Some people, are under the impression that Lytham is a genteel, slightly pretentious old school seaside resort that’s full of the blue rinse brigade, but they are very much mistaken.
Lytham and (joined at the hip) St Annes have a vibrant night life of restaurants, pubs, bars and live music to rival any “quarter” in Manchester and other cities.
What no self-respecting place would be without, is a comedy venue, and we have our own. OK, it’s only once a month, but we are going for quality here not quantity!
Woofers Comedy Club
Woofers is the brain child of local comedian Phil Walker after dipping his toe into golf and holiday camp entertainment and most recently writing and performing in Pantomimes (at the time of writing 2014)
I caught up with Phil one windy freezing cold day in Jan 2014. I thought he was buying the brews – he didn’t and he was late! He told me of his hopes for the club and do you know what he has exceeded them by far. Since then me and my family have been avid fans of Phil and of Woofers, not missing a one apart from holidays
Watch Phil on Youtube
Phil is your archetypal cheeky northerner. Very endearing and down to earth and funny (obviously)! Described by Chortle.co.uk as having the energy of a dog that has just been let out for an overdue walk. They are eerily accurate.
He had always wanted to bring something to his home town for several reasons. To ensure he could spend some time at home with his wife and daughter on a regular basis and to give back to his mates and family that have followed him around the “circuit”.
When a chance to use Lytham Cricket Club came up, he took it and Woofers was hatched. Phil has loads of mates doing the comedy rounds and he invites them to try out their new material at Woofers, also an open invite to complete newbies or concept groups to gain experience somewhere where they won’t have bottles thrown at them! We are a more ‘mature’ civilised audience!!
Pretty soon he needed a bigger venue, so it moved (literally) across the road to Lowther Pavilion Theatre for a regular monthly slot, apart from the summer season when he swanned off on a tour or a cruise ship and December when he was performing in Panto (or no he isn’t!!) sorry couldn’t resist being so obvious.
Great Acts, A Great Night Out
For us the audience, what we get is great acts. Some names you know, some you will hear of in the future. Do we feel like guinea pigs? Who cares!
Although as I’ve already said, there are some brand shiny new acts, Woofers also draws established big names trying out new material or a new direction, and has featured Jason Manford (impromptu performance) Justin Moorehouse, Dave Spikey and Mick Miller. It survived through COVD with outdoor and drive in, there have been Woofers specials at local festivals and stil it keeps evolving with now regular ‘picnic performances in the grounds of Lytham Hall,
All the performances are opened, moved on and wrapped up by Phil (but we very much miss Clive (veterans will know what I mean))
What To Expect
Three great acts and two phenomenal intervals (again ‘in joke’)
I go along with my family, brothers, in laws, and daughters. A real mixed age crowd and we all love it. However I would check your granny’s sense of humour before you take her along, plus if adverse to a bit of profanity, it may not be for you.
If you want tickets you need to be quick – they sell out fast!
Keep watching the Events page for further information and buy your tickets via Lowther Pavilion
Here is the link to Woofers Face Book page HERE
Coming SOON a Who’s Who profile of Phil