Dave Spikey, Charley Chuck and Rodri Crooks, Laughingas Comedy Club, The Place, Bolton. FOR the second week running a leading figure in the UK comedy circuit who is actually from Bolton has pitched in to get this comedy club up and running.

The signs so far are encouraging. While last night's gig was not the packer that last week's opener was, there were enough people present to suggest Laughingas should stick to their guns.

Dave Spikey is a versatile standup comic - comfortable in front of a traditional club audience, and also able to turn it on for the more 'right on' crowds, if they still exist, that is.

He's a polished, original performer and some of his humour strikes a special chord in his home town.

Charlie Chuck, meanwhile, is a different kettle of fish. He's one of those comics who you are convinced is totally off his head. Some of his humour sounds like it's come from some rollercoaster acid ride, and it's so off the wall it's extremely funny.

Then half-way through his act he suddenly goes into a more conventional mode and he even admits he's blown his cover. Nevertheless, he seemed genuinely pleased with his reception, and promised to return to the club with his full stage show, which I am led to believe is quite awesome.

Rhodri Crooks is a promising Welshman, who had the unenviable task of kicking the night off, and hopefully he will not be discouraged by his rather lukewarm reception.

Organisers are planning some open sessions, where total beginners can get up for a few minutes. So if you fancy yourself as comedian, get down there. They've all got to start somewhere.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.