The Gary Delaney Summer Season: A Hilarious Kickoff

And we’re off! The Gary Delaney Summer Season has officially kicked off. What a way to get things rolling! Gigs one and two are in the bag, and they were nothing short of EPIC. Two packed-out venues, a red-hot lineup, and audiences that were absolutely ready to enjoy themselves. Here’s how it all went down…

Beccles Public Hall – Comedy in a Pressure Cooker

First stop: Beccles Public Hall. This was the comedy hot ticket. I’m talking about 35 degrees inside; it was like doing stand-up in a sauna. But did the heat stop anyone? Not a chance! The room was buzzing, the drinks were flowing, and the crowd was ready to laugh their faces off.

Ryan Gough was on MC duties and absolutely nailed it. He’s the type of host who makes it all look easy—welcoming, sharp, and totally in control. He scanned the room like a pro, picked up on the vibe, and kept everyone engaged from start to finish. Getting the right compere can be tricky, but Ryan got it bang on.

Burgh Hall, Great Yarmouth – Late Show Legends

After the Beccles show, the acts hurried over to Burgh Hall in Great Yarmouth for the late show. It was once again a full house with an enthusiastic crowd. The room was perfectly set up, and you could feel the anticipation before the first mic check.

John Mann took over hosting duties and brought a totally different energy—calm, steady, and rock solid. He’s the type of compere who keeps the show flowing without ever making it about himself. He is another excellent choice for the Shaft Of Wit audience and was the perfect bridge between the acts, helping the audience get back into 'audience mode' before the acts came on.

The Acts – All Killer, No Filler

David Eagle – From Dirty Dozen to Edinburgh Darling

David Eagle opened both shows, and it was magnificent to see how far he’s come. He won the first Shaft of Wit Dirty Dozen back in 2019. Last year, he was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award. His stand-up has genuinely leveled up—nothing fazes him, and his writing is superb. He dances between dark and light with ease, and his punchlines come out of nowhere and hit hard. The crowd loved him, and so did I.

Carl Donnelly – Finally on the Shaft of Wit Stage!

Carl Donnelly was in the middle spot, and I was thrilled to finally get him on a Shaft of Wit stage. I’ve been encouraging him for years to perform, and it was worth the wait. He’s a family man these days. The way he shares the wonder, confusion, and disbelief of it all is just hilarious. His family bathtime story? Worth the ticket price alone! I could listen to him for hours—he's got that laid-back charm and razor-sharp timing that just works.

Gary Delaney - Not One Bad Gag

Gary Delaney closed both shows and, as always, absolutely tore the roof off. I never tire of watching the audience double over in laughter during his set. As a promoter, there’s nothing better than the sound of roaring laughter rising and falling from the first joke to the last. He’s a true master of stand-up—every word counts, every joke lands, and his delivery is precise, making it unreal. His set has a rhythm that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Simply magic!

What a Way to Start the Summer

So that’s gigs one and two done—and what a start it has been! Two amazing venues, two incredible crowds, and a lineup that consistently delivered from beginning to end. If this is how we're starting the summer, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

If you haven’t got your tickets yet, what are you waiting for? Come join us for a night of proper belly laughs, brilliant acts, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience such wonderful performances!