The Old Woollen continues to prove why it’s one of Sunny Bank Mills’ most loved multi-use venues.
Known for hosting everything from live music and weddings to Christmas markets, its comedy nights are quickly becoming a standout part of the programme, and this particular evening was a perfect example of why.
From the moment we walked in, the night had a fantastic communal feel. Instead of the usual theatre-style rows, the audience was seated at a mixture of long and round tables, instantly creating a relaxed, social atmosphere that felt more like a shared celebration than a traditional comedy show. With a theatrical white, silky backdrop draped behind the stage, the room was set and ready for a stacked line-up of local and well-travelled comedians.
Hosting the night was Phil Walker, who did a brilliant job as MC, expertly keeping the flow of the evening tight while maintaining high spirits throughout. His crowd work was hilarious and genuinely personal, particularly when he clocked a couple who had travelled all the way from Kendal to Leeds for the show, clearly knowing they were in for a good night.
Phil was easily a contender for best comic of the evening, striking the perfect balance between warm host and standout performer.
Opening the night was Paul Piri, a Scottish (…but who knows?) comedian with a wonderfully eccentric, Robin Williams-esque energy. His set felt like a frantic, hilarious monologue, millions of thoughts stitched together in a way that somehow worked beautifully. Helicopter sound effects mid-rant, elephant impressions whenever he remembered a tattoo on his arm, and bursts of physical comedy brought an infectious energy to the room.
Beneath the chaos, his jokes touched on sobriety, mental health and intrusive thoughts, blending old-school one-liners with genuinely thought-provoking observations. The pairing of heavier themes with noise, impressions and different voices made everything feel lighter, without losing its impact.
After the interval, Phil Walker returned to warm the crowd some more, before introducing the second act, Dee Allum. Dee, a trans woman whose most recent show is titled Deadname, was a brilliant booking and clearly well-loved within the comedy circuit. Having shared line-ups with the likes of Rosie Jones and Nish Kumar, appeared on ITV comedy shows, and regularly popping up at Top Secret Comedy Club, she feels destined for even bigger stages. I can already see a Taskmaster seat waiting for her.
Dee’s material focuses on relationships and navigating the world as a trans woman, delivered with warmth, sharp wit and honesty. Her stories—particularly about dealing with HR departments who really don’t think before they speak, were both painfully relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. Her anecdotes about mastering the Yorkshire language had the entire room in stitches, and the affection from the audience was clear when she walked through the crowd after the show, receiving plenty of well-earned praise.
Closing the night was headliner Jack Gleadow (rhymes with Meadow), who was absolutely fantastic. His set had a strong 90s feel, with a charming hint of seaside holiday entertainer energy. By mixing music samples, film soundbites and clever wordplay, Jack elevated the show to another level, with theatrics turned all the way up.
His fast-paced, silly style landed perfectly, and the highlight was undoubtedly getting two audience members up on stage for a performance that Peter Kay himself would have been proud of.
Overall, The Old Woollen did a brilliant job of bringing the community together for a night of proper laughter. The audience was wonderfully mixed—families with older teenagers, couples on date nights, and groups of friends enjoying drinks and the show together. Even while sticking to Dry January, the experience didn’t miss a beat, and the ample parking at Sunny Bank Mills (with my car literally ten steps from the door) was an added bonus.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday night while discovering new comedians in a welcoming, communal setting, The Old Woollen’s comedy nights are well worth booking.
Photography by Holly Hemingway. Main image: Jack Gleadow.
