LIVE AT THE WORKS WITH RUSSELL KANE

Woolwich Works

★★★★★

“a masterclass in high octane comedy, combining ferocious wit with satisfying depth”

Woolwich Works’ flagship comedy night, ‘Live at the Works’, regularly draws high profile talent, staking its claim as East London’s comedy capital. Tonight’s line-up – Tadiwa Mahlunge, Sarah Keyworth and Russell Kane, deftly hosted by Amy Gledhill – delivers a raucous mix of wit and social commentary. Upping the ante until we’re literally gasping, expect an uproariously funny yet sharply insightful night.

Produced by the award-winning Show and Tell, we start with host and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, Amy Gledhill. Gledhill – from Hull – opens playfully with some gentle northern bashing. Audience participation is plentiful and sharp, though perhaps a beat too long in places. But Gledhill makes up for it with a hilarious story about Grimsby burlesque featuring a hapless balloon artist named Sharon. Even in warm up mode, the laughs are steady. After the interval, Gledhill returns sharper and snappier than before. Hull University becomes a running gag thanks to an unexpectedly high number of alumni in the house. The atmosphere becomes communal with Gledhill impressively working the crowd. The fact not one of the Hull alumni present seems to have used their degree becomes a punchy concluding one-liner. An impressive display of improv and comedic flair.

Opening the night is Comedy Central’s rising star, Tadiwa Mahlunge. Born in Zimbabwe, raised in Cardiff and now based in Croydon, expect incisive comedy about cultural displacement and casual racism, among other things. Mahlunge toys with audience expectations, skilfully leaning into or away from unconscious biases to keep us guessing. A gag about trainers seems to fall flat with the largely white crowd – or does it? His sharp riffing on the silence is so quick witted it’s hard to tell what’s scripted and what’s pure instinct. With an easy knack for weaving in callbacks that feel slick and fresh, Mahlunge proves himself a comic talent to watch.

Next up is award winning comedian Sarah Keyworth, delivering a hilarious set that immediately draws us into their world. Themes range from youthful looks to lesbian foursomes, balancing punchy wit with an easy-going tone. Razor sharp riffing turns a slip of the tongue – calling their girlfriend ‘mum’ (awkward) – into comedy gold. Audience participation is met with sharp, snappy responses that keep the room buzzing. Keyworth’s playful mic work adds texture, even if it’s occasionally held a touch too far away. A highlight is the story about top surgery, challenging the BSL interpreter to translate ‘the surgeons moved my nipples’ with uproarious effect. It’s sharp, inventive comedy, delivered with disarming calm that makes even the deepest content accessible.

The star of the evening is multi award winning comedian, presenter, actor and author Russell Kane. His energetic, rapid fire set is outrageously funny, tearing through a dizzying range of topics – from Gregg Wallace, social anxiety, permissive parenting, Brexit, Keir Starmer and more with barely a pause for breath. Kane’s edgy style cuts deep, while pitch perfect impersonations and physical dynamism amplify the absurdity. The audience erupts in waves of ‘I can’t believe he just said that’ laughter, while the BSL interpreter is left scrambling to keep up – often stifling their own laughter in the process. Yet beneath the relentless humour lies genuine concern for society, closing with a seamless shift to sober reflection that drives home his core points. It’s a masterclass in high octane comedy, combining ferocious wit with satisfying depth.

The staging is deliberately stripped back, a bare stage backed by Woolwich Works’ distinctive zigzag emblem. The sound is slightly boomy which Keyworth uses to comic effect, though Kane’s rapid fire delivery sometimes outpaces it. The lighting is kept simple, which is effective enough until Kane’s rampant energy drives him into the shadows at the stage’s edge – though more testament to Kane’s irrepressible style than any technical flaw.

‘Live at the Works with Russell Kane’ is a riotously funny night – miss it and you’ve missed out. Gledhill, Mahlunge, Keyworth and Kane each light up the stage, blending sharp insight with irresistible humour. Keep your eyes peeled for future shows at this up-and-coming venue.

Tag Archives: Woolwich Works

LIVE AT THE WORKS WITH RUSSELL KANE

★★★★★

Woolwich Works

LIVE AT THE WORKS WITH RUSSELL KANE

Woolwich Works

★★★★★

“a masterclass in high octane comedy, combining ferocious wit with satisfying depth”