Phil set for return to Shire
Comedian to headline
Stand-up sensation Phil Kay will perform a homecoming gig when he entertains at the first Crieff Comedy Festival this summer.
The funnyman will headline the Comedy Club at Morrison’s Academy Hall on Saturday, July 28, from 9pm onwards.
He will be supported by Ruth E Cockburn, Phil Chapman and MC Nik Coppin.
The gig is part of the Crieff Comedy Festival – Before The Fringe, which features over 60 comedy acts across four venues from Thursday, July 26 until Saturday, July 28.
Festival compère Jim McCreadie said: “Phil’s unique blend of energy, improvisation and leaps of imagination make him a truly exceptional performer and we are delighted to have him on board as a comedy club headliner.”
Phil is originally from Perthshire and attended both Craigclowan and Glenalmond schools.
He launched his standup comedy career with a bang in 1989, quickly garnering a host of awards, nominations and glowing reviews.
Regular stage and television appearances have dovetailed with writing credits on the likes of Jonathan Ross’s Saturday Show, Channel 4’s Viva Cabaret, The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, and Harry Hill’s Pilot Show.
Phil’s first love, however, remains live stage work and only by watching his live performances will audiences really see him at his very best.
He tours Britain regularly and is a firm favourite at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where he performs annually to sellout crowds and critical acclaim.
The festival will showcase the very best international acts such as Tom Stade, Tanyalee Davis, Lynn Ruth Miller as well as the best of the UK comedy circuit, with Alan Bissett, Fern Brady, Mark Nelson and Raymond Mearns among the big-name stars taking to the stage.
There will be the chance to catch exclusive preview gigs from the likes of Gavin Webster, Lynn Ruth Miller, Mark Nelson, Raymond Mearns, Chris Forbes, Bruce Fummey and Bethany Black, ahead of their Edinburgh Fringe shows in August.
Plus there’s musical comedy from Ruth E Cockburn, freestyle comedy rap from MC Hammersmith and Alan
Phil Kay is a former pupil at Craigclowan and Glenalmond schools Bissett will be bringing his award-winning, onewoman theatre show, The Moira Monologues, to the festival.
Compère Jim continued: “Crieff Comedy Festival – Before The Fringe is a little bit different in that as well as featuring many world class acts our audience will get the chance to see ‘Fringe previews’ from many of our comedians as they present new material ahead of their Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows.
“It’s a unique opportunity to see these guys in an extremely relaxed and intimate environment prior to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe getting under way.
“Thanks to the support of our four brilliant venues Before The Fringe will have something for everyone in what will be a top-notch comedy festival.
“As well as exceptional performers, we will have great food and drink, children’s shows and a friendly vibe that will combine to create the best festival weekend of the summer.”
The cultural showcase is one of a number of being progressed by Crieff Succeeds BID (Business Improvement District).
Go to www. beforethefringe.com for tickets.