The full line-up has been revealed for the 2024 Southport Comedy Festival in association with Halliwell Jones MINI.
The growing annual event will see some of the biggest names in comedy joining some of the circuit’s fastest rising stars for 17 days of laughter from 27th September to 13th October 2024.
The entire festival will be staged for a fourth year in a giant luxury heated and seated marquee courtesy of Elite Marquees in Victoria Park, home of the world-renowned Southport Flower Show.
Thousands of comedy goers came along over the last three years to enjoy the festival in a marquee and the feedback has been so good that it is all happening again but this time it’s bigger and better than ever.
The star studded line-up includes undisputed godfather of modern stand-Up Ben Elton, TV superstar Jason Manford, Persian Comedy Powerhouse Omid Djalili, German comedy ambassador Henning Wehn, festival favourites Jason Byrne, Jimeoin, godfather of political comedy Mark Thomas and star of ITV’S The Chase Paul Sinha ‘The Sinnerman’, comedy stars of TV Jo Caulfield, Hal Cruttenden, Ria Lina, Patrick Monahan, comedy circuit favourites The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review, rising local star Katie Tracey, host of smash hit podcast ‘Have a Word’, Dan Nightingale and comedy legend Mick Miller.
The Southport New Comedian of the Year finlaists
Southport Comedy Festival is also supporting the stars of tomorrow with the return of the Southport New Comedian of the Year Competition, sponsored for a third year by Dragon Soop. This event is always a highlight of the festival.
The festival is proud to support charity fundraising. This year the event will be ‘raising money while raising a smile’ with special charity events planned for two great local charities Community Link Foundation and Southport Flower Show.
Southport Comedy Festival Director Brendan Riley said:
“Once more we are extremely grateful to our fantastic local and national sponsors.
“Without their support we just couldn’t bring you such great comedy year after year.
“So folks, come along to the Southport Comedy Festival this autumn and Keep Southport Smiling!”
Visit southportcomedyfestival.com for full line-up, information and direct links to book tickets.
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Friday 27th September 2024
Comedy Bingo sponsored by Anthony James Estate Agents
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Guests at the Comedy Bingo night raising money for the Community Link Foundation
Raising funds for Community Link Foundation
Eyes Down for a fabulous night of fun(draising) for a fantastic local charity Community Link Foundation with this truly hilarious and unique event!
Comedy Bingo is a highly interactive show hosted by comedian Brendan Riley, “bouncy and engaging” The Scotsman
Sell out show festival 2022 and 2023
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £10
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Saturday 28th September 2024
Mark Thomas
Gaffa Tapes
Mark Thomas photo by Steve Ullathorne
Jokes, rants, politics, play and the occasional sing-song.
If you don’t know what he does, ask your parents.
In his time he has won awards (current total is now officially ‘f**kloads’), forced a politician to resign, changed laws on tax and protest, become Guinness Book of Records world record holder for number of protests in 24 hours, taken the police to court three times and won, walked the length of the Israeli Wall in the West Bank and generally mucked about trying to have fun and f**k the right people off.
“Mark Thomas in essence, is a brilliant investigative journalist disguised as a comedian…very funny indeed” Daily Telegraph
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £18.50
Age Restriction: 16+PG
Sunday 29th September 2024
Big Comedy UK Presents Best of the Fest featuring Jo Caulfield and Hal Cruttenden Sponsored by SB Patel
Two of the comedy industry’s most celebrated comedians and stars of TV and Radio come together for one fantastic night of comedy as part of this year’s Southport Comedy Festival.
Jo Caulfield
“Quite simply one of the most consistently funny and creative comics in the country” Guardian
Hal Cruttenden “An absolute joy to watch…fabulous” The Scotsman
As seen on Have I Got News for You (BBC1), Mock The Week (BBC2), Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Live at the Apollo (BBC2).
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £17
Age Restriction: 18+
Tuesday 1st October 2024
Big Comedy UK Presents An Evening With Mick Miller
Mick Miller. Picture by Andy Hollingworth Archive
Join us for a very special night with comedy legend Mick Miller, one of our most treasured entertainers who has been at the top of his game for over 40 years. Often referred to as “The bald guy with the long hair,” Mick first came to prominence in the 70’s on the iconic ITV show ‘The Comedians’ but remains as relevant and funny today, he is one of the few comedians of his generation who has made the transition onto the alternative circuit, creating a younger fan base along the way.
This will be a masterclass in stand-up comedy not to be missed.
As seen in Kings of Comedy (Ch4), They Think It’s All Over (BBC1), Comedy World Cup (Ch4), John Bishop’s Only Joking (Sky1), Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford (ITV), Last Laugh in Vegas (ITV), and The Royal Variety Performance (ITV).
Plus support
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £15
Age Restriction: 18+
Wednesday 2nd October 2024
Dan Nightingale and Fiends
Dan Nightingale
After two hugely successful national comedy tours, host of the smash-hit Have A Word Podcast Dan Nightingale is doing something a little different in 2024: He’s hosting a run of shows with some of his favourite comedians on the bill.
With Dan doing what he does best and some of his very funny Stand-Up friends (or fiends) smashing sets… you won’t want to miss out, these shows will be the very best type of comedy mayhem.
This show features Mike Rice, Eshaan Akbar and Dean Coughlin with Dan hosting
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £15
Age Restriction: 18+
Thursday 3rd October 2024
Henning Wehn
Acid Wehn
Henning Wehn is bringing his Acid Wehn tour to Southport Comedy Festival
Award-deserving German Comedy Ambassador Henning Wehn takes an unbiased look at climate change, a topic sure to delight audiences and no surprise. After all, everyone loves talking about the weather. Rain or shine, all will be fine. Or maybe it won’t. Who knows?! Come along. Or else.
“Wehn has given us an understanding of German quirks” King Charles III
“You couldn’t make it up” Henning himself
Henning’s most recent television and radio appearances include Have I Got News For You (BBC1), Would I Lie To You (BBC1), Live At The Apollo (BBC2), Guessable (Comedy Central), Question Time (BBC1), 8 Out Of Cats Does Countdown (Ch4), Fighting Talk (BBC Radio 5 Live) and The Unbelievable Truth (BBC Radio 4).
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £24.50
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Friday 4th October 2024
Big Comedy UK Presents Best of the Fest Sponsored by Acorn Insurance
Featuring The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review, Katie Tracey, Patrick Monahan and host Brendan Riley
Join us for a fantastic night of live comedy with a triple headline show.
Award winning The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Revue, highly original masters of prop and pun comedy. Excellent, fast-moving, clever, constantly changing, hilarious, musical nonsense. Winner UK Comedy Award Comedian of the Year as voted by fellow comedians.
“This is comedy that reminds us why we go out to see live shows” The Scotsman
Patrick Monahan – Show me the funny, Splash (ITV) and Celebrity squares (ITV) and more recently on The One Show (BBC), Fake Reaction (ITV), Pointless celebrity special (BBC) and Asian Network (BBC).
“Rip roaringly funny” One4Review
Katie Tracey Liverpool’s own fast rising star is regarded as one of the best female comedians in the Northwest, Funny Women Awards runner up, support act to Arthur Smith.
“Affable, cheeky and fun, but most importantly bloody funny” Blackpool Comedy Club
Hosted by Brendan Riley
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £15
Age Restriction: 18+
Saturday 5th October 2024
Bingo Nights UK Presents 80’s Disco Bingo
Raising Money for Southport Flower Show
Disco Bingo
Prepare yourself for a blast back to the 80s!
Eyes Down for a fabulous night of fundraising for Southport Flower Show with this truly interactive event. 80’s Disco Bingo is exactly what it says on the tin; a full night of Disco and Bingo but with a modern twist! Featuring all the 80’s hits guaranteed to get the whole room up and dancing.
Fancy Dress is not mandatory but it is certainly encouraged!
RELAX! PLAY BINGO! WHEN YOU WANT TO HAVE FUN!
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £10
Age Restriction: 18+
Sunday 6th October 2024
Southport New Comedian of the Year 2024 Grand Final
Sponsored by Dragon Soop
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Halls of the Ridiculous, winners of Southport New Comedian of the Year sponsored by Dragon Soop
The competition, now in its 14th Year, will again search the nation for 8 aspiring comedians to compete to become the next Southport New Comedian of the Year.
Dragon Soop and The Southport Comedy Festival are proud to encourage new talent and help them become the stars of tomorrow. Choosing just one winner from an array of comedy talent won’t be easy.
Hosted by Brendan Riley “A born compere” The Guardian
Dragon Soop should only be consumed by adults aged 18+. Please enjoy responsibly
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £5
Age Restriction: 18+
Tuesday 8th October 2024
Jason Manford
A Manford All Seasons Work In Progress
Jason Manford
Join Jason as he steps back on stage to try out brand new material ahead of his UK & Ireland Arena Tour.
Jason’s been busy since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit.
Big Night of Musicals (ITV1), New Year’s Eve Show (ITV1), Waterloo Road (BBC One) Starstruck (ITV1), First & Last (BBC One), The Masked Singer (ITV1), What Would Your Kid Do? (ITV1), Olivier Awards (ITV1), Scarborough (BBC One), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), The Nightly Show (ITV1), Sunday Night at the Palladium (ITV1), Live at the Apollo (BBC One), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), QI (BBC Two) and The Royal Variety Performance (ITV1) have all helped establish Jason as a nationally known comic.
Plus support
Door: 6.30pm, Show: 7.30pm
Price: £22.50
Age Restriction: 14+ PG
Wednesday 9th October 2024
Ben Elton
Authentic Stupidity
Ben Elton
Ben Elton, the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is going back on the road with his new show – Authentic Stupidity and bringing it to the Southport Comedy Festival.
Ben first exploded into the national consciousness back in the 1980’s, hosting Channel 4’s ground breaking Saturday Live and has been setting the standard for gag filled, taboo busting, tonsil rattling, mind expanding stand-up comedy ever since!
“Just give him a stage and a microphone and Ben Elton is the best. No contest” The Sunday Times
“Elton’s timing and phrasing remain impeccable, his structure is masterly” Daily Telegraph
“There is nothing, absolutely nothing, to beat Ben Elton live!” Evening Standard
“Vital, relevant and passionate” The Scotsman
Door: 6.30pm, Show: 7.30pm
Price: £32.50
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Thursday 10th October 2024
Jimeoin
Who’s Your Man?!
Jimeoin is appearing at Southport Comedy Festival
Live comedy’s internationally acclaimed Jimeoin returns with a hilarious evening of World-Class stand-up on his brilliantly funny new tour show ‘Who’s Your Man?!’
Yours might be one of the hundreds of millions of views of his online comedy clips, or perhaps you’ve seen his fantastic TV appearances on ‘Live at the Apollo’, ‘The Royal Variety Performance’ or ‘Conan O’Brien’… but NOTHING beats seeing this Irish observational joke-master where he is most at home – live-on-stage!
Jimeoin’s cheeky no-gimmicks and superbly observed sense of humour, has won him many awards, with his wide appeal and great craic keeping audiences in stitches across the globe.
“Hilarious… If laughter is the best medicine, Jimeoin is a course of steroids…. Don’t you miss it!” Edinburgh Evening News
“Wickedly funny…The comedy greats make it seem effortless and Jimeoin doesn’t disappoint…Exhilarating’ !!!!½” The Age, Australia
Plus support
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £19.50
Age Restriction: 16+ PG
Friday 11th October 2024
Omid Djalili
Namaste
Omid Djalili is coming to the Southport Comedy Festival
The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show NAMASTE where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet.
No government gets a green card. No tyrant avoids a take down. No audience member leaves the theatre with an ounce of laughter left in them.
You have been warned.
“So hysterically funny and at the same time so poignant and powerful that calling it stand-up barely does it justice” Michael Levin, Huffington Post
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £28
Age Restriction: 16+PG
Saturday 12th October 2024
Jason Byrne
No Show
Southport Comedy Festival 2023. Jason Byrne
There’s no show like a Jason Byrne No Show.
No Show is a show with no comedy safety net. By the end of No Show you’ll have experienced a once in a lifetime show or No Show.
Jason, along with the audience, will begin No Show with no show whatsoever. Witness Jason use his infamous audience interactions with a sprinkle of props, both on and off the stage, to create No Show!
Your “Full on, double-up, gasping-for-oxygen hilarious” Chortle.co.uk
No Show will never be repeated.
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £26.50
Age Restriction: 14+PG
Sunday 13th October 2024
Big Comedy UK Presents Best of the Fest Featuring Paul Sinha and Ria Lina
Join two of the comedy industry’s most celebrated comedians as they come together for one fantastic night of comedy as part of this year’s Southport Comedy Festival.
Paul Sinha
Best known as The Sinnerman on ITV’s The Chase. Paul is a Rose d’Or Award winner for radio comedy, and Chortle Award winner and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee for his stand-up. Paul is a familiar voice on radio appearing on Just a Minute (BBC R4), The News (BBC R4) Quiz and Fighting Talk (BBC 5 Live). On television, Paul has appeared on QI (BBC2), Would I Lie to You? (BBC1) Taskmaster (Ch4) and Celebrity Googlebox (Ch4).
“One of our most thoughtful and enjoyable comedians” The Times
Ria Lina
Ria Lina is a touring Filipina comedian, actress and writer known for her appearances on Live at the Apollo (BBC1), Have I Got News For You (BBC1), Mock The Week (BBC2) Pointless (BBC1) and House of Games (BBC2).
She has recently been named as one of The Evening Standard’s ‘Hottest Comedians You Should Be Watching Now’.
Throughout her stand-up career Ria has taken five shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her career stretches from stage and screen, to radio and the occasional ukulele.
“Fearless, provocative and very funny” The Scotsman
Door: 7pm, Show: 8pm
Price: £17
Age Restriction: 18+
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