insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 08 - October 2015 | Page 17

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

laughter

IS THE
BEST MEDICINE

Comedy in the South East
It’s an oldie but a goodie (like many jokes, when you think about it) because this
saying actually has its roots in fact. Laughter – be it loud LOLs or quiet little giggles
– really does make us feel better. It’s the ideal stress reliever, and although it can’t
cure everything, it will give you the positive outlook needed to fight infection and
disease, as well as making you happy in the here and now.

Laughter changes you both mentally and –
incredibly – physically too. Laughter makes your
lungs work differently, and allows you to take in
more oxygen which in turn gets your heart, lungs,
muscles, and brain firing on all cylinders. After a
good laughing workout, you’ll be ready to take
on anything, and you’ll feel good while you’re
doing it because the endorphins (happy
hormones) in your body have been released and
are running riot. In the long run, laughter actually
improves your immune system; when you laugh
(or when you think positive thoughts) molecules
called neuropeptides are released into the body.
These little critters fight against stress and can
even ease some feelings of depression and
anxiety.

So, now that you know why it’s so good to laugh,
here are some fantastic venues and shows across
the South East that will tickle your funny bone
and get those good feelings happening!

Wait, there’s more! Laughter also eases pain.
Our amazing bodies can release a natural
painkiller, but sometimes it can take a while to
get it working. Laughing when in pain speeds up
the process. So next time it hurts, think of
something funny, and you’ll find it doesn’t hurt
as much anymore!

Blackstock Farm, Hellingly
Blackstock is a nature-friendly farm and unique
events venue nestled in the heart of the Sussex
countryside near a designated area of outstanding
natural beauty. Its legendary live comedy nights
showcase the best of the area’s talent with a
brilliant atmosphere, gourmet food, and sidesplitting laughs.
www.blackstockfarm.co.uk

Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead
This purpose-built theatre in East Grinstead is a
fantastic live comedy venue, attracting many
superb acts that will have you rolling in the aisles.
Upcoming evenings include an evening with Sue
Hodge (Mimi Lebonq from ’Allo ’Allo), and the
ever popular East Grinstead Christmas Comedy
Gala (featuring Kerry Godliman, Doc Brown, Rhys
James, and James McGill).
www.chequermead.org.uk

17

The Walnut Tree, Maidstone
The Walnut Tree offers a variety of live
entertainment, including regular comedy nights.
Over 300 years old, this Kentish pub has a lot of
history to it, but there is a definite modern
approach to the entertainment – sit back in style,
sup some fine local ales (The Walnut Tree is the
proud holder of the Cask Marque), eat some
delicious p ub grub, and laugh the night away.
www.thewalnuttreemaidstone.com
The Black Cat Club at Westcoast, Margate
Westcoast is Thanet’s premier multifunctional
venue, bar, and Caribbean Tapas eatery located
at the heart of Margate Oldtown. With three
separate rooms you can enjoy the best in live
entertainment as well as mouth-watering
Caribbean food. The Black Cat Club itself provides
a platform for new and established variety acts
in addition to offering a wide choice of retro
clubbing culture for those who expect a little
more from a night out.
www.westcoastlive.co.uk