LAUGHTER lovers were treated to a spectacular night of giggles at the first comedy night at a new Ipswich venue.Three top acts were on hand at The Stage Café, on Major's Corner, to provide the entertainment to a willing crowd.

LAUGHTER lovers were treated to a spectacular night of giggles at the first comedy night at a new Ipswich venue.

Three top acts were on hand at The Stage Café, on Major's Corner, to provide the entertainment to a willing crowd.

Managers at the venue, which is the former Café Rouge, are attempting to offer people an entirely different night out in Ipswich –and they succeeded with their first night of comedy yesterday.

Every Friday will be comedy night at The Stage and top comics from across the country are expected to come to perform at the club.

The idea is that people go for food, relax and watch the comedians perform – hoping they don't get picked on.

First on stage last night was the compere for the show, Silky.

He ensured the audience was warmed-up with a few interactive gags followed later by a couple of amusing songs from his guitar.

Hecklers were dealt with the confident aplomb you would expect from an old pro and everybody soon knew where to focus their attention.

The opening act was the Scouse/Geordie comedian with the rockstar name, Anvil Springstien.

Initially he reeled off a few old jokes about the stereotypes of his background before really breaking the ice with the audience.

Once the ice was broken he went off at various tangents and the crowd was only too happy to go with him.

In what seemed like just a few short minutes he managed to cover a range of topics from modern life before leaving the stage.

Next up was the flamboyantly named Valentine Flyguy, a slickly dressed comic from Harlem in America.

After making a few observations on the difference between his nation and the UK he won the crowd over with jokes that are seemingly universal.

His set meandered backwards and forwards but the audience were always happy to go with him and were only disappointed when he had to bring the set to a close.

It was a great way to announce a new event in Ipswich and comedy fans should ensure they get their tickets in advance to avoid missing out on future events.

Next week Adam Crow, Ian Boldsworth and Martin Beaumont are lined up to provide some side-splitting comedy at The Stage.

People wanting to book a table for dinner at the comedy nights on Fridays are urged to book tables in advance, paying £5 deposit per head which will cover admission.

Those not wanting to eat are able to watch the comedy from the bar area, although there will be a £5 admission charge.

For the rest of the week at the Stage Café, the entertainment will include jazz on Thursdays, 80s music on Mondays, 70s on Tuesdays and mainstream music on Saturdays.

n To book a table – compulsory only for comedy nights – call The Stage Café on 01473 406110.

Weblink: www.thestage.biz