How amazing has this year’s Southport Comedy Festival been!
We have loved seeing star names such as Russell Kane, Rich Hall, Tom Stade, Hal Cruttenden, Paul Sinha, Tez Ilyas, and admired top new talent through the Southport New Comedian of the Year.
Good news – there are still more top comedians to come!
Tonight sees around 300 NHS and care staff treated to a free Comedy Bingo night out, courtesy of Anthony James Estate Agents in Southport, to thank them for all they have done during the pandemic.
They will be very closely followed this week by: Geoff Norcott; Ed Byrne; Mark Thomas; a Comedy Bingo Night to raise money for Southport Flower Show; Steve Royle’s Variety Performance; and then a Festival finale by Reginald D Hunter with Jo Caulfield.
Book your tickets at: www.southportcomedyfestival.com
Courtesy of Elite Marquees this year’s festival will be staged in a giant luxury marquee in Victoria Park, home of the world-renowned Southport Flower Show, until Sunday (17th October). The event is sponsored by Anthony James Estate Agents.
Festival Director Brendan Riley said: “There will be comedy for all ages and tastes. So turn off your TV, grab your coat and join us for some real live comedy!”
Tuesday 12th October
Comedy Bingo – Eyes Down, Thumbs Up for the NHS
Comedy Bingo in association with Anthony James Estate Agents present this highly interactive show exclusively for NHS workers and Care Home Staff hosted by comedian Brendan Riley, “Bouncy and engaging” – The Scotsman.
Be prepared for a night of laughs, prizes and excitement.
It is our way of saying a massive “Thank You” to our NHS heroes. We have limited capacity, so you must book your tickets in advance.
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: Free to NHS and Care Home Staff (see website for details)
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Wednesday 13th October
Geoff Norcott – I Blame the Parents
‘I Blame the Parents’ is the fourth national tour for Geoff Norcott, following on the back of ‘Conswervative’, ‘Traditionalism’ and ‘Taking Liberties’.
This time Geoff talks less politics (alright, there will probably be a bit), but this brand-new show will mostly explore personal responsibility, parenting and who should take the blame when things go wrong.
As seen on The Last Leg, Would I Lie to You?, Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, The Mash Report, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Katherine Ryan’s The Duchess.
“Sets himself apart from the liberal commentariat with a sharp self-knowing wit” – Dominic Maxwell, The Times
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £15
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Thursday 14th October
Ed Byrne – If I’m Honest
Ed Byrne. Photo by Idil Sukan
Ed Byrne brings his masterclass in observational comedy to Southport Comedy Festival. Join him as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has ANY traits that are worth passing on to his children.
“He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you smile, he’ll make you want to fall in love with him” – The Stage
A TV household name, in the past year Ed has appeared on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, The Pilgrimage, Top Gear and QI.
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £25
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Friday 15th October
Mark Thomas – 50 Things About Us
Mark uses his trademark style of storytelling, stand-up, subversion and really, really, well researched material to try and find out how the hell we ended up in the middle of this shit show.
50 Things About Us is a show about songs, gongs, loot, tradition, wigs, nicking, statues, art and identity. A sort of funny national edition of Who Do You Think You Are?
“Righteous, moving and funny… Mark Thomas should be on prescription” – The Herald
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £15
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Saturday 16th October
Bingo Nights presents Disco Bingo
Raising Money for Southport Flower Show
Eyes Down for a fabulous night of fundraising for Southport Flower Show with this truly interactive event. Disco Bingo is exactly what it says on the tin; a full night of traditional style Disco and Bingo but with a modern twist!
Guaranteed to get the whole room up and dancing, classic disco hits are triggered when certain bingo numbers are called. The entire evening is peppered with music and good-natured banter provided by comedian and presenter Brendan Riley.
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £10
Age Restriction: 18+
Sunday 17th October
The (Steve) Royle Variety Performance
Britain’s Got Talent 2020 finalist, comedian, juggler and variety star Steve Royle brings his Royle Variety Performance to the Southport Comedy Festival for a fun-filled hour of entertainment for all the family.
Steve spent many years supporting the likes of Peter Kay, Dave Spikey, Mick Miller, Roy Walker and The Lancashire Hotpots on tour. TV appearance’s include Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere, Peter Kay’s Britain’s Got The Pop Factor.
“A Brilliant Comedian” – Peter Kay
“A comedy masterclass!” – The Stage
Door: 1pm, Show: 2pm
Price: £12 Adults, £6 Children
Sunday 17th October
Best of the Fest Featuring Reginald D Hunter and Jo Caulfield
Reginald D Hunter and Jo Caulfield
Join two of the comedy industry’s most celebrated comedians as they come together for one fantastic night of comedy to close this year’s Southport Comedy Festival.
Reginald D Hunter
Reginald’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV have garnered him a cross-generational fan base. His many TV appearances have included Have I Got News for You? QI, Live at the Apollo and two series of the BBC2’s hugely popular Reginald D Hunter’s Songs of the South & Songs of the Border.
“A cerebral comedian with every performative grace in his back pocket” – Voice Magazine
Jo Caulfield
Although best known for her legendary one-woman shows Jo has also won a BAFTA for her TV writing. TV appearances include Have I Got News for You, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
“One of the finest female comics at work”- The Observer
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £15
Age Restriction: 18+
Book your Southport Comedy Festival tickets and discover more details at: www.southportcomedyfestival.com
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