Stand-up and be counted!
SOME of the top UK’s comedians, along with some fast-rising stars, are set to put miles of smiles on people’s faces when the 9th annual Southport Comedy Festival launches this week.
This year’s star-studded line-up features the return of some festival favourites with Jimeoin, Paul Sinha, Tom Binns (aka Ivan Brackenbury) and Jason Byrne all appearing with new shows from this Thursday (October 3) until Sunday, October 20.
Hal Cruttenden and viral internet sensations Farmer Michael and Kathleen are back for a second year after sell-out shows at last year’s festival.
Stars from TV and radio making their debut at the festival include Geoff Norcott,
Sindhu
Vee, Darren Harriott and
Neil Delamere. Returning TV names include Daliso Chaponda and Robin Ince.
However, the biggest highlight of this year’s Festival is the Godfather of British alternative comedy, Alexei Sayle.
Alexei will be appearing at the Southport Little Theatre for a one-off performance on Sunday, October 13. This will be a brandnew show, hot on the heels of his critically acclaimed Radio 4 series.
With 18 days of laughter, the festival, held once again in association with local firm The Print Quarter, promises to be the biggest and best yet with more TV names, more venues and even more events including the very popular Comedy Pub Crawls supported by Southport BID.
The Waterfront Southport is the new sponsor for the annual Southport New Comedian Competition.
Both of the preliminary heats and the Grand Final of the competition will be held in The Waterfront’s entertainment complex, overlooking Southport’s Marine Lake.
The festival offers something for everyone.
In addition to classic stand-up, there are Comedy Pub Crawls, “Squeaky Clean” shows, Comedy Bingo, a free Children’s Comedy Trail event supported by Southport BID and even restaurant shows with a meal included.
The festival is proud to support charity fundraising and this year it will be raising money while raising a smile for Southport Lifeboat, Presfield
High School, Children’s Charity POD and Friends of Bridge Inn Community Farm.
Event organiser Brendan Riley said: “Come along to Southport Comedy Festival this October and Keep Southport smiling!”
Visit www.southportcomedyfestival.com for more information and