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Rudy Millard reviews Comedy at The Wardrobe Theatre in Bristol, running until Friday 27 January

The Wardrobe Theatre is fast developing a reputation of being home to some of Bristol's best underground events.

Comedy at The Wardrobe is a great example. Take the Wardrobe's intimate pub theatre space, pack it with young comedy fans and let a choice selection of stand up talent fire work in development at them for a few hours, all for the price of a pint. It's a winning formula. The event attracts a host of local and national comedians who want to practice pre-Edinburgh material at an audience who will tell it like it is, and the Wardrobe has no trouble attracting a crowd prepared to do just that.

There is a hothouse atmosphere at these gigs, and the performances are up close and personal. Sit in the front row, and like me you may find that a dropped microphone nearly lands in your pint glass. On Wednesday the gig was compared by Fin Taylor, a superb host who clearly knows how to work the crowd. He seamlessly provided the links between comedians, while entertaining with tales of anachronistic beards, bad dates and hosting his own family prejudices game show. As is often the case with a good compere, you couldn't help wanting to see him do his own gig.

Jared Hardy was the first act up, and this amiable Taunton lad was good value. As it's in development his set was disjointed, but that added to the charm and I'd happily spend more time listening to life with the world's worst flatmate.

Sally-Ann Hayward found the least favour with crowd, which is a shame as she has a good stage presence, but in my opinion her style is maybe a little to whimsical for a mainly student audience. Suffice to say though that personally I thought she was great, and if someone mistaking an underfoot mouse for a sausage roll doesn't make you laugh, you're missing a trick.

James Dowdeswell was terrific, and up to that point was the audience's favourite. Initially he comes across as a quick fire gag merchant, and selling some very good gags at that. However he was at his best when regaling us with stories of impersonating Scotsmen for booze at parties, and is definitely one to watch.

Gareth Richards was headlining, and justifiably so. This was nothing less than an excellent set, and I admit to being close to tears of laughter throughout. He has a drifting, philosophical style of comedy that covers many bases while being very funny indeed, and is certainly someone I want to see perform a longer set. If this is an example of material in development, then Edinburgh is in for a real treat.

There is one more night of comedy on offer at The Wardrobe, and tickets are only available on the door on the night. It's guaranteed to sell out, so my advice if you don't want to miss one of the highlights of Bristol's comedy calendar is make sure you get there early. If Wednesday is anything to go by, you will be in for a very fine evening indeed.

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