There were plenty of laughs and a bit of bawdy adult humour to brighten up a Wednesday evening in January at the launch of The Mowlem Comedy Club in Swanage, Dorset.
Following the popularity of top comedy acts like Jack Dee, in the main theatre at The Mowlem, the comedy agency Off the Kerb is now bringing emerging talent to perform in the more intimate environment of The Studio – and oh boy, it was definitely quite intimate!

Bringing stand up to Swanage
UK comedy circuit
Performing at the first comedy club night on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 were compere Meryl O’Rouke, support act James Elis, and top of the bill Andy Askins. They are part of an Off the Kerb comedy circuit which travels around UK venues.
Opening the evening was Meryl O’Rouke – a self proclaimed menopausal woman with a troublesome teenager.
Sharp and witty, she had a chat with members of the audience including a man in a rather nice blue jumper and a woman who was happy to self identify as a dominatrix – Swanage audiences never fail to surprise! Who knew that pegging isn’t always about the erection of tents?!

Meryl O’Rouke bravely takes on a Swanage audience and a local dominatrix!

On firmer ground, James Elis amuses with jokes about relationships and being married to a teacher
Polished act
James Elis was funny in a nice self deprecating way, spilling the beans on his relationship with his wife who works as a teacher.
He recounted how she gets lots of lovely cards from her class at the end of term saying what a great teacher she is. Turning to the audience, he said:”I told her I wasn’t sure that was true, looking at some of the spelling!”
He added that there was a time before he got married, when he could choose whether or not to wear a coat, but now at least he is warmer!
Clearly an experienced comedian with a polished act was Andy Askins, who had a faint resemblance to comedian Harry Hill, with his precise joke delivery and what can only be described as beady, bird-like eyes.
He had the ability to make everyone laugh by just saying a very rude word, as if he was a ten year old boy expecting to be told off. This was particularly true during his excellent rendition of his own made up versions of songs. Playing his guitar, he rounded off the evening nicely with his amusing ditties.

Slightly weird but wonderful Andy Askins and his guitar

The Studio was full
“Sold out so quickly”
Events manager at The Mowlem, Paul Angel said:
“So many people were chuckling as they walked down the stairs at the end of the evening, recounting some of the jokes, which was good to hear.
“It was brilliant that our first comedy club night sold out so quickly – that’s 80 seats, and the date in February has also sold out, however there’s still availability for the March comedy club
“The Studio as a new venue at The Mowlem allows us to put on events like this, which work well in a smaller space. Of course, there’s the monthly Sound Cellar jazz club too, which takes place in The Studio and is also new for this year.
“We’re always looking to book new and different things for people of all ages to come and see – we’d love more children’s events, and in terms of trying something new, we’ve even got an Oompah band performing in The Showbar in April.
“If anyone has any ideas for new events, we’d love to hear them. We always try to make things work if we can!”
Further information
- Book shows including the comedy club and jazz sessions on The Mowlem website
- The Bierfest Band is inviting everyone to Oompah in The Showbar at The Mowlem on Saturday 5th April 2025 from 8 pm to late