An excellent thing is to be found upstairs in the Jericho on Walton Street on Tuesday nights: a small and friendly live comedy club.

Just one node at which a nationwide network of comedy has been expressing itself since its origins in darkest St Andrews in 1995, this Tuesday night Oxford session is a gem of a well-kept secret. The intimacy of the venue is conducive to the feeling that you are sitting in on something big: something you might see on Channel 4 late on a Friday night, for example, broadcast live from Edinburgh or beyond.

Do go there if you are prepared to be very silly and shout with laughter at rude things; don't go there if you are a delicate flower expecting to see Victoria Wood, or to sit in the front and be left to titter quietly. You WILL be taunted, with varying degrees of force. But only the faint-hearted or excessively squeamish will fail to warm to such an amiable battering, and, after all, audience involvement is what stand-up is all about. Sensitive spectators must lurk at the back of the venue. Those at the front must drink more beer.

The excellently dry compere, Silky (whose appearance comfortingly bears no relation to his moniker), guides his audience expertly through the quickfire international and local acts (not only are they firing quickly, but the whole ship is run so tightly that you may be left feeling that each set was just too darn quick. Still, a taster always leaves you wanting more).

One thing that might be noted about the night at the Jericho is the lack of funny women. Admittedly, you might spot some in the audience, but there are always pitifully few on the stage. (Not a new thing to say about stand up in general, it's true, but this doesn't make it less worth saying.) Silky take note: and hunt down some talented ladies.

Doors open at 8pm, the show starts at 9 and it winds up at closing time. It may be wise to call in advance to book a table for however many of you are going along, as space is limited. Tickets are a steal at £5, or £4 for members. Even if you don't agree that comedy is the new sex/drugs/rock'n'roll, you may well find that the Jericho comedy club inspires brand loyalty in a fashion similar to all these commodities.

Su Jordan, March 2002