Comedy, Community and Kindness: A Fabulous Night at The Corn Exchange

Well, what a night that was! Dani and I braved the torrential rain on Friday for a very special evening — a Comedy Lock-In at the Stowaway Bar, tucked inside The Corn Exchange. It turned out to be one of those nights that warms your heart, tickles your ribs, and reminds you just how brilliant Newport can be when we all come together.

Tonight was a fabulous relaunch for The Newport Escape Rooms and a fundraiser for the wonderful Little Princess Trust, the charity that creates real-hair wigs for children who’ve lost their hair through cancer treatment.

And speaking of hair… our host and Escape Rooms Newport owner Chris Chopping (along with his lovely wife Ellie) made quite the statement! Chris had his long, luscious locks chopped off right there — yes, in front of us all — and is donating them to the charity. It was honestly such a touching moment, and there was a lot of laughter, too. 

Despite the biblical weather, the Stowaway Bar was packed to the rafters — not an empty seat in sight. We could feel the buzz from the moment we walked in. And then came the big reveal: the new home of Escape Rooms Newport will be right here in The Corn Exchange! How perfect is that? They’re even launching an exciting Kickstarter next week, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

Chris, our MC for the night, was on top form — really, really funny! He kept the crowd in stitches between acts and had that lovely local touch that makes you feel like you’re among friends.

First up was Swansea comedian Josh Elton, a whirlwind of Welsh wit and energy. Honestly, he bounced around that stage like he’d had one too many energy drinks, and his jokes about Scouse cows had us howling. 

Eagerly anticipated headliner Kev Mud took to the stage — a British Comedian of the Year finalist and Glastonbury main stage alumnus, no less! He has an intoxicating mix of surreal stand-up and social conscience that just works. Warm, self-deprecating, utterly charming — imagine if your funniest mate from the pub suddenly started winning comedy awards. That’s Kev.

At the end of the evening, I caught up with him for a quick chat, and he said something that really stuck with me: “It’s all about heart and community.” And you know what? That summed up the entire evening perfectly.