A stand-up comedy club organiser is preparing to host the show Heckles with Eccles in a new venue next month.
Founder Stuart Thomas, 32, says the event will be staged in The Lamb Hotel for the first time on March 5.
The comedy night promises an evening of live entertainment featuring five different comedians, each performing ten- minute sets.
Stuart is also a comedian. He explained that his role is not only to organise the night but also to act as the compere, introducing acts, interacting with the audience, and keeping the energy flowing throughout the show.
“I basically host the night and bring all the acts together,” he said. ” I’ve hosted every single one so far, and we get different comedians every month.”
The comedy night first began two years ago at another venue in Eccles, but has moved because of the redevelopment of the previous building. The Lamb Hotel was recommended by a local landlord and quickly became the new home for the event.
“The landlady, Angela, has been brilliant,” Stuart added. “She’s really keen to try new things and support local events.”
Originally from South Wales, Stuart moved to Eccles for work and noticed that the area lacked a regular comedy night.
“Eccles didn’t really have anything like this, so it felt like a good fit,” he said.
“There’s a lot of redevelopment happening and more people moving in, so I think live entertainment is only going to grow.”
Stuart has been performing comedy since 2021, shortly after the COVID- 19 pandemic. His passion for stand-up began after growing up watching shows like Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week.
“I’ve always loved comedy and thought I’d like to give it a go,” he said. “Now I perform across the UK, but I really enjoy having my own night where I can test new material.”
One of the main aims of Heckles in Eccles is accessibility. Tickets cost £5 and include a £5 drink at the bar. At the end of the show, audience members can contribute to a voluntary “bucket split” to support the performers.
“It’s very much pay what you feel it’s worth,” Stuart explained. “If people can’t afford it, that’s absolutely fine. We want it to be affordable for everyone.”
The event attracts a mix of residents and comedy fans, although fewer students attend due to the distance from the main university areas.
“We get great audiences, big laughers who just want to have fun,” he said. “It’s a really welcoming crowd.”
Unlike large professional comedy clubs, Heckles in Eccles focuses on emerging talent.
“You won’t see big famous names,” Stuart said, ” but you will see comedians who will probably be on TV in a few years. You get to see the comedians of tomorrow, today, for a great price.”
The upcoming show is expected to sell out, following the success of previous nights. Tickets are available via the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages or directly at the bar in The Lamb Hotel.
For Stuart, the event is not about building a business empire.
“I don’t have big ambitions of being a promoter,” he said. ” I want to be a comedian. This is just my little gig, and I love it.”
