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Comedy Festival 2008
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Festival Listings 2008
For tickets, please contact venues directly - we do not sell tickets via this website.
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 Wed
Oct 1-Fri Oct 17 Steve Lilly's Comedy Classics Working predominately in graphite, award-winning Birmingham artist Steve Lilly specialises in large group portraits depicting famous comedy casts, including Dad's Army, Only Fools And Horses, Carry On and Fawlty Towers. Limited edition prints and greetings cards are also available. Old Joint Stock Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: 0121 200 0946. Tickets: Free. Doors: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm. www.freewebs.com/stevelilart |
 Fri
Oct 3-Sat Oct 4 Glenn Wool, Andrew Lawrence, Kitty Flanagan, Mick Ferry Globe-trotting Canadian Glenn Wool, a laidback purveyor of supreme silly seriousness and sometimes moustaches, and Kitty Flanagan, a dedicated feminist who promises to burn her Wonderbra just as soon as she can afford a boob job. They're joined by 2007 if.comedy award nominee, BBC New Act of the Year winner and fiendish prince of deep voiced darkness Andrew Lawrence and the masterful chatter plus the amiable Northern chuckles of Mick Ferry. The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: 0871 472 0400. Tickets: £17-£6.50. Doors: 7.45pm. www.glee.co.uk |
 Thu
Oct 2-Sat Oct 4 Jongleurs Comedy A night of top comedy featuring the talents of Canadian comedian Tom Stade, fresh from the success of his Edinburgh show Oh F*** Do We Need A Title Too!, and the razor sharp Phil Butler. Plus Steve Williams and Paul Tonkinson. Jongleurs Comedy Club, Quayside Tower, Broad St, Bham B1 2HF. Tel: 0121 632 4936. Tickets: £9-£17. Doors: 7pm. www.jongleurs.com |
 Fri
Oct 3 Jimmy Carr Jimmy Carr is not just a TV star. He's won awards, released chart-topping DVDs, written a bestselling book and broken box office records by performing to over 500,000 people in the last three years. He may be the hardest working man in comedy. But perhaps he wouldn't have to be if he had a little bit more talent. This show is exactly the same as last year's except every single word. It's rude, crude and offensive but those aren't the only reasons you'll enjoy it. Not to be missed, unless it's not your kind of thing. Symphony Hall, Broad St, Bham B1 2EA. Tel: 0121 780 3333. Tickets: £20. Doors: 8pm. www.thsh.co.uk |
 Fri
Oct 3 Upfront Comedy presents: Felix Dexter UK comedy pioneer Felix Dexter returns, digging into his crate of colourful characters alongside his edgy stand up. He's supported by Los Angeles clever clogs Gayla Johnson and precocious young comedy sensation Nigeria's Ola Gbaja-Biamila, who Upfront is tipping to be huge. Comedian turned Teletubbie John Simmit is your host. The Drum Arts Centre, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Bham B6 4UU. Tel: 0121 333 2444. Tickets/ Doors: see website. www.the-drum.org.uk |
 Fri
Oct 3 It's David O'Doherty Time Prepare to have your world rocked (in quite a gentle way) as David O'Doherty (if.comedy Award Nominee), the Irish viscount of rumpled whimsy, the marble fawn of tiny keyboard based musical comedy, rolls into town. There will be some sitting, there will be some standing, there will be a song called Bangin'. The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: 0871 472 0400. Tickets: £11/£10 Doors: 7.30pm. www.glee.co.uk |
 Fri
Oct 3 The Curate's Egg presents: John Cooper Clarke "Enrobed in a patina of filth" and scaling the fortress where poetry and comedy do reside, hero to Monkeys (Arctic), Soprano soundtracked and still cutting the visual Colman's as Bob Dylan (c.1966) JCC is back in Brum to air a slew of new classics like Paging Dr.Schlotke, The Paperboy's Wife Was Right and Pies, along with vintage sauce of Beasley Street and Chicken Town. Support comes from RL Burnside endorsed techno blues artiste Bob Log III, plus the JCC approved The Birmingham Monologues (Part 1) and the laconic Nadeem Rangzeb. Hare And Hounds, High St, Kings Heath, Bham B14 7JZ. Tel: 0121 444 2081. Tickets: £10/£12. Doors: 8pm. www.myspace.com/thecuratesegg - www.johncooperclarke.com |
 Sat
Oct 4 Josie Long's Electric Adventure Club After the success of last year's inaugural Electric Adventure Club, it only made sense to bring back Josie Long's fantastic variety night for this year's festival. And somehow, it's even better! Josie herself will be mistress of ceremonies, and she'll be joined the ever brilliant Robin Ince, the mad scientist of the comedy circuit who's known for both his studied appreciation of the fine arts and being senselessly bullied by Ricky Gervais. The Electric Cinema, 47-49 Station St, Bham B5 4DY. Tel: 0121 643 7879. Tickets: £8. Doors: 8.30pm. www.theelectric.co.uk |
 Sat
Oct 4 Patrick And Bernadine Kitsch yet down-to-earth comedy play about friendship, family and performing. This Brummie duo drag their tired old cabaret act around holiday camps and resorts until Bernadine decides to leave Patrick and chase her own showbiz dreams. Enter her mum, the rude, crude Reen who arrives to help Patrick pick up the pieces complete with bad wigs, Cherry B and Barry Manilow. A light-hearted escapist evening ideal from Brummies, groups, drama or comedy fans. Suitable age 14+ Solihull Arts Complex, Touchwood, Homer Road, Solihull, West Mids B91. 3RG Tel: 0121 704 6962. Tickets: £10/£9 |
 Sun
Oct 5 Birmingham Comedy Selection: Jo Enright, The Stand In, Kimmy Sue-Anne Puerile Comedy present Lee Dempsey in the award-winning The Stand In. Phillip needs a job, but who will employ this idiot? Why, the worst job agency in town of course! Chav poet Kimmy Sue Anne shares her poetry with social comment in it - innit - regaling the audience with chat about her views of the world. Finally, Brum's own multi-award winning comedienne Jo Enright. Praised by Peter Kay, she's not only starred in Phoenix Nights, but also I'm Alan Partridge and most recently BBC2's Lab Rats. The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote St, Bham B16 8AE. Tel: 0121 643 5858. Tickets: £10/£6. Doors: 7pm. www.crescent-theatre.co.uk |
 Sun
Oct 5 Ivan Brackenbury And his Hospital Radio Roadshow Ivan Brackenbury is hospital radio's flagship presenter and host of the weekly Disease Hour on Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Hospital Radio. An if.comedy award nominee and Spirit of the Fringe Award winner 2007, he'll be broadcasting live at the Hare & Hounds. Prepare to be astounded... "Comedy Genius" - Chris Evans "The funniest thing I've seen in my life" - Simon Bates Hare And Hounds, Kings Heath, High St, Bham B14 7JZ. Tel: 0121 444 2081. Tickets: £5. Doors: 7.30pm. www.hareandhoundskingsheath.com.uk |
 Sun
Oct 5 Dylan Moran: What It Is Dylan Moran, star of Black Books, Shaun Of The Dead and Run Fat Boy Run, is back with a brand new show. Moran's legendary stand up rants have sold out across the world cementing this unkempt wordsmith's reputation as one of the foremost comics of his generation. Likened to Dave Allen and labelled 'The Oscar Wilde of Comedy' Dylan is unpredictable, bizarre, elegiac, often cruel, but above all painfully funny. Moran sees through the joys and disappointments of human existence with the sensibility and intense perception of a man teetering on the edge. He chews life up and coughs it out. Suitable for age 15+ Alexandra Theatre, Station St, Bham B5 4DS. Tel: 0844 847 2301. Tickets: £19. Doors: 8pm. www.AlexandraTheatre.org.uk |
 Sun
Oct 5 The Retort Cabaret Show An eclectic mix of comedy, music, poetry and cabaret in suburbia including: Maureen Younger, Amused Moose Starlet 2008 and regular BBC Radio guest panellist; Frank Sanazi, The Ubermeister of Lounge, who brings a new order and discipline to the usually more relaxed swing style; and Peter Perke with his spinning wheel of bingo fun, direct from the '70s with quickfire gags, cheesy games and lounge-tastic voice. Plus Frankie Chalet, Rachel Sambrooks, Jayne Powell and more. The Kitchen Garden Cafe, 17 York Rd, Kings Heath, Bham B14 7SA. Tel: 0121 443 4725. Tickets: £6/£4. Doors: 7pm. www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk |
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 Mon
Oct 6-Sat Oct 11 The Arsonists By Max Frisch. Adapted by Alistair Beaton. It's not easy lighting a cigarette these days. Max Frisch's modern classic from 1958 is presented in a new translation, which premiered at The Royal Court in 2007. Biedermann - successful business man and loving husband - has life under control, or so he thinks. Despite fires becoming something of a problem he is happy to give shelter to strangers and he'll even help them to store petrol in his attic. An explosive conclusion seems guaranteed. Fri Oct 10: Free performance talk after the show. The Crescent Theatre, 20 Sheepcote St, Brindleyplace, Bham B16 8AE. Tel: 0121 643 5858. Tickets: £11/£10; Oct 6, £5 Doors: Mon-Sat 7.45pm; Sat 2.45pm www.crescent-theatre.co.uk |
 Tue
Oct 7 Cheeky Monkey Comedy Club Now celebrating its 11th, the Cheeky Monkey continues to host top comedy. Tonight's show is headlined by Paul Tonkinson, best known as presenter of Channel 4's Big Breakfast and BBC2's Sunday Show who also won Time Out Stand Up Comic of the Year in 1997. Plus Nathan Caton, Simon Peilder and MC Jay Sodagar. The Station pub, 7 High St, Kings Heath, Bham B14 7BB. Tel: 0121 444 1257. Tickets: £5. /£4 Doors: 8pm. www.cheekycomedy.co.uk |
 Tue
Oct 7 Hattie Hayridge and Norman Lovett Hattie Hayridge and Norman Lovett both starred as the face of Holly the computer in the hugely popular TV comedy series Red Dwarf. Individually they are also renowned and distinctive comedians. Now for the first time ever, they link up on national tour to celebrate the show's twentieth anniversary with stand-up and an ad-libbed Q&A to create a unique comedy evening. Old Joint Stock Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: 0121 200 0946. Tickets: £9.50/£10. Doors: 7.30pm. www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk |
 Tues
Oct 7 Comedy @ The Place 2 b A fantastic night of comedy, complete with Thai buffet! Expect a return of the always popular Joke Of The Night competition, where the audience gets a chance to win a free meal for two! Come down and enjoy the fun! Featuring comedy double-act Brian And Krysstal and their trademark mix of music, deadpun comedy and silliness, and MC Sheila M. The Place2b, Chester Rd, Sutton Coldfield, West Mids B73 5BD. Tel: 0121 354 8228. Tickets: £9.95 for comedy and two course Thai buffet; £4 comedy. Doors: 7.30pm. www.theplace2buk.com |
 Wed
Oct 8 Pink Space Comedy The comedy scene is so doused in testosterone that it is almost capable of growing a goatee beard and sideburns. Female comedians have been fighting to exhibit their talents and prove their quality over the years, and the Laughing Cows (run by Hazel O'Keefe) are here to address the balance. Stand up for women in comedy! Plus MC Annette Fagon and Jo Enright. The Cross, 147 Alcester Rd, Moseley, Bham B13 8JP. Tel: 0121 449 6300. Tickets: £5/£4. Doors: 7:30pm. www.pinkspace.net |
 Wed
Oct 8 Wrote Under And Friends Comedy Come and see twelve of Birmingham's finest home-grown comedy acts including Dik Guru, Tim Bom And His Magic Drum Stick, Big Brendan Higgins, Kimmey Sue Anne, Dharmanda Singh, Jimmy Fantastic, Long Lost Frank, Liz Epiphany, DORM, Bert Rooney and Frankie (The Dissenter). Plus Marcus Zodiac - the compere with the hair/less is more/more or less. Kitchen Garden Cafe, 17 York Rd, Kings Heath, Bham B14 7SA. Tel: 0121 443 4725. Tickets: £4. Doors: 7pm. www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk |
 Wed
Oct 8 Mark Steel Mark Steel is a lynchpin of the UK comedy scene. Performing subversive, witty, informed stand-up for over 20 years he is arguably the best politically-orientated comic in the country. He's also easily accessible for those who are not so politically minded. Steel currently pens a highly recommended weekly column in the Independent, has written and performed four series of The Mark Steel Solution (Radio 4), and three series of the BAFTA and Royal Television Society Award nominated The Mark Steel Lectures (BBC4). He's also an acclaimed author, with new book, What's Going On?, out now. The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: 0871 472 0400. Tickets: £13/£12.50. Doors: 7.30pm. www.glee.co.uk |
 Wed
Oct 8 Adam Bloom One of Britain's most inventive comedians, the Ricky Gervais -approved Bloom has performed sell-out solo shows at seven Edinburgh Festivals. He's also completed a sell-out tour of Britain and packed theatres at festivals in across the world. And if that wasn't enough, he's also written three series of The Problem with Adam Bloom (Radio 4) and appeared on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, The Stand-up Show, and Alone In The Dark, for which he agreed to be shut inside a cell in a nuclear bunker for BBC's Horizon. Plus support and MC Karen Bayley. The Station pub, Station St, Sutton Coldfield, West Mids B73 6AT. Tel: 0121 350 4945. Tickets: £8. Doors: 8pm. www.comedyjunction.co.uk |
 Wed
Oct 8-Thu Oct 9 Jim Jeffries: Hammered The controversial Aussie stand-up returns triumphant to tour the UK with a brand new show. Around 60,000 people saw Jim perform last year and only 20 complained so he thought 'F**k it! If it ain't broke don't fix it.' With a brash confrontational style, Jim succeeds with jokes that most comedians wouldn't touch. Both charming and offending the crowd in equal measure, he is regarded as one of comedy's fastest rising young stars. Be prepared for Jim to disturb, blaspheme and drink for your entertainment. Old Joint Stock Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: 0121 200 0946. Tickets: £10/£9.50. Doors: 7.30pm. www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk |
 Thu
Oct 9-Sun Oct 12 Lee Evans: Big Catch the rubber-faced funny man as he stages his biggest live dates ever. A star of screen (Mousehunt) and stage (The Producers), Lee's manic energy, hilarious delivery and side-splitting material have made his live performances a must-see for comedy fans around the world. So high is demand that this year he'll be performing a whopping four dates as part of the Birmingham Comedy Festival. They're bound to be a sell-out - they were the last time he appeared in the festival - so book early! ( The NIA, King Edwards Rd, Bham B1 2AA. Tel: 0871 945 6000. Tickets: £30. Doors: 8pm. www.necgroup.co.uk Also appearing Oct 17. |
 Thu
Oct 9 Richard Herring: The Headmaster's Son What's worse than being a podgy, swotty, virginal schoolboy? What if your dad's the headmaster too? Richard Herring relives childhood embarrassments, first love and belching during the minute's silence in church. What are the psychological repercussions of schooldays filled with suspicion and mistrust? One of the most polished and stupidly talented stand-ups working live, Richard is also a respected and industrious writer (credits inc. Time Gentlemen Please with Al Murray). His previous work with Stewart Lee and constant tugging at the boundaries of comedy has placed him firmly at the top table of the British comedy scene. The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: 0871 472 0400. Tickets: £11/£10. Doors: 7.30pm. www.glee.co.uk |
 Thu
Oct 9 Chubby Brown Tribute: Chubby Spencer A fantastic night of comedy as the UK's No.1 Roy 'Chubby' Brown tribute 'Chubby Spencer' delivers a blistering homage to the UK's biggest selling comedian. Starring Ollie Spencer, whose TV credits include kid's TV Saturday morning classic Tiswas, The Comedians and Seaside Special. The Station pub, Station St, Sutton Coldfield, West Mids B73 6AT. Tel: 0121 362 4961. Tickets: £7/£8.50. Doors: 7.30pm. www.brianyeates.co.uk |
 Thu
Oct 9-Sat Oct 11 Jongleurs Comedy Another roaring stand-up bill featuring the unmeasurable talents of Mancunian Smug Roberts, Comedy Store team member John Fothergill and North American Sean Collins, plus a very special guest. Jongleurs Comedy Club, Quayside Tower, Broad St, Bham B1 2HF. Tel: 0121 632 4936. Tickets: £9-£17.. Doors: 7pm www.jongleurs.com |
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Oct 11 Sean Percival, Micky Flanagan, Richard Morton Step forward Dudley's very own 'Sultan of Smut' and our token local boy, Sean Percival, a consummate pro who plays every top club in the country busting the braces off the club audiences that love his brutally honest style. He's joined by London East End heavyweight Mickey Flanagan, award-winning Geordie livewire Richard Morton. The Glee Club, The Arcadian, Bham B5 4TD. Tel: 0871 472 0400. Tickets: £17-£6.50. Doors: 7.45pm. www.glee.co.uk |
 Fri
Oct 10 Reverend Ted Chippington Whoever decided stand-up and crowd pleasing were the same is a fool! It's the return of The Reverend, the 'Godfather' of the UK's alternative comedy scene and Britain's riposte to Andy Kaufman. Expect jokes without punchlines, jokes that go on well past their appointed punchlines, and stuff about washing lines in general. With extra grade support from the Ted endorsed local Nadeem Rangzeb plus Part Two of The Birmingham Monologues. Hare And Hounds, High St, Kings Heath, Bham B14 7JZ. Tel: 0121 444 2081. Tickets: £5/£7. Doors: 8pm. www.myspace.com/thecuratesegg |
 Fri
Oct 10 Futurology Live! A theatrical feast of magic, mentalism and silly pseudo-science. Predicting the past is easy. Predicting the future is not. Now a new breed of soothsayers has emerged, and they're armed with science. Futurology and the futurologists behind it are sweeping the world with their technological brooms. Join Dr Johnny Façade as he explains and demonstrates futurology live in a groundbreaking award-winning multimedia show that uniquely fuses magic and stand-up. With demonstrations involving a mind reading duck and the teleportation of an object to a randomly chosen location in Birmingham. Old Joint Stock Theatre, 4 Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: 0121 200 0946. Tickets: £10. Doors: 8pm. www.labmonkeys.co.uk |
 Fri
Oct 10-Sun Oct 12 The Brothers 'What happens to friendship when faced with betrayal and deceit?' Following rave reviews and sell out performances in London, comedy theatre show The Brothers returns to Birmingham. Written and directed by the multi-talented Angie Le Mar, The Brothers tells the story of three very close friends who have to test just how tight their friendship is when betrayal and deceit turns up at their door. The cast includes Harvey (So Solid), Michelle Gayle (Eastenders), Chucky Venice and Jason Barrett The Drum Arts Centre, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Bham B6 4UU. Tel: 0121 333 2400/0121 333 2444. Tickets: From £16. Doors: Fri 7.30pm, Sat 5.30pm & 9.30pm, Sun 7.30pm. www.the-drum.org.uk |
 Sat
Oct 11 Tony Hancock Appreciation Society Convention A day devoted to the legendary Birmingham-born comedian Tony Hancock. Guests include biographer John Fisher, Simon Heath (the Executive Producer of BBC drama Hancock And Joan), comedy scriptwriter Brad Ashton (whose writing credits include Groucho Marx) and actress Damaris Hayman. A close friend of Hancock, Damaris also appeared with Les Dawson, Dick Emery, Morecambe And Wise, Dickie Henderson, Tommy Cooper and Basil Brush. Other credits inc. Dr Who, Steptoe And Son, The Sweeney and The Belles Of St Trinians. Old Joint Stock Theatre, Temple Row West, Bham B2 5NY. Tel: 0121 200 0946. Tickets: £7.50/£5. Doors: 10am-6pm. www.tonyhancock.org.uk |
 Sat
Oct 11 Stoolpigeon: Postcards On The Edge A two hour musical comedy trip of stand-up, satire and monologues reminiscent of a McGill saucy seaside postcard brought to life. The musical duo offer a foot tapping evening of double entendre that recalls the golden era of musical comedy, before the birth of political correctness. Bawdy and saucy, Stoolpigeon's original songs have been shaped by such influences as English Music Hall, Max Miller, the Carry On films, Benny Hill and Flanders and Swann. Old Joint Stock Theatre, Temple Row West Bham B2 5NY. Tel: 0121 200 0946. Tickets: £10/£9. Doors: 8pm. www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk |
 Sun
Oct 12 Frankie Boyle Live! With a string of TV appearances, including every episode of BBC2's top rated Mock The Week and over one hundred sold out tour dates to his name already, comedy's hottest property, Frankie Boyle, is on the road yet again, performing all the best bits in his hit solo live show. Over 16s only Alexandra Theatre, Station St, Bham B5 4DS. Tel: 0844 847 2301. Tickets: £17.50. Doors: 8pm. www.AlexandraTheatre.org.uk |
 Sun
Oct 12 The Comedy Junction's Improv Night It's back for the third year in a row. Expect a riotous range of top comics, plus some startling and great improv' for a night of total comedy mayhem... The Station, Station St, Sutton Coldfield, West Mids B73 6AT. Tel: 0121 350 4945. Tickets: £6. Reserve by Text on 07985 006651. Doors: 8pm. www.comedyjunction.co.uk |
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