Comedy festival gig (and giggles) guide
Comedy festival set to return to the county in February
LEICESTER Comedy Festival returns from February 5 to 23, writes Becky Jones.
The longest-running comedy festival in the UK will feature more than 1,600 performers, in more than 800 shows on 90 stages.
Tickets for all the paid-for shows are already on sale. Here’s our pick of shows to catch – and you might want to book soon, before the tickets sell out:
Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest
De Montfort Hall, Wednesday, February 5
The energetic comedian, who did an excellent job of hosting the festival’s 2018 gala preview show, will be taking a long hard look at himself and trying to decide if he has any traits worth passing on to his children. 8pm. £26.50.
Flo & Joan: Before The Screaming Starts
Curve, Leicester Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7
These talented musical comedy sisters will have you howling with laughter with their superb songs. They are back in Leicester with a new hour of dark and waggish songs. 7.45pm. £15.
Leicester Fridge: Naked Comedy
Manhattan 34, Leicester Friday, February 7
This is one of the festival’s most talked-about event - and it’s no wonder, given that it features comedians performing starkers for charity. 11.59pm. £8.
I Say – The Annual Comedy Conversation Featuring Lost Voice Guy
Curve, Leicester Sunday, February 9
Britain’s Got Talent 2018 champion will be interviewed by festival director, Geoff Rowe. 2pm. £10.
Jack Gleadow: Master of Fun (Work in Progress)
The Cookie, Leicester
Sunday, February 9
The Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year is returning to the city with his new show.
Expect fun and games, and find out how he became the 15th coollest person in Hull. 6.30pm. £8.
Jason Byrne: Wrecked But Ready
The Y Theatre, Leiceste Sunday, February 9
After 23 years, Jason is wrecked but he is as ever ready. 8pm. £15.
The UK Pun Championships
De Montfort Hall, Leicester Monday, February 10
The UK Pun Championships return to De Montfort Hall, as the culmination of #UKPunDay, celebrating the great British pun. 7.30pm. £10 to £20.
Lamp Laughs With Leicester
Winstanley House, Leicester Wednesday, February 12
Mental health charity Lamp is holding its first comedy show, featuring comedy guests including Lloyd Griffith and hosted by Mark Dolan. 7pm. £10.
Clinton Baptiste: The Paranormalist Returns
Just the Tonic at The Function Rooms, Leicester
Thursday, February 13
One for Phoenix Nights fans. Clairvoyant, medium and psychic Clinton Baptiste is coming to Leicester. 7.30pm. £18.
Charlie Baker: One Night in Devon, Work In Progress
The Cookie, Leicester
Friday, February 14
Charlie Baker had us in fits of laughter when he hosted the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 25th anniversary show last year. So, we reckon this work in progress show focusing on subjects such as cider, village halls and Facebook marketplace, will be cracking. 9.30pm. £5.
Phil Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang
The Y Theatre, Leicester Saturday, February 15
Unique brand of smart and silly as he explores morality and the modern sense of self. 8pm. £15.
Jo Brand and special guests
De Montfort Hall, Leicester Wednesday, February 19
Legend of comedy Jo Brand will be headlining this show, performing a rare stand-up set, with special guests including Arthur Smith.
All profits will go towards Leicester Comedy Festival and charity Big Difference Company. 7.30pm. £25.
Kids Court
Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester
Wednesday, February 19
The award-nominated show involves parents sitting in the dock while the kids take charge.
With a judge, prosecution and defence played by comedians, children get the chance to put their parents or older siblings on trial and decide a suitable penalty. 3pm. £5.
Lloyd Griffith: Live in 2020
Sue Townsend Theatre, Leicester Thursday, February 20
The Grimsby funny man’s third UK tour. Expect jokes, singing and more charm. 8pm. £14 (£13).
Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John
De Montfort Hall, Leicester Saturday, February 22
A lot has happened to Rhod in the seven years since he last toured – almost all of it bad. Just when he thought he’d hit rock bottom, he met a bloke... called John. 8pm. £29.
Leicester Mercury Comedian of The Year
The Y Theatre, Leicester Saturday, February 23
Here’s your chance to see some brilliant emerging comedians. 7.30pm. £18 (£16).
Dan Nightingale: The Best Comedian (You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
Peter Pizzeria, Leicester Sunday, February 23 Lancashire-born Dan impressed us at the festival’s gala preview show last year, and now he’s bringing us “56 to 58 minutes of really funny comedy from one of the best timekeepers in British comedy”. 5.30pm. £7 (£6).