Comedian Steve Gribbin to play homecoming gig in Crosby

Mar 17 2011 by Jamie Bowman, Crosby Herald

IT’S not often comedian Steve Gribbin gets to play a home town gig but that is exactly what the ex-St Mary’s Grammar School boy will be doing when he appears at Marine’s new comedy night.

Since first appearing on stage aged 13 in a Lytham St Anne’s talent contest (“I came third behind a Donny Osmond impersonator and a spoons player,” laughs Steve), the comic has become one of the most well-known faces on the UK stand-up scene, appearing at Glastonbury Festival 20 times and becoming a regular at London’s legendary Comedy Store.

“It’s great to be back in Crosby and there will be lots of jokes about the local area,” says Steve.

“I’ve played in Liverpool lots of times but there has hardly been anywhere to appear around here so it’s great that Marine are hosting this night.

“I’ve got fond memories of the place and remember when Jason McAteer used to play for them.

“I used to play bass in a band and one time we appeared at Marine, I’ll never forget the barman came up to me and said ‘a bass player should be seen and not heard’!”

Music has played a big part in Steve’s comedy with his satirical musical comedy duo ‘Skint Video’ appearing on TV many times throughout the ‘90s.

“When I started, musical comedy was not that fashionable and my heroes were people like Billy Connolly, Mike Harding and Les Dawson.

“Nowadays it’s big news and you’ve got Tim Minchin and Flight of the Conchords but I was there first!”

Steve spent years honing his act on small stages and he’s unsure about the number of comics who seem to be entering the business as a career option.

“When I started there were no DVDs or constant TV exposure. I’m not naming names but it seems lots of comedians just want to be TV presenters.

“Comedy isn’t something you can just learn. It’s like creative writing – until you try it you don’t know you can do it and my advice to anyone is to get up on stage and just have a go.”

Mirth at Marine takes place next Thursday (March 24) in the College Suite at the Arriva Stadium, College Road.

Comedian and actor Brendan Riley will again host the show, doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8.45pm.

Tickets cost just £6. 0151-924-1743.