This Review is from August 2026

Stamptown is an adult variety show that borrows from alternative comedy, cabaret, circus and burlesque.

Zach Zucker is our host. The comedian, actor, dancer and Philippe Gaulier trained clown rarely leaves the stage for this 80 minute mashup. I imagine that we are meant to think that the other acts are ganging up on him, but the audience are left in little doubt that this is Zach’s show.

The guest performers change nightly, so there’s little point in critiquing them too closely. And yet… tonight I could really do with a little less Mr Cardboard (imagine what a clown called Mr Cardboard would do as an act and you are there). One wonders if somebody else hasn’t turned up and he is just filling in.

There are too many in-jokes. Zach’s former comedy partner, the brilliant, Viggo Venn makes a couple of cameo appearances that only make sense if you know their shared history. And sometimes I feel like the host and the folk on the sound-desk are sharing a private joke of their own.

With all that said, there is still much to enjoy. Professional circus, professional comedians and professional burlesque that goes all the way. The best of Stamptown is absolutely brilliant.

Martin Walker