Well Milton Keynes, have you herd about the most moovellous comedy club, the Comedy Cow? Do not let this amazing local gem pasteurise ! 

Primarily based in Milton Keynes and running for over 12 years now, Ben and the herd bring all things comedy to a variety of venues across the city.

 

Last night, we attended the Comedy Prime Cut at The Venue MK showcasing James Cook compere extraordinaire ( @jamescookcomedian ), Ollie Horn, the fabulous first act 

( @olliehorncomedy ), Mad Ron, dry, droll and just excellent ( @madronspanners ) and Angela Barnes, Headline Supreme ! ( @angelabarnesy ).

 

James Cook, a dedicated enthusiast of board games complete with a published book, 101 Board Games to Play Before You Die and Emoji Quiz compiler …. also lends his hand to that of being an amazingly accomplished award winning comedian and compere. James won the Spike Milligan / Jongleurs Award in 2003 for being the funniest person in the Midlands and has presented with Sir Lenny Henry no less !

Naturally funny and inquisitive, his engagement with the audience from the get go was slick and quick. Never missing a beat, he dealt with some …interesting … heckles with kind but canny retorts. James mingles jokes and life comedy in a perfect blend of astute, intelligent and competent conversation. He has a sharp and quick tongue that had us laughing throughout his sets. I loved the sarcastic slant and eye rolling quips, billed as a top class comic by the Birmingham Mail, he certainly showed his talent on stage last night. 

 

Ollie Horn, a versatile and seasoned performer and comedian, as well as multilingual don’t you know, has worked worldwide at top comedy spots including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Melbourne Comedy Festival.  His easy going nature appealed instantly to the crowd, natural and sometimes seemingly taken aback by the audience’s frequent engagement, Ollie embraced the crowd elegantly and charmingly. An affable chap, his relatable material brought many laughs to the table, the cheeky twinkle in his eye delivering some comic sauce was delicious! You can clearly see Ollie enjoys every moment on stage and it was a most cordial, and enjoyable set. Ollie is currently on tour, see olliehorn.com

 

Mad Ron, a dry, droll and dubious character, Ron strolls onto the stage and just owns it. Quietly angry and disappointed, he delivers sublime one liners as well as comedic reflections on life and this ever changing society in which we live. His character act is crafted and unique, filled with gags that left us in tears. He’s right about the soap and his communication method with friends was hilarious. He bemoans beautifully and everything is entirely relatable, maybe not the bank raids though. The self proclaimed ‘third hardest man in Uxbridge’ portrays a wrong ‘un that we just love. The gruff manner and hard as nails attitude had everyone in stitches, of laughter not literally … 

 

Angela Barnes, the headliner supreme ! Having seen Angela on Mock the Week, we knew we were in for a solid comedy treat and Angela did not disappoint. A former nurse, not a good one in her opinion, she moved into comedy and simply hasn’t looked back. Winning the BBC Radio 2’s New Comedy Award 2011, she is described as exceptionally funny, down to earth and brilliantly funny, and we absolutely concur. 

With an energetic set, Angela set the stage alight last night with witticisms, observational comedy and life stories, her straight talking delivery is sharp, strong and consistent. 

Every second of the set is filled with energy and vitality, she’s truly a stand up force to be reckoned with, outstandingly funny and a consummate professional. We totally fangirled unashamedly ! Angela will be on tour in 2025 with her show ‘Angst’ so check out her website for details and tickets – angelabarnescomedy.co.uk

 

Notably, I’ve also learned that Angela was integral to the setting up of Home Safe Collective, a free cab service for vulnerable comedians and persons set up following the murder of Eurydice Dixon. Could we love and respect this woman any more ! 

 

Some favourites from the night:

 

😂 Men wandering around in t shirts like Winnie the Pooh 

 

😂 The bride who forgot her teeth

 

😂 weekday drinking is just practising for the weekend

 

😂 I remember when soap used to be a solid

 

😂 Oh that’s tickled me that has ( audience member behind us ) 

 

 

Many Thanks to Ben Robinson and all at The Comedy Cow for bringing such exemplary comedy to our city, keeping comedy local and making it accessible and affordable to all.

Upcoming events and listings can be found at thecomedycow.co.uk