Ready to jingle

Simon Rothstein speaks to performers at Resistance Comedy’s annual festive showcase of comic talent

Headlining this year’s show is Aurie Styla

A very special evening of laughter is coming to Dugdale Arts Centre this month when Resistance Comedy, Enfield’s leading independent comedy company, hosts its annual Jingle Bell Funny event.

Headlining this year’s Christmas show on Saturday, 21st November is award-winning comedian, actor and broadcaster Aurie Styla.

Winning fans around the country for his stand-up – which has been broadcast on the BBC, ITV and Comedy Central – Aurie says Christmas is his favourite time of the year.

“Christmas can be sincere, funny, a family tradition, a time to enjoy your favourite food, a chance to give and receive, a day to relax and lots more – whatever it feels like to you,” Aurie tells me.

“I’m a Christian, so in my house, Christmas is mainly a celebration of the birth of Christ. In addition to that, it’s nice to see families get together, people wrap up warm in big winter coats, hats and scarves, and just enjoy the season. All of this is so special to me.”

Comedian Jason Patterson, winner of the Loaded Laftas Rising Star Award, is another top talent on the bill but has a slightly more cynical take on the festive season.

“I love that my birthday is three days after Christmas,” says Jason. “Some people try and get out of buying me a birthday present, telling me ‘well, this can be your Christmas and birthday present all in one’.

“Nah mate! Get a job and buy me two presents.”

A South Londoner, Jason says the hardest thing about playing the Dugdale will be finding it.

London-born Aurie, meanwhile, knows Enfield well, joking: “It was initially full of Londoners that still want the London title to their location, but not the cost of living. So they moved to the outskirts.

“And now, it’s full of people who regretted not just making a real location jump outside the M25, and heading to Hertfordshire, because that cost of living quickly followed them up to the EN postcode like the stink on a baby’s unchanged nappy.

“Merry Christmas ya’ll!”

The other acts on an eclectic bill include Junior Booker, Muhsin Yesilada, Chantel Nash, Josh Faulkner and Nicole Harris.

The evening’s MC is Lateef Lovejoy, who has performed all across the world. He says fans are in for a treat as the festive event is a highlight of the year.

“The Dugdale is our home, Enfield is our family and this is our Christmas party,” says Lateef.

“Our mission is to bring high-quality live stand-up to the area, showcasing established television names and international performers like Aurie alongside the next generation of comedy talent.

“It is going to be a very special Saturday night.”

Resistance Comedy: Jingle Bell Funny plays at the Dugdale Arts Centre in London Road on Saturday, 21st November from 8pm. For more information and to buy tickets for £19.50:
Visit dugdaleartscentre.co.uk/whats-on

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