Tavistock Guildhall hosted its first ever comedy event last Friday — the first of many events at the new venue which will help to further place Tavistock on a world stage.

Staged by A Press of Suspects, the evening featured stand up performances from Alf, Maggy Whitehouse, Suzy Bennett and Charlie Bowers and was hosted by the upbeat and energetic Will Skillington, aka Willtordian Ballorian Edwardian — an audience-engaging entertainer with a penchant for owls.

Proceedings kicked off with stand-out star of the night Suzy Bennett. Adopting a relatable, self-deprecating and hilariously unabashed approach, Suzy regaled the audience with her comedic take on how she coped living with her Mum in lockdown and finessing her way to Slimming World success over video chat meetings utilising different camera angles, being a ‘cool auntie’ to her Gen-Z niece, her experiences dealing with bumbags and portaloos at Boardmasters Festival and interesting uses for a TENA Lady.

Charlie Bowers followed Suzy. Adopting an intriguingly quiet, dry and deadpan persona, the Bristol-based comedian entertained the audience with stories of his experiences with epilepsy medication, how to behave at parties and social events, comparing audience members to Tesco meal deals, feeling deep affection for strangers in passing cars on the motorway and dating experiences.

After a midway break and an owl-based sketch involving two audience members orchestrated by host Will, Hatherleigh-based vicar and comedian Maggy Whitehouse (a last minute replacement for Eva Bindeman) took to the stage. Maggy told many a funny story about her time working in TV and radio alongside famous faces and her interesting experiences as a liberal vicar.

Closing the show was the loveable Alf – winner of the Standup for Cider competition and a finalist in the World One Liner Championships – who kept the audience laughing to the very end with his classic one liners and ultra-use of props to illustrate his act.

Following the night’s storming success, another comedy night is scheduled for May. Given the precedent laid at this event, it’s undoubtedly set to be another unforgettable belter.