Credit: Supplied
We all could use a laugh right now. You turn on the TV, the news is bleak. You look out of the window, the weather is grim. Thankfully, the inaugural Bristol Comedy Festival will ‘stand up’ and lift our moods this January – with a dynamic lineup of events, shows and the launch of Bristol’s first city-wide Comedy Competition.
The Bristol Comedy Festival, which will run from January 12 to 25, aims to cement the city as a thriving hub for comedy with more than 100 events. The stellar line-up includes acts such as Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Glenn Moore, writer, actress, and podcaster Jess Fostekew, Star of Friday Night Dinner and Plebs Tom Rosenthal, acclaimed author and funnyman Mark Watson, and quick-witted star Brennan Reece, alongside a host of visiting and local talent.
Headlining the star-studded line-up is Bristol’s very own Jayde Adams. Winner of the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer award, Jayde is best known for her roles in ITV’s Ruby Speaking and the BAFTA-winning Alma’s Not Normal. She will close out the festival on Saturday, January 25th at Dareshack where she will trial new material.
Credit: Supplied
Jayde Adams said: “It’s about time Bristol got its own comedy festival. Bristol isn’t just one of the coolest cities in the UK – it’s THE coolest (don’t @ me). I’m thrilled to be performing in the very first festival, but honestly, I’m just as excited about gigging 10 minutes up the road from my house. And yes, I’ll be bringing my DJ skills for later on as well – Bristol deserves nothing less.”
But it all starts with a FREE launch party at Bambalan on opening night on Sunday, Janaury 12 at 8PM. Other events include an eclectic mix of shows, from the edgy “Roast Battle” at The Famous Royal Navy Volunteer to evenings of wit and improvisation at Mr Wolf’s Comedy Night. Highlights also include the Best of the West showcase at The Drawbridge and the Comedy Loft, promising something for every comedy fan.
Credit: Jacob Burley (@thejacobburley)
The festival also marks the launch of the city’s first-of-its-kind Bristol Comedy Competition, with prizes of up to £1,000, including paid work and industry exposure. The competition heats will include an audience vote and an industry panel. The finale will take place on Friday, January 24 at Bristol Folk House.
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “The Bristol Comedy Festival is an exciting new addition to Bristol’s vibrant cultural scene, perfectly showcasing the city’s creativity, diversity, and comedic spirit. The festival has attracted some great talent and it will be a great way to laugh our way through the first month of winter and support the city’s venues and hospitality sector.”
The two-week festival, supported by Bristol City Centre BID, is also partnering with official charity partner TAP for Bristol. The unique initiative combines contactless technology with local giving to raise funds to tackle homelessness and support vital services in the city. Throughout, audiences will be encouraged to donate through TAP points located at the venues.
Co-founder Harry Allmark, said: “This festival is about showcasing Bristol’s incredible comedy talent and building opportunities for all. Partnering with TAP for Bristol aligns with our mission to make comedy a force for good, not just a way to lift spirits in post-Christmas January. The lineup for this festival is also incredibly diverse, bringing together big names and emerging voices, intimate showcases and unique concepts. By blending local grassroots talent with nationally recognised acts, we’re creating a space that celebrates creativity, community, as well as of course, the vibrant spirit of Bristol.”
Other Bristol Comedy Festival highlights:
- Primary school teacher turned eccentric comedian, John Tothill, best known for his offbeat comedy involving medical trials, will be performing a solo show at The Granary on Monday 13th January, 19:00.
- Mustachioed ‘clown’ Rob Copland, who was the recipient of the Victoria Wood Award at this year’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards, will be presenting an improv jazz piano at The Boardroom on Friday 24th January, 21:00.
- Standout tour shows include BBC Comedy Award nominee Lou Taylor, who will be performing at the Robin Hood on Saturday 18th January, 16:30, Essex comedian Amy Matthews who can be found at Milk Thistle, Saturday 18th January, 18:00 and London-born comic Hatty Preston who will be bringing the laughs to The Crown on Saturday 25th January, 16:30.
- Fresh off his win of the BBC New Comedy Award, rising local star Paul Hilleard will be performing at Robin Hood on Friday 24th January, 19:30.
- The festival will also feature an array of innovative comedic showcases, such as the ‘Made in Bristol’ working-class showcase (The Hatchet, Thursday 16th January, 20:00), Comedians Getting Drunk Playing Panel Shows (Dareshack, Friday 17th January, 21:00), and Wine Night, a unique pairing of comedians and wine (Avery’s, Friday 17th January 19:30). For comedy-lovers wanting to try out jokes for themselves, the festival will offer a Comedy Course helping budding performers take their first steps (Dareshack, Saturday 18th January, 11:00).
To see the full line-up, to purchase individual tickets and learn more about Bristol Comedy Festival head here.