Comedy takes Pula.
On the 19th of April, 2018 at the Rock Caffe in Pula, we were treated to some original English and American humour when the London Calling comedians took to the stage for a night of stand up comedy.
The event was organised by “London Calling Stand Up” which is a nationwide English comedy project in Croatia. They have been bringing some of the best comedians from London's urban comedy scene to cities in Croatia and Slovenia since 2010.
Over 150 comedians have performed during those eight years and many cities have been entertained, but this was the first and hopefully not the last appearance in Pula. After their gig in Rijeka the night before, the three comedians had a quick tour of Pula and even managed an interview with Radio Pula before heading to Pula Rock Caffe.
The compère and also the first comedian to take to the stage was Steve N Allen, the British radio presenter and cast member of the BBC2 satirical and surreal news show "The Mash Report".
He was quick to connect with the audience and soon had them laughing, relaxed and at ease. As well as his own observational and topical material, he set the tone for the evening with plenty of interaction with the crowd and throughout the night, and with each of his appearances, his rapport and banter with the crowd grew.
The next comedian and bringing his own ukulele was the Chicago based American musician and comedian Matt Griffo. His act also involved interaction with the crowd but this time it was mainly in the style of verse. He played a handful of comedy tunes from his amusing repertoire but on several occasions he improvised directly with the audience and some of his spontaneous compositions performed at the piano were hilarious.
With his great story telling humour Matt Price from Cornwall, UK, was the final comedian to take to the stage. The well-travelled comic and regular at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival delivered his joke driven stories with sincerity and charm. His comedy was upbeat and lively, once again offering great interaction with the crowd.
The show finished in true crowd participation style when the local and boisterous “Mr Cruz” joined them on stage. The comedian Matt Griffo returned to the piano and expertly diffused the situation with comedy and laughter by playing a unique and not to be repeated version of Hit the road Jack, to which “Mr Cruz” was escorted from the stage.
For more information on “London Calling Stand Up” and to see when they are performing at a city near you, click here.
