Nightingale flies in to host Beat the Frog as new comedy talent shines

Penwortham born comedian and star of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe is on fire as he introduces 10 brilliant new acts at amateur night, Beat the Frog – the talent night he originally dreamed up – at the Frog and Bucket comedy club in his own home town
Dan Nightingale at Frog and BucketDan Nightingale at Frog and Bucket
Dan Nightingale at Frog and Bucket

Preston comic Dan Nightingale returned to the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club this week to introduce some more stars of the future.

The Penwortham-born funnyman, who took his show Love in a Time of Cholesterol to the Edinburgh Festival this year, introduced 10 sparkling new amateur comics at the Lord’s Walk club’s regular talent night, Beat the Frog.

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Funnyman Darren King opened the proceedings, followed by Clayton Jones, Mark Fitz, Chris Richardson, Eddie Fortune, Gaye Jones and Mark Williams.

Then previous Beat The Frog winner Jo D’Arcy went down a storm before the night was rounded off by sets from Jim Bayes and Paul Imrie.

But it was Dan himself who was the big hit of the evening. The comic has a long history with the comedy club – he began as a barman at the Manchester branch, before becoming their booking agent.

He then helped to launch the original Beat the Frog nights in Manchester and acted as host there before becoming their regular weekend compere.

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When the Preston Frog and Bucket first opened, he was first on stage, hosting the very first night at the Lord’s Walk venue.

And this week, buoyed up by performing in front of his home crowd, the funnyman turned in a blistering 
performance.

Frog and Bucket manager Jemma Ward said: “Dan was absolutely marvellous – he was definitely on form!

“It turned into more of a Dan Nightingale show instead of Beat the Frog.

“It was a really great line up last night – but I think Dan beat them all!”

The audience voted comedian Paul Imrie the winner on the night.

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