An avid gym goer and Baltimore resident, Allan Sidley has recently established a new workout routine. Every two months he goes to his local health club, walks past the cardio area, ignores the Olympic weight room, and jumps onto the stage of a fitness studio to host and perform a live comedy show.
Although a relatively new showcase, it’s already gotten rave reviews from gym members and guests alike. “It was funny, fast-paced and lively, showcasing a great range of comics, while giving each person enough room to show off.” and “I liked the added tension of a pending exercise, it was a fun twist that gave the night connective tissue.”
While hosting comedy at the Maryland Athletic Club (MAC) is a new foray for Sidley, it’s been an extremely positive experience. The show is called Laugh Your Abs Off. It takes place on Thursday, October 3. Doors open at 6:30. The show starts at 7 p.m.
“It’s refreshing being in an upbeat space where all kinds of people are exercising and trying to better themselves before catching our show,” Sidley said.
“If I step outside the showroom for a minute to settle my nerves,” he added. “I might see someone running on a treadmill or lifting weights, whereas at a typical show, I’d see someone drowning their sorrows at the bar. Ultimately it’s a little more uplifting without trying to be.”
So, what is a show at a gym like? Between the unique blend of acts and help from the production team, it feels like a comedy club. Stage lights are hung from the ceiling, a microphone is plugged into the surround sound, and the space is transformed with a backdrop curtain.
“Once the show starts the only reminder, you’re in a gym is the walled mirror in the fitness studio, which helps create some great visuals.”
As for the format, Sidley is always tinkering. “Currently my comedy group Senior Mints opens the show by playing improv games similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway.”
He added “It’s a great way for us to interact with the crowd and get the fun started. Then I have a few comedians perform along with some members of Senior Mints who also do stand-up. I always throw in some kind of fitness-related gag, too.”
During the last show, the comics (including Sidley) performed with a dumbbell attached to the microphone. “That’s a workout,” he said, “I won’t be repeating.”
For those interested in attending a show, there are a few extra perks — MAC members get in for free, and everyone gets a couple of slices of pizza and some wine for free. Don’t worry — you’ll laugh off the calories! The cost for non-members is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Please check out the link for the show: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comedy-showcase-at-the-mac-featuring-free-wine-and-pizza-tickets-1002529371337
