If Monday was supposed to be the gloomiest day of the year, nobody informed The Comedy Store.
Last night's fundraiser for Mitochondrial Disease research boasted a hysteria-inducing bill that could have filled the Hammersmith Apollo for a month.
Opener Jason Manford plays the Apollo in November and judging by his Beatlemania-style reception he'll be turning legions away.
This was a chance to bid farewell to familiar material as he raised the roof with a mix of northern cheek and unchanged riffs about dad-style driving.
The only thing Jo Brand has changed recently is her hair.
She currently sports a fetching peppery crop, but also relied on trusty routines, bemoaning her useless husband and namedropping Trinny and Susannah. Entertaining, though a comedy makeover would be welcome.
Surprise guest Jack Dee prompted delighted gasps, starting with an ancient gag about being out late celebrating his wife's birthday ("she was livid") before slipping into the sublime moaning mode that suits his downturned face.
Following this 24-carat cameo was tough, but Southender Terry Alderton closed with a mindblowing whirlwind of physical and verbal clowning.
Brownie points too to MCs Kevin Day, Andre Vincent and quality curmudgeon John Moloney. Gloom suitably banished.
www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk
Jo Brand, Jason Manford & More
Comedy Store, SW1
