings of Bar 242. Each show featured four outstanding stand-ups hand-picked from the best of the London circuit, and regular MC extraordinaire, UnderHand's very own, Matt Holt. If that wasn't enough for you we threw in a top notch free buffet meal with your ticket and a licensed bar to satisfy your every alcoholic requirement throughout the show with regular booze deals, exclusive to On The Funny Side.

One of the best stand-up nights around, a real favourite with both acts and punters, On The Funny Side will return and continue to be a regular night out to remember.

* * * Time Out Comic's Choice * * *

* * * Time Out Recommended * * *

* * * Evening Standard Recommended * * *

MC Matt Holt Resident MC Matt has been running this show since its inception way back in December 2002. He is a rare MC who cares more about audience and atmosphere than simply churning through set material. Genial, fearless and lightning quick: the perfect host. 'The cream of chortle-worthy talent, very funny, a top laugh' Loaded

Autumn Fringe Report review (11th September 2003)

Rest assured, this isn't the last of On The Funny Side - we'll be back some time, some place. Why not join the mailing list to keep up with us?

	Andrew Maxwell Quite simply the best there is. With his mesmerising intelligence, lightening reactions, and constant supply of belly-laughs, Maxwell always provides a totally unique experience. A brain so vast they must keep it in a room somewhere. 'I've seen the future of Irish Comedy and its name is Andrew Maxwell.' Irish Times
	Jo Caulfield I am so ecstatic to finally get this superb act to OTFS, and not a moment too soon. She's spent the last few months warming up for Graham Norton in New York, so no one's seen her over here for a while. But that’s about to change. "I never knew I could like a woman so much. I'm ashamed to say she did make me wet myself" Graham Norton
	Mark Blake (Helmut) The world's finest German stand up comedian stormed the London circuit in 2003 (including OTFS), reaching the final stages of numerous competitions, and pleasing Brits everywhere. The only comedian out there really scoring for Anglo-Kraut relations.
	Lizzie Roper If I was any happier about Lizzie being at the final night I'd explode. She rocks. Fact. Imagine your motor-mouth, smashed mate climbing on stage at a stand-up night… and then being sublimely funny. Yeah, that’s it. 'Lizzie Roper’s show is genius' Time Out
	Matt Kirshen OK, so he won the 2003 Hackney Empire New Act Competition. Big deal. I hate Matt Kirshen. He's an intelligent and skilful stand-up, and women want to ruffle his hair ’cos he's all sweet and boyish. But then his material goes and bites you like a hungry adder. Git. 'Winning material ...Kirshen certainly shone through' Evening Standard
	Pete Gold Pete Gold and his guitar will be providing us with some beautiful musical refreshment throughout the night, with his hilarious and outrageously catchy tunes. Founder member of the fantastic Fit to Burst sketch outfit, Pete went down a storm at OTFS a while ago and we’re honoured to welcome him back for one last tune… 'The songs are tremendous' Malcolm Hay, Time Out

	Will Smith One of the most highly regarded character acts in the country, this boy’s picking up accolades all over the shop right now. He's been in Paul Whitehouse's Happiness, on The Stand Up Show (BBC1), supported Johnny Vegas and Ardal O'Hanlon, and has written for everyone from Alistair McGowan to Paul Merton. No monkey. 'Heaven has sent an excellent act … wonderful.' The Guardian
	Craig Campbell This delightful Canadian is an incredibly warm storyteller, yet is never afraid to push audiences to their outer limits. His infectiously laid back charm belies a truly outrageous act. One of those beautiful comedians that even after seeing a hundred others you’d still remember every word from his mouth. A real treat. ‘Craig is, simply, a very, very funny man’. Chortle
	Mark Watson Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award Winner 2002. Mark has taken the comedy circuit by storm from day one, displaying a distinctly quirky & off-beat style - mightily impressive intelligence smacked up with a silly stick. Oh, and he’s just had his first book Bullet Points published, and apparently that’s awesome too. Sickening. 'A distinctive comedy voice' Chortle
	Shelagh Martin Shelagh is quite simply the queen of the hilarious surreal one-liner. One of the funniest, and most refreshing female stand-ups I've seen. Follow her on her increasingly bizarre journey, and laugh your way through every minute of it. It’s a joy to watch the way her mind works. Class. ‘A most enjoyable, and refreshingly happy, set.’ Chortle
	Jed Kennedy Also featuring highly regarded newcomer JED KENNEDY.

	John Oliver Recently completed work on the 2nd series of People Like Us (BBC1) and was the stand out guest contributor to C4's Gash last year. Jenny Éclair's favourite warm-up enjoyed tremendous acclaim at the last Edinburgh Festival, rapidly securing himself a reputation for cerebral, uncompromising material that is both thought provoking and hilarious in equal measure. 'A wonderfully intelligent comic' Evening Standard.
	Andrew Clover One of the most original voices in stand up, he went down a storm at OTFS last year and now the Perrier newcomer nominee is back funnier than ever. In one Edinburgh festival alone this man stripped naked, threw himself out of a plane, and conducted a live séance. He's since had his own Radio series and written a filmscript for Terry Gilliam. Busy boy. 'Cheerful, honest, very funny. Highlight of the Fringe' Mail.
	Hills Barker An exciting and thought-provoking stand-up with a wonderfully natural style. She is equally hilarious whether providing satirical comment or exercising her ample silly streak. This perceptive stand-up just gets better and better and is creating a buzz wherever she goes. 'A cynical intelligence and keen wit at work - certainly one to watch' Chortle
	Phil Zimmerman No one could question that this man provides an utterly unique comedic experience, producing the full gamete of reactions from total hysteria to bafflement and mild indignation. I can't even begin to describe what this is going to be like. Expect the unexpected. "Hail him as a genius!" Omid Dajilli, Time Out.
	Rajesh OTFS is proud, nay honoured to welcome the worlds' only Bollywood lounge singer all the way from Bombay, India. Comic creation of awesome character comedian Anil Desai, infamous member of the hilarious physical threesome The Giant Pineapple Boys. A rare treat in store. 'Six million screaming women wouldn't let me go' Rajesh. 'Mercury quick, very physical, very funny' SX Magazine.

	Alan Carr BBC New Talent Winner 2001. It's a bit like having a classic comedic craftsman of yesteryear brought forward and given a razor sharp 21st century sensibility. It's also rare to find someone who can deliver beautifully textured side-splitting yarns, and throwaway one-liners with equally hilarious consequences, but Alan Carr is just such an act. 'A terrific talent' Chortle
	James Dowdeswell Jongleurs New Act Competition Winner. James possesses a massive range of beautifully constructed and somewhat surreal material. You'll find a lot of brilliantly clever gags in there, as well as some markedly original ideas. He's a bright lad, bless him, and be rest assured he's one of those that knows exactly what he is doing. It's all about total control really. 'Intelligent addictive humour.' The Stage
	Tom Price The fast rising stand-up takes time out from touring the Edinburgh smash & Fringe First Winner A Very Naughty Boy to get back to basics - delivering charismatic, engaging, and spot-on-the-money stand up routines. It's surprising he's got the time, what with the second series of a highly successful BBC Radio sitcom on its way too. Good on him. 'Expect big things' Edinburgh Evening News
	Andrew Bird This highly promising newcomer is one of the most loveable acts you're likely to find, and you'll be hard pressed to leave without feeling you've made a new best buddy. What with an ever more impressive range of material and a wide assortment of hilariously accurate accents, he's definitely a boy to keep your eye on. 'Genuinely funny real-life anecdotes' Chortle

***EVENING STANDARD/METROLIFE DAILY CHOICE***
'A Strong Bill'
That's right, top comedy critic Bruce Dessau reckons this is the best gig in London on Thursday giving us a cracking little write up in his weekly choice. He's particularly enamoured with Mr Burns pointing out that he's 'One of the few stand up's prepared to say the unsayable'. He's not wrong.

	Brendon Burns Batten down the hatches, man the watchtower and make sure the sandbags are in place - Brendon is the most brutally honest voice in comedy. He has stormed audiences the world over for more than a decade with his electric presence and astonishingly sharp mind. 'Simply a legend in the making ... sparkling stuff' Guardian
	Sarah Kendall If one immensely stimulating Aussie stand up isn't enough we've also bagged the ever-innovative Sarah Kendall. With at least three critically acclaimed and massively varied hour-long solo shows under her belt, there is very little that hasn't come under the spotlight of her biting wit and sharp observational style. A real treat, no messin'. 'Thoughtful, intelligent, subtle, enlightening and really funny' Observer
	Josie Long Natural, warm and with cracking timing - anyone with a bit of noggin' can see Josie is gonna be bigger than Santa. She managed to win the BBC New Comedy Award in 1999 at a stupidly young age, and has thus far been squeezin' the gigs in round her degree. Oh, and she recently filmed 'How to Survive' for Baby Cow Productions. Reckon her time might be right about now frankly. 'Who has seen Josie Long? She is great' Richard Herring
	Alex Lasarev What with Alex heralding from Toronto Canada, there's a distinctly international flavour to OTFS tonight. A vehemently funny man who you can guarantee will come out with all guns blazing. One of the most distinctive and assured new acts around - he's won the notoriously difficult King Gong Competition at the Comedy Store. 'Ballsy, bold and brash ... impossible to ignore' Chortle
	Janice Phayre Half of supreme comedy duo Susan & Janice and star of Ben Moor's delightful Edinburgh Festival & BBC Radio 4 smash Three Wishes, Janice's instantly warm and relaxing style is a joy to behold. Chatty, friendly, and utterly lovable; like a best mate but without all the hassles. 'Delicious matter-of-factness' Guardian

	Scott Capurro The man's played all over the world, appeared in vastly successful movies, enjoyed an untold number of massive comedy events, and has achieved incredible notoriety for his outspoken, uncompromising, brutal honesty. Quite literally an international comedy legend, one of the biggest acts we've ever had on. 'A comic giant in the making.' Ian Shuttleworth, The Independent
	Rob Deering This runaway star of Channel 5's 99 Things to do Before You Die is an incredibly genial performer with a massive range of comic and musical talent. Oh, and he set the ball rolling when he stormed it as the headline act at the first ever On The Funny Side. 'Sterling stand-up... A safe place to bet your comedy dollar', The Sunday Times
	Meryl O'Rourke Meryl is a highly experienced and massively entertaining comedian. She hosts her own radio Breakfast Show which was nominated for the prestigious Sony Radio Academy Award 2003 (along with Johnny Vegas & Jonathon Ross) and is a regular on the BBC's Liquid News. Fast, bright, and spot on the money. 'The best female comic I've seen since the young Jo Brand' Ian Cognito
	Gareth Tunley Half of infamous double act Legendary Polowski Gareth is simply one of the best character comedians around. To be totally honest I haven't the slightest idea what he'll pull out the bag this time but it's sure to sky-rocket the evening. 'Super-efficient, adrenaline-filled, the pace is dizzying and the humour is deliciously off-the-wall', The Stage
	Pete Gold Aaaahh Pete Gold and his guitar will be providing us with some beautiful musical refreshment throughout the night with his hilarious and outrageously catchy tunes. Founder member of the fantastic Fit to Burst sketch outfit, apparently he's gonna be trying out some brand new numbers on us. Sweet. 'The songs are tremendous' Malcolm Hay, Time Out

	Danny Bhoy This gem of an act has sold out his massive Edinburgh Festival runs the past two years in a row. Ludicrously handsome, and an incredibly sharp delight, are we honoured to have this fella down. Oh, and he's only hot off an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance to boot. 'His quick-witted delivery reminds you just how good stand-up can be' The Express
	Gordon Southern Highly respected & established stand up who, both as a writer & performer, has been involved in a massive range of TV and Radio Comedy. A master of the old audience banter and a wonderfully energetic performer. The Right Stuff. 'Razor sharp wit and cavernous imagination' Evening Standard
	Jeremy O'Donnell Jeremy's distinctive brand of sharp observational material with a surreal twist has made him a much sought after act on the London circuit. He was last down with us a year ago and was on blistering form back then. He's looking forward to his return, and we're pretty chuffed about it too. 'Lighting fast' Evening Standard
	Jason Manford Northern Light, and winner of a fair few competitions in recent times, Jason is making a trip down to London, just to let the capital know what he's got. You may not have heard of him yet, but he's already pretty huge up there, and its surely only a matter of time before his reputation spreads nationwide. 'A Popular Comedian with Charisma Beyond his Years' City Life

	Simon Evans Wonderfully rich, intelligent, and satisfying stand up, plain and simple. Anchorman of Radio 4's famous satirical news show, 'The Way It Is' and one of the most popular headline acts around, Simon has enjoyed immense success at the last 2 Edinburgh Fringe Festivals for his original and wry stand-up. 'Observational comedy at its very best' The Scotsman
	Lucy Porter Lucy has been a regular at the Funny Side since we started and always goes down an absolute storm. The enchanting comedienne is at her peak right now, massively in demand for both live and TV work. Filthy comedy from the sweetest mouth in the business, 'Rather like watching a Blue Peter presenter in a porn marathon' Financial Times.
	Danny James Mad, bad and dangerous or simply daft as a brush - doesn't really matter when you're this funny. An electric style and monster high gag rate make him hot property right now. Oh, and he was picked to host the Paramount Comedy Channel New Act Competition. Easy now. 'Exuberant, wholly entertaining quick-fire comedy that's as sharp as you like' Paramount Comedy.
	Matthew Osborn Chortle Awards Best Newcomer '03 and So You Think You're Funny Winner '02, the fast-rising Osborne uses the guise of a middle-class snob to utilise his phenomenal observational skills. He's one to watch all right. 'Gloriously politically incorrect, and genuinely funny surrealism' Chortle
	James Lamont Along with your compere Matt Holt, he's half of the notorious double act Matt & Lamont currently turning up the heat on Gasfire Comedy with their debut full-length show Nudge. Oh, and he's a power beast of a comic performer to boot. Is to comedy what bear-hugging is to affection.

	Reginald D Hunter Double Perrier Award Nominee 2002 & 2003, Reg D Hunter's been described in turn as the captain of cool, the master of charisma, and the Samuel L Jackson of stand up comedy. Can literally keep audiences spellbound for hours - sit in awe of this man, laugh like a nut-job and just pray some of the cool rubs off. 'Superb' New York Times *Best Newcomer
	Andrew Clover .
	Adrian Poynton Fringe First Award Winner 2003 as writer of the sell-out Edinburgh smash A Very Naughty Boy Adrian is hot property right now bringing a writers attention to detail to his distinctive, engaging stand up. Clever boy. 'One of Britain's most promising new comics' The Daily Telegraph
	Brandi Borr Much admired Finalist of the recent Babycham Funny Women Competition 2003. Somehow managing to be charming, engaging, funny and American all at once â€' a sizzling she-devil of an act. 'The stand-out stand up' Evening Standard

	Paul Foot .
	Robin Ince One of the most prolific comedy writers working in TV, the more discerning among you will recognise Robin from his inspired appearances on The Office and Liquid News for the BBC. A wonderfully dynamic and inventive stand-up offering dark and surprising insight. 'A brilliant comic with a genius for improvisation' Time Out
	Pat Monahan Leicester Comedian of the Year and Daily Telegraph Open Mic Finalist: the half-Iranian, half-Irish bear-hugging comedic giant will never give you the same performance twice, as adept at audience banter as he is at delivering truly excellent material. 'He's a natural-born performer, exuding charisma on stage'. Chortle
	James Sherwood Award-winning newcomer - and one of the most exciting around. In June '03 he was in the final of the York Comedy Festival National Talent Hunt, the final of the Amused Moose Talent Quest, and the Regional Final of the BBC. Highly astute and topical - expect big things.

	James Holmes What with recently starring in Spooks (BBC1), and Comedy Lab (Channel 4), and having a feature film Lava out later this year the time is now as far as Mr Holmes is concerned. Hilarious and heart-breaking in equal measures, think Graham Norton with a tender soul and balls of steel. 'Superb Comic Timing' Sunday Times
	Dan Antopolski This Triple Perrier Award Nominee is a masterful comic, and certainly one of the UK's finest: highly original, incredibly astute, and completely absurd. 'Positively glistens with imagination, few can match him' The Telegraph
	Nat Coombs .
	Kevin Dewsbury Young Kevin has rapidly gained recognition as a cracking solo performer at comedy clubs up and down the country; while being chosen to support some of the best acts in the business - Stewart Lee, Sean Lock and Junior Simpson to name but a few. Nice.

	Ben Norris Guest panellist on They Think It's All Over and Never Mind The Buzzcocks Norris has literally established a world following, with his innocent, boyish good looks, disarmingly honest manner and tactfully tasteless humour. Daring and devastatingly funny in equal measure, and sexy as hell to boot. Damn him. 'Intelligent and entertaining' The Stage
	Tony Law We are very pleased to introduce the 242 crowd to this excellent and much celebrated star of this year's hilarious smash, The Dinks. His laid back, acid casualty approach combined with searingly incisive remarks has endeared him to British audiences, creating a buzz as one of the most exciting comedy propositions around. 'To see Tony Law is to inhale deep breaths of comedy oxygen' The Herald
	John Hopkins This member of awesome oddball double-act Hopkins & Glover, graces us with his mercurial presence as Fabrice Du Connard the French wonder who totally stormed Funny Side back in July. Expect something unexpected, guaranteed to make you hooty.
	Bill Bruce "The Bruce", is back. He's the self-proclaimed manifestation of "Keanu Reeves' mind ... in Peter Kay's body" only y'know Scottish. He's supported big boys Ross Noble & Phil Kay and regularly appeared on the Fred MacAulay show for BBC Scotland. Lovely boy.

	Rob Rouse Winner of countless awards, star of BBC Radio's Big & Daft sketch show, and soon to be all over prime time TV, Rob is one of Britain's major stand-ups and a loose cannon at that: hyper-kinetic, utterly unpredictable and relentlessly funny. 'A clearly immensely talented performer who demands to be seen, the star of the future' Sunday Times
	Andrew Maxwell Quite simply the best there is right now ... with his mesmerising intelligence, lightening reactions and constant supply of belly-laughs, Maxwell always provides a totally unique experience. A brain so vast they must keep it in a room somewhere. 'I've seen the future of Irish Comedy and its name is Andrew Maxwell.' Irish Times
	Mark Blake (AKA HELMUT) The world's finest German stand up comedian™ has been storming the London circuit in 2003 reaching the final stages of numerous competitions, and pleasing Brits everywhere. The only comedian out there really scoring for Anglo-Kraut relations. Bless.
	Katy Wix Highly Commended Finalist of the recent Babycham Funny Women Competition 2003 this one's going all the way with her fearless presence and first-rate yarn spinning. 'Potential to go far' Doon Mackichan

	Chris Addison One of Britain's finest and most established stand up's, with numerous accolades under his belt, Chris is sharp, sweet and very very funny. Comedy's favourite ponce brings his astute observation and debonair freestyle to Blackfriars. He truly is one of nature's finest. You lucky, lucky people. 'The best Stand Up I've seen' The Observer
	Mark Watson Daily Telegraph Open Mic Award Winner 2002. Mark has taken the comedy circuit by storm from day one, displaying a distinctly quirky & off-beat style - mightily impressive intelligence smacked up with a silly stick. 'A distinctive comedy voice' Chortle
	Sean Lock Having recently starred in a critically acclaimed sit-com and about to embark on a massive national tour, this is a rare opportunity to catch a truly class act delivering a full 50 minutes at close quarters and at a very reasonable price! 'One of the finest and most original comedians around today' The Independent

	Nina Conti BBC Comedy Award Winner 2002, regular character on C4's Black Books, and recent performer on Comic Relief, BBC2's Live Floor Show, and at the Hurrah Casino in Las Vegas. This incredibly funny ventriloquist is right at the top of her game and is pure comedy gold. 'Dark good looks, warm stage presence and deft comic timing' The Guardian
	Matt Blaize Regular star of BBC 2's Live Floor Show, this towering, sexy black man displays raw energy and presence like no other; incisive, vibrant and utterly hilarious. 'A natural comic, this is a guy with the personality to match his potential' The Stage
	Tom Price Fringe First Award Winner 2003 for A Very Naughty Boy, ITV Take the Mic Finalist 2002 and Daily Telegraph Open Mic Finalist 2001: this bright, intelligent and scatological young comedian is going to be huge. 'One to watch' Chortle.
	Alexis Dubus Simian-esque maestro Dubus has established himself as a firm-favourite on the London circuit in the last year, mainly due to his debonair stage manner and self-assured presence: 'perfect timing, ... intelligent and well-delivered set.' Paramount Comedy

Summer Fringe Report review (12th June 2003)