Rhostio’s monthly comedy night proved once again why it’s becoming one of the city’s most reliable spots for up-and-coming stand-up. Hosted by Joe Dehuai, the evening unfolded in three fast-paced sections featuring four acts. Each brought a distinct voice and an ability to turn the cosy café setting into something that felt surprisingly electric.
Dehuai was central to that energy. His crowdwork was exceptional, peppering the room with questions and warming up even the shy corners of the audience. He lit up the room with an ease that set the tone for every act that followed.
The café itself added to the charm. Rhostio’s intimate layout makes it almost impossible not to feel involved, and their drinks only deepen that relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Their matcha–vodka cocktail sounded questionable on paper but turned out to be a standout surprise, and the sticky toffee pudding and lemon drizzle cake showed a level of care and consistency beyond my expectations.
It’s the kind of venue that retains its charm well after the event has concluded.
The night opened with a comedian whose self-deprecating, autobiographical humour set the tone for the evening’s theme of identity-driven comedy. He played with the everyday absurdities of life in a wheelchair, constantly circling back to dating disasters and even exploring what sex might look like between two wheelchair users.
His mixed background allowed him to play with racial language in a way that felt conversational— reminiscent of a friend musing over the quirks and contradictions of daily life.
His set was relaxed but sharp and the audience warmed to him immediately.
The second act was a queer comedian whose set revolved around graphic sex jokes, intertwined with commentary on modern identity and the contradictions of “woke culture”.
Much of her material drew on familiar Cardiff experiences, giving even the raunchier moments a relatable edge. Her brisk pacing and confident delivery offered a lively counterpoint to the opener and maintained the room’s energy.
The third act, a Mexican woman, brought some of the night’s biggest laughs through a mix of cultural humour and dating comparisons.
She joked about growing up in Mexico, played with the tired stereotype of immigrants “stealing jobs”, and likened it all to navigating romance. Her delivery was confident and she added another layer to the evening’s unintentional theme: each act speaking from a distinct identity without it ever feeling forced or tokenistic.
The headliner, Jack, tied the night together with an animated, story-driven set.
Self-aware and effortlessly in command of the room, he demonstrated a talent for spontaneous reactions—genuinely quick-witted rather than scripted. Jack clearly knew how to build a narrative and lean into the crowd’s energy, capping off the night with a confident charisma that elevated the whole evening.
Before wrapping up, Dehuai awarded a prize to the audience’s favourite crowd member.
This was a small but charming gesture that added to the sense of community that Rhostio seems to cultivate so naturally.
Overall, the comedy night delivered far more than its modest setting suggests. It was diverse and energetic, with a host who kept the atmosphere vibrant and performers who weren’t afraid to dig into their own identities for material. If you’re after laughs that actually land, it’s easily one of the best-value nights out in the city.