A MASSIVE THANK YOU
Now that the dust has settled and we have got over the initial withdrawal symptoms that the end of Manchester Comedy Festival 2010 brought on, we would like to say a massive thank you to everybody that has been involved this year.
From the promoters organising the gigs to the venues hosting them, from the acts performing to the PRs pushing the events, everybody has worked their socks off to make this by far the most successful Manchester Comedy Festival ever - a fitting achievement given that it was its 10th birthday.
Most importantly, however, we would like to thank all those who came to see the shows as without you there wouldn't be a festival.
We're already planning for next year and we hope you'll all join as again as we look to go bigger and better than ever.
The Manchester Comedy Festival team
From the promoters organising the gigs to the venues hosting them, from the acts performing to the PRs pushing the events, everybody has worked their socks off to make this by far the most successful Manchester Comedy Festival ever - a fitting achievement given that it was its 10th birthday.
Most importantly, however, we would like to thank all those who came to see the shows as without you there wouldn't be a festival.
We're already planning for next year and we hope you'll all join as again as we look to go bigger and better than ever.
The Manchester Comedy Festival team
Labels: british comedy, comedy, comedy festival manchester, manchester comedy festival, manchester festival, multitude media, uk comedy
MARISSA’S MANCHESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL DIARY - MOHO LIVE 31st OCT
Time flies when you’re seeing comedy everyday and in the words of Frank Sinatra the end is near. Well actually it’s not so much near as here and so to the final gig of the fortnight and coincidently but rather conveniently the site of the after fest party, Moho Live. Not that that little bit of information had any hand in the choosing of which of the final shows to view as who could resist a three header bill of Shooting Stars’ Angelos Epithemiou, showbiz veteran Johnny Sorrow and our very own Phil Ellis?
Ellis was keeping a watchful eye on the excitable, sold out crowd; did the rounds of the front row and regaled all with a tale of his dead auntie. Then prior to Epithemiou was a ten minute set from the delightfully unhinged Johnny Sorrow – the showbiz old timer from the West Midlands who laments the fact that Bernie Clifton just doesn’t get the work on TV these days.
Epithemiou – sporting anorak and orange carrier bag - mounted the stage, confessed he didn’t really want to be here, got confused as to where he was and was altogether bloody hilarious. There’s something perfectly judged about the character that pitches the comedy just right in the cankerous former burger van owner. Not that he is a character of course, he truly exists. Him, his three jokes, two dances and his all important carrier bag items.
Afterwards I had a bit of a schmooze with the many great and good people that had performed, organised and written about the festival this year then it was time to say ta ra (sadly I was up early next morning). So this week I’m planning on lying on the sofa with a flannel clasped to my head and Mad Men on the DVD. Still, I’m going to miss all the comedy razzamatazz, though it won’t be too long before I’m out of the house again after all there’s comedy on somewhere every night of the week in this town.
Ellis was keeping a watchful eye on the excitable, sold out crowd; did the rounds of the front row and regaled all with a tale of his dead auntie. Then prior to Epithemiou was a ten minute set from the delightfully unhinged Johnny Sorrow – the showbiz old timer from the West Midlands who laments the fact that Bernie Clifton just doesn’t get the work on TV these days.
Epithemiou – sporting anorak and orange carrier bag - mounted the stage, confessed he didn’t really want to be here, got confused as to where he was and was altogether bloody hilarious. There’s something perfectly judged about the character that pitches the comedy just right in the cankerous former burger van owner. Not that he is a character of course, he truly exists. Him, his three jokes, two dances and his all important carrier bag items.
Afterwards I had a bit of a schmooze with the many great and good people that had performed, organised and written about the festival this year then it was time to say ta ra (sadly I was up early next morning). So this week I’m planning on lying on the sofa with a flannel clasped to my head and Mad Men on the DVD. Still, I’m going to miss all the comedy razzamatazz, though it won’t be too long before I’m out of the house again after all there’s comedy on somewhere every night of the week in this town.
MCF DAILY ROUND-UP - SUNDAY 31ST
It is the final day of shows at Manchester Comedy Festival 2010. It's been truly emotional, and to celebrate we bring you a final line up of brilliance. Here's our round-up...
Tony Basnett: Simon Says “Grow Up” & Kahn Johnson: Cakes and Violence (Apotheca, 1pm)
Tony and Kahn’s shows are back by popular demand tonight! Tickled Pig Finalist, Tony Basnett, explores what it actually means to be an adult. The equally funny former news writer, Kahn Johnson, tells tales on recent news events in an engrossingly likeable manner. This is one not to be missed, and click here to buy tickets.
Silky Takes Your Money And Rewards You With Hearty Laughter (Apotheca, 2.15pm)
Liverpudlian in exile, Silky, is at Apotheca this afternoon with some top quality stand up. He’s been nominated for numerous esteemed awards and has a vast list of TV credits. Don’t miss this hilarious show! ‘Always brilliant’ Metro. Click here to buy tickets.
Susan Murray – The Glottal Stops Here (Apotheca, 3.30pm)
Susan was the winner of the first ever Jongelurs Competition, has performed to sell out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe and is a seasoned regular on the comedy circuit working at a national level in all the major comedy clubs. Tonight, she is performing The Glottal Stops Here, her debut solo show, which has been co-written with Matt Owen. Matt’s writing credits include Have I Got News For You, Dead Ringers, and Private Eye. Click here to buy tickets.
Amadeus Martin: Rated Sneaky (Apotheca, 4.45pm)
The cheeky, energetic and critically acclaimed Amadeus Martin comes to Manchester to entertain his audience with impeccable stand up storytelling and observational comedy. Head down to Apotheca this afternoon - he’s definitely one to watch! Click here to buy tickets.
Gary Coleman Is… Very Rarely Rong (Apotheca, 6pm)
Finalist in last year’s New Act of the Year, and nominee for Best Male Actor in the 2days Laughter Short Comedy Film Festival, this multi-award winning comic will give you an insight into the trials and tribulations of marriage and fatherhood in a glorious dead-pan style. Click here to buy tickets.
Flecky Bennett’s Manchester Ghost Walk, (City centre, 7pm)
Having frightened victims in Manchester and London, Flecky Bennett returns to Manchester for the second year running with his popular ghost walk. Flecky’s mixture of history and performance in his one-man show has earned the walk a ‘Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction’ status. Click here to buy tickets.
Free Range (Lass O’Gowrie, 7pm)
Get down to The Lass for an evening of FREE comedy. This sketch comedy troupe will entertain you with their surreal sketches that are entirely unrelated to Hallowe’en. Or are they…? This comedy night promises to be a good laugh and a great night out!
Quentin Reynolds, Comedy Mindreader (Lass O’Gowrie, 7.30pm)
Winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2005, this comedy mindreader explores the psychic and the paranormal to a comic backdrop of laughter and astonishment. Quentin's is also the only show to be running for every day of the festival, so he's also got stamina. Click here to buy tickets.
BBC Comedy Presents… (The Comedy Store, 8pm)
BBC Comedy Presents is hosted this evening at the world famous Comedy Store, and they have some stellar acts lined up for you tonight! Featuring Jason Cook, Boy With Tape On His Face, Angelos Epithemiou, Barbara Nice, Mick Ferry and Shaista Aziz. You’d be a fool to miss it! Click here to buy tickets.
Laughing Cows (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)
Get down to the Frog and Bucket for an evening of quality entertainment from the finest female comedians. Featuring the acclaimed Ava Vidal, Rosie Wilby, Shaista Aziz, Sally Anne Heyward and Kerry Leigh. Click here to buy tickets.
Paul Sinha - Extreme Anti-White Vitriol (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 8pm, Show time 8.15pm)
International comedian, Paul Sinha, has performed at many of the major comedy clubs in the UK and the world. He's a top quality stand up, has performed on Radio 4's Loose Ends and the Now Show, as well as having recorded for Shane Warne's Ashes podcasts. A top drawer and much acclaimed comedian and one not to miss. Click here to buy tickets.
All Of Time and Space In 45 Minutes* (Lass O'Gowrie, 9pm)
Have you ever tried to explain the plot of Lost to a mate in the pub? Do you have friends interested in your Battlestar Galactica Boxed set, but don't want to commit? This is for you, squashing over 80,000 hours worth of television into 45 minutes. Click here to buy tickets.
The Rocky Horrow Show (BirdCage, Door time 8pm, Show time 9pm)
It’s astounding time is fleeting, madness takes it toll… This Halloween, expect themed cocktails, prizes for the best dressed costume, a drag compere and non-stop disco! Don't miss this! Click here to buy tickets.
Matt Kirshen - Comedytalkingoutloud (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)
This excellent comic, Matt Kirshen, has presented Rude Tube and was a finalist in NBC's Last Comic Standing. Tonight he is in Manchester with some first class stand up. Don't miss out! Click here to buy tickets.
Sorrow, Ellis and Epithemiou (MOHO Live, 9.30pm)
This comedy trio are in Manchester tonight with an hour of absolutely bonkers comedy. Johnny Sorrow, Phil Ellis and Angelos Epithemiou are together for your viewing pleasure in this must-see show. 'Every word that comes out of his mouth is funny' The Guardian. Click here to buy tickets.
Happypotamus (Lass O’Gowrie, 9.45pm)
This weird and wonderful Geordie comes to Manchester with an act that asks, ‘Is happiness possible?’ The four star reviewed Seymour Mace recently appeared in a BBC3 show with Johnny Vegas, and shares with him a similar adult humour... Don’t miss out! Click here for tickets info.
LOL! Manchester presents...the very best from MCF 2010 (Moho Live, 7pm)
With the end in sight, this event sees MC Chris Brooker joined by James Ball, Gary Coleman, Amadeus Martin, Brennan Reece, Vince Atta and more, plus a special guest headliner! Don't Miss it! Click here to book tickets.
Tony Basnett: Simon Says “Grow Up” & Kahn Johnson: Cakes and Violence (Apotheca, 1pm)
Tony and Kahn’s shows are back by popular demand tonight! Tickled Pig Finalist, Tony Basnett, explores what it actually means to be an adult. The equally funny former news writer, Kahn Johnson, tells tales on recent news events in an engrossingly likeable manner. This is one not to be missed, and click here to buy tickets.
Silky Takes Your Money And Rewards You With Hearty Laughter (Apotheca, 2.15pm)
Liverpudlian in exile, Silky, is at Apotheca this afternoon with some top quality stand up. He’s been nominated for numerous esteemed awards and has a vast list of TV credits. Don’t miss this hilarious show! ‘Always brilliant’ Metro. Click here to buy tickets.
Susan Murray – The Glottal Stops Here (Apotheca, 3.30pm)
Susan was the winner of the first ever Jongelurs Competition, has performed to sell out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe and is a seasoned regular on the comedy circuit working at a national level in all the major comedy clubs. Tonight, she is performing The Glottal Stops Here, her debut solo show, which has been co-written with Matt Owen. Matt’s writing credits include Have I Got News For You, Dead Ringers, and Private Eye. Click here to buy tickets.
Amadeus Martin: Rated Sneaky (Apotheca, 4.45pm)
The cheeky, energetic and critically acclaimed Amadeus Martin comes to Manchester to entertain his audience with impeccable stand up storytelling and observational comedy. Head down to Apotheca this afternoon - he’s definitely one to watch! Click here to buy tickets.
Gary Coleman Is… Very Rarely Rong (Apotheca, 6pm)
Finalist in last year’s New Act of the Year, and nominee for Best Male Actor in the 2days Laughter Short Comedy Film Festival, this multi-award winning comic will give you an insight into the trials and tribulations of marriage and fatherhood in a glorious dead-pan style. Click here to buy tickets.
Flecky Bennett’s Manchester Ghost Walk, (City centre, 7pm)
Having frightened victims in Manchester and London, Flecky Bennett returns to Manchester for the second year running with his popular ghost walk. Flecky’s mixture of history and performance in his one-man show has earned the walk a ‘Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction’ status. Click here to buy tickets.
Free Range (Lass O’Gowrie, 7pm)
Get down to The Lass for an evening of FREE comedy. This sketch comedy troupe will entertain you with their surreal sketches that are entirely unrelated to Hallowe’en. Or are they…? This comedy night promises to be a good laugh and a great night out!
Quentin Reynolds, Comedy Mindreader (Lass O’Gowrie, 7.30pm)
Winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2005, this comedy mindreader explores the psychic and the paranormal to a comic backdrop of laughter and astonishment. Quentin's is also the only show to be running for every day of the festival, so he's also got stamina. Click here to buy tickets.
BBC Comedy Presents… (The Comedy Store, 8pm)
BBC Comedy Presents is hosted this evening at the world famous Comedy Store, and they have some stellar acts lined up for you tonight! Featuring Jason Cook, Boy With Tape On His Face, Angelos Epithemiou, Barbara Nice, Mick Ferry and Shaista Aziz. You’d be a fool to miss it! Click here to buy tickets.
Laughing Cows (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)
Get down to the Frog and Bucket for an evening of quality entertainment from the finest female comedians. Featuring the acclaimed Ava Vidal, Rosie Wilby, Shaista Aziz, Sally Anne Heyward and Kerry Leigh. Click here to buy tickets.
Paul Sinha - Extreme Anti-White Vitriol (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 8pm, Show time 8.15pm)
International comedian, Paul Sinha, has performed at many of the major comedy clubs in the UK and the world. He's a top quality stand up, has performed on Radio 4's Loose Ends and the Now Show, as well as having recorded for Shane Warne's Ashes podcasts. A top drawer and much acclaimed comedian and one not to miss. Click here to buy tickets.
All Of Time and Space In 45 Minutes* (Lass O'Gowrie, 9pm)
Have you ever tried to explain the plot of Lost to a mate in the pub? Do you have friends interested in your Battlestar Galactica Boxed set, but don't want to commit? This is for you, squashing over 80,000 hours worth of television into 45 minutes. Click here to buy tickets.
The Rocky Horrow Show (BirdCage, Door time 8pm, Show time 9pm)
It’s astounding time is fleeting, madness takes it toll… This Halloween, expect themed cocktails, prizes for the best dressed costume, a drag compere and non-stop disco! Don't miss this! Click here to buy tickets.
Matt Kirshen - Comedytalkingoutloud (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)
This excellent comic, Matt Kirshen, has presented Rude Tube and was a finalist in NBC's Last Comic Standing. Tonight he is in Manchester with some first class stand up. Don't miss out! Click here to buy tickets.
Sorrow, Ellis and Epithemiou (MOHO Live, 9.30pm)
This comedy trio are in Manchester tonight with an hour of absolutely bonkers comedy. Johnny Sorrow, Phil Ellis and Angelos Epithemiou are together for your viewing pleasure in this must-see show. 'Every word that comes out of his mouth is funny' The Guardian. Click here to buy tickets.
Happypotamus (Lass O’Gowrie, 9.45pm)
This weird and wonderful Geordie comes to Manchester with an act that asks, ‘Is happiness possible?’ The four star reviewed Seymour Mace recently appeared in a BBC3 show with Johnny Vegas, and shares with him a similar adult humour... Don’t miss out! Click here for tickets info.
LOL! Manchester presents...the very best from MCF 2010 (Moho Live, 7pm)
With the end in sight, this event sees MC Chris Brooker joined by James Ball, Gary Coleman, Amadeus Martin, Brennan Reece, Vince Atta and more, plus a special guest headliner! Don't Miss it! Click here to book tickets.
Labels: comedy manchester, comedy sunday, extra dates manchester comedy festival, manchester comedy festival daily round up, mcf_2010, mcf2010, multitude media
MARISSA’S MANCHESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL DIARY – THE LAST SATURDAY 30th OCT
This year there have been plenty of shows running in the daylight hours and I thought it was about time I caught one of them. Phil Ellis’ Big Comedy Quiz has had a few outings at the Frog and Bucket and again was an event I’d been meaning to catch. So off we went to the Frog – in daylight! In the afternoon! It was a nice little turn out for a Saturday afternoon. Ellis hosts the quiz – which has as much to do with serious trivia as Shooting Stars does – besuited and atop a stepladder. He’s un-ablely assisted by the very sparkly presence of Susan Vale and the very quiet George Cottier. It’s a beguiling experience with questions as off the wall as Why is… Mel Gibson? A very good point well made. It continues on the last Tuesday of every month and is well worth dropping into.
It feels like I’ve been neglecting the Lass O’Gowrie and its festival delights in the last two weeks - it’s put on no less than 30 festival shows and is an integral part of the event. So I rounded the day off there to help judge the final of the Old Speckled Hen Comedian of the Year competition. Unlike my experience of judging competitions in the past pub manager Lisa Davies and resident comedian TheOneLikeFish had created an X Factor style atmosphere with the judges giving verbal feedback rather than just scribbling away and making their decisions in the dark. It’s nerve racking but as I’ve always (at least tried…) to take the view that you don’t put anything in print that you’d not be prepared to say to someone’s face it seems only right that you can say it over the mic. Myself and fellow judges comedian turned promoter Neil ‘Spider’ Smith and the fantastic comic Greg Cook were all pretty fair and polite to the competitors, though that wasn’t difficult as they all were genuinely pretty decent acts. But a choice had to be made and Lewis Jones came in third, Sarah Cassidy second and Scott Bennett first.
A few drinks (it’s the last Saturday and an extra hour in bed to recover) then home and bed ready for the final onslaught.
It feels like I’ve been neglecting the Lass O’Gowrie and its festival delights in the last two weeks - it’s put on no less than 30 festival shows and is an integral part of the event. So I rounded the day off there to help judge the final of the Old Speckled Hen Comedian of the Year competition. Unlike my experience of judging competitions in the past pub manager Lisa Davies and resident comedian TheOneLikeFish had created an X Factor style atmosphere with the judges giving verbal feedback rather than just scribbling away and making their decisions in the dark. It’s nerve racking but as I’ve always (at least tried…) to take the view that you don’t put anything in print that you’d not be prepared to say to someone’s face it seems only right that you can say it over the mic. Myself and fellow judges comedian turned promoter Neil ‘Spider’ Smith and the fantastic comic Greg Cook were all pretty fair and polite to the competitors, though that wasn’t difficult as they all were genuinely pretty decent acts. But a choice had to be made and Lewis Jones came in third, Sarah Cassidy second and Scott Bennett first.
A few drinks (it’s the last Saturday and an extra hour in bed to recover) then home and bed ready for the final onslaught.
MCF DAILY ROUND-UP - SATURDAY 30TH
We can't believe we're into the final weekend of the Manchester Comedy Festival 2010. Through our tears of sadness we bring you the MCF 2010 daily round-up to help you to decide who to see, be it stars of TV Jimmy Carr, Milton Jones and Mick Ferry or the next crop of stars such as Joe Lycett, Andrew Ryan or Alfie Moore...
Young Guns of Comedy (Apotheca, 1pm)
The Young Guns of Comedy promises to be a first-class afternoon of quality stand up that will give you the chance to see some of the best up and coming names on the circuit, including James Beck, Lukas Bennett, Jay Edwards and more. Could these acts be the next bright stars of comedy? Find out! Click here to buy tickets.
The Triumphant Return Of Jimmy & Jackie (Apotheca, 2.15pm)
Jimmy and Jackie were once rising stars of comedy. But they soon let the fame and fortune go to their heads, and stars they no longer were. But today they’ve decided to pull it together again. The multi-award winning Carl Hutchinson (So You Think You’re Funny finalist and Beat the Frog World Series winner) and the hilarious John Whale perform the rise and fall of Jimmy and Jackie. Prepare to laugh until you cry without spending any money - it’s FREE! Don’t miss this!
Phil Ellis’s Big Fat Comedy Quiz – Just £1 (Frog and Bucket, Door time 3pm, Show time 3.30pm
Get down to the Frog and Bucket this afternoon for a not-so-conventional pub quiz – it’s not in a pub and the answers are generally made up, as Phil can’t afford the internet or an encyclopedia. Join Phil, the hilarious Susan Vale and the witty George Cottier as they entertain you with some unusual facts. And for £1, you can’t go wrong! Click here to buy tickets.
Richard Rycroft: The Songs I’ll Never Sing (Apotheca, 3.30pm)
Richard Rycroft’s style is somewhere between stand up and storytelling, and it certainly goes down well with audiences. He’s been a finalist in Hackney Empire New Act of the Year, Laughing Horse New Act of the Year and Hilarity Bites New Act Competition, amongst others. Get down to Apotheca to see some top-quality stand up! And it’s FREE!
Comedy Improv Tournament (The Comedy Store, 5pm)
Three of the best teams from up and down the country gather for the first annual Manchester Improv Tournament. Join The Scat Pack (London), Sticky Floor (Liverpool), The Comedy Sportz Nutcrackers (Manchester) and The Comedy Express Veterans (all over the shop) for an afternoon of top quality entertainment. Who will you support? Click here to buy tickets.
Mother’s Ruin: Going Ghastly At Hallowe’en (Greenroom, 7pm)
Mother’s Ruin return once again to entertain you… Hallowe’en style! Enjoy a ghastly evening with The LipSinkers, a dysfunctional family of alternative drag performers who prance about looking shabby-fab and driving audiences wild. Featuring the fabulous Lisa Lee, Ryan Styles, John Sizzle and Blanche DuBois. If you’re up for an exciting, fun filled evening, don’t miss this! Click here to buy tickets.
Quentin Reynolds, Comedy Mindreader (Lass O’Gowrie, 7.30pm)
Winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2005, this comedy mindreader explores the psychic and the paranormal to a comic backdrop of laughter and astonishment. Quentin's is also the only show to be running for every day of the festival, so he's also got stamina. Click here to buy tickets.
The Vagina Monologues (Palace Theatre, 7.30pm)
This autumn, The Vagina Monologues returns with an all star cast. Based on Eve Ensler’s ‘Vagina Interviews’ conducted with women from all around the world, this hilariously witty and moving collection of tales and anecdotes will have you laughing from start to finish. Click here to buy tickets.
Best in Stand Up (The Comedy Store, 8pm)
The world-famous Comedy Store bring you an evening of first-class comedy with four comics at the top of their game – TV star Milton Jones, Louis Ramey, Jeff Innocent, a Special Guest plus Mick Ferry as MC. The best line-up in town. Click here to buy tickets.
Jimmy Carr: Laughter Therapy ( O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)
King of one-liners, Jimmy Carr, is at the O2 Apollo fresh from touring up and down the country with his show, Laughter Therapy. For those of you with a sick sense of humour, Jimmy recommends laughter! So get down to the Apollo for some top-quality stand up from this critically acclaimed and deservedly successful comedian. Click here to buy tickets.
Opus Comedy Lounge (Opus, 8pm)
Tonight, Opus hosts some top acts from the UK Comedy Circuit. You are guaranteed a good night of entertainment, so get involved! Click here to buy tickets.
The Midlands Comes To Manchester. Show 1 – Three Of The Midlands’ Finest Comics (An Outlet, 8pm)
Tonight, we bring you some of the best comics from the thriving comedy circuit in the Midlands. In the first of three shows, expect fine performances from acclaimed comics, Ben Davids, Craig Deeley and Johnny Sorrow, with Paul Savage as a cracking compere. Click here to buy tickets.
Alfie Moore – The Laughter Police (MCF @ The Engine House, 8pm)
Get down to The Engine House to see real-life policeman, Alfie Moore talk about paperwork, policies, and paperwork. He’s seen it all in seventeen years. He’s been there, done it, and got the t-shirt. Click here to buy tickets.
Barrel of Laughs (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)
The critically acclaimed John Warburton is MC for this spectacular evening of first-class comedy featuring three comics – the side-splitting Boy with Tape on his Face, the hilarious Jim Tavaré and the witty Sean Moran. Make sure you head down to the Frog and Bucket tonight! Click here to buy tickets.
Old Speckled Hen Comedian Of The Year (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)
Get down to The Lass tonight to see eight comedians being put through their paces in an epic battle to find a comedy champion. Who will win the £200 cash prize? This top night of comedy is hosted by the wonderful 1 Like Fish, plus guest judges and headliner. Don’t miss this night of FREE comedy! Click here to buy tickets.
The Midlands Comes To Manchester. Show 2 – Best Of The Midlands’ Open Mic Circuit (An Outlet, 9pm)
In part two of three of 'The Midlands Comes To Manchester', expect some of the best up-and-coming comics from the thriving comedy circuit in the Midlands. This is your chance to see the rising stars of comedy! Compered by the fabulously funny Pete Smith. Click here to buy tickets.
Joe Lycett and Andrew Ryan – An Hour Of Humour (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)
These award winning comics are in Manchester tonight to wow audiences with comedy of the highest order. Chortle Best Newcomer Joe Lycett nad Hackney Empire New Act of the Year Finalist Andrew Ryan bring their hour of humour to Manchester for a special one-off performance. ‘Andrew and Joe deserve to be massive’ ***** Fresh Air. ‘Utterly brilliant. Both will be huge stars’ **** TimeOut. You’d be a fool to miss it! Click here to buy tickets.
The Midlands Comes to Manchester. Show 3 – The Milky Drink Kids (An Outlet, 10pm)
In the last of three shows, expect yet more comedy gold from the Midlands circuit. Featuring The Milky Drink Kids, fresh from runs at the Brighton Comedy Festival, Jane Hill, Richard Rycroft and Rob Coleman. Their combined age is 139, and though they are middle aged, they want you to know that middle age is the new rock ‘n’ roll! Click here to buy tickets.
Divas of Pop (BirdCage, Door time 9pm, Show time 10.15pm, new show every 40 mins, Last show 1.30am)
BirdCage’s glamorous showgirls and sexy male dancers will give you an evening of entertainment you won’t forget! For a flamboyant, outrageous, and funny night out, head down to BirdCage. Click here to buy tickets.
Best in Stand Up (The Comedy Store, 11.30pm)
Not ready to go to bed yet? The world-famous Comedy Store bring you an evening of first-class comedy with four comics at the top of their game – Milton Jones, Louis Ramey, Jeff Innocent, a Special Guest plus Mick Ferry as MC. Open spots also give you the chance to see fresh-blood on a professional stage for the first time. Click here to buy tickets.
Young Guns of Comedy (Apotheca, 1pm)
The Young Guns of Comedy promises to be a first-class afternoon of quality stand up that will give you the chance to see some of the best up and coming names on the circuit, including James Beck, Lukas Bennett, Jay Edwards and more. Could these acts be the next bright stars of comedy? Find out! Click here to buy tickets.
The Triumphant Return Of Jimmy & Jackie (Apotheca, 2.15pm)
Jimmy and Jackie were once rising stars of comedy. But they soon let the fame and fortune go to their heads, and stars they no longer were. But today they’ve decided to pull it together again. The multi-award winning Carl Hutchinson (So You Think You’re Funny finalist and Beat the Frog World Series winner) and the hilarious John Whale perform the rise and fall of Jimmy and Jackie. Prepare to laugh until you cry without spending any money - it’s FREE! Don’t miss this!
Phil Ellis’s Big Fat Comedy Quiz – Just £1 (Frog and Bucket, Door time 3pm, Show time 3.30pm
Get down to the Frog and Bucket this afternoon for a not-so-conventional pub quiz – it’s not in a pub and the answers are generally made up, as Phil can’t afford the internet or an encyclopedia. Join Phil, the hilarious Susan Vale and the witty George Cottier as they entertain you with some unusual facts. And for £1, you can’t go wrong! Click here to buy tickets.
Richard Rycroft: The Songs I’ll Never Sing (Apotheca, 3.30pm)
Richard Rycroft’s style is somewhere between stand up and storytelling, and it certainly goes down well with audiences. He’s been a finalist in Hackney Empire New Act of the Year, Laughing Horse New Act of the Year and Hilarity Bites New Act Competition, amongst others. Get down to Apotheca to see some top-quality stand up! And it’s FREE!
Comedy Improv Tournament (The Comedy Store, 5pm)
Three of the best teams from up and down the country gather for the first annual Manchester Improv Tournament. Join The Scat Pack (London), Sticky Floor (Liverpool), The Comedy Sportz Nutcrackers (Manchester) and The Comedy Express Veterans (all over the shop) for an afternoon of top quality entertainment. Who will you support? Click here to buy tickets.
Mother’s Ruin: Going Ghastly At Hallowe’en (Greenroom, 7pm)
Mother’s Ruin return once again to entertain you… Hallowe’en style! Enjoy a ghastly evening with The LipSinkers, a dysfunctional family of alternative drag performers who prance about looking shabby-fab and driving audiences wild. Featuring the fabulous Lisa Lee, Ryan Styles, John Sizzle and Blanche DuBois. If you’re up for an exciting, fun filled evening, don’t miss this! Click here to buy tickets.
Quentin Reynolds, Comedy Mindreader (Lass O’Gowrie, 7.30pm)
Winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2005, this comedy mindreader explores the psychic and the paranormal to a comic backdrop of laughter and astonishment. Quentin's is also the only show to be running for every day of the festival, so he's also got stamina. Click here to buy tickets.
The Vagina Monologues (Palace Theatre, 7.30pm)
This autumn, The Vagina Monologues returns with an all star cast. Based on Eve Ensler’s ‘Vagina Interviews’ conducted with women from all around the world, this hilariously witty and moving collection of tales and anecdotes will have you laughing from start to finish. Click here to buy tickets.
Best in Stand Up (The Comedy Store, 8pm)
The world-famous Comedy Store bring you an evening of first-class comedy with four comics at the top of their game – TV star Milton Jones, Louis Ramey, Jeff Innocent, a Special Guest plus Mick Ferry as MC. The best line-up in town. Click here to buy tickets.
Jimmy Carr: Laughter Therapy ( O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)
King of one-liners, Jimmy Carr, is at the O2 Apollo fresh from touring up and down the country with his show, Laughter Therapy. For those of you with a sick sense of humour, Jimmy recommends laughter! So get down to the Apollo for some top-quality stand up from this critically acclaimed and deservedly successful comedian. Click here to buy tickets.
Opus Comedy Lounge (Opus, 8pm)
Tonight, Opus hosts some top acts from the UK Comedy Circuit. You are guaranteed a good night of entertainment, so get involved! Click here to buy tickets.
The Midlands Comes To Manchester. Show 1 – Three Of The Midlands’ Finest Comics (An Outlet, 8pm)
Tonight, we bring you some of the best comics from the thriving comedy circuit in the Midlands. In the first of three shows, expect fine performances from acclaimed comics, Ben Davids, Craig Deeley and Johnny Sorrow, with Paul Savage as a cracking compere. Click here to buy tickets.
Alfie Moore – The Laughter Police (MCF @ The Engine House, 8pm)
Get down to The Engine House to see real-life policeman, Alfie Moore talk about paperwork, policies, and paperwork. He’s seen it all in seventeen years. He’s been there, done it, and got the t-shirt. Click here to buy tickets.
Barrel of Laughs (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)
The critically acclaimed John Warburton is MC for this spectacular evening of first-class comedy featuring three comics – the side-splitting Boy with Tape on his Face, the hilarious Jim Tavaré and the witty Sean Moran. Make sure you head down to the Frog and Bucket tonight! Click here to buy tickets.
Old Speckled Hen Comedian Of The Year (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)
Get down to The Lass tonight to see eight comedians being put through their paces in an epic battle to find a comedy champion. Who will win the £200 cash prize? This top night of comedy is hosted by the wonderful 1 Like Fish, plus guest judges and headliner. Don’t miss this night of FREE comedy! Click here to buy tickets.
The Midlands Comes To Manchester. Show 2 – Best Of The Midlands’ Open Mic Circuit (An Outlet, 9pm)
In part two of three of 'The Midlands Comes To Manchester', expect some of the best up-and-coming comics from the thriving comedy circuit in the Midlands. This is your chance to see the rising stars of comedy! Compered by the fabulously funny Pete Smith. Click here to buy tickets.
Joe Lycett and Andrew Ryan – An Hour Of Humour (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)
These award winning comics are in Manchester tonight to wow audiences with comedy of the highest order. Chortle Best Newcomer Joe Lycett nad Hackney Empire New Act of the Year Finalist Andrew Ryan bring their hour of humour to Manchester for a special one-off performance. ‘Andrew and Joe deserve to be massive’ ***** Fresh Air. ‘Utterly brilliant. Both will be huge stars’ **** TimeOut. You’d be a fool to miss it! Click here to buy tickets.
The Midlands Comes to Manchester. Show 3 – The Milky Drink Kids (An Outlet, 10pm)
In the last of three shows, expect yet more comedy gold from the Midlands circuit. Featuring The Milky Drink Kids, fresh from runs at the Brighton Comedy Festival, Jane Hill, Richard Rycroft and Rob Coleman. Their combined age is 139, and though they are middle aged, they want you to know that middle age is the new rock ‘n’ roll! Click here to buy tickets.
Divas of Pop (BirdCage, Door time 9pm, Show time 10.15pm, new show every 40 mins, Last show 1.30am)
BirdCage’s glamorous showgirls and sexy male dancers will give you an evening of entertainment you won’t forget! For a flamboyant, outrageous, and funny night out, head down to BirdCage. Click here to buy tickets.
Best in Stand Up (The Comedy Store, 11.30pm)
Not ready to go to bed yet? The world-famous Comedy Store bring you an evening of first-class comedy with four comics at the top of their game – Milton Jones, Louis Ramey, Jeff Innocent, a Special Guest plus Mick Ferry as MC. Open spots also give you the chance to see fresh-blood on a professional stage for the first time. Click here to buy tickets.
Labels: comedy saturday manchester, extra dates manchester comedy festival, extra dates mcf, jimmy carr, mcf2010, multitude media
MARISSA’S MANCHESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL DIARY (ON TOUR) – THE BOY WITH TAPE ON HIS FACE 29th OCT
Ok, ok so it’s not strictly a Manchester Comedy Festival diary piece tonight but I went over to Bolton and the Albert Halls to see the full length solo show by The Boy With Tape On His Face.
It’s one of many comedy events put on by Chris Cordingley, the new Business Development Manager at the theatre, who’s been doing his own bodding about the comedy festival this year. Maybe they’ll join us next year. Anyway we’re doing a little write up as Tape Face - as he is affectionately known by his management – as he’s at the Frog and Bucket tomorrow (Sat 30) performing new material and will also appear at the BBC Presents event at The Comedy Store on Sunday (31st).
So for a little teaser - The Boy With Tape On His Face is one of the most magical shows around. It takes silent humour and runs with it; for the full hour Wills says nothing instead using music, props and crucially audience members to create his world. Don’t despair if you think audience participation isn’t for you, after only a few minutes you feel compelled to join in and almost a little disappointed if by the end of the show he hasn’t made assertive eye contact with you and beckoned you to the stage. Ladies impersonate lions, there’s an unconventional sing a long and a lone male channels the Fully Monty. Just go see.
It’s one of many comedy events put on by Chris Cordingley, the new Business Development Manager at the theatre, who’s been doing his own bodding about the comedy festival this year. Maybe they’ll join us next year. Anyway we’re doing a little write up as Tape Face - as he is affectionately known by his management – as he’s at the Frog and Bucket tomorrow (Sat 30) performing new material and will also appear at the BBC Presents event at The Comedy Store on Sunday (31st).
So for a little teaser - The Boy With Tape On His Face is one of the most magical shows around. It takes silent humour and runs with it; for the full hour Wills says nothing instead using music, props and crucially audience members to create his world. Don’t despair if you think audience participation isn’t for you, after only a few minutes you feel compelled to join in and almost a little disappointed if by the end of the show he hasn’t made assertive eye contact with you and beckoned you to the stage. Ladies impersonate lions, there’s an unconventional sing a long and a lone male channels the Fully Monty. Just go see.
MCF DAILY ROUND-UP - FRIDAY 29TH
Can you believe there are only three more days of shows at the Manchester Comedy Festival 2010? We can't, but to provide us with comfort is another night of cracking comedy. Here's our round-up...
Parannoyance (The Comedy Store, 3pm)
This high octane and interactive comedy show uniquely fuses magic, multimedia and subversive storytelling. The show was the runner-up for the Best Comedy award at Buxton Fringe Festival and it has toured at comedy and science festivals up and down the country. Click here to buy tickets.
Special FX Presents: Western Gentlemen and The Keep Up Olgas (Royal Exchange Theatre, 6pm, Happy hour from 5.30pm – 7pm)
Tonight, the Royal Exchange provide you with an alternative to regular stand up and instead present you with an evening of hilarious, witty character creations and bizarre musicians. Western Gentlemen, with their rare ability to titillate and stupefy, facing off with the deeply wonky and inventive Keep Up Olga internet site tribute band. Don’t miss what will be a brilliant evening of entertainment. Click here to buy tickets.
Stand Up For The Commuters (Apotheca, 6pm)
This quality comedy night brings you no less than four comedians in one hour. This sharp, fast-paced night of first-class banter will surely have you ready to face the weekend. Click here to buy tickets.
Crispy Comedy Cuts (An Outlet, 7pm-Midnight)
This is a brand spanking new monthly comedy night that merges future music and local beats with cracking comedy. The night is an extension of the Crispy Comedy Cuts segment on Unity Radio. Tonight’s guests include the brilliantly funny comedians, Killian Monson and Jay Edwards, plus an acoustic set from Carjack Mallone and live DJs. Get down to An Outlet for food, cheap drinks and some top quality entertainment. Click here to buy tickets.
Quentin Reynolds, Comedy Mindreader (Lass O’Gowrie, 7.30pm)
Winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2005, this comedy mindreader explores the psychic and the paranormal to a comic backdrop of laughter and astonishment. Quentin's is also the only show to be running for every day of the festival, so he's also got stamina. Click here to buy tickets.
Best in Stand Up (The Comedy Store, 8pm)
The world-famous Comedy Store bring you an evening of first-class comedy with four comics at the top of their game – Jeff Innocent, Louis Ramey, Milton Jones, a special guest plus Mick Ferry as MC. Open spots also give you the chance to see fresh-blood on a professional stage for the first time. Click here to buy tickets.
Jimmy Carr: Laughter Therapy ( O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)
King of one-liners, Jimmy Carr, is at the O2 Apollo fresh from touring up and down the country with his show, Laughter Therapy. For those of you with a sick sense of humour, Jimmy recommends laughter! So get down to the Apollo for some top-quality stand up from this critically acclaimed and deservedly successful comedian. Click here to buy tickets.
Barrel of Laughs (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)
The critically acclaimed John Warburton is MC for this spectacular evening of first-class comedy featuring three comics – the side-splitting Barry Dodds, the hilarious Jim Tavaré, and the witty Sean Moran. Click here to buy tickets.
Michael Redmond – ‘It’s Not Father Stone… It’s Michael Redmond’ (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 8pm, Show time)
You may recognise Michael as Father Stone from C4’s Father Ted. Tonight, this masterful comedian is in Manchester with some first-class stand up, so get down to The Engine House for some deadpan comedy. Click here to buy tickets.
Have You Seen Danny Pensive? (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)
The hilarious Danny Pensive is guaranteed to get laughs out of the audience by divulging his deepest and darkest secrets through excerpts from his diary. He covers everything from goldfish and key cutting to imaginary friends. ‘Original, genuinely unpredictable and very rewarding’ Chortle. Click here to buy tickets.
Kevin Gildea – Here Comes Kevin Gildea (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)
Kevin has had countless credits on TV and Radio (including Father Ted, Alexei Sayle’s Merry Go Round and Radio 4’s The O Show) and is a veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe. Tonight he is in Manchester with some top quality stand up. 'Highly original and explosively funny' Sunday Times. Click here to buy tickets.
Divas of Pop (BirdCage, Door time 9pm, Show time 10.15pm, new show every 40 mins, Last show 1.30am)
BirdCage’s glamorous showgirls and sexy male dancers will give you an evening of entertainment you won’t forget! For a flamboyant, outrageous, and funny night out, head down to BirdCage. Click here to buy tickets.
Rose Wilby’s Further Science Of Sex (The Comedy Store, 11pm)
Funny Women Finalist and winner of the Fringe Report award, Rosie Wilby, is in Manchester tonight with her acclaimed latest show. She looks at what makes us gay or straight, what turns us on, what are pheromones, and why we are attracted to one person and not another. Don’t miss this! Click here to buy tickets.
Parannoyance (The Comedy Store, 3pm)
This high octane and interactive comedy show uniquely fuses magic, multimedia and subversive storytelling. The show was the runner-up for the Best Comedy award at Buxton Fringe Festival and it has toured at comedy and science festivals up and down the country. Click here to buy tickets.
Special FX Presents: Western Gentlemen and The Keep Up Olgas (Royal Exchange Theatre, 6pm, Happy hour from 5.30pm – 7pm)
Tonight, the Royal Exchange provide you with an alternative to regular stand up and instead present you with an evening of hilarious, witty character creations and bizarre musicians. Western Gentlemen, with their rare ability to titillate and stupefy, facing off with the deeply wonky and inventive Keep Up Olga internet site tribute band. Don’t miss what will be a brilliant evening of entertainment. Click here to buy tickets.
Stand Up For The Commuters (Apotheca, 6pm)
This quality comedy night brings you no less than four comedians in one hour. This sharp, fast-paced night of first-class banter will surely have you ready to face the weekend. Click here to buy tickets.
Crispy Comedy Cuts (An Outlet, 7pm-Midnight)
This is a brand spanking new monthly comedy night that merges future music and local beats with cracking comedy. The night is an extension of the Crispy Comedy Cuts segment on Unity Radio. Tonight’s guests include the brilliantly funny comedians, Killian Monson and Jay Edwards, plus an acoustic set from Carjack Mallone and live DJs. Get down to An Outlet for food, cheap drinks and some top quality entertainment. Click here to buy tickets.
Quentin Reynolds, Comedy Mindreader (Lass O’Gowrie, 7.30pm)
Winner of the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year in 2005, this comedy mindreader explores the psychic and the paranormal to a comic backdrop of laughter and astonishment. Quentin's is also the only show to be running for every day of the festival, so he's also got stamina. Click here to buy tickets.
Best in Stand Up (The Comedy Store, 8pm)
The world-famous Comedy Store bring you an evening of first-class comedy with four comics at the top of their game – Jeff Innocent, Louis Ramey, Milton Jones, a special guest plus Mick Ferry as MC. Open spots also give you the chance to see fresh-blood on a professional stage for the first time. Click here to buy tickets.
Jimmy Carr: Laughter Therapy ( O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)
King of one-liners, Jimmy Carr, is at the O2 Apollo fresh from touring up and down the country with his show, Laughter Therapy. For those of you with a sick sense of humour, Jimmy recommends laughter! So get down to the Apollo for some top-quality stand up from this critically acclaimed and deservedly successful comedian. Click here to buy tickets.
Barrel of Laughs (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)
The critically acclaimed John Warburton is MC for this spectacular evening of first-class comedy featuring three comics – the side-splitting Barry Dodds, the hilarious Jim Tavaré, and the witty Sean Moran. Click here to buy tickets.
Michael Redmond – ‘It’s Not Father Stone… It’s Michael Redmond’ (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 8pm, Show time)
You may recognise Michael as Father Stone from C4’s Father Ted. Tonight, this masterful comedian is in Manchester with some first-class stand up, so get down to The Engine House for some deadpan comedy. Click here to buy tickets.
Have You Seen Danny Pensive? (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)
The hilarious Danny Pensive is guaranteed to get laughs out of the audience by divulging his deepest and darkest secrets through excerpts from his diary. He covers everything from goldfish and key cutting to imaginary friends. ‘Original, genuinely unpredictable and very rewarding’ Chortle. Click here to buy tickets.
Kevin Gildea – Here Comes Kevin Gildea (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)
Kevin has had countless credits on TV and Radio (including Father Ted, Alexei Sayle’s Merry Go Round and Radio 4’s The O Show) and is a veteran of the Edinburgh Fringe. Tonight he is in Manchester with some top quality stand up. 'Highly original and explosively funny' Sunday Times. Click here to buy tickets.
Divas of Pop (BirdCage, Door time 9pm, Show time 10.15pm, new show every 40 mins, Last show 1.30am)
BirdCage’s glamorous showgirls and sexy male dancers will give you an evening of entertainment you won’t forget! For a flamboyant, outrageous, and funny night out, head down to BirdCage. Click here to buy tickets.
Rose Wilby’s Further Science Of Sex (The Comedy Store, 11pm)
Funny Women Finalist and winner of the Fringe Report award, Rosie Wilby, is in Manchester tonight with her acclaimed latest show. She looks at what makes us gay or straight, what turns us on, what are pheromones, and why we are attracted to one person and not another. Don’t miss this! Click here to buy tickets.
Labels: comedy manchester friday, extra dates manchester comedy festival, extra dates mcf, jimmy carr, manchester comedy friday, mcf2010, multitude media
