• Festival returns 4-13 October 2013
• Over 60 events city-wide
• Line-up includes big names, fast rising stars and top local talent
Birmingham Comedy Festival returns this October with yet another great line-up of established and up-and-coming comedy talent.
Among those who’ll be taking to stages across the city between Friday 4 and Sunday 13 October 2013 are Russell Brand, who kicks off his Messiah tour with two nights at Symphony Hall (Oct 7-8). He’ll be joined by The Last Leg’s Adam Hills (Oct 6, Town Hall), Tony Law (Oct 4, The Glee), Robin Ince (Oct 10, mac Birmingham), the former presenter of cult ‘90s late night TV series The Word Terry Christian (Oct 8, Kitchen Garden Cafe), and ventriloquist Nina Conti (Oct 5, Solihull Arts Complex), as seen in BBC2 sitcom Family Tree.
Once again, there’s a huge array of local talent including the fast rising Joe Lycett (Oct 10, The Glee), whose TV appearances include 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Celebrity Juice, new sketch troupe The Lovely Men (Oct 11, mac), featuring stand-up comedian and comedy tutor James Cook, Steve Day (Oct 10, Irish Centre) and Mrs Barbara Nice (Oct 6, The Glee; Oct 13 mac; compere Oct 4, Le Truc), plus Shazia Mirza, Harriet Dyer, Aaron Twitchen, Sheila M, Annette Fagon, Jo Enright, Craig Deeley, Albert Smith…
And if that wasn’t enough, look out too for Laurel and Hardy films, a new exhibition by acclaimed Great Barr artist Steve Lilly, stand up workshops for both those with and without comedy experience, French food, a pub quiz, an evening of spoken word, ‘sweded’ films, burlesque and cabaret, free shows and the return of the Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre!
A spokesperson for the festival said: “This year have around 60 shows right across the city with some great events in theatres, clubs, arts centres, venues, pubs, cafe bars. There’s also a good mix, from big TV names and returning festival favourites, to new acts just starting out.
“While the big TV names are always worth seeing, we always encourage people to see what’s happening at other venues to get just a taster of the Birmingham’s well established and vibrant comedy scene.”
For the second consecutive year, the festival is supported by the Arcadian.
Jo Salmon, Asset Manager for the Arcadian, said: “The Arcadian is home to The Glee Club one of the best known comedy venues in Birmingham, so it only seemed fitting that we support the Birmingham Comedy Festival, and this year we’re pleased to announced we have events not only at The Glee, but also Le Truc and Mono Bar.”
Free Radio breakfast show hosts, Foxy and Giuliano, who exclusively revealed the full festival line-up at 8am on 12 Aug said: “Everyone loves a laugh – us more than any one – so we’ll certainly be checking out some of the festival shows…”
For full festival listings and ticket details see: www.bhamcomfest.co.uk
Also see: Facebook.com/BhamComFest and Twitter: @BhamComFest
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Birmingham Comedy Festival
Birmingham Comedy Festival launched way back in 2001. It quickly established itself as one of the region’s major annual events, regularly attracting audiences of tens of thousands – making it one of the West Midlands’ biggest multi-site festivals.
A not for profit, volunteer-led festival, it was set up to highlight the city’s vibrant comedy scene.
Among those who’ve appeared in previous festivals are Michael McIntyre, Lee Evans, Lenny Henry, Peter Kay, Jimmy Carr, Alan Carr, Sarah Millican, Tim Minchin, Stephen Merchant and John Bishop.
About Arcadian
The Arcadian in the heart of Birmingham is a unique complex set around an attractive piazza and is the perfect place to relax with friends and enjoy al fresco dining and drinks. With cuisines from around the world there is something to suit all taste buds and pockets from Mexican and Indian to Modern British and Chinese.
The stylish bars are a great place to meet for after work drinks or for partying the night away with friends. If you’re looking for something different why not visit the Glee Club which hosts first class comedy acts from around the world or check out the nightclub Sence. If you want to extend your visit to Birmingham book a room at the Ibis Hotel or rent an apartment at Staycity Serviced Apartments so that you’re right in the thick of the action. The Arcadian’s award winning car park has CCTV and 24 hr security for added peace of mind.
From relaxing and kicking back with friends or for partying the night away the Arcadian in the centre of Birmingham has something to suit all occasions!
For more information visit http://www.thearcadian.co.uk
MEDIA QUERIES, interview requests, etc. contact us….
Four Four Eight 