Sober comedy night encourages pyjamas for maximum comfort - BBC

Minggu, 21 Januari 2024

Sober comedy night encourages pyjamas for maximum comfort - BBC

Eva Bindeman wearing pyjamas with animals on

By Bea Swallow

BBC News, West of England

Just over halfway through January and the twinkly lights and merriment of December are but a memory. They have been replaced with dark nights, cold weather and for those doing Dry January - sobriety. But now a comedy night with a difference is hoping to bring some comfort and joy to all of those looking for a way to brighten the dark months.

Steph Weeks is one of the organisers offering "comfy comedy" as she invites people to attend a completely sober comedy night, while wearing their favourite pyjamas or onesie.

One such evening, held by Class Act Comedy, took place at the Front Room fringe theatre in Weston-super-Mare on Friday.

As people came through the doors, Ms Weeks, who also performed on the night, said she wanted to create a safe space for those who struggle with alcohol to relax and enjoy themselves.

Audience members sitting down wearing pyjamas with rope lights above them

"It went really well, it was such a lovely crowd," said the organiser.

"We had about 35 people come, which for a cold January night dressed in pyjamas was pretty good going, I think."

Ms Weeks said it also served as an initial ice-breaker, as people often tended to rely on alcohol to "loosen up" at these types of social events.

'Odd at first'

The event on Friday was headlined by Eva Bindeman who said "sober doesn't have to be serious".

"Laughing out loud is quite a vulnerable thing... You feel quite seen," she added.

"You have to address that it's going to feel a bit odd at first, because people associate comedy with being a night out, getting dressed up, maybe having a few drinks.

"I think once people realise that they're in a space where they can just have a laugh and they can just be themselves... you've broken the ice by just being a bit silly."

Millie Malone holding a microphone and smiling, wearing black pyjamas

Ms Bindeman said it can often be intimidating performing to a sober crowd, but added: "If you're relying on it, [the crowd to drink] then you're not working enough on your comedy are you?"

The Front Room offered snacks and hot and cold drinks to punters, as well as some alcohol-free items such as 0% lager.

When asked what she thought made the sober comedy night so successful, Ms Weeks attributed it to embodying "the best of both worlds".

Jack and Jordan sitting in wooden booths pretending to read newspapers

"It gives audiences a fun night out without being surrounded by drinking culture and it gives acts a night off from performing to drunk heckling crowds," she said.

So if you're looking for the best way to "soothe sore heads and ease January blues", a sober pyjama party might be for you.

The next Pyjama Party will be at Starlings in Clifton, Bristol on 25 January, with another to follow at the Folk House, also in the city, on 28 February.