Now one of the most popular comedy clubs in London, Knock2bag attracts a discerning type of punter, looking for a more diverse, quality-controlled gig. Emma McAlpine chats to promoter Rupert Majendie about its origins, most memorable shows and plans for the future.
Angelos Epithemiou at Knock2Bag Shpeherd's Bush
We've featured many interviews with comedians on Spoonfed; some have surprised us, some have been in character, some have really opened up and some haven't a clue who we are. But there are plenty of other people behind the scenes who contribute just as much to London's thriving comedy industry as its stars – people who go mainly unnoticed. Step forward Rupert Majendie, promoter of Knock2bag Comedy Club (meaning 'not too bad’ – more on that later).
I first attended a Knock2bag night in early 2008. Having recently moved to London, I'd attended several excellent gigs elsewhere around the city but this one really stood out. Held in the basement of Bar FM in Shepherd's Bush, it had an intimate club-feel to it even though there were over 100 people in there, with everyone seated around tables and booths and a bar at the back. Better yet, the comedy was really diverse; I remember resident act Brian Gittins dressing a member of the audience up as an ant and chasing him round the stage, while headline act Tim Key pulled a Jacob's cracker out of a mini-disc case and read a wonderfully daft poem off it. Both acts had all of the audience howling with laughter.
Brian Gittins at Knock2bag Shepherd's Bush
Since my first visit, Knock2bag has grown somewhat. It currently manages live bookings for several comedians and has two more venues in Notting Hill and Spitalfields. Last year it won the 'Best Large' and 'Best Small' venue categories at the Chortle Awards. Knock2bag indeed. Curious to find out more about the club's history and get a promoter's perspective on the comedy circuit for a change, I asked Rupert a few questions...
How did Knock2bag come about? What made you decide to start a club night?
I had always been a big fan of comedy and for a while I wanted to work in the industry so I decided to start up a monthly comedy night – which was Knock2bag in Shepherds Bush. The name came from me and my mates messing about. When someone said: “how are you?” – we’d reply “Knock2bag” really fast.
Did you have anyone else to look to for guidance or did you have to figure it out for yourself?
Right at the start I had to figure out a lot for myself, but as shows went on there were some promoters and acts who gave me some good tips.
When was opening night, who did you have on and how did it go?
It was May 2007. We had Jarred Christmas MC-ing, Patrick Monahan, two open spots and Milton Jones and Brendon Burns headlining. It went really well – and sold out – but the first show is always the easiest!
Have there been any particularly disastrous or amazing gigs that stick in your memory?
No disastrous ones stick out – a few open spots didn’t go down too well but there have some memorably amazing ones. Highlights include the first time I saw Brian Gittins perform at Knock2bag and offered him a residency as soon as he came off stage. The Stephen Merchant Tabernacle show and more recently when we had Tommy Tiernan down at Shepherd's Bush, a big agent who was in that night said it reminded her of the Comedy Store in its ‘80s heyday!
Stephen Merchant at Knock2bag Shepherd's Bush
What were you doing before K2b and is this now a full-time job for you?
I was working for the BBC in the marketing department but Knock2bag is almost full time now and I’m working on a few other projects, including producing the BBC Comedy Presents shows.
Have you ever thought about giving it up to perform yourself?
I did it for eight months and it wasn’t for me at all! I did straight stand-up and never felt comfortable being myself – then I did it as a character. Cringe! I’m glad I went through that experience though as I think it helps becoming a better promoter; you can run a night well from all angles, the acts and customers.
Your second venue, the Tabernacle, is considerably larger than Bar FM – were you nervous about branching out to a bigger space?
I was at first – but the people at the venue have been a great help and the recent recognition at the Chortle Awards shows that we made it work there.
Carl Donnelly at Knock2bag Notting Hill
You’re now running club nights in three venues across London – have you got plans to expand across the UK?
I have – Brighton in October, Bristol in November time and a trial of Knock2bag at Allstar Lanes, which if it goes well, will roll out nationwide. Plus the recently-released iPhone app – the US is the second most downloaded country so we’d better launch a night there as well!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be nice to comedians and customers.
What do you think are the key ingredients to a successful comedy club?
Book stuff that you find funny, make sure you see the acts before you book them and don’t believe the hype!
Who would be on your dream line-up of comics past and present?
In no particular order:
Steve Martin
Brian Gittins
Emo Phillips
Stewart Lee
Mitch Hedberg
Jerry Seinfeld to MC
Photo credits: Edshots.co.uk and Fung Wah-Man.
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