Rich Hardisty & Rob Auton Wip

On Tuesday, 14 April, the Komedia Studio is hosting a double-bill work-in-progress show featuring Rich Hardisty and Rob Auton. For those who frequent the Brighton comedy scene, these WIP nights are a regular fixture, offering a look at sets while they are still being shaped. The evening is split into two distinct parts, with doors opening at 19:30 and the performances starting at 20:00. Because the seating is unreserved, the layout tends to be quite informal, which suits the experimental nature of the material being tested.

Rich Hardisty is presenting a show titled 'POP', which is a storytelling piece rooted in his own life. It follows his journey to New York in 2011 to track down a father he had never known, a trip that came on the heels of psychiatric treatment and a mania-induced epiphany. The narrative deals with themes of family, trauma, and redemption, aiming to be both moving and funny. It has already picked up some interesting commentary; The Guardian described Hardisty as a "genuine original," while Entertainment Now noted his style as that of a raw and emotive storyteller. It’s a very personal account of a specific, life-changing search.

The other half of the bill features Rob Auton, who is known for his somewhat eccentric and conceptual approach to stand-up. This time around, he is working on new material centred on the idea of being an estate agent on the planet Jupiter. It’s a sharp contrast to Hardisty’s biographical storytelling, providing a different kind of observational humour. The show is open to anyone aged 16 and over, and tickets are priced at £10.00 for standard admission or £8.00 for concessions. It’s a straightforward option for a mid-week night out in Brighton if you want to see how professional comedians refine their ideas before they become finished specials.