Popcorn Comedy: Review

Watching funny videos is something most of us probably do while sat at our desks pretending to work. You try and suppress a hearty chortle, instead making a noise somewhere between a splutter and a snicker and if it's good, forward it round to your mates. But it's not very interactive; there's barely any recognition of the film maker and no connection between them and their audience. Not only that but we're so overwhelmed with Facebook share links and 'Re: Funniest video ever LOL!!!' e-mails we don't even bother watching them half the time.

Comedy promoter Jon Petrie and stand-up comedian Holly Walsh have found an innovative solution to the problem in the form of film club Popcorn Comedy. Once a month, they hire a venue and with the help of a small production team made up of Barry Pilling and Trevor Klein, they screen all kinds of short film footage - from stuff made by established comedians on the circuit to quality YouTube clips before they get overexposed. It's a win/win situation for everybody; the comics/film makers finally have an audience to test material on and see their reactions, plus we have access to loads of new funny films that we can enjoy properly with a cold beer and the company of friends.

Last night was Popcorn Comedy's first night in the Doodle Bar – a wicked new pop-up venue in Battersea. All the walls and furniture are white and you get a Sharpie pen so you can doodle away to your heart's content. Drinks are cheap and popcorn is readily available with the aid of the bar Microwave. We sit down on some clean white chairs (specially rented and the only non-doodle surfaces in the room) and with the faint sound of popping in the background, the films begin.


First up is a Downfall spoof by Stuart Millership. Most of us have probably seen a couple of these but this one is a new one about Hitler's party getting ruined by the death of Michael Jackson and one of the best yet. There are a couple of twisted animated shorts by Dice Productions and Birdbox Studio. There are some excellent films from Nat Saunders and Chris Hayward (wormhotel.co.uk) including a bee soap opera and a day in the life of an alcoholic, suicidal teddy bear.

Holly Walsh films loads of funny footage that she posts on her 'wigglywalsh' YouTube page and tonight we get a quick stand-up set and a clip about why she never became a hand model which balances the night out nicely. A lot of the film makers are in the audience and must be relishing the reactions. Compliments on websites are great but they can't beat the magical sound of people laughing at your comedy handiwork.


Popcorn is such a good idea you almost can't believe it's the only club like it in London. So far it's been held in really cool venues like the Doodle Bar and the Roxy Bar & Screen. There are shorts and animations you'd never have come across in an e-mail plus films (at times presented by) top sketch and stand-up acts. Oh and it's value for money too - tickets are a piffling £5.

Popcorn Comedy will be at the Edinburgh Fringe on 6th and 26th August. Check out www.popcorncomedy.com for details.