Last night, the Gudde Wëllen team reopened the doors of the Atelier. The Nasty Comedy Club took care of the entertainment of the hundred or so spectators present for the resumption of francophone stand-up in Luxembourg.
A good dose of laughter was administered to the audience in two 30-minute injections by comedians Morgane Cadignan and Charles Nouveau. And in the syringe, a flurry of jokes certified as Covid-free, or almost.
We say almost, because this evening felt like a glimpse of life before the virus for the venue and the organisers. When entering the former garage, chairs spaced two metres apart, in pairs or alone, are scattered around the room. They are ready to welcome spectators, but it will not yet be a return to normal due to the need to respect the sanitary measures.
A special atmosphere hangs in the room before the public's arrival. Comedian Morgane Cadignan, who also has a daily radio show, explains that he hadn't been on stage for eight months. The radio was not the same because of the lack of social interactions. She particularly missed sharing a few minutes of relaxation with the other comedians performing last night, Nordine Ganso, Jimmy Yudat and Charles Nouveau.
Outside, the audience is waiting and the excitement is overwhelming. In the small 'crowd' acquaintances exchange greetings from afar. There are a few reunions and old habits die hard. Some take cans out of their bags, some crisps, and improvise an aperitif.
The show starts. When she arrives on stage, Morgane Cadignan has the right words to describe the situation: it was like reliving her first time. An experience with its fears, its highs, its lows, its unknowns, its joys and only one desire... to do it again.
Find the programmes of Atelier and the Nasty Comedy Club here.
