Munich

I was in Munich last week with work, and haven't written it up yet, so here we go... I opted for the early morning start on Monday, instead of letting the trip intrude into my Sunday afternoon so was off and away just after 6am. Thought I was going to be on the same train as Clare to London when I first lined this up, but a) she was working at home that day, and b) I was on the train a good hour earlier than she would have been anyway. Don't do many long train journeys these days, gave me a chance to catch up on my podcasts. I was travelling light, hand luggage only, and had to take a computer, so unfortunately no room for the book I'm reading. Train was fine, and because there was no delay I lazily got the tube one stop to Leicester Square. Normally I'd walk but it was freezing and I had the tube ticket anyway, and it was kind of nice remembering all the times of getting the tube in the past. I'm such a tourist these days. Then settled in, scanning the free papers on an hour's ride to Heathrow Terminal 2. not much there is there? Met my workmates I was travelling with, and had a leisurely breakfast in Wetherspoons. Of course I didn't have a beer, I was actually on the way to work.

Got picked up at the airport and had a long drive to the office. No need to go into detail of what we did in the office, mostly it was showing off the sort of things we do in the UK office these days, was nice to meet people I've emailed though. Hmm, there's no need to go into detail of my travel arrangements either, but I seem to have done that. I've built lots of web based systems to make work easier in my time at Holiday Extras, mostly to make things easier for me, but what do you know it seems to make things easier for other people too! So I was off to show the good people of ABC Holiday Plus the benefits and advantages. They seemed to be pleased and mostly stayed awake while I was talking.

Our hotel was OK, not quite as glamourous as it looks on the web, but pleasant. Small bar, breakfast buffet, fully featured rooms. I did not hit the mini bar at all, hey there's a credit crunch on. I think I was pretty frugal with my expenses, I did not even use up my £100 advance.

We were taken out both evenings for food and drink, a traditional Bavarian place the first night that was very nice but I don't know the name of. As we were with locals they could explain my vegan requirements so I ate OK, and the local beer was good. I don't think it was the famous Hofbräuhaus, I will have to find out. My history is so bad, I didn't remember this until I got back and read about it in CAMRA's guide to Munich, doh! Second night we went to an American style diner that was also nice Dillinger Chicago Bar'n Grill. Guess they didn't want to overwhelm us with too much German culture. The people in the office were great though, so hospitable, I am not sure we show them such a good time when they come here but I hope we will next time.

Trip home wasn't great, heavy snow made the road conditions bad from the office to the airport, and the Germans all drive so fast. Then Munich airport is quite small, so there's not a lot to do there except get a coffee and sit. Then, the flight back was pretty turbulent, and I'm not the best flyer at the best of times. Sometimes I prefer a bit of turbulence, seems like a journey should be a bit bumpy in some ways, but did not enjoy this at all. Hand luggage only again on the way back, even with the souvenirs, so even though it was Heathrow Terminal 5 we arrived back at, we were out again in no time.

Was dreading the journey back from Heathrow the most, as I thought it would involve tube and train and hanging about in the cold and getting back very late indeed, but luckily one of my colleagues had driven to the airport and lives in Hythe, so we were away in no time. She'd done the Sunday option, otherwise I could have got a lift up too. Of course, if I'd got a car already I'd have done the airport parking option too, would have been cheaper and quicker!

Up early Sunday morning writing this, Clare is still asleep.

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Snowing here!

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Lone Star Comedy, now with added German standup

The line up consists of Henning Wehn, Liam Mullone, Jim Smallman and a newcomer’s act.

Henning Wehn is the German Comedy Ambassador to the UK. He calmly and clinically debunks the idea that Germans do not have a sense of humour.

Henning does this by shamelessly exposing the British stereotypes of Germans and poking considerable fun at the German nation, its interesting past and current concerns. He can be controversial, but is always great fun. Come and laugh out loud.

Reviews

“It was great to see Henning at Jongleurs on Friday. He was absolutely hilarious. A very intelligent comedian who cleverly dissects his own jokes, and is able to laugh at himself. He plays an excellent character and has thought about every detail, even down to his clothes and choice of stopwatch! A funny, unique act. We will definitely see him again”

“It was a pleasure to see a new face at Jongleurs this weekend with the arrival on the circuit of popular German comic Henning Wehn. As Henning reaches the stage he immediately offsets the usual I-think-I'm-better-than-you German stereotype by being self-deprecating in both manner and appearance. He has a provocative line in international humour poking fun at both his country and himself with a killer gag about sectarianism and Jews. Joyful to watch, looking forward to having him back in a few weeks.”

Chortle May 2008





Liam Mullone launched his comedy career in October 2002, quickly winning the respect of promoters in and around London with an act that, according to veteran comic Bob Mills, is based around "not really understanding how the world works".

He reached the final stages of several major competitions and appeared on ITV's Take The Mike and the BBC New Talent Awards showcase on BBC Three. Just 10 months after first setting foot on a stage he was spotted by Avalon and joined their Comedy Network team for Autumn 2003. He is now performing all over the UK.

His act relies on his sharp, florid way with words and surreal flights of intellectual fancy that is belied by a faltering, perplexed style.

Reviews

“Stunning stuff, delivered with sincerity and style. Kept the whole room mesmerised. Didn't hear a single thing I'd heard before either. Now my fourth favourite comedian! (There's 50 is my chart so not bad)”

“An awesome act. Why has Liam never won a major competition? He certainly should be a big name, and stands out head and shoulders above most acts on the circuit. Intelligent material delivered in a wonderful, whimsical style. Unique.”

Chortle

“Makes a disparate crowd laugh together about life's absurdities”

Leicester Mercury





Jim Smallman is a full-time stand-up comedian based in Leicester. He has been performing to acclaim for the past 3 and a half years He was a Laughing Horse new act finalist in 2006, and Equity Comedian of the Year finalist in 2007. Has performed in front of 2000 people at the Leicester Comedy Festival Preview Show (very positive review of this on Chortle) and has performed the full spectrum of gigs - from packed student union, rowdy "stag and hen" filled venues to debuting his hour long show in 2007's Leicester Comedy Festival to a sold-out audience and very positive response.

Reviews

"Anarchic and matey in equal measures, Smallman boasts a masterful rapport with the audience and clearly takes much delight in pushing the comedy boundaries... his manic energy was easily picked up by the punters" Coventry Evening Telegraph

"An endearing and arresting onstage presence divulging finely crafted autobiographical anecdotes laced with deliciously dark humour. A welcome addition to any evening of quality stand-up. "

Anthony J Brown - Promoter

"I've worked with Jim Smallman for over three years and countless gigs, and he has never failed to enliven and invigorate each night whether doing one of his twisted sets or as an MC. He's the sort of act that audiences talk about and remember..."

Adnan Ahmed, Bottle Rocket Comedy

2008 :: Comment / reply