Part of the Fringe For A Fiver, this offering from GSOH showcases young new talent. Its poster pays homage to the 80s bratpack film The Breakfast Club, and oddly enough, this works. Seeing the Lunchtime Club is like having an invitation to join a secret gang of misfits and geeks, albeit in a very middle-class sixth-form college.
The gang’s ringleader/compere, David Morgan, raises the energy levels through the roof in no time. This disarmingly charming “type 4B Homosexual (Musical Theatre, yes. Sport, no)” connects effortlessly with the crowd and soon has them eating out of his hand.
The energy falters as we meet the next member of the Club, Benjamin Partridge, who doesn’t seem to really fit in with the other kids, he tries a bit too hard but fails to get the audience to warm to him. More awkward silences than peals of laughter leave everyone relieved at his departure (much like the odd kid nobody wants to play with).
The boy everyone wants to play with is next, Alfie Brown. In real life he has gone from Chunk to Hunk and even more, the boy is funny and very clever. The rebelious kid who doesn’t play by anyone’s rules but his own, the opening to his stint using his 2nd hand copy of “The Comedy Writing Workbook” is captivating.
Ivo Graham takes to the stage next, some great continuity, heckling back to the other kids in the corner.His stories may ramble but are told in such a sweetly befuddled and subtly sinister manner that once he learns his craft he’s going to go from being someone’s annoying little brother to a star in his own right. Though he loses the audience halfway through, he recovers quickly and wins the hearts of the masses.
The most understated diva to grace any comedy stage, Joe Lycett, completes the line-up. He’s the clever girl (complete with cardigan), overlooked by most but whose light shines through by the end. Sharp, hilarious and with huge potential it’s little wonder he is in the final for Chortle’s Comedy Student Award 2009.
In all, who wouldn’t want to pay just £5 to see 5 comedians? OK, 4 and a bit. Still, good value for a ticket purchase you won’t regret.
4/5 
Zander Bruce
(5 votes, average: 3.40 out of 5)
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