Hilarious uproar as comic housewife dives into audience.

The Stand Comedy Club’s Fringe run launched itself literally last night after middle-aged comedian Mrs Barbara Nice stage dived into the crowd.

The press evening was in uproar as Stockport’s Mrs Nice, who describes herself as a “post-menopausal mother-of-five housewife”, threw herself into the packed crowd and was ‘crowd-surfed’ onto the venue’s bar.

The hilarious stunt which was played out to the soundtrack of Iggy Pop’s ‘Passenger’, certainly got the crowd in the mood for what was to be the comedy club’s showcase of their top talent for the month ahead.

Tommy Sheppard, The Stands' director said: “This was the busiest press launch we’ve ever held. I was impressed but not surprised that £2, 000 of alcohol was drunk in under two hours by our guests.”

The Edinburgh club, established in 1995, put on a hilarious taster of its top acts. Performers included last year’s if.comeddies award winner Phil Nichol, Andy Zaltzman, and internet phenomenon, Limmy.

There was also a set from disabled comedian Francesca Martinez. The comedian, who has played on the Frank Skinner Show and starred in Ricky Gervais’ ‘Extras’, put on a great show.

The Stand prides itself on promoting acts that are not always the biggest names. They favour an eclectic mix of Fringe stalwarts and the pick of the best up-and-coming new comedy talent from Scotland and beyond.

Concern was also voiced by the club last night at some of the big names that are playing the Fringe this year

Tommy added: “These shows are not Fringe acts. How many more features does Ricky Gervais need written about him? The top ten big-name acts are literally sucking the money and the audiences out of the market.”

In the crowd was Jon Morgan, the Fringe Festival’s new artistic director. He clearly enjoyed the evening. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival launches this Sunday 5 August.

Jon said: “I am suffering from ‘death by vol-au-vent’ by the amount of press launch parties and openings I have seen this week. It’s been a great week to get a flavour of all the fantastic acts.”

Other notable guests included American stand-up Rich Hall, veteran comedian Arthur Smith, and television star Stewart Lee.

Related links

www.thestand.co.uk