FOR Funnybone Comedy Club, Richard Morton was where it all began.

The Geordie comedian was the first ever act to appear at Centre Stage and in tribute to their maiden performer, his poster has been adorning the back wall ever since.

So there was a sense of occasion about his return on Friday night when Funnybone welcomed him back as the first of three acts for the evening.

Accompanied by his guitar, Morton’s material was original and lively. His songs about the Royals were brilliant and his comedy versions of classic rock tunes had the audience in stitches.

He put hecklers in their place and riffed off the audience without being mean – testament to his quick wit.

It was a tough act to follow, but Tom Allen soon picked up where Morton left off.

His posh and overtly camp delivery was superb and for the first half of his set he had the audience keeling over. His observational, self-deprecating humour was a winner; until he played the gay card. Then his material fell a bit flat, gradually receding into gay cliché territory.

A poor end to a hilarious first half.

The final act was Aussie comedian Yianni, who was having one of those nights - treading water through much of the set, staying afloat with the odd gag.

He didn’t seem too familiar with his material either and dealt poorly with hecklers. Very awkward.

Yianni redeemed himself towards the end with material about sex, but ultimately he made stand up look very difficult.