RGS Guildford courtyard with students

Stand Up Comedy Evening hosted by Paul Kerensa

Old Guildfordian Paul Kerensa returned to host our annual Comedy Evening, which drew an enthusiastic audience of 170 attendees. Known for his engaging style, Paul expertly connected with the crowd by sharing amusing anecdotes from his time as a student at RGS. With a touch of nostalgia, he humorously claimed he was “so” old that he had been around when the founding members of some of the Houses were still alive, joking that even Thomas Beckingham had undergone a name change! His lighthearted commentary set the tone for a night filled with laughter.

Following Paul’s entertaining introduction, the stage was graced by Will Mars, whose comedic prowess shone as he regaled the audience with jokes about his family, including his long-suffering wife and his increasingly receding hairline. Will’s relatable humour struck a chord, eliciting fits of laughter from everyone present.  His ability to connect through personal stories made his performance a highlight of the evening.

Next up was our very own budding stand-up comedian, Ben from the Third Form. This performance marked Ben’s debut in the world of comedy, and he did not disappoint. With a fresh perspective, he brought the audience into his world, sharing quirky tales about his “weird” family—though those who know him would argue that he is anything but weird!  The crowd’s enthusiastic response to his jokes was a testament to his natural comedic talent, making it a memorable first performance.

During the interval, the atmosphere remained lively as we enjoyed a delightful musical interlude in the Great Hall, thanks to the talented quartet of Michael, Milo, Charlie and James. Their captivating performance kept spirits high and set the stage for the next act.

The evening took an exciting turn with the appearance of El Baldhino, a multi-talented comedian, magician, and mind-reader who has graced the stage of Britain’s Got Talent. He invited Nathan from the First Form to join him, creating a whimsical atmosphere as he attempted to predict an activity that he claimed to do three times a day.  El Baldhino also showcased an entertaining disappearing act involving a “bandana/banana” and made clever use of “leeks” to humorously address his “leaking” head.

As the evening drew to a close, Paul returned to the stage, wrapping up another incredibly successful Comedy Evening. Not only did the event provide a night of laughter and entertainment, but it also raised an impressive nearly £1500 for our nominated charities, including Stand Up to Cancer.  The combination of talented performers and generous contributions from the audience made the event a resounding success, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating next year’s gathering.