Comedy / LGBTQ+
Out of the Wardrobe presents ‘Camp as Christmas’ – a seasonal special featuring Jen Brister and friends
The regular Chuckle Busters LGBTQ+ stand-up night, Out of the Wardrobe will be moving from its usual home of The Wardrobe Theatre for a special seasonal edition at 1532 Performing Arts Centre on December 14.
Camp as Christmas will be hosted by Morgan Rees, a Welsh standup on the rise who has just completed his debut UK tour – including prestigious dates at Bristol Old Vic and Hackney Empire.
The night will be headlined by Jen Brister, who is well known for her blisteringly funny characterisations of her Spanish mother, as well as mining her own experience as a lesbian co-parent to her two sons.
is needed now More than ever
Jen Brister – photo: Idil Sukan
Brister’s delivery is a beguiling mix of seething anger and huge, irresistible warmth, which has won her a loyal following. She will be joined on the bill by Dee Allum and Sharon Wanjohi, whom Rees describes as “a fantastic representation of the incredible depth of quality of queer acts on the UK circuit, but most of all they’re both out-of-the-park funny”.
Looking back on how far the night has come since it was first set up, he told Bristol24/7 a little more about the experience of attending:
Morgan Rees – photo: Yellow Book Photography
As an experience for a potential new audience member, how would you characterise Out of the Wardrobe?
“Out of The Wardrobe has the inclusivity and comfort of a safe space, whilst also boasting the mischief and naughtiness of a weekend comedy club. It’s become a running joke that everyone who attends is a good egg – to the dismay of the audience participation-hungry MC.
“Unashamed and unadulterated queerness is the goal of the night, but mostly the crowd comes with one intention – ‘let’s have a laugh’ and we always do. While we’ve run countless comedy shows before, this one hits differently because with each show our community grows bigger and stronger.”
Dee Allum – photo: Rebecca Need-Menear
How has the night progressed since its inception?
“The format of the night hasn’t changed: three acts and a compere. But the intimacy of the show has certainly morphed it into something much more personal, and the growing regular audience keeps adding to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
“As we run more shows, the calibre of acts wanting to take part is remarkable – we began with a spectacularly high bar when Dan Tiernan (QI, Live At The Apollo) joined us for our opening night, and we’ve been hitting the same level ever since. You know you’re onto something special when the comedians ask you to do the show, and not the other way around!”
Sharon Wanjohi – photo: Chuckle Busters
What are you most looking forward to about the Christmas special?
“For starters we have the comedy megastar Jen Brister! She’s just finished the North American leg of her sell out tour, so to have her agree to top the bill at our Seasonal Special was a dream come true. That’s all my Christmas presents in one.”
Out of the Wardrobe – artwork: Owen Gatley
Main photo: Matt Crockett (Jen Brister)
Camp as Christmas – Out of The Wardrobe Seasonal Special ft Jen Brister & Friends is at 1532 Performing Arts Centre on December 14 at 7.30pm. For more information and tickets, visit www.chucklebusters.com.
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
