A stellar line up of young comedians keep Kilburn laughing

The annual Kilburn Oxjam music festival has broadened its scope to take in comedy this year, and the result was an evening of stellar stand up by some of London’s best young performers.

A large crowd turned out for opening night, put on at Powers Bar in Kilburn High Road, where six comedians entertained the audience for two hours last Sunday night – the perfect way to ward off the end of weekend blues.

The first half of the show was particularly strong. Highlights included Paul Sweeney, whose high octane brand of self effacing humour had the audience in stitches, and almost made you forgive him for his 1970’s style moustache.

Whacky act Hot Brew provided a musical twist to the evening with their faux folk guitar set about the joys of tea (and a few other things beside) added a surreal tinge to events.

At times the crowd was a little raucous, and one or two hecklers in the front row threatened to derail proceedings. But hey, that’s all part of the fun right?

The hilarious Jeff Leach compared the night brilliantly, and his sparring with the audience alone was worth the �5 it cost to get in.

Other performances by Julian Deane, Simon Fielder, Tom Allen, Danny Ward and Tom Craine all provided lively observational comedy.

And to sweeten up proceedings Gelato Mio were on hand to dish out free ice cream made especially for Oxjam Kilburn.

The month long Oxjam Kilburn festival ends in a musical takeover of five venues along Kilburn High Road on October 23.

Tickets start at �10. For more information visit www.oxjamkilburntakeover.co.uk