As usual the place was packed with people drinking and snacking in anticipation of the evening's delights. Would the room be filled with laughter (February's 'Chambers and Nettleton') or background chatter (January's Gary Le Strange)?

I have to admit to being a big fan of this evening's hostess, Ida Barr - the aging once-famous music-hall star. Tonight we were regailed with the wonders of shopping in Hanningtons and sampling a steak and kidney jalfrezi. Anyone yet to witness Ida (played by the talented Chris Green of Tina C fame) is missing out on one of Brighton's biggest comedy exports. With the audience in the palm of her hand and nicely warmed up it was time for the first act...

Announced as two local people who wanted a few words with the audience, we met Chris and... er... Chris. The Swingers. Two very polished characters, they invited us to join their parties in their house in Portslade with detailed, highly amusing accounts of some previous get-togethers. I look forward to seeing much more of these two. At comedy gigs, that is, not at their house. So convincing were they that I've still not had the courage to go to www.portsladeSwingers.net in case it's for real, but I'm sure our editor won't mind doing the research on that one! [I don't know what you're implying. And anyway I just checked... it's not registered yet. Ed.]

The second act left many
people wondering...
was it funny or not?

The second act left many people wondering... was it funny or not? More to the point, was it even meant to be? Emin Emilou was billed as a country/rap cross, but we were all a bit baffled as to why it was part of the show. As the second rap began, the noise level began to rise as people muttered to each other in confusion. Finally, she was saved by a fantastic supporting violin player who stunned the murmuring audience into silence, then into whoops and cheers for more. Straight Emin Em rap is obviously not mean to be funny, which made me wonder why it was here... except perhaps to play straight-act to Ida who returned toward the end of the act to sit at the side of the stage and peel potatos!

And so to the headline act, another firm favourite. Larger than life in his bright blue shiny suit, Jason Wood is completely at ease on stage, chatting and toying with the audience. Eye-wateringly funny, warm and talented Jason quickly moves from amusing stories about Fat Mary to uncannily good singing impressions of stars past and present. From Alsion Moyet to Tony Hadley, from Will Young to Sarah Brightman, the songs were excellent. Adding to his unique style of entertainment Jason frequently breaks out of the songs to chat with the audience in his own high-camp voice, as if he has suddenly remembered there was some gossip we ought to catch up on. With such humour and talent, we'll be keeping a close eye on his career... remember where you read about him first!

And so, before I could do the Hokey Cokey again with Ida the evening was over. Same time next month? Well I've got my ticket already.