February in Norwich Comedy Crypt - Mr White's Overview

Comedy! You may have noticed that we - Mr Mason and I of White Mason Reviews, that is - have taken it upon ourselves to bring our scrutinising eyes upon the comedic jaunts gracing Norwich on more than one occasion. Indeed, although it is Gonzo's Comedy Night that most frequently tickles our funny-bones, it would be remiss to not turn our attention to another venue of japes rising in our midst.

Your humble scribe speaks of the Comedy Crypt - a monthly event in which the rising starlets of the UK comic scene pile into a dank medieval cellar with a variety of inebriated people. It's significantly more fun - and significantly less sinister - than it sounds.

Furthermore, it is with a heavy heart that one must chronicle that alternative happenstances and an altogether busy week (Aroma, rum, pirates, girls dressed as pirates) saw Mr Mason and I unable to attend our beloved Gonzo's Comedy Night for February. Did you attend? We hope you did, and we hope it went well.

Either way, with local hotshot Nelson T Gombakomba Junior taking the stage as headliner for the Comedy Crypt of 18th February 2016 - flanked by a roster of familiar and unknown talent besides - it was apparent that some White Mason Reviews perspective was in order. With Mr Mason alternatively engaged, it fell to Mr White alone - ever your ebon-and-crimson chronicler - to slink into the crypt like an eel into a catflap. Except unlike an eel that has just travelled through a catflap, I did not flounder about the place and then embarrassingly die - no no, I instead evaluated the evening's shenanigans for later tabulation, just like eels don't, due to their lack of writing appendages and general disinclination to hold an analytical mindset regarding the performing arts.

However! You know the rules! For a full comedy review, both Mr Mason and Mr White need be present, that our contrasting analysis capabilities be brought to bear. Given that only I was present, this shall be but an overview of proceedings, as utterly enjoyable as they were, in earnest hope of attending again come March, alongside the erstwhile Teege.

Yes, it was that good - in fact, the TL;DR version may as well be, well done everyone, this was an excellent showing of comedic talent.

The evening's events were conveyed by the Master of Ceremonies, Ross Downes. Mr Downes is a familiar face to White Mason eyes, having frequently performed at Gonzo's Comedy Nights - in which he waxes lyrical on relationship stereotypes and the bitterness of divorce. However, it was delightful to discover that Ross actually excels in the role of MC, interacting vividly and confidently with the audience, and holding the attention of the room with considerable regard for both genuinely funny one-liners and a good grasp of timing and pacing, ensuring each act gets their fair share.

The first act of the night was also a familiar face - indeed, February's Comedy Crypt was opened by Adele Cliff, whose frequent Gonzo's Comedy Night performances are backed by her trusty notebook o' puns. Her performance here was a similar story, entailing garrulous cringe-puns administered with cheery joie de vivre, alongside her habit of walking into the audience with leading questions about shared interests, ponderously analysing her notebook all the while. I've previously described her performances as 'weaponised awkwardness', and this audience was pretty receptive to her wordplay. Adele clearly loves what she does, and has honed a fine set, although we're eager to see what else she can make happen - more puns, more evolution of her stage persona, even more of the wry improv she's capable of throwing out when events deviate from her plans.

Also taking the stage on the night of 18th February was Mustard Xav, probably the most 'nice guy' comedian you'll ever meet - although not at the expense of wit. Indeed, he instead guided the audience on a pleasant and comical voyage through European cultural idioms, culminating in a surprisingly raucous sing-song about a girl he met in which any naughty rhyming words were substituted at the last second with something innocuous. It worked far more effectively than I can even make it sound - I'd enjoy seeing another performance!

When Tom Masters took the stage, it was as replacement for an act that had cancelled, yet he handled the situation admirably, delivering dry, deadpan and intellectual humour - though not so lofty in the brain-box as to alienate the audience. Instead, he clinched a fine balance, and even leant on the fourth wall in admitting that he had written lots of notes on his hand but, reading them back, now had no idea what most of them meant.

In fact, the talent remained consistently strong throughout the evening, with a variety of comedy styles that flowed in a complementary way, each of which being eagerly met by the audience. Catherine Bohart played on sexuality and gender stereotypes to tremendous effect, telling tales of how whenever she came out of the closet to people, they would double-check if she was sure due to her conventionally feminine personal style - a fine framing of prejudices brought to light with lightning Irish wit.

And when Tom Mayhew took the stage? Well, if Adele Cliff represents weaponised awkwardness, Mr Mayhew is a warhead of mass anxiety! "I had a girlfriend once," he remarked, courting coos from the audience, before looking around sullenly and adding, "...That was a joke."

Tom was a delight, flatly delivering a roster of riotously funny anecdotes about his vaguely misanthropic lifestyle, after which he selected a 'new friend' from the audience - a jocular drunkard who was just happy to be in the room - and after confounding him with a series of social obligations for friendship, dismissed him again to applause. Indeed, this succinct roundup does not do his set credit, and I look forward to attending future performances.

Similarly on fine form was Al Wycherley, another frequent Gonzo's comic who has seriously boosted his comedic chops since we saw him last. Soaring from local humour - a wise opener indeed - to a hysterical set about the musician Adele, Mr Wycherley has evidently hit his stride, and was one of the evening's strongest performers - no small praise, given he was among such a talented bunch. We love seeing comics we thought we knew surprising us in fantastic new ways, and you can be certain White Mason Reviews will keep a close eye on this one.

Nelson was a comedic onslaught, with
every joke captivating the crowd.

But let's be honest. Let's look to our headliner, Mr Nelson T Gombakomba Junior - and let's put our damn hands together, because the big man with the plan utterly stole the show in one of the strongest performances I've ever had pleasure to witness him administer. Dressed in a hitherto-unseen casual style - a contrast from his suited and booted stage persona - Nelson wove established hits and brand new jokes into the perfect formula. Not a single punchline eluded the audience's peals of mirth, and his hilarious cultural jabs - where trips to a urinal become 'handling industrial machinery' and where anecdotes about school nurses take darkly priestly turns - were met with resounding approval.

Nelson rounded off a sensational night of excellent performers, each of whom left a tangible and electric buzz in the air. In fact, the Comedy Crypt at large is one to watch if you're after a fine evening in the Fine City - it's not as easy to find as Gonzo's Comedy Night, perhaps, but trust the sidestreets... and you'll be led to a cavern of comedic capers well worth your attention. Be assured that White Mason Reviews will be back in force!

Grosvenor Fish Bar -The Teege Critiques

So one sunny afternoon I had the delight of stopping by an old place that's had family owners in the last 30 years, and has always been one of, if not THE, most popular fish and chip shop in Norwich. Taking a traditional view on the way it's served, maintaining the feeling of quick service and an upbeat pace, this place never slows, and you will tend to find the queue lagging somewhere out of the door and around the corner.

Their new and expansive menu has brought questions to your critique's lips though... shark and miso on chips? Now I am a true fan of the finer culinary delights, but placing them in what's marketed as a traditional fish and chip bar is something new altogether.

The variety of choice for fish and sausage, however, has grown vastly since the days of a sausage and chips and a piece of unknown godforsaken fish. With the loss of Hot Chip, the hipster version of fish and chips, this left the Norwich market with Grosvenor Fish Bar as the only contender.

Upon entrance, the newly decorated walls of wood and pop art bring an air of vibrancy to the old chippy. The upbeat Americana music to accompany was an interesting touch... I didn't realise that in the USA they served a traditional English dish...!

The queue had six people in, with varying orders, which were handled swiftly. Upon my order the lady greeted me with somewhat of a fake interest into my presence, which seemed to bother her day...? "Sorry for wanting to purchase your chips," was my first reaction!

Order placed, we were offered our meal to eat in or take away... eating in being the preference this time, we were subsequently told to go downstairs and wait for our order. Sorry, wait, what...? Back up two seconds. You should never tell a customer to do something. That's Hospitality 101! You may advise that there is seating downstairs... anyway. We sat upstairs to watch how the rest of service was handled. Pretty much the same treatment, but overhearing the lady who served us discussing with her colleagues that "we never get to know our regulars" was interesting.

Upon the food arriving, we were excited. Two lots of sausage (no batter), and chips with gravy, cheese and curry sauce. The main ingredients, as far as I'm concerned, are the options available at any good chippy. The chips were as phenomenal as ever - crispy, yet light and fluffy. No excess oil, if only a tad too salty. The sausage was mediocre... I was expecting better. There was far too much salt. The sausage itself didn't have much flavour, beyond some piece of pork... I could tell that much! They could do with a partnership with Pickering's of Norwich, it would add a great twist.

So service and salt aside, The Teege gives this a 3.5/5 Stars. Less salt, more passion, and genuine personality from your staff will bring a whole new level of service to a revitalised old favourite.

I've an almighty fondness for the fishy fineries served at Grosvenor's, together with the friendly atmosphere and jazzy music. The vibrance of the establishment is a credit to Norwich, as is the hard work and commitment of its staff. The Bunker, the labyrinthine underground seating of the place, is a wonderful area in which to commune and unwind, and you can cheerfully take your fish and chips over the street to The Birdcage and eat them there. It's a fantastic part of the community, and if you've never tried it, I have just three words for you - Cha Cha Chips. Try them, and thank me later. It's 4/5 Stars from me!

Gonzo's Comedy Night Review - 29th January 2016

Stalwart Gonzo's, I believe we meet again! There's a lovely vibrant feeling of warmth that encompasses you as you enter this back-alley watering-hole. The staff here are always accommodating as the rhythmic beats pulse away the night with a clutter of conversation. Our choice of beverage is a mocha using only Stranger's finest coffee. Warming, smooth and delightful as always. But we are here on business! The Tome of Judgement in hand, let us begin what is Gonzo's Comedy Night!

It feels like far too long since we last sat down amid the crimson-and-candlelight gloom of perky Gonzo's Tea Room, gazing at the stage in collective hope of jokes, japes and jocularity. Fortunately, one of the premier events amid Norwich's growing comedic calendar is back - Friday 29th January 2016 saw local rising star Nelson T Gombakomba Junior joined by a host of familiar and fresh comic talent from every corner of Great Britain. Naturally, Mr White and Mr Mason attended to appraise the acts set to ensue - and after a previously resounding Christmas show, hopes were definitely high...
 

Our host for the evening was the evergreen Alexander Oliver, who took to presiding as Master of Ceremonies following his initial stint as such in December 2015. Mr Oliver was on remarkably strong form on the evening of 29th January, however, easily eclipsing his previous performance. Taking his penchant for quick-witted audience interaction to hitherto unseen heights, Alex confidently laid down his trademark humour, rich in innuendo, exasperated bluster and his long-standing rivalry with the loud Gonzo's Tea Room coffee machine. A resilient showing in the role of host, yet such was his degree of audience interaction that we ended up missing his own material - we hungered for his humour! 4/5 Stars.


Ah Alex, interactive and delightful as always! His temperament warming the room, slowly bringing the audience ever forward in accepting comedy into their hearts. Upon his opening there was a builder gentleman who decided to heckle - and Alex in all his quick-wittedness shut him down before any further comments could be made. With the audience on side Alex, brought forth some of his own material rather than just MC'ing, which was tremendously refreshing! 4/5 Stars.

Mr Cross... as you may remember, last time I had the "pleasurable" experience of enduring your comedic rant on life, which was to be honest disdainful and boring. So to hear your new works at January's event was, in all honesty, superb! I noted from my colleague that last time you had noted of our antics and it was wholeheartedly received! Your sense of dark humour and your analysis on relationships had me chuckling throughout. Your notes on when wedding dresses would be worn a second time was hilarious. The only thing I could add to this is BRING MORE OF THIS TO LIFE! And don't be scared to interact with the audience, your set has come on leaps and bounds! You have earned yourself 3.5/5 Stars!

The initial act of the evening was Ryan Cross, a returning regular without whom, we daresay, it simply wouldn't be Gonzo's Comedy Night. Notable about his set of the evening was the fact that his usual penchant for humour at the bleeding edge of black comedy seemed to have been toned down, instead replaced with much quipping about relationships and their complexities. It was refreshing to see that each of his jokes and the entirety of his material was fresh to our eyes and ears, yet the audience reaction was frequently muted. Mr Cross is improving, however, and his diligence certainly shows. 3/5 Stars.

The lovely lady Ciara. Alas, what's new... well, not the opening, which was the same leprosy joke as last time, and didn't start all too well. However, the note of your father running around shooting pigeons in a balaclava, spiking the interest with the IRA, was brilliant! Material heavy on political stance and the ineptness of the PM was interesting, but what got the laughs were the family anecdotes! 3/5 Stars for this performance - bring more anecdotes forward and don't be afraid to communicate with the audience.

Another returning face to the fray was Ciara Jack, whose material leaned on her experiences in both writing for BBC Radio Norfolk's comedy programming, as well as performing in 'Jack The Ripper - The Musical' in Norwich last autumn. Her set wove politics, feminism and highbrow class humour to well-paced effect. However, there was somewhat more consulting the notebook onstage than in previous performances we've witnessed, although her killer punchline regarding certain yellow fiends infesting popular culture ("If you don't know what a Minion is, it's basically a small yellow half-blind Joe Pasquale in dungarees...") was met with an eruption of laughter so collective and profound that Ciara herself almost seemed startled. 3.5/5 Stars.

Daniel Offen, a Londoner up in Norfolk... oh no! How will he cope? Well, to start with, a loud opening, and a plush bee? This man is seriously odd, and started with the audience on side. His rant on feminism and action figures was delightful... but alas, it took a turn for the worse. The political rants began and thus the audience began to wane. The jokes were not hitting the mark and when being signaled the set time was up, he carried on trying to win the audience back... repeatedly. Forgetting your set halfway through wasn't the greatest of outlooks either. Not really impressed. 2/5 Stars.

Hot on the heels of the previous act's satire and political musings, Daniel Offen roared onto the stage with impactful gusto, rousing the restless crowd from any stupor they may have been lost within. Tracing his influences to 1980s stand-up comics such as Ben Elton, there was also more than a hint of Ade Edmonson in his delivery and approach, with material that danced from politics and Thatcherism (which he confessed to being too young to have felt any direct impact from), through to puns and pokes at the absurdities of modern life. Although nothing truly stood out, Mr Offen demonstrates an aptitude for stand-up that seems eager to cut loose - I'd certainly welcome the chance to see him perform again. 3/5 Stars.

An interesting man is Jack Shanik. His dry sense of one-liners were short and to the point. Heralding from the northeast, his sense of humour was really "Oh dad, why did you say that?!"... and it had its moments where laughter could be heard. But resoundingly it was quite plain. Towards the end the jokes just got worse and the audience was starting to go and buy more drinks, maybe to scrape away the pain that was being bled through on stage. However, there were delightful notes of the north, but Mr Shanik, your one-liners are terrible. Bring a conversation to light with the audience and you will be a welcomed returning act. 2.5/5 Stars.

Oh me, oh my. Mr White likes to write - thus it stands to reason that Mr White likes wordplay, and this made watching Jack Shanik's performance a true delight. From reciting a tract of a Lewis Carroll classic in an impregnable Northern drawl - proclaiming it to be 'Alice In Sunderland' - Jack went on to zap out zingers including describing wearing a big fuzzy wig and spinning on the spot as a means to arouse himself as his 'Afro Dizzy Act'. More ingenious is the fact that Mr Shanik knows what he's doing and almost seems to welcome the occasional audience groan at a punchline - at one point he even turned to me during the performance and remarked, "It's not easy setting comedy back forty years, mate!" 4/5 Stars to this cheeky chap and his irrepressible punslaught!

The Pope is among us... just lacking the robes and hat. His slow building performance really hit a stride once the audience started laughing. His notes on life of "public school breeding villains" and the "struggles of being an adult when you're still a child at heart" had the room in resounding laughter. Short and to the point, Benedict Pope hit the mark every time, rounding off with a remark about "disarming a bomb with a raw lamb shank" - the room was lifted of the previous maniacal curse of the political gripe. 3.5/5 Stars. Please come back again - you, sir, will go far if you can deliver more material!

Benedict Pope is demonstrably clever. That said, he started somewhat flat and unremarkable in his Gonzo's performance, relating life in London to an audience he then lit up with but a single word. "Milk." Indeed, in chronicling his bizarre experiences with milk deliveries in his London home, Mr Pope turned a simple series of transactions into a hilarious rant about his experience with the milk company, which devolved into a fracas in which his argument - "Please stop sending me milk!" - was met with the counterargument of... well, being constantly sent milk. He also singlehandedly mustered the best quote of the entire evening, when he explained that the woman he had called responded, "But you can't cancel, because then THE MILKMAN WOULD BE SAD." 4/5 Stars!

The one the only MONTY BURNS! Mr Burns opened with a huge entrance, he immediately picked up on the previous heckler and killed him before anything was said. His remarks on Jehovah's Witnesses brought the room into near rapture! He related Robocop to Jesus, and his antics when meeting dates for the first time and asking point blank "have you made a sex tape yet? Because this is as good as your gonna look..." Noting his wife's comments "my wife says that I have boundary issues... well she didn't say that but she wrote it in her diary!", he then treated us to his remarks upon airbrushed models and how men will sleep with anything - "what's the point, we will still sleep with you!" - but ultimately finishing with how his wife always plays to win at Monopoly... and when she does win, screams "Eat my p***y motherf****r", which brought the house down. 4.5/5 Stars for an amazing performance. A great headliner to arrive at Gonzo's!

Hilarity hit a high point with the arrival of Monty Burns to the stage, who seethed into being before us like a furious Scottish Tony Stark. Screaming at the audience until they capitulated, he held the room rapt with his dark wit and familial angst. Tabulating the 'filth' he witnesses on children's TV and the innuendoes he finds there, Mr Burns then swept the acrid cloak of his comedy across the bar, citing an attending couple as resembling a girl group songstress shacked up with Shrek, before shouting that the well-coiffed barman was a protagonist from Twilight. Agitated and animated, Monty hit the mark as the night's strongest comedian by far - no small feat amid such talented peers. 4.5/5 Stars!

Find Monty On Facebook here! Monty Burns Comedy
Follow Him on Twitter! @Montysrants 

The Great Nelson once again presented himself to a stunning audience, laughs of the differences between countries and the contrast of old among newer material was a sly move but it worked. Speaking of his "head" teacher in kind, there were notes of an African doctor coming to England, but the NHS cuts hitting them forcing him to leave. His comments on "all white people looking the same" brought a round of laughs and he even noted "there were many Canadians in the bar". But the finisher were his notes on "if women ruled the world there would be no nuclear bombs... just long text messages", which killed the audience. Not the strongest act of Nelson's, but certainly held his own. 3.5/5 Stars.

The one, the only, the almighty Nelson T Gombakomba Junior rounded off a fine night of comedy in the fine city. Nelson's excitement and zeal were electric - he had just got back from a previous night at London's Comedy Store in which he received one of the strongest positive responses of his career. Nonetheless, on home turf, Nelson was applauded as a local hero, yet his comedy of the night was surprisingly off-the-cuff, seeking input among the audience for 'fun facts' to round off his established wit ("There's a new thing called the 'after-sex selfie', but in Norfolk it's just called a 'family portrait'..."). It's always a pleasure to see Nelson perform, and Gonzo's Tea Room remains his comedic thinktank, in which fresh jokes are blended, poured and refined. 3.5/5 Stars!

All in all a solid night of comedic delights - a fine line up, and some great moments. Nights in Gonzo's are truly amazing and shouldn't be missed just because it's not on Prince of Wales Road! Drop in, try the rum or let the staff make you a cocktail of merit, you will not be disappointed.

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White Mason Reviews appreciates the talent and co-operation of Viktoria DeRoy Photography in chronicling the capers of the evening! Viktoria is a local photographer who frequently attends - and dutifully snaps! - each monthly Gonzo's Comedy Night, with an ever-growing portfolio besides.

White Mason Reviews was approached by Monty Burns to add links to his social media in his review segment - we are happy to accommodate other such promotional requests from featured or forthcoming acts. These requests do not detract from White Mason Reviews' unbiased critiques and are strictly conducted on a not-for-profit basis.

A Moment With Nelson T Gombakomba Jnr - A White Mason Comedian Interview

It's no secret that both Mr White and The Teege like a jolly good chuckle, and our predilection for appraising local comedic talent has seen us fortunate enough to cross paths, shake hands and exchange pleasantries with numerous artisans at various levels of the comedic craft - from fresh faces to established acts. If you've attended the ever-entertaining comedy nights of Gonzo's Tea Room, as we have on more than one occasion, you'll be familiar with the fine fellow upon whom 2016's first interview focuses. Kind Teege, might you elucidate...?

So the great Nelson T Gombakomba Junior decided to grace us with his presence one afternoon in the lovely Playhouse Bar. Dressed in his smart attire, his smile was beaming as always as he shook our hands and settled for our talk. Coffee was his choice of beverage - always a good start, as we here at White Mason Reviews believe, given our love of blends and beans of all kinds.

In today's article we will be getting to know Nelson more fully. Coming from Zimbabwe, his childhood is described as one shaped by religious schools and with strict upbringing - and therefore, he always wanted to get away and see what the outside world had to offer. When moving to the UK at 17, the difference he saw enticed him to stay.

Nelson is - as one might expect from an individual who frequently bares his soul on stage - cheerfully candid about his journey, relating its nuances with fond grins and relaxed, easy-going gestures. "I always remember the mountains surrounding Mutare," he notes, referring to the eastern Zimbabwean city in which he grew up. "Going to Catholic schools there always felt quite insular and conservative - it gave me so many questions, and I never really believed a lot of the things I was told."

As a consequence, Nelson's youth was formed by an inquisitiveness that, it would seem, could not be satiated by the circumstances surrounding him. One gets the impression that the more he was told how and what to think, the less inclined he felt to think it. As such, the marriage of a liberated mind and the freedom of the stage made his dream of being a comedian all the more profound - yet even then, he admits to us, it was some time after his arrival in Britain before he elected to make that dream a reality.

These days, Nelson has his mainstay here in Norwich - which we will touch on later - but always finds time to travel to London for some new and exciting venues. After a successful debut at the famous London Comedy Store, he is returning to perform again in due course, and he has also performed in King of the Gong.

Nelson stands a very understated man, holding high reserves and not pushing his place the world, but instead understanding where he's from and what he wants to achieve. With high goals, but none too unreachable, it's nice to know Nelson holds Norwich as a firm mainstay and wouldn't forget us should he become more famous than he already is! "Even if I became a big star, I wouldn't forget Norwich and I would still like to keep the Gonzo's comedy night running," he remarks.

In the process of both preparing Norwich's forthcoming Gonzo's Comedy Night - scheduled 29th January - as well as chuckling nervously whenever quizzed about his big return to London's prestigious Comedy Store, it's apparent that Nelson's nimble mind never stops whirring. "Gonzo's can be a brutal venue if you're not prepared - and in London, it can be worse, because you're up against some guys, they might've been performing 20 years or more," he explains. "The secret I've learned is to just enjoy the moment. If an act goes on stage setting him or herself up - 'Is this my big night? Is this when I get signed? Is this when I get noticed?' - you'll just tense up."

What's surprising about Nelson's craft is that he has only been performing as a comedian since as recently as March 2014 - yet less than two years later, is performing in London, is active in the Norwich circuit and is instrumental in arranging each month's gig at Gonzo's. "It's about what you tell yourself before you get on stage," he reveals. "Get excited. Be in the moment - don't be a perfectionist. I guess it's similar in a lot of the arts... people want to be famous, want to be recognised. As natural as that is, if you give in to that too much, it stops your personal growth... slows your progress. I used to get hooked on that buzz, on building up a big hype in the room and enjoying it afterwards, but it just fades like..." Nelson pauses, grinning broadly at his own analogy to come. "Like a bad one night stand, where you're just there afterwards like... why did I do that?! But if you get rid of that need for validation, it gives you a lot more freedom."

The man on stage is as much as the man who sits before us, humble in his words and never over-extending the conversation. Yet with each gig's destination differing in terms of diversity, he informs us of the technique that he as a British-African comedian may break out when the need arises.

"I always have to get rid of the elephant in the room in less multicultural cities, you know? I'm black, yes - and...?" Using comedy to break that wall lets Nelson's style of relaxed narrative flow through the audience... not forgetting the insatiable Zimbabwean twang mixed with his hilarious cockney impersonation, which is wonderful!

 Prejudice and comedy are often bedfellows, and although we're in the 21st Century and most audiences are tolerant in their perspectives, it's fair to say that your average Norwich audience, although diverse, would be nowhere near the cultural blend and fusion one might expect of a gig in Britain's capital, for example.  "The jokes I use to ease that tension, they're one-liners and stereotypes - they break the ice," Nelson says. "I wouldn't base my whole performance around it - using your heritage for a joke only works once per audience, you know? But what I love about Gonzo's is that it's become where I test and develop new material, find out what works, and then take the best of it to London. Because the events are monthly, it means I'm constantly working on new material."

Indeed, we've had the pleasure of watching Nelson's comedic arsenal grow - but how would he describe his approach? "Conversational," he replies, grinning. "I've never liked the whole... set-up, set-up, punchline, you know? If there's anything I could say to upcoming acts, it's just to be brutally honest with yourself. Like... if you're the 'funny friend' in your social circle, that's great - but does that mean you're a comedian? It's completely different on stage. You have to factor in attention spans, you have to keep yourself in line by not overreaching for fame or attention... it's about self-awareness and knowing your limits. With things we do at Gonzo's, like the audience participation, the Two Minute Touchdown where people can get on stage and perform for two minutes, things like that... we're encouraging new talent. But you have to work with the audience - you can't blame them if they're not laughing at your material, because ultimately that's your job to get right!"

So who of the great comics of the globe have inspired our interviewee most? Nelson mentions a few big names - notable ones, like Chris Rock, Billy Connolly and Jimmy Carr. Nelson's profound love of the conversational style of delivery clearly comes true in his expressions towards other comics.

His remarks on previous performances at Gonzo's are noted towards everyone developing, and whenever an old act steps forth on stage there is something new, bigger and better about them. "One thing I'm hoping we'll see more of at Gonzo's is female comedians, although that's not me trying to be inclusive just for the sake of being inclusive," Nelson tells us. "Although it's a tough thing to get into, my experiences have shown me that Gonzo's is a pretty safe place to try fresh material."

Nelson's notions are interesting, and we'll of course evaluate the meritous hysterics of any and all who take to the stage - for such is the White Mason Reviews way. But taking Nelson's journey into consideration, what would he define as his proudest onstage moment? "Definitely performing at the London Comedy Store," he answers, cheerfully fizzing with excitement. "The fact I got invited back just makes that even sweeter! London comedy clubs are so much more of a target audience. In Norwich, even with comedy nights, you're performing to a mix of people, especially in Gonzo's - some people at our comedy nights are just out for a night out, but we're happy they join in our fun. But in London? If someone's watching you at the Comedy Store, it's because they've come out just to see stand up comedy. The stakes get higher, but also, there's less of a line to cross with the audience as a result. It does your material justice and it lets you refine it at a really high level."

Impressive successes surround Nelson as he advances his art, but we all know even the greatest performers have overcome some false starts. Nelson agrees as he candidly relates his earlier material. "I used to do a routine about some fat girl I supposedly dated - that was at my third ever set, at The Birdcage in Norwich," he recounts. "It went down well, but it was during the times of me... figuring out my niche, you know? But I watched footage back a year later, and although I was getting laughs, I felt really uncomfortable watching it back. It felt like I was taking cheap shots, even though the girl I was talking about was completely fictional. It made sense at the time, but it's not part of how I do comedy today."

Nelson's comedic nature, along with that beaming smile, brings a delight to any show. His beginnings touched on the stereotypical, addressing his race and the vices and virtues that one may encounter. Upon development, his relaxed style, never rushing into a pun, but letting it settle across the audience, brings air to the conversational style he embodies. But the question on my lips was towards the darker side of comedy - those hecklers. Nelson's smile widens at this point in time, and to my question - "How do you prepare for them?" - he has a very simple answer. "I don't..." he laughs. "I just live in the moment and respond with something spontaneous." He continues laughing... Nelson goes on to explain how he has always had the natural urge for comedy.

We relax and have another round of drinks, and the conversation swings to previous comedic encounters, we refer to Mr Alexander Oliver and his crazed frantic life. I talk about the time at a gig when he turned to me and enquired to what I might be doing on my phone in the middle of his set... my reply was simple. "Reviewing YOU!" Suffice to say his remarks quickly redirected. Then Nelson and I turn our talk to Ryan Cross, another performer, and this writer's former loathing of his works (now en route to being rectified). Further, we realign the discussion to if, on Nelson's first performance, he could have some advice from someone more experienced... what would he say?

"Don't touch the Frankie Boyle-esque offensive jokes first - you may start a reputation for just offending people," Nelson advises. "That is never good! Offending the audience is always a bad start. If they are on your side they are much more likely to interact with your joke, and not have a discussion among themselves." We went on to discuss examples of the tragic woes that were, to which Nelson adds, "Don't get subdued by a bad night - enjoy every moment you have onstage, good or bad. Either way, it's experience."

So what's next for Nelson? Beyond his excitement for the Gonzo's Comedy Night on 29th January - "It's gonna be crazy!" - this zesty Zimbabwean is approaching the coming year with a mixture of gusto and groundedness. "I got approached in London for a corporate gig, a pretty huge set, but I turned it down - I know I'm not ready yet," Nelson outlines. "But even if I did make it big, and played London and other places a lot more, Norwich will always be home. Gonzo's Comedy Nights are my babies, and I want to help make everyone who comes out glad they did, and see growth month on month."

With a degree in Law and a relaxed outlook on life, there's no doubt that if Nelson's making things happen, he's doing it for us - and with us. Already in talks with both the acts and the proprietors of his favourite venue to get events livestreamed worldwide, he's keen to see what he and his contemporaries do being documented. "Right now I'm continuing to work with acts, figuring out how best to position them in the line-up based on their comedy styles," Nelson sums up. "I'm really happy with how things are going - we've got new and repeat acts, and those who get invited back I'm giving breathing room, so they can continue refining their material and bring us new laughs. There are a lot of new faces to Norwich coming in January and beyond, and we're going to continue keeping it fresh and diverse."

Every show of Nelson's we have had the pleasure of reviewing has seen his comedy never fall below a 4/5 star rating. This also stands true of this afternoon spent with him - the sparkle this man can bring to a somewhat dull rainy Norwich afternoon revived us with a new intensity. He has a small segment in the London Comedy Store, prior to this month's Gonzo's, which is coming on 28th January. Not one to be missed! But for now, Nelson, we thank you and await what's to come on our next visit to Gonzos's Comedy Night on 29th January.

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The Teege and Mr White signing off!

Tekken 3 - Retro Game Nostaliga by The Teege!

So I was perusing the wonder-world of Norwich's Regen Gaming the other day and came across a small gem of the past. My childhood lost many an hour to beating Heihachi... those are truly memories of fondness. So with that said, lets press on into memory lane.

Originally released in the 1990s as an arcade game, and then brought forward to the PlayStation, the game I speak of captivated the world - and still today it stands in high regard, meaning that Tekken 3 is still regarded as the best of its genre and possibly the best fighting game of all time. Using the same core system that was developed for the Namco System 12, it was the last game of the series to be released for the original Sony PlayStation. This held fans in suspense and created a demand for more!

The game play aspect of Tekken 3 was simple. Using different combinations of buttons and directions to use attacks uniquely attributed to each character, everyone had their own favourite. This helped create an audience that could talk about this game even when not playing!

Tekken 3 was the first "beat-em-up" to tone down the jumping element, which in previous Tekken games was unrealistic. The depth and realism this change brought forward unified the Tekken franchise to what it is today.

The plot thickens with this installment, with the previous games' Iron Fist Tournament happening 19 years previously. Heihachi Mishima has established the Tekken Force, a paramilitary organisation dedicated to the protection of the Mishima Zaibatsu. Leading this force into a temple underneath Mexico, they find it has been ransacked by a creature simply known as 'Ogre'. Heihachi saw the power this beast had and wanted to capture it for his own gains.

This is where Jin steps forward. Being Heihachi's son, he already is attuned to martial arts, and upon the sight of Ogre destroying his house and killing his mother, he takes it upon himself to find his father and end this madness. When doing so though, he encounters Ogre, who leaves the devil's mark on Jin prior to his being left unconscious. What happens from there I'll leave for you readers to find out!

The simplicity of the combat system, combined with a strong storyline and the quickening pace of gameplay, brings this stylistic fighting game into a world of its own, be it with friends one on one, or taking it to the AI on Insane Difficulty Mode. This game offers a lot more than just a single afternoon of entertainment - more like a lifetime of it!

The added Force Mode, adding yet more depth to an already packed game, is what made this version of Tekken unique. Having to take down a stream of enemies against the clock at the same time as managing your survival was difficult, even on Normal Mode. 

Tekken 3 survives today with universal acclaim, with an overall score of 9.9/10 from Gamespot, 96/100 from Metacritic and being the first game in three years to have received a 10 from Electronic Gaming Monthly! Among fighters - and even beyond - this is nothing short of almost the perfect game. The Teege humbly gives this great piece of art an overwhelming 4.9/5 - the only improvement could be the graphics, but that is only in comparison to what today can offer.

Thanks to Regen Gaming! - http://regen-gaming.co.uk/ - A great shop in the back alleys of Anglia square! If you have a old game you remember and want to feel that nostalgia, don't hesitate to head over. Find them on facebook and give them a like!

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