Since the last time I went to a stand-up comedy session at the Riproar Comedy (read about our visit here), they have been moving from place to place and now, they have finally found their own space right in the city centre, just down from Primark, next door to the Old Fire Station. It is the evolution of the legendary comedy club Jesters Comedy owned and promoted by David Crew which was located at the Metropolis in Gloucester Road. They are due to launch the new venue on 1st November in Union Street and this blog had the opportunity to interview David Trew.
GLPCB: You have been away for over a year, changing from one location to another, what was the reason for it?
David Trew: "After we left our premises in Cheltenham Road, I ran the new Riproar brand from hired venues. The first was a performing arts centre, owned by a Bristol Cathedral Choir School. The second was the fifth floor of Arnolfini by the harbourside. We became very dissatisfied with the way the school treated us, so we moved to Arnolfini. That arrangement came to an abrupt end because of a deal they were considering at the time, with a hotel group, to take over permanently, the space we were using. That deal never happened, but we were asked to leave regardless. I concluded that Arnolfini just didn't like having a popular comedy club in their building, because they believed it conflicted with their 'contemporary art' offering."
GLPCB: Where will you be located from now and and what the innovations will this new location have?
David Trew: "The new venue is ours. It's three storeys and offers the following: A cafe bar on the ground floor, the comedy club on the first floor, and office space for creatives on the second. It's in a fantastic location, with huge, passing footfall, offers 4000 square feet per floor, and has been fitted to our own specification. We have signed a 20 year lease, so are not subject to the whims of the venue owners, as before."
GLPCB: You are planning to launch this Saturday, 1st November. How are works going so far? Everything under control?
GLPCB: You are planning to launch this Saturday, 1st November. How are works going so far? Everything under control?
David Trew: "Refitting new venues to a deadline, (I've done a few, now), is always exhausting, stressful, and goes to the wire; I've not done one yet where the cleaners aren't sweeping up the builder's mess, as the first customers walk through the door. I doubt this new venue will be any different."
GLPCB: ... and what have you prepared for the launch day?
David Trew: "For the launch three of my favourite (and the club's best) comedians will be performing: Nick Page, Daliso Chaponda, and Pierre Hollins. I'm sure it'll feel like gigging with old friends, both on stage and in the audience."
GLPCB: Once the venue is launched, what activities, shows or events would you highlight for our readers?
David Trew: "I believe we book the best comedians on the circuit, so I'd recommend any weekend show, for that reason. The Christmas period is nearly upon us, and there are some stellar line-ups during December - particularly on New Year's Eve. New also, for Thursdays, is 'Come Quickly, It's Cerys' our new Thursday show hosted by Cerys Nelmes, which showcases a lot of the newer, younger talent on the UK circuit, as well as the circuit's headliners. And once a month for Sundays in the New Year, we have the wonderful 'What The Frock Comedy' shows coming to our venue - all women line-ups of the best female comedians on the circuit."
New, exciting times are coming for the Riproar comedy company. From the blog, we wish all the best and a successful launch day! :)
SOME USEFUL INFORMATION
Website: http://www.riproarcomedy.co.uk/
Location: 15 Union Gate, 63 Union Street, BS1 2DU