Established in 2009 with a remit to promote and contribute to Budapest’s vibrant creative scene, Brodyland is, in fact, several hospitality venues in one. Along with unique heritage accommodation, events spaces and a writer’s villa, Brodyland encompasses Brody Studios, a venue for private functions as well as a showcase for regular cultural happenings open to the general public.
With previous appearances here by the likes of Mike Myers and Rowan Atkinson, Brody Studios has a quality pedigree as far as comedy is concerned.
This tradition continues with Laugh, Budapest, Laugh, a regular live comedy series. “These nights are first and foremost community events,” says events manager Kitti Nagy. “People come to have a laugh together. Otherwise, they could easily just watch online recordings in bed.”
Each month, a live show features two top guest performers, usually from the UK, compered by British actor, writer and comedian Dave Thompson. Once part of the most lucrative show in BBC TV history, hit children’s series the Teletubbies, Thompson set up Laugh, Budapest, Laugh four years ago. “It made sense to organise comedy shows in Budapest, as I know so many comedians who are happy to come to this beautiful city to perform,” he explains. “We had our first show at Brody Studios in May 2014, and since then, they have gone from strength to strength.”
As the resident comedian, he kicks off each show to warm up the audience for the night’s guest performers, handpicked by Dave himself. He aims for quality and diversity. “We’ve had acts from China, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen and Egypt. Comedy joins people together, and can transcend religious, racial and nationalist divisions.”
On Wednesday, highly acclaimed comic Josh Howie appears, taking a break from his BBC Radio Award-nominated sitcom Losing It, currently being broadcast on Radio 4. On the same bill is Amsterdam-based Carly Baker, who has been making ’em laugh in Houston, Luxembourg and at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Audiences are cosmopolitan, drawn from Budapest and all over the globe. To make performances as accessible to as many as possible, Thompson aims for an international vibe, something that concerns the jokes themselves. “Some comedians based across the Channel have material that’s a bit too UK-centric, with references that don’t travel well,” he says.
Other similar happenings open to all organised by BrodyLand include Sonic Mondays (music jams, open mic and other musical improve), as well as Story Slam, a spoken-word open mic night where the audience share entertaining stories from their lives. The team are planning more cultural events at Brody Studios for an ever-expanding crowd looking for regular yet varied cultural content. Watch this space.
Laugh, Budapest, Laugh Brody Studios District VI. Vörösmarty utca 38 Wednesday, November 7, 8.30pm Tickets (non-members) 4,000-4,500 forints. Available from the Brody Studios, Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm.
