blog 2010
Saturday 2 January 2010
Our first show of the season was very entertaining, including great sets from the excellent
Pippa Evans as Loretta Maine
Ronnie Golden
but a Controversial new character act Sid Smurth as a BMP candidate, got himself heckled by a Jewish female audience member who shouted out You are not funny. It has to be stated that Sid didn`t use any tact with his reaction, being both unpleasant and personal towards her. Speaking to Sid Smif after the show, he didn't try to justify himself, offering an apology for his conduct.I
Thursday 7 January 2010
It was snow and ice on the streets,but that did not stop our new act night from being a happy full house. A large group of students who had been strongly recommended to the club came along to celebrate fellow student Pippa`s birthday. It was a lovely show with some very enjoyable performers that included Luke Stephen, Luke Stephen and Julia Clark a performer I had never seen before was that good I have invited her for a paid spot this Saturday Saturday 9 January 2010
We had a full house with a wonderful show, with superb performances from
Matt Kirshen , Sol Bernstein
Spencer Brown &
newcomer Julia Clark
Thursday 14 January 2010
There were several new acts that impressed tonight, especially the hugely enjoyable
Jay Forman
whom I have already invited for a fully paid Saturday night spot. I also liked
Tom Rosenthal Naz Osmanoglu and the HISTORY GIRLS
Saturday 16 January 2010
It was another super show that included
Nick Doody
Paul Foot
&
Alex Lowe aka Barry from Watford
Thursday 21 January 2010
another full house for our new act night, with some of the performers like
Kat Cade coming from Canterbury .
again there were some great acts. Robert Commiskey stood out. I also liked South African Dale Amler + Liam Reeve doing his first ever public performance was also notable and one to keep an eye on for the future.
Saturday 23 January 2010
A nice show with a packed house that included sets fine from
Bafta winning
Nina Conti
and
Mitch Benn
The History Girls, who are newcomers, also went down a treat
Thursday 28 January 2010
It was a packed house for our new act night yet again .
Russell Brand`s agent John Noel was our special guest tonight to watch one of his new signings, Michelle de Swarte from Hackney who we both enjoyed and found very impressive.
Saturday 30 January 2010
Another packed house enjoyed a super show with
Carey Marx
Lee Nelson
Simon Lipson & Ross Browne
Saturday 6 February 2010
A TRULY SENSATIONAL EVENING.
The big highlight tonight was the excellent performance of an unknown in this country called
Daliso Chaponda
who recently toured South Africa with one of the world`s most famous comedians in CHRIS ROCK.
Daliso Chaponda
had the crowds in a frenzy of laughter.
At the very end of of the show,as I called out the names of the five acts that had entertained us during the evening.The audience shouted, screamed, and banged for more from the young comic from Malawi who gave them another five minutes of class comedy. . Other acts on the bill that contributed towards the superb night included Perrier winner
BRENDON BURNS replacing Lucy Porter who is unwell
Felix Dexter
STAR OF BBC` BELLAMY`S PEOPLE
and newcomer Rob Carter, who also impressed with some funny songs
Sunday 7 February 2010
Monkey Business holds the number one spot on the Time Out website, meaning there is more hits for our club then any other. Time Out - London - Logo
Monday 8 February 2010
We had a small turnout for our first of three gigs for the people of Haiti , but it was still very enjoyable for all, including Omid Djalili`s personal manager who was our very special guest .Two of the superb acts on tonight were Daliso Chaponda
and The Noise Next Door who found a girl in the audience who wanted to become a sex shop worker in Brighton one day.Omid Djalili`s manager told me that Omid would be happy to perform at Monkey Business again,but is on crutches at the moment.
Saturday 13 February 2010
Another packed house tonight.
Three of the four acts did very well in
Spencer Brown Kerry Godliman
& IAN COGNITO
However Jaik Campbell a very nice fellow
found it difficult to connect with the audience on his occasion.
Monday 15 February 2010 Haiti Earthquake show special raised approx £400, which included wonderful performances from ADAM BLOOM
THE NOISE NEXT DOOR
AVA VIDAL & Jay Forman RECEIPT BELOW IS FOR £370 we covered costs by taking out only £34 .Many warm thanks to all the acts that took part in the Haiti Earthquake appealregarding the above comedy gig.
I signed an aid declaration form to prevent 30% taxes on the donation.
I got tangled in mic leads, causing me to fall on to the front row, spilling glasses of beer over them. They took it the incident with good humour, especially as I got them all a fresh round of drinks. It was a memorable night
Friday 19 February 2010 Yet again Monkey Business has held on to the number one spot on the Time Out website Time Out - London - Logo confirming that our club is regarded by thousands of comedy lovers as one of the most popular comedy clubs in the UK today.
Saturday 20 February 2010, It was another brilliant night full of fun and laughter enjoyed by a happy full house. There were excellent performances by all the acts, which were
Chris Ramsey
Jay Forman
Danny Buckler
Chris McCausland
And Barry from Watford
Sunday 21 February 2010 Just heard the very sad news that top musical comic Jason Wood passed away at the very young age of 38 years old. My heart goes out to his family and friends
Monday 21 February 2010 unlike last Monday, our Haiti Earth quake appeal didn't attract more then just a handful of people tonight, which was really a shame as there were some wonderful performances by twelve acts.
BRIAN GITTENS was outstanding
Tuesday 22 February 2010 Jason Wood tribute
I went along to a West End venue where family and friends of Jason Wood paid some lovely tributes with equal measure of tears and humour, Perhaps it was mainly humour.Among the comics that made very moving speeches were Ninja Benjamin,John Ryan,and Cole Parker.
Jason Woods' soul mate Paula gave a really wonderful speech and in site into the man .Everyone told of what a decent bloke he was, never having a bad word to say about anyone. There were also really nice speeches from members of Jason Wood`s family who told quite a number of funny stories involving Jason .RIP
Saturday 27 February 2010
Rich Hall
put in a top-secret performance tonight to a delighted audience.
)Nina Conti
also on the bill was another huge treat along with a newcomer
Robert Commiskey
Saturday 6 March 2010
Zoe Lyons
Josh Howie
and
Dan Antopolski
The winner of 2009 best joke told at the Edinburgh fringe was all excellent tonight
Saturday 13 March 2010
Matthew Osbourn was superb tonight,and the wonderful impressionist
Anil Desai also made it a nice evening, musical performer Ashleigh Freeze helped out with an extended set of amusing songs.
On another subject a man who knows a girl who was one of the backing singers in my band from the eighties handed me a tape of my songs that I thought were lost songs forever.
Sunday 14 March 2010 I spoke to the performer who never turned up yesterday and he told me that he had next week in his diary,so it seems that the agent was responsible for the cock-up.
Monday 15 March 2010 Brilliant Lee Nelson did some new material at our new act night tonight.
Saturday 20 March 2010
Pete Firman that exciting showman and magician
along with The History Girls were the two acts that really did well tonight . Also on the bill was old school Canadian comic Mike Wilmotwho i think spilt the room as not everyone in posh Belsize Park appreciated his direct sexual content on this occasion.
Saturday 27 March 2010
A happy full house enjoyed a super variety night, which included
JEN BRISTER
TOM ADAMS
Michelle De Swarte
Dan Schreiber ,and RAY GREEN
I did a photo shoot with three sexy girls lifting me in the air to publicize our forth coming singles comedy night for the Camden Gazette
Martin Besserman with punters (from left) Nicola Hayden, Sophie Moore and Lauren Priest
Martin Besserman performing at his own club on 29 March 2010 photo taken by Nurul Mohamad …
included on the bill on 29 March
was super poet Furious George Wielgus
photo taken by Nurul Mohamad
Wednesday 31 March 2010 NOT FUNNY Metropolitan Police Sergeant Delroy Smellie was acquitted of attacking animal rights activist Nicola Fisher during the G20 demonstrations last April.I don`t understand how that can be justice when everybody in the world watched film evidence of his despicable aggression.
Thursday 1 April 2010 We were nicely busy for tonight with most of the new acts giving great accounts of themselves. The big highlight, though was a super set from an established act
Nathan Caton
Our singles comedy night has just over a half a page write-up in the Camden Gazette
Saturday 3 April 2010
A SUPERB NIGHT OF COMEDY
With all the acts doing well, which included
Andy Zaltzman
+
ABANDOMAN who stormed it
Stephen Carlin
and Norwegian Daniel Simonsen
Sunday 4 April 2010
Rob Broderick from ABANDOMAN sent me this smashing email. Hi Martin,I just wanted to drop a note to say thank you for last night’s show. James and I enjoyed ourselves so much, and met some lovely people both during and after the show. It was a great night, we're looking forward to our next gig with you.All the best Rob (and James) Rob Broderick from ABANDOMAN sent Sunday, 4 April 2010
Thursday 8 April 2010
The Kentish Town venue suddenly closed for refurbishment, meaning I had to postpone our new act night tonight.
I dont know how long this will be for .I feel a fair bit of embarrassment.
Friday 9 April 2010
at The Sir Richard Steele Chalk Farm
Monkey Business launched the UK`s first
BRAND NEW SINGLES http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Love_heart_uidaodjsdsew.png COMEDY NIGHT which attacted about 60 people. Everyone loved the free veggie buffet
The girls seemed to out number guys by two to one, but I certainly observed plenty of girls seeking men out to chat to, with phone numbers exchanged.
Will Smith
Deborah Frances-White who has just had her own sell-out show in the West End and singer song writerJay Foreman Conclusion a big success. Saturday 10 April 2010
A nice evening which included a well-known ITV news reporter.
in the audience.
I felt it took a touch longer then usual to warm up the crowd tonight considering the high quality bill
which included
Will Smith
+ the brilliant
ABANDOMAN
Andy Watson
and
Shazia Mirza
who did only a short set because she arrived at 11.50 pm being caught up in heavy traffic.
Sunday 11 April 2010
Monkey Business holds the number one spot on the Time Out website Time Out - London - Logo again .
The popularity of my club is making me feel happy.
Saturday 17 April 2010
We had a strong lineup tonight,but a smaller crowd than usual in to witness the huge talents of
Daliso Chaponda
who recently toured with Chris Rock
+ filthy Ninjia Benjamin
and newcomers Henry Ginsberg
Michelle De Swarte
Saturday 24 April 2010
A full house tonight for one of our best shows of the season so far, with
Jack Whitehall
If award winner Brendon Burns &
Lee Nelson
+ Pete Firman +Alex Maple
Saturday 1 May 2010
We had another very strong lineup up which included excellent performances from
Micky Flanagan
LEE NELSON who was preparing for his own upcoming BBC3 series and
OWEN O`NEILL who was performing his first ever Monkey Business gig
Friday 7 May 2010 singles comedy night
four super acts entertained a small crowd tonight.
Brian Gittins
Pete Firman
Daniel Simonsen
+ Andy Watson Andy Watson The downstairs bar had a lot of Labour people there includingTony Blair`s former political adviser
Alistair Campbell Either he was drowning his sorrows after Labour losing the election,or was planning to help Gordon Brown seek coalition over a few beers.
Saturday 8 May 2010
It was a smashing night with strong performances from
Felix Dexter Wes Zahauk
Henning Wehn
Hannah George
John Kearnes
and Ryan Cull
Saturday 15 May 2010
It was a fun-packed variety night which included performances from South Afircan comic
Loyiso Gola Ava Vidal
Paul Kerensa & Steve Day
Tuesday 18 May 2010 at UNDER SOLO
Camden Town, our new act included very enjoyable Sy Thomas
Thursday, 20 May 2010 I danced the night away at Proud in Camden and felt good.
Saturday 22 May 2010
A really lovely night with entertainment provided by
SOL BERNSTEIN
DAVID BAKER
JAY FOREMAN
JOHNATHAN GRANT
and Chastity Buttersworth
Monday 24 May 2010 It was a very busy new act night,with some great new performers
Tuesday 25 May 2010 Another enjoyable evening for our new act night tonight, Wednesday 26 May 2010
HARRY HILL told me today that he might be able to put some fresh dates in at Monkey Business when he returns from his holidays in about two weeks. Thursday 27 May 2010 Lee Nelson a very good friend of mine and Monkey Business regular, is about to become the huge star I always predicted would happen as the BBC push hard advertising his own brand new BBC3 series just before the showing of East Enders
Satuday 29 May 2010 Francine Kay celebrity divorce doctor, was amongst the happy audience members tonight with entertainment provided by Barry & Stewart, the two magicians
Matthew Osborn
David Baker
Old Spanish Man
and newcomer Chris Barton. Monday 31 May 2010It was a very special night for our Bank Holiday special with a lot of happy faces .
with excellent acts including
LORETTA MAINE is doing her Edinburgh preview
sketch group
The Noise Next Door
and TV presenter, DJ & comic
ALEX ZANE
Friday 4 June 2010
Spoke to Stephen Merchant tonight and it looks promising that he might put in another gig for me soon
Saturday 5 June 2010 It was a very warm night, but that didn`t stop about fifty people coming along to have a good time in the company of
TOM STADE PAUL SINHA
+ superb magician and funnyman
ALAN HUDSON
Our guest MC was DANIEL SIMONSEN
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Met up with actor Roger Lloyd Pack best known as Trigger http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/news/int/search/news%2Bsport/relaxing+a+per... in only Fools and Horses. Roger & I spoke about the possibility of doing a brand new project togeather .
Thursday 10 June 2010
LEE NELSON on his 1st BBC3 Feelgood show was just brilliant,Luved it Luved it Luved it
Tuesday 14 June 2010
Matthew Wright on his morning program made a nice mention of his time at Monkey Business last night.
Saturday 19 June 2010
it was a top-secret gig from
Irish superstar
Patrick Kielty
one of the funniest men on the planet performed at Monkey Business tonight to a very delighted audience. The lineup also included heartthrob and TV personality
ALEX ZANE (this is Alex Zane performing on the night
+ROB CARTER
Monday 20 June 2010
Michael McIntyre`s agent kindly sorted me out some guest ticket`s to see the great man at the Comedy Store for his road show.
Michael McIntyre.
I had a nice little chat with Michael just before he took to the stage. He said jokingly that I owed him £50 for his last performance at Monkey Business in 2007.
Friday 2 July 2010
My friend Chris Hilton (The Ex-Odeon Leicester Square boss) was awarded the MBE today from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Later in the day, I was one of his guests at number 1 Leicester Square to celebrate this great event with lots of champagne
Christopher Hilton
THE New Year`s Day Honours list has showered accolades on several Westminster figures noted for their contributions to the arts, medicine, charity, and broadcasting.
Christopher Hilton has been awarded an MBE for services to the film industry. Mr Hilton served as general manager at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square, arguably the jewel in the crown of British cinema, for more than 10 years.
During his tenure, he oversaw numerous high-profile premiieres, met the entire Royal Family, and sat through more films than he cares to remember
Saturday 3 July 2010
OWEN O`NEILL
and
Russian comedian TATAIANA OSTRAKOVA
were among the acts contributing to an enjoyable night ,allthough it was a bit quiet due to hot weather and the World Cup distractions
Monday 5 July 2010
at The Sir Richard Steele Chalk Farm
We had a very special night with Edinburgh preview`s from both
LEE NELSON
star of BBC 3
LEE NELSON`S WELL GOOD SHOW
Quality
and star of Bellamy`s people, FELIX DEXTER
Tuesday 6 July 2010
Lee Nelson performs again.
Lee Nelson performing at Monkey Business
Tuesday 6 July 2010
above Martin Besserman and Lee Nelson
photo taken 6 July 2010
Friday 9 July 2010
tonight we had EDINBURGH PREVIEWS from both
Shazia Mirza
and Tom Wrigglesworth performing at Monkey Business for the first time.
Shazia had to work very hard on this occasion to break any ice with tonight`s audience ,but they really warmed to Tom`s performance.
Saturday 10 July 2010
LORETTA MAINE
and MATT KIRSHEN
and MICHLLE De SWARTE
were some of the funny performers that provided tonight's entertainment
Monday 12 July 2010
EDINBURGH PREVIEWS from fantastic
LORETTA MAINE
and JOSH HOWIE
+ LOTS OF OTHER ACTS turned out to be our busyiest night for sometime with about 60 people in.
Monday 19 July 2010
at The Sir Richard Steele Chalk Farm
Again ,we had about 60 people in for our new act night thanks mainly to the very popular camp comic
Stephen Bailey
bringing with him a huge crowd of fans, including
Russell Brand`s agent, John Noel
The LA PEEPI featuring Madam K Butt Butt & Flappy Lips Katula K Ka with two hot girls stole tonight`s show for me.
Tuesday 20 July 2010A full house tonight enjoyed Felix Dexter performing his class Edinburgh preview. Tuesday 27 July 2010
Abigoliah Schamaun a visiting comic from New York, was very impressive at our new act night tonight that I have included her in an already amazing bill this Saturday. Wednesday 28 July 2010, good news for BullsLawmakers dealt the death blow to bullfighting in Catalonia on Wednesday, outlawing the centuries-old blood sport for the first time in a mainland region of Spain. Skip related content
The result of 68 in favour, 55 against the ban was expected, since the Catalonian parliament had cast preliminary votes in December accepting a citizens' petition to stop bullfighting on the grounds that it constituted cruelty to animals.
Saturday 31 July 2010 It was an amazing line up which attracted allmost a full house withWill Smith + Ava Vidal
+ highly entertaining Aussie The Nelson Twins
Mathew Osborn
Abigoliah Schamaun
Dan Schreiber
and Tim Marshall Friday 6 August 2010 Harry Hill sent me a message today to say that he liked this photo of us taken in 2004. He diden`t mention gigging again at Monkey Business so I would guess that he must be still busy with another series of TV BURB coming on air soon.
Saturday 7 August 2010
We had a happy full house for our very attractive bill with excellent sets from
Matt Kirshen
Nick Doody
Danny Buckler + super poet Furious George Wielgus & Tony Izzet Saturday 14 August 2010 Another very enjoyable night which included great performances from Johnny Kats
Geoff BoyzJohn Kudlick
David Baker
& Marian Pashley
Saturday 21 August 2010 Another happy full house with everyone enjoying a fabolous evening with fine performances from
Multi-Award-winning MILTON JONES .
Milton Jones performing at Monkey Business Saturday 21 August 2010
+Fergus Craig
Jen Brister Alex Maple & Laura Haydon
I managed to trip over on stage again ,just as Milton Jones came off stage ,and gosh did it hurt.
Sunday 22 August 2010
HARRY HILL sent me a new message today regarding the photo below taken at Monkey Business on 24 April 2008 ,
two days after Harry Hill won two BAFTAs QUOTE: Harry Hill:
What a spendid photo of figure of a fine man,Who is he ?
Monday 23 August 2010Monkey Business regular Tim Vine won funniest joke
at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Saturday, 28 August 2010 another smashing night that included sets from
VIKKI STONE
&
SOL BERNSTEIN Wednesday 1 September I had been booked in at The Oxford Kentish Town for this Saturday due to a rare private event taking place at The Steeles,but they double booked ,but G-d must love me as Tollie a Italian bar resturant allmost opposite Kentish Town tube has come to my resue ,and the show will be held there this Saturday
Thursday 2 September Monkey Business has a smashing whole page article in today`s new edition of Ham & High regarding Asperger`s suffering comic Don Biswas who performs with us this
Saturday 4 September . Saturday 4 September 2010
due to a private event at our usual venue
we held our show tonight at an Italian resturant in Kentish Town called Tolli
A full house enjoyed an amazing bill which included sets fro
Tom Wrigglesworth
ABANDOMAN
Alistair Barry
Australian visitor
Jason ChongJason Chongand Don Biswas
The owner of Tolli sang a romantic ballard to end a super night,allthough his wife heckle`d in Italian Stop or we get divorced.(not so impressed Tuesday 7 September 2010Met up with Rhona Cameron today at The Steeles and the 45 year old super comedian has agreed to put in a possible date at Monkey Business in the near future .
Wednesday 8 September 2010
PROUD CABARET in Tower Hill .
It was the first time that I ever co-hosted a show with anyone, which I did with the lovely Laura London, but it was a lovely experiance
Saturday 11 September 2010
Lee Nelson put in a secret appearance tonight
Monday 13 September 2010
Lee Nelson put in another secret appearance tonight, delighting everyone.
Saturday 18 September 2010
We had a strong lineup with wild man IAN COGNITO
Pete Firman
Matt Green
Tez Ilyas
& Murray Cummings
Saturday 25 September 2010
We had a lovely, exciting lineup,and it was another successful night with an almost full house
Entertainment was provided by
The Noise Next Door
Marcel Lucont
Nick Sun
Johnathan Grant and newcomer Pete Dillon Trenchard
Monday 27 September 2010
Lenny Henry was booked in tonight to do a warm-up spot at Monkey Business for his Live at the Apollo appearance on Wednesday.but I sadly I got a phone call from his agent telling me that Lenny Henry had been rushed to the hospital at 5pm. It appears to be connected with his return trip from Kenya. I got in Felix Dexter as his replacement.
Tuesday 28 September 2010 Lenny Henry was again booked in tonight, but remains in hospital feeling poorly.I replaced Lenny with Gina Yashere, Greg Davies from The Inbetweeners Greg Davies plus we had Daliso Chaponda who recently toured South Africa with one of the world`s most famous comedians in CHRIS ROCK. Thursday 3O September 2010 Lenny Henry still remains unwell ,and I hear has needed to pull out of hosting BBC1`S Live At The Apollo gig this week .I got an email today from his agent to say that he will make every effort to put in some pre tour gigs in at Monkey Business around December and January time. Thursday 3O September 2010Ham & High has in today`s edition of their newspaper another full page feature on Monkey Business and the appearance of a forth coming act . Barry From Watford
Saturday 2 October 2010 Richard Gibson best known for his comedy role as Herr Flicfk in Ello Ello was an audience member tonight along with his 15 year old actor son Paddy who did a 5minute magic set for us .Everybody loved Paddy`s cheeky charm. Richard Gibson as Herr Otto Flick Paddy was part of a very attactive line line up that included
top stand up NATHAN CANTON
and wonderful
Stephen Carlin
+
Saturday 9 October 2010
My step mum and sister came from Spain to be at tonight's show .
We had a superb variety bill tonight with seven acts ,MICHAEL SMILEY
impressionist
STEVE NALLON
magician
ALAN HUDSON
Screen Shot 1
musical comic
JAY FOREMAN
dance duo
Bareback Banshees
+ stand up DAVID BAKER and voice & song from ULA Monday 11 October 2010 MONKEY BUSINESS IN CONJUNCTION WITH Russell Brands agent John Noel and CHANNEL 4 filming took place to see how the 25 performers i chose tonight would look on camera for a possible future TV production the very dirty Katie Hearsey was an act that caught the eye . Saturday 16 October 2010
hugely popular
Andy Zalzsman
headlined a fantastic show which also saw the talents of Mock the Week's girl
Danielle Ward
+
class magic from
Barry & Stewart: The Two Magicians
+
Henry Ginsberg
+Benny Boot
Monday 18 October 2010
A highly enjoyable new act night included
smashing character comic Fran Moulds
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Channel 4 filmed tonight`s Monkey Business gig.
It was a full house and a extremely successful night.
Lots of the performers did very well including Rob Carter, Henry Ginsberg,John Kerns, The History Girls ,Nobby,Laura Carr James Grant.Nick Sun,Old Spanish Sun , and Luke Stephen
Saturday 23 October 2010
We had a smashing night
with
Nathern Caton
David Whitney
Ryan Cull +
excellent award-winning Aussie stand up
Celia Pacquola
Dan Wright
+ ROB CARTER
