Monster Comedy is one of London's few (if not only) charity comedy gigs that puts on incredible line-ups for under a tenner. Stevie Martin chats to the man who set it up...
Ferocious entertainment with a consistently outstanding line-up, Monster is establishing itself as one of the best new clubs on London’s comedy circuit. Four shows in and organiser Neil Wates has not only pulled in The Pajama Men, Lady Cariad, Chris Martin and Nick Mohammed (among many others), but they’ve all performed for free. Why? Monster donates every penny of ticket sales directly to charity. “It’s the combination of a good gig with a good cause that makes people want to do it,” Neil muses, while sitting on a very cold bench outside Gordon’s Wine Bar, “and the venue is perfect. We started off at The Wilmington Arms, which had its charms, but Leicester Square Theatre is more than ideal.” 
Frustrated with watching talented comics struggling, the seed of Monster was sown after Neil got pissed during Edinburgh, pissed off with the lack of meritocracy and teamed up with producer friend Alex Hall, who helped him with the finer details. But why go down Charity Lane, bypassing Pocket Massive Wads of Cash Street? At this point we’re interrupted by a homeless guy pulling up a chair and asking for a cigarette. “Which hostel are you at, mate?” Neil asks, giving him a lighter, “Peckham? Is it alright? How are you going to get to Peckham?” The homeless guy may be pushy and delusional – unless he really did used to play for Chelsea – but he nonetheless leaves Gordon’s beer garden with a lighter and a few more quid towards his hostel. It sort of answers my next question. “I've worked in charities knocking on four years,” Neil explains, “and I’m of the opinion that if you’re in a position to do something for charity, it’d be wrong not to. I’ve run the odd gig here and there and always wanted to keep a hand in comedy so, after the eureka moment involving seven pints, thought I’d have a go at setting up a regular night.” 
He's done well – the critically-acclaimed show managed to land a six month residency at the Leicester Square Theatre and it returns on February 21st with yet another stellar ensemble. Inventive double act Allnut and Simpson, cultural jokesmiths Gentlemen Of Leisure, Ben Target (2011’s Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year), Ed Gamble (one half of the hugely successful Peacock and Gamble podcasts) and Daniel Simonsen (winner of So You Think You’re Funny 2008) are all overseen by the infectiously energetic, consistently excellent resident MC Naz Osmanoglu (winner of Amused Moose 2009). It will, inevitably, sell out.
Despite this, Monster is still a baby. It’s time for Neil to get ambitious which, apparently, involves buildings commonly associated with gardens. “I'm buying a shed,” he reveals, proudly, “and we're touring the world's smallest comedy venue around a couple of festivals – nothing confirmed but I'll be very surprised if it doesn't pop up somewhere near you very soon.” Other ventures in the pipeline involve venues that have never hosted comedy nights before, from cricket pavilions to museums to libraries."We've got a way to go, but the response has been brilliant so far," he says, "All I wanted was a gig that's fun for the acts, great to watch and happens to be doing a bit of good." Well, he's fast achieving this and one thing's for certain – the future looks rip-roaring for the comedy Monster with the soft, fuzzy centre.
The next Monster Comedy is on Tuesday February 21st, at the Leicester Square Theatre Lounge
Click here to buy tickets
Photo credit: Alex Brenner and Monster Comedy
Return to the London Comedy homepage
Add an event
Frieze Art Fair to launch new section for young galleries in 2012
Frieze have today announced details for the 2012 edition, their tenth art fair in London. Taking place...