Stephen K Amos, Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal

The Stephen K Amos show was just like a night with my good friends. Granted, none of my friends make me laugh constantly until I ache, but the atmosphere in the intimate Malt Room was just as relaxed. Amos was not afraid to mock himself and it was refreshing that his fantastic interaction with the crowd led everyone to doing just the same. We got to know the French family with the Welsh dad, ‘Mahatma’ and the 15-year-old lad out with his girlfriend, but we giggled at them like you would your mates – there wasn’t the embarrassment that you feel from some comedians. With everything from parents to puberty to ‘needing to go’ while stuck in traffic, we sure covered a lot. And there was even some serious undertones, with engaging stories of racism and homophobia. But Amos soon reminded us that the bad in the world gave every reason for us to just laugh at ourselves and make fun at every opportunity. This year’s performance was just as hilarious as the last in 2013, and I certainly hope he makes an appearance in the future!

Stephanie Manley