THERE were a couple of one-trick ponies and a collection of "My Little" ones at the Other Side Comedy Club last night.

Enthusiastically compered by amiable host Dan Atkinson, the club carried on its autumn season in style. First up was languid Gary Delaney, who delivered a package of first-class one-liners ("I crossed the picket line at the National Eczema Society - everyone shouted scab" and "I hate people who phone me up to complain about the weather which is why I lost my job at Mountain Rescue").

It was only when Delaney switched to audience interaction that he became bogged down. More of those eclectic puns were needed, not aimless banter about shopping. Delaney may well be a one-trick pony, but it's a fantastic trick, and he should stick to it.

Owen Niblock's trick wasn't quite so impressive, but his surreal tales of animal cruelty, particularly when set to music, were just twisted enough to hold the attention of an increasingly sluggish audience. Headliner Russell Brand failed to show up, but the breach was filled by 2004 Perrier Best Newcomer award-winner Will Hodgson.

Hodgson, sporting a pink Mohican and copious tattoos, cut a rather alarming figure but it was the incongruous account of his My Little Pony collection ("sorted in order of cuteness", of course) that supplied the laughs. Delivered in a stream-of-consciousness monotone, Hodgson's material was far more subtle than the audience had any right to expect, even if his portrayal of gutter life was at times more drama than comedy.

A satisfying evening. The pace at the Other Side continues at a gallop.

Updated: 15:53 Monday, September 13, 2004