Laughter in London

I met Chris Douce on a Travel Writing course that we both did a couple of years ago. He’s a comedian, was having a mid-life crisis and was visiting one hundred randomly chosen Meetup groups, however bizarre. He then blogged about them at www.meetup101.blogspot.com. Now, he was hosting a comedy night in a pub in Kings Cross, in which they would feature. This would be Meetup group 101.

I then discovered a Youth Hostel nearby. Great, I thought. Instead of messing about with a train to get home late at night, I’d stay there and explore London for a couple of days.

I packed a small overnight bag and attached it to the back of my mobility scooter. My first stop was the Churchill War Rooms just off Horse Guards Parade. It was somewhere I had often thought I would like to go but had never yet made it.

Fortunately my scooter is small enough to squeeze through the narrow doorways in the underground warren as I explored my way through. Displayed throughout were first-hand experiences of the people who had worked there. Many could be heard on the accompanying audio-guide that took you round. Although conditions had been cramped, there was also a light-hearted atmosphere. Close bonds existed between staff, each aware that they shared something important and secret, that couldn’t be spoken about to anyone, even for many years after the war ended. And ever present, even today, was the force that was Winston Churchill. He had inspired a confidence, trust and loyalty that could never be broken.

Leaving the Churchill War Rooms, I scootered along in the warm sunshine. Spring was here today at least. Arriving at the Youth Hostel, I sat with a cup of coffee thinking about my fascinating afternoon.

That evening I met Chris at the door of the Star of Kings pub and he introduced me to some of his friends and fellow comics. Then it was time to make our way down the steep steps to the basement. The room soon filled and a good atmosphere. He needn’t have worried no-one would turn up.

The evening started with seven very different comedians, and it wasn’t just the front row who was picked on to participate. One poor audience member was shrunk.

After the break, it was time for Chris. He spared us all one hundred groups but still managed to cover a good number. Some seemed quite normal like “London Writers’ Cafe”. Others intriguing, such as “500 Miles” and “Orgasmic Meditation” Others still, sounded painful like “Finance and Tax Surgery”. With just a few words about each he gave us a flavour of his encounters that had us both wincing and shaking with laughter.

I returned to the hostel happy. Next week – Culture in London