Gag n Bone Man Comedy – Review – Unity Hall, Wakefield
By Steve Crabtree, February 2025
Comedy’s in a good place right now, and the Gag n Bone Man nights are proof of that. My second experience of one of these shows was at Unity Hall in Wakefield, the latest stop for one of these fast-growing events. And, what a good spot for a night of laughs.
My first visit to the venue, it’s a decent, massive space – perfect for tonight’s solid crowd. There was barely a seat to spare, and dinks were being served at speed (always a bonus) with a buzz going round before the show had even started.
With Graeme Rayner on hosting duties, The Halls of Ridiculous kicking things off, Jonny Brook bringing his signature dry wit, and headliner Gary Delaney ready to fire out one-liners at an unrelenting pace, we were in for a cracking night.
Graeme Rayner
“Fair game”
Rayner opened the night with his hellos and how-are-yous, getting audience participation going from the off. Some people never learn—if you answer a compere’s question, you’re fair game! A few unfortunate punters became the joke early on, much to everyone’s amusement. And Rayner has the perfect balance as a host: keeping the show moving, throwing out his own funnies, and taking the mick out of anyone who dares to heckle.
It didn’t take him long to warm us up, then it was time for the first act.
The Halls of Ridiculous were up first – Chris Lumb and Phil Allen-Smith, in wigs, specs, and scarves, bringing 80s-style improv chaos to the stage. Before the gig, audience members were asked to write down random words and phrases, which were then stuffed into the duo’s pockets. These were whipped out at various points to fuel their absurd, on-the-spot arguments. Think Whose Line Is It Anyway?, but in fancy dress.
Their quick thinking was seriously impressive, seamlessly weaving nonsense into proper laugh-out-loud moments. Even when they hit a wall and just barked out a word to keep things moving, it was still hilarious. They were a real highlight – comedy improv at its best.
The Halls of Ridiculous
“Entire Crowd Erupt”
Jonny Brook (main image) was up next—a stand-up without much stand, as he puts it. I’ve seen him before, and he’s just brilliant: dry, dark, and self-deprecating with impeccable delivery.
Brook took his time getting to the stage (his words: “bad-disabled”), earning a well-deserved extended applause. Then he got straight into his usual mix of everyday struggles and hilarious observations, with stories about his “sh*t legs” and the notes he and his daughter leave for each other.
He’s so laid back in delivery that his humour and subtle punchlines sneak up on you. There’s often a split second of silence before the entire crowd erupts in laughter. A gradual eruption. It’s that kind of comedy where you clock what he’s just said, process it, and then lose it. He clearly loves that delayed reaction, and so do I.
Gary Delaney
“In top form”
After a short break, we got the main event: Mr Gary Delaney.
I’ve been a fan of his for years, and he’s one of the best. Tonight, he was in top form, rattling through gag after gag after gag. My mate Jake and I had been debating one-liner comedians earlier—he’s a Tim Vine fan. So am I, but I put Delaney at the top of the pile. Clever jokes over anything else. And by the end of the night, I think Jake knew exactly where I was coming from.
Delaney is a headliner for a reason, and we got the very best of him tonight. He covered everything from weight and families to the utterly ridiculous, landing every joke with a pin-point precision. I reckon he fired out at least 400 one-liners in his set, and I’d have happily sat through another 400.
He kept us in stitches, while enjoying his own act nearly as much as we were, and we were still there at 11pm before he realised he had to get off the stage!
Graeme Rayner continues to pull in top-tier comedy talent for these Gag n Bone Man nights. Some of the acts on these bills could be playing huge venues, yet here they are, right in front of you, delivering the kind of material they can’t do on the BBC. And with some tickets starting from just £12, it’s an absolute bargain.
If you’re a fan of stand-up, you need to get yourself to one of these nights. I know I’ll be back for more.
Images: Archie Rayner Photography
Give Steve music, give him food, give him theatre, tech or travel… and he’s a happy man. He’s been writing professionally since 2003, turning to journalism in 2017 when it offered him the chance to enjoy a lot of his existing passions, and learn some new ones at the same time. Steve can be found spending many of his summer nights watching bands at The Piece Hall in his hometown of Halifax, or enjoying a bite to eat and a drink with his wife anywhere in Yorkshire at any time of year. Random fact: He does the best impression of Zippy and George from Rainbow that anyone has ever heard.
