This evening’s story actually started a few months ago, with a simple text from a pal:

“Hey mate, just seen this poster — I think Carl Donnelly is playing my local!?!”

Yes, that Carl Donnelly. The one we recently dubbed “one of the Fringe’s cool uncles” and one of the very first clowns we search for when the Edinburgh programme drops. The idea that he was playing a little pub in North London was too good to be true — we had tickets snapped up within the hour.

The Castle, perched on Harrow-on-the-Hill, is a top-notch drinking spot: a classic pub with eclectic styling and, most intriguingly, a beer garden that sits above the pub (trust us, that hill gets steep!). The comedy room is usually the dining room — candles, chandeliers, mismatched chairs all angled towards a mic stand in front of the fireplace. It holds maybe 60 people, making for an intimate setting that feels just right for a Wednesday night of laughs.

The evening is hosted by Irish clown Keith Farnan, who started this gig after moving to the area with his family. With world tours and TV appearances already under his belt, he’s amassed an enviable list of comedy pals – which explains how he can coax this level of talent out to play midweek. As compère, Keith is an absolute gem: he brings local vibes and keeps the crowd perfectly warmed. His format is spot on too – act, drink, act, drink, repeat – giving just enough breathing space between sets to keep the anticipation bubbling.

We came for Carl, but the other two acts were excellent. Naomi Cooper opened proceedings, a self-confessed travelling clown with an acting background that shines through as she flips into her “yummy mummy” persona to land some of her sharpest punchlines. She set the tone for the evening beautifully — definitely one we’d love to catch again.

Next up was Roger O’Sullivan, a Cork comedian with a slightly surreal style — think Mitch Hedberg if he swapped the stoner haze for mild anxiety. His contrast with Naomi worked brilliantly, and his material landed hard (his routine about how the Irish invented time – “The O’Clocks” – was a personal highlight).

Then another drink break, a jokey reminder from Keith to get back in the room as we “made up half the audience”, and we were ready for our headliner.

How would a comic who regularly sells out major venues and festivals play to 60 people in a pub back room? Effortlessly. There’s a natural warmth to Carl Donnelly’s performance – he feels casual, conversational, but never underprepared. He’s just as good here, in front of fake candles and a mirror with an iron easel as a stage hand, as he is on the main stage of the Pleasance. And that’s exactly why we recommend him so highly.

This evening was a lot of fun – and we’ll absolutely make this pilgrimage to HotH (one for the Star Wars fans there) again, possibly to see Glenn Moore in December. Keith Farnan has built something a bit special here, and if you’re anywhere near Harrow-on-the-Hill, we thoroughly recommend that you check this night out.

Clown Stars: * * * * *

@The Castle, Harrow-On-The-Hill

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