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.

Labels: comedy manchester, comedy sunday, extra dates manchester comedy festival, manchester comedy festival daily round up, mcf_2010, mcf2010, multitude media

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.

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.

Labels: comedy saturday manchester, extra dates manchester comedy festival, extra dates mcf, jimmy carr, mcf2010, multitude media

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.

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.

Labels: comedy manchester friday, extra dates manchester comedy festival, extra dates mcf, jimmy carr, manchester comedy friday, mcf2010, multitude media

Over the years Wayne Williams and LOL! Manchester have put on plenty of comedy events around the area so it’s only proper that they should be part of the programme at the festival this year. Williams has put on a mammoth line up at Apotheca, the cosy bar in the Northern Quarter, as well as Moho Live and Simple in the same locality. So over a week into the festival I figured it was time to pay Apotheca a visit.
When I dropped in and caught the end of Leicester comedian Jim Smallman one man show where he was regaling with tales of what happened when he asked his audiences what’s the worst thing you’ve done when drunk.
Next show up was Ashley Frieze’s The Seven Deadly Sings. The show, which he performed for a couple of weeks run as part of the Free Fringe in Edinburgh this year, attempts to classify all the songs or sings into one of seven different categories – story, love, complacency, pain, attitude, novelty or commercial. It succeeds in displaying his musical talent and knowledge as well as his skills as a funnyman of course. Particular highlights include his pain song about a bad stay in a London hotel and how to diffuse a rap song.
Rounding off the night was The Great Big Comedy Picnic and Ian Fox joined Ashley Frieze in their double-header show that also ran at the Free Fringe this year. Fox told sharp one-liners featuring toaster revenge at the end of a relationship and a groping hiccup in the swimming baths. Then Frieze returned to the stage with an entirely different set of songs including a dedication to Manchester’s Lidl and his inadequacies in bed.

It was back to the Frog and Bucket tonight for Geordie Jason Cook’s latest show. Somehow I missed it in Edinburgh and knowing that you can guarantee an acclaimed, heartfelt and of course funny show from Cook it was definitely one to catch. The End (Part One) was inspired by Cook’s skirmish with death last year when his wife Clare had to call him an ambulance because he thought he was having a heart attack. Inevitably the scare made him reassess his life whilst also giving him another great idea for a new show. As ever his latest offering mixed likable amiability, gags aplenty and a fair dollop of pathos.
Though it was tempting to stay for the Late Night Asylum following Cook’s gig in the Frog we were off to Tiger Lounge to catch the last few hours of Patrick Monahan’s gig, sorry last half hour. Actually I was right first time it was more like hours – apparently running on Duracell or channelling Ken Dodd he really can keep going. If there were awards for endurance on stage his mantelpiece would be stuffed full. The cheeky Irish/Iranian/Middlesbrough charmer works the room loving nothing better than to natter to his crowd plus there’s cuddles and a bit of dancing to end the night. With Jonathan Paylor and Sean Moran doing half hour shows each at the top of the night it had been a bargain of an evening.
Then it was off for an all-important festival curry and to pull the sofa bed out for Monahan as he’s kipping over at mine.

There's only a few days of shows left at Manchester Comedy Festival 2010 including some belters today starting at lunchtime. We've rounded them up for you here...

Punk Science (The Comedy Store, 12pm)

Why couldn’t school science lessons have been like this? Get down to the Comedy Store for a mixture of comedy, music and live experiments, where the Punk Science team answer life’s big questions - can food make you happy? How does nuclear fusion work? Could you get DNA from a burglar if they farted in a bag? In conjunction with Manchester Science Festival, this show has all the answers. Click here to buy tickets.

The Boy Next Door Gone Wrong (Apotheca, 7.15pm)

Laughing Horse New Act Finalist and finalist in the Leicester Comedian of the Year Awards, Jim Smallman, is in Manchester with some wonderfully gritty stand up. This show won best comedy show at the Hollywood Fringe so you don't want to miss it. 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.

Frankie Boyle – I Would Happily Punch Everyone Of You In The Face (O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)

One of comedy’s gurus, Frankie Boyle, comes to Manchester following his epic record-breaking tour in 2008 with some stellar stand up. Unfortunately if you're reading this today, tickets for one of Britain's best known stand-ups have sold out, but we're very proud to have him involved once again.

Stand Up Thursday (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 and 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.

Big Value Thursday (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)

The witty and spontaneous John Warburton hosts a fantastic evening of comedy, featuring the critically acclaimed Steve Shanyaski, Jim Tavaré, Michael J Dolan, and Adnan Ahmed. It really is great value for money! Click here to buy tickets.

F**k The Police (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)

Get down to The Lass for a night of FREE comedy where eight comedians compete against each other in a ‘battle rap’. And the best bit is that you, the audience, decide who spits the best rhymes and leaves as the winner. MC’d by the brilliant 1 Like Fish plus headliner Vince Atta. Click here to buy tickets.

The Seven Deadly Sings (Apotheca, 8.30pm)

This high-octane musical comedian will take you on a hilarious journey exploring why we actually sing, what songs are about and whether there are more than seven original songs in the world. Ashley will literally reinvent the way you think about music. Click here to buy tickets.

The Great Big Comedy Picnic (Apotheca, 9.45pm)

After eight successful years at the Edinburgh Fringe, successful duo Ashley Frieze and Ian Fox are back on home turf. This show, labeled as Edinburgh Critic’s Choice, promises absolute hilarity and something for everyone in the audience. Don’t miss this show! Click here to buy tickets.

Labels: comedy daily round, comedy festival manchester, comedy manchester, extra dates manchester comedy festival, extra dates mcf, mcf2010, milton jones, multitude media

What more could you want on a Wednesday night than a stellar line up of shows at Manchester Comedy Festival 2010? Here's our daily round-up...

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.

An Audience With The Lomos (Apotheca, 7.15pm)

What better way to spend a Wednesday evening than with some quality FREE comedy? Comedy-pop duo, Pete Marshall and The Lomos come to Apotheca to give you some cracking comic entertainment. 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.

Frankie Boyle – I Would Happily Punch Everyone Of You In The Face (O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)

One of comedy’s gurus, Frankie Boyle, comes to Manchester following his epic record-breaking tour in 2008 with some stellar stand up. Unfortunately if you're reading this today, tickets for one of Britain's best known stand-ups have sold out, and we're very proud to have him involved once again.

Jason Cook: The End (Part 1) (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7.30pm, Show time 8pm)

Following sell-out performances at the MCF last year, Jason is back with his most ambitious, soul-searching and personal show ever; where YOU decide 2011’s show. And if you come to this show, you can stay for the Late Night Asylum for FREE to witness an array of improvised comedy! Click here to buy tickets.

Jason Cook’s Late Night Asylum (Frog and Bucket, 10pm)

Five star reviewed comic, Jason Cook, hosts tonight’s special evening of comedy. Expect some amazing comics doing some amazing things – special guests, sketches, stunts, and much, much more… Click here to buy tickets.

Jimeoin (The Comedy Store, 8pm)

This incredibly talented comic has gained international critical acclaim over the years, and tonight he is in Manchester with some stellar stand up. Jimeoin is known and loved for his brilliantly funny wit and charming observations on the absurdities of every-day life. Get down to the Comedy Store to see this award-winning comedian in action! “Comedy of the highest order… inspired ramblings” The Independent. Click here to buy tickets.

Jonny Addy: No Idea (Pub Zoo, 8pm)

The brilliantly witty Jonny Addy does not have a clue what is going on, whether that be in life, love or liberty. But that’s not going to stop him from talking about it. Get down to Pub Zoo for a top evening of comedy that’ll have you laughing right from the start! Click here to buy tickets.

Shockingly Funny @ Electrik (Electrik Bar, 8pm)

Tonight, MC Chris Brooker, one of comedy’s heavy hitters, hosts a special evening of comedy. Featuring the quick and witty Alex Boardman, the hilarious Des Sharples and two comedy treasures that have been hunted down from the local area – Ruth E. Cockburn and James Hampson. And it’s free! What more could you want? Click here to buy tickets.

Jonathon Paylor: I Am A Friend Of Dorothy… But Does She Have An Older Brother? (Tiger Lounge, 8.15pm)

Paylor has performed up and down the country at all the big comedy clubs with some cracking material that has been well received by fellow comedians and promoters alike. Tonight he is in Manchester with some wonderfully crafted material that will have you laughing from the word ‘go’! Click here to buy tickets.

El Fun (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)

Ecuador’s number one comic El Purnell is in Manchester with a high octane performance that will have you in fits of laughter. Get down to The Lass tonight for some cracking comedy. And guess what… it’s FREE! Viva ‘El fun’! Click here for more info.

The Fall By Numbers (Apotheca, 8.30pm)

Critically acclaimed comic, Susan Vale, is in Manchester tonight with her show about her love of The Fall (the band that is, not the season or the Albert Camus novel). A finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year and having written extensively for TV and Radio, Susan is one not to miss. Click here to buy tickets.

Sean Moran: Wasted Youth (Tiger Lounge, 9pm)

Join Sean Moran as he stares into the barrel of fatherhood and laments a debauchery deprived youth. Expect some cracking intelligent observational stand-up. Tonight’s honest and hilarious show should not be missed. Click here to buy tickets.

Slap & Giggle: Regrets (Pub Zoo, 9pm)

Comedy duo Sid Wick and James Bennison’s distressingly unique brand of humour consists of bizarre character comedy, word play of the highest order, and astoundingly well orchestrated songs. Following sell out shows at last year’s MCF, they are back with their new show, Slap & Giggle. Click here to buy tickets.

Damion Larkin: Cuddly Laugher (Apotheca, 9.45pm)

Up and coming comic, Damion Larkin, is the ex-stockbroker who packed it all in to be a comedian. He explores why laughter is so essential and why comedy is more important than taking offence. This versatile and creative comedian will leave you wanting more! “One of the country’s top new comedians” BBC. 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.

Patrick Monahan: I Walked, I Danced, Iran (Tiger Lounge, 9.45pm)

This award-winning Irish-Iranian comic is in Manchester on a national tour, with sell out shows at the Royal Albert Hall and appearances on C4’s Paul O’Grady. Get down to Tiger Lounge to see Patrick, with his versatility, likeability and engaging stage presence, in action! Click here to buy tickets.

Andrew Ryan: Bemused (Pub Zoo, 10pm)

Stuck for ideas on a Wednesday evening? Not quite ready for bed yet? Join Andrew at Pub Zoo for some cracking comedy. Only last year, Andrew was a finalist in the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year competition whilst also scooping up the title of the Hilarity Bites New Act of the Year. This hilarious Irishman is definitely one to watch! Click here to buy tickets.

Labels: comedy manchester 28th october, comedy manchester tonight, extra dates manchester comedy festival, mcf 2010, mcf daily round up, multitude media

When venues start programming their comedy festival events it’s usually way before the Edinburgh Fringe so there’s no sure fire way of knowing which of the shows are likely to be the hits and/or award winners. But by fluke it often happens that come October you find yourself with an award winner on your hands – it was the Frog and Bucket with Brendon Burns in 2007 - and this year it was the Comedy Store’s turn having booked Russell Kane months before his Edinburgh Comedy Award win this August. That said it wouldn’t take much of a stretch of the imagination to predict that he may well have won it this year as he had been nominated for the award three times before.
Also to see him perform tonight it gives you a bloody good idea as to what it is was that they saw it in him and saw fit to highlight. Kane is a live wire of ideas as he thrashes about on stage, ideas buzzing from his head. Spending the first section getting a little distracted by the crowd and playing around with several ideas, he gets to the meat of the show when he begins to talk about his father. It’s a topic he’s touched on before in his material but this show chooses to focus on him even more closely and the council house that he's bought on which built an extension on to, the garden he sunk a swimming pool into and put an original 1980s brown microwave in the kitchen. It’s a smart fast paced belly laugh of a show which was preceded by a handful of characters from Kane’s own other half Sadie Hasler who performed a solo show this year too with impressions of good time gal Katherine Hepburn, Emmeline Pankhurst as a bit of a slapper and Myra Hindley the poet.
What more could you ask for?

There's another stellar line-up of shows this evening at the Manchester Comedy Festival 2010 and we've rounded them up for you here...

Laughter Yoga (The Comedy Store, 4pm-6pm)

We wouldn’t want to spend our afternoons doing yoga. Laughter yoga on the other hand… This playful participatory session is aimed at anyone who want to enhance wellbeing in the workplace. It is based on the idea that laughing is good for us, and rather than being based on jokes, it incorporates a willingness to laugh into gentle exercise, along with some yogic breathing. Trust us when we say that with a sense of playfulness, this will soon lead to real laughter! 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.

An Audience With The Lomos (Apotheca, 7.15pm)

What better way to spend a Tuesday evening than with some top-quality FREE comedy? Comedy-pop duo, Pete Marshall and The Lomos come to Apotheca to give you some cracking comic entertainment. 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.

Frankie Boyle – I Would Happily Punch Everyone Of You In The Face (O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)

One of comedy’s gurus, Frankie Boyle, comes to Manchester following his epic record-breaking tour in 2008 with some stellar stand up. Unfortunately if you're reading this today, tickets for one of Britain's best known stand-ups have sold out, but we're very proud to have him involved once again.

Richard Herring: Christ On A Bike – The Second Coming (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)

Award winning comic, Richard Herring, is in Manchester following sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. He’s had a handful of TV and Radio appearances on shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks, The Culture Show, and Imagine, as well as Matt Lucas and Charlie Brooker’s new Radio 4 shows. Get down to the Frog and Bucket to find out if Herring really is the second coming of Christ… Click here to buy tickets.

Russell Kane: Smokescreens & Castles (The Comedy Store, 8pm)

Multi-award winning comic, Russell Kane is in Manchester with some inspiring and brilliant stand up. This co-host of ITV2’s I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here NOW! explores self, family, and the consequences of his Dad buying his own council house. Don’t miss this! ‘One of the finest young performers around’ TimeOut. Click here to buy tickets.

XS Malarkey (The Queen of Hearts, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)

XS Malarkey has been awarded Best Comedy Club at the North-West Comedy Awards and Best Comedy Club (North) at the Chortle Awards, and this is reflected in its previous hosted appearances, including Jimmy Carr, Jimmy Cricket, and Alan Carr. Tonight’s guests include the hilariously funny Nige, Winner of Hull Comedian of the Year, Mick Sergeant, Chortle Best Newcomer 2010 Joe Lycett, and the witty Howard Whittock. You’d be a fool to miss this! MC'd by Toby Hadoke. Click here to buy tickets.

Mike Sheer & Kirsty Mac In Dog Bite – Comedy With Rabies (Simple Bar, 8.30pm)

This hilarious pair have come fresh off the international circuit. Toronto’s bright star, Mike Sheer, combines some colourful stories, strange truths, and on-the-money punchlines to create a light and dark comic experiences. Melbourne’s Kirsty Mac tackles the absurdities of being a woman today with an honest approach and is certainly on her way to cracking through the walls of the ‘boy’s club’. Click here to buy tickets.

Colin Manford Makes A Porno (Apotheca, 8.30pm)

Debutant Manford’s first gig at MCF sold out rapidly and as such he will perform again at Apotheca tonight! Manford asks the question, ‘What goes into making a good adult movie?’ Join him as he takes you through the ins and outs of making a porno, and with the use of multimedia, he will take you behind the scenes and up close and personal on the journey to making his first film. Click here to buy tickets.

The Lass O’Gowrie Comedy Pub Quiz (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)

Fancy testing out your general knowledge? Fancy having a laugh? Do both tonight at the Lass with the Comedy Pub Quiz. Hosted by the hilarious 1 Like Fish and with a host of celebrity guests, tonight is bound to be a winner! Click here to buy tickets.

Rob Rouse – The Great Escape (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)

Rob Rouse is performing in Manchester tonight fresh from a national tour and a sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. This five-star comedian and star of 8 Out of 10 Cats provides the audience with a brilliant and uplifting show that is sure to cause sidesplitting laughter! Click here to buy tickets.

Nathan Caton: Rambling in the Hood (Apotheca, 9.45pm)

This critically acclaimed comic was a finalist in the Amused Moose Comedy Search, winner of Chortle Student Comedian of the Year, he’s had his own slot on Paramount Comedy and is currently working on his first show BBC Radio 4 - all making him one of the most up-and-coming stars. Click here to buy tickets.

Nik Coppin (Simple Bar, 9.45pm)

This London-based comedian makes his debut at the MCF after years on the international circuit. His confident, affable, and energetic style of comedy will have you charmed from the word ‘go’. Click here to buy tickets.

Labels: comedy manchester, extra dates manchester comedy festival, frankie boyle manchester, manchester comedy festival daily round up, mcf 2010, multitude media, russell kane

After bobbing up the road to The Engine House on my bicycle (definitely the best form of transport to get to festival venues) Mick Ferry turned to me ‘never going to spot you in that Marissa’ pointing at my chest. Eh? Looking down to realise that I’m still wearing my hi-vis reflective strip. Ahem, yes quite. Distracting cycling gear removed, a very civilised cuppa and piece of cake purchased and it’s time to settle in for Ferry’s show at The Engine House – the festival venue run by Rob Riley at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation Centre in Chorlton Mill. As well as housing an archive, library and study centre it has a lovely performance space too. What better a place to see another (Greater) Manchester legend (just give it time…) in Ferry.
His show this year was inspired by his debut Edinburgh show in 2009 and how it almost broke him. For some reason someone at his venue had thought it would be a good idea to put on the Chippendales in the room next door, separated from Ferry’s space by little more than a curtain. Consequently Ferry’s punch lines were heckled by women screaming for the strippers. Ferry’s The Missing Chippendale weaves poignancy, pathos and a strong sense of the absurd to create a great hour long show investing his set with a fantastically creative and hilarious turn of phrase.
He’s also quite persuasive when it comes to heading off for a drink so we dropped by Apotheca for a quick one afterwards but remembering how drunk I was when I went for a drink after Ferry’s show in 2009 I made sure it really was just the one this time…

This year's Manchester Comedy Festival saw the debut of Dan Cardwell's first full-length show. We asked him FIVE BIG QUESTIONS to find out a little more about The Man Who Was Nearly There...

1) What is your show about?

We can't quite believe we're in to the second week of the 10th Manchester Comedy Festival already, and there's loads more great shows on offer this evening. Here's our daily guide to help you...

Laughter Yoga (The Comedy Store, 4pm-6pm)

We wouldn’t want to spend our afternoons doing yoga. Laughter yoga on the other hand… This playful participatory session is aimed at businesses and organisations who want to enhance wellbeing in the workplace. It is based on the idea that laughing is good for us, and rather than being based on jokes, it incorporates a willingness to laugh into gentle exercise along with some yogic breathing. Trust us when we say that with a sense of playfulness, this will soon lead to real laughter! 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.

An Audience With The Lomos (Apotheca, 7.15pm)

Why not start the week off with some top-quality FREE comedy? Comedy-pop duo, Pete Marshall and The Lomos come to Apotheca to give you some cracking comic entertainment. Don’t miss this! Click here to buy tickets.

Bright Club – Masks (Nexus Art Café, 7.30pm)

This is comedy for the thinking person! Prepare yourself for a blend of comedy, science, music and anything else that happens on stage. Get down to the Nexus Art Café to see the theme of masks dissected from 8 different perspectives. 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.

Frankie Boyle – I Would Happily Punch Everyone Of You In The Face (O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)

One of comedy’s gurus, Frankie Boyle, comes to Manchester following his epic record-breaking tour in 2008 with some stellar stand up. Unfortunately if you're reading this today, tickets for one of Britain's best known stand-ups have sold out, and we're very proud to have him involved once again.

Jim Jefferies: Alocholocaust (The Comedy Store, 8pm)

One of the most controversial and opinionated, but absolutely ****ing hilarious, comics on the circuit is in Manchester for one night only, with some first-class stand up. He’s had five sell-out shows at the fringe, numerous TV appearances and an HBO hour-long comedy special. Get down to The Comedy Store for a rollercoaster ride of emotions through shock and awe. "Better than Jesus" Kate Copstick, The Scotsman. Click here to buy tickets.

Lady Garden Presents… At Manchester Comedy Festival With Ginger & Black (Band On The Wall, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)

This all female and critically acclaimed sketch group have enjoyed sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. They’ve performed at Glastonbury and for Prince Charles, and are accompanied by Chortle Best Newcomer Award nominees and C4’s So You Think You’re Funny finalists, Ginger & Black. Click here to buy tickets.

Beat The Frog World Series Grand Final (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)

40 contestants have battled it out to win one of 8 places in the World Series Grand Final. Now it’s judgement day. Who will you, the audience, vote for? Get down to The Frog and Bucket for Manchester’s best amateur comedy night, to discover which combatant will win a paid weekend at the Frog and Bucket and a cash prize. Featuring the fabulously funny compere, Jason Cook, and headlined by the witty Noel James. Click here to buy tickets.

Stuart Goldsmith – The Reasonable Man (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 8pm, Show time 8.15pm)

This hilarious comic has an infectious and effortless charisma that will have you laughing from the offset. Book your tickets and support the finalist of BBC 7 Witty & Twisted Radio Comedy Competition and C4’s So You Think You’re Funny. Click here to buy tickets.

Mike Sheer & Kirsty Mac In Dog Bite – Comedy With Rabies (Simple Bar, 8.30pm)

This hilarious pair have come fresh off the international circuit. Toronto’s bright star, Mike Sheer, combines some colourful stories, strange truths, and on-the-money punchlines to create a light and dark comic experiences. Melbourne’s Kirsty Mac tackles the absurdities of being a woman today with an honest approach and is certainly on her way to cracking through the walls of the ‘boy’s club’. Click here to buy tickets.

The Bob Blackman Appreciation Society (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)

Comedy duo Johnny Sorrow and Richard Swan, AKA The Bob Blackman Appreciation Society are at The Lass with some top-notch stand up. Richard has played at comedy venues up and down the country with gigs at the Edinburgh Fringe, while Johnny Sorrow has been out of the circuit for some time but is back with a vengeance! They are in Manchester tonight following a successful six-month residency at Dudley Labour Club. Click here to buy tickets.

Mirth on Monday (Iguana Bar, 9pm)

This class comedy night is in its 8th year, and is still hosted by its charismatic and effortless creator, Des Sharples. Over the years it has pulled in some of the biggest names in comedy such as Alan Carr, Roy Walker, and Johnny Vegas. Acts include the critically acclaimed The W.A.R.T. Show, the witty Michael J. Dolan, plus two special guests. Click here to buy tickets.

Mick Ferry – The Missing Chippendale (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)

One of the most sought after comedians on the UK and international circuit, Mick Ferry is now in Manchester, straight from the Edinburgh Fringe with his sell out show The Missing Chippendale. Make sure you catch one of the city's own favourites. Click here to buy tickets.

Norman Lovett – LOL :) (Apotheca, 9.45pm)

Despite being most famous for his role as Holly the Computer in BBC2’s Red Dwarf, Norman has been a stand up comedian for 30 years. He’s had countless credits in Radio and TV, and has even been on tour with The Clash! Get down to Apotheca for some great quality stand up. Click here to buy tickets.

Nik Coppin (Simple Bar, 9.45pm)

This London-based comedian makes his debut at the MCF after years on the international circuit. His confident, affable, and energetic style of comedy will have you charmed from the word ‘go’. “Slick and engaging. He goes off on the sort of wild tangents beloved of messers Izzard and Noble" Chortle. Click here to buy tickets.

Labels: extra dates manchester comedy festival, extra dates mcf, mcf2010, mick ferry, multitude media, the comedy store

Continuing the wealth of acclaimed Edinburgh shows at the festival The Frog and Bucket once again played host to Aussie comic Brendon Burns. Often painted as something of a bad boy of the comedy scene, truth is he’s a big softy. He’s always outspoken, quite shouty and doesn’t mince his words or terminology but listen to him and what he’s actually saying (unlike the two women sat on the balcony who chose to chatter through much of his show – shame on you) he’s a big loveable hippy.
He was also jetlagged as he’s just returned – presumably on the ‘red eye’ through the night flight - from New York. Still the trip provided him with his opening rant about Americans and their (in a lot of cases) ignorance of the rest of the world. The Yanks and subsequently swans dealt with Burns moves on to a very logical routine about paedophiles and then a fantastic segment concerning religion and in particular atheism. Feeling that he’s starting to lose the audience - though I would beg to differ - he ditches the pre prepared ending to the show and instead segues into his material about Arnold Schwarzenegger. Shame he didn’t perform the original ending but nevertheless his Arnie impression is always a pleasure.
Then on the way back down Oldham Street I bumped into Steve Bennett from Chortle comedy website and who was up for a couple of days from London to check out the festival. See that’s how important we are!

Today, we caught up with the award winning Derbeyshire Idiot, Roland Gent, to find out a little more about his sell-out show, 9 to 5 Idiot.

1) What is your show about?

It’s about growing up it’s about going to work and the stupid pointless things you do and then wonder why do I do them?

2) What has been the highlight of your comedy career thus far?

I am currently compereing for a big comedy agency OFF THE KERB also I won the new act competition at Scruffy Murphys as it was then.

3) Finish this sentence: "If you like cakes, then you'll like my show"

4) What will you do in the hour before your show?

Pace around trying to remember my script

5) Name 3 other comics you would recommend seeing.

Graham Goring. Toby Hadoke. Rob Riley

Labels: 23rd october, 24th october, 9 to 5 idiot, apotheca, comedian, edinburgh festival, Roland gent, sell-out show, stand up

Today, we caught up with the lovely Susan Vale to find out about her show, The Fall by Numbers.

1) What is your show about?
My love of The Fall– the band that is not the season or the Albert Camus novel although I like both of those too; show includes The Fall bingo

2) What has been the highlight of your comedy career thus far?
Robin Ince’s Bookclub shows at Latitude Festival

3) Finish this sentence: "If you like The Fall and Susan Vale then you'll like my show"

4) What will you do in the hour before your show?
Having oils and perfumes massaged into me by my eunuch

5) Name 3 other comics you would recommend seeing.
That’s a difficult one as there are so many good acts on. I’m going to ignore the big famous comics like Jimmy Carr and Richard Herring and go for the medium to lesser known comics:
Noel James
Michael Redmond
Susan Murray

Labels: 27th October, comedy, extra dates manchester comedy festival, female, music, stand up, susan vale, the fall, the fall by numbers

It could have all gone a bit pear shaped when just prior to the festival one of the key venues – Remedy in Fallowfield housing all the XSMalarkey gigs – was promptly closed by the council. Most shows were re-housed in the Queen of Hearts pub across the way but one gig, Andrew O’Neill’s was squirreled off into town to relatively new music venue Sound Control. Despite the upheaval there was a fine crowd awaiting him in the lovely little venue as the tour of his latest show Occult Comedian dropped by the festival. Having not seen O’Neill perform for some time but knowing that it’s always a pleasure it seemed like a fine way to spend a Saturday night. As ever I was greeted warmly by the comic himself looking resplendent in a top, short skirt and baseball boots (replaced by killer heels prior to mounting the stage) all in matching black with a slash of red lipstick. The boy has style. I should explain that O’Neill is the only straight, transvestite, anarchist, metal head on the comedy circuit. It’s a gift of an angle for a comedian but it’s far from a gimmick as O’Neill’s material has no problems speaking for itself. As he takes us on a journey through his life taking in Satanism, magic, veganism, cross dressing, sexuality, gender and not forgetting his music taste his stand up skill is well displayed. It’s surreal and offbeat in many places, he’s always keen to keep us on our toes with a random line. Yet it’s intelligent and his references and topics are clearly, interestingly and above all wittily explained.; he certainly knows how to finely craft a gag. All in all a grand way to spend a Saturday night.

There's a host of great shows on tonight at Manchester Comedy Festival 2010, and here's our daily round-up to help you to decide what to see...

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.

9 to 5 Idiot (Apotheca, 2.15pm)

Stuck for ideas on a Saturday afternoon? Head down to Apotheca for some quality stand up with the award winning Roland Gent. Winner of the Comedy Store Gong Show, Fez Comedian of the Year, and numerous awards at the Edinburgh Fringe for his sell out shows, this one is definitely not one to miss! ‘A quality act, just the right amount of silliness, wit and winning material’ Big Issue. Click here to buy tickets.

Juliet Meyers: Sleepless Nights (Apotheca, 3.30pm)

Juliet’s ability to mix silliness with edginess to create a perfect chatty style has won the hearts of audiences and promoters alike. To experience her hilarious, observational, gag-driven act, head down to Apotheca. You won’t regret it! ‘Excellent material. Excellent with the audience’ Tim Arthur. ‘Expect off the wall humour from this skilful comedian’ Bruce Dessau. Click here to buy tickets.

Comedy Sportz (The Comedy Store, 5pm)

Comedy Sportz UK is the Northwest’s top comedy troupe. Two teams battle against one another, creating sketches, scenes and songs shaped by suggestions from the audience, and it is ultimately up to the referee to call any fouls, and decide the winner. Fun for all, young and old, Comedy Sportz is sure to provide you with unpredictably funny comedy gold! 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.

Andrew O’Neill: Occult Comedian (Sound Control, Door time 7pm, Show time 8pm)

This comic has been hailed by Time Out as ‘one of the funniest comedians on the circuit at the moment… hitting new heights of comedic brilliance’. Having toured across the world, with a great reception at the Hollywood and Edinburgh Fringes, Andrew O’Neill is now coming to the Manchester Comedy Festival with his quirky, original, and side-splitting stand up act. A must-see show! Acclaimed by the Guardian, Scotsman, The Stage and more. 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 – Andy Askins, Craig Campbell, Hal Cruttenden, a Special Guest plus Justin Moorhouse 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.

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.

Stand Up Comedy With Kelly J Roberts And Guests (Martin Harris Centre, 8pm)

The brash and confident comedian, Kelly J Roberts, hosts an evening of top quality comic entertainment. Featuring the critically acclaimed newcomers to the comedy circuit, Kooky Babooshka and Tim Bradbury, along with headline act, Lewis Costello. 17-year old Lewis has performed in major comedy clubs across the UK, and has performed with many a stand-up legend, from Brendon Burns to Johnny Vegas, as well as writing for Russell Howard's Good News. Don’t miss this spectacular evening! Click here to buy tickets.

Tommy Tiernan – Crooked Man (The Dancehouse, 8pm)

For one night only, five-star reviewed Irish superstar, Tommy Tiernan, comes to Manchester after sell out shows in Montreal, Boston, Chicago and New York and following his third appearance on Letterman. His views on the big ideas- Sex, Religion, Family will most certainly result in honest, unashamed laughter. Don’t miss this act! Click here to buy tickets.

Barrel of Laughs (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)

The critically acclaimed Jason Cook is MC for this spectacular evening of first-class comedy featuring three comics – the side-splitting Terry Alderton, the hilarious Noel James, and the witty David Longley. Make sure you head down to the Frog and Bucket tonight! Click here to buy tickets.

Slaughterhouse Downsized Featuring Gary Morris (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 8pm, Show time 8.15pm)

The same as the award-winning character-cabaret Slaughterhouse Live, but with one man instead of four. See it now before the other three come back from holiday and ruin everything. ‘It’s award winning comedy’ BBC. ‘Effortlessly stunning performances’ Three Weeks. Click here to buy tickets.

Jokein @ The Lass (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)

Tonight, critically acclaimed comic 1 Like Fish hosts two hours of cracking comedy featuring the effortlessly funny Des Sharples, the quick thinking Ryan Gleeson, the unique El Purnell, the hilarious Mike Sands, plus other guests. Get down to The Lass and get involved! Click here to buy tickets.

Guy Pratt’s Wake Up Call (MCF @ The Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)

Pink Floyd’s bassist, Guy Pratt, invites you to take a peek at the weird and wonderful life of a touring musician. Tales from the mini bar and absurdities that occur on the road, told by this natural raconteur, will have you begging for more! 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 Late Show (The Comedy Store, 11.30pm)

Don’t feel like going to bed yet? The world-famous Comedy Store bring you more first-class comedy with comics at the top of their game – Andy Askins, Craig Campbell, Hal Cruttenden and a Special Guest, with MC Justin Moorhouse. Click here to buy tickets.

Labels: comedy saturday manchester, manchester comedy festival, manchester comedy festival daily round up, mcf daily round, multitude media

It doesn’t seem like five minutes since I first saw Mark Watson. As a completely unknown comedian, at least to us on the Manchester comedy circuit - he played the Buzz club in Chorlton having hitched a lift with a fellow London comic. The other comic drifted into obscurity but even back then there was something about Watson. Something in his geeky, nervy style and, despite growing up in the west country, he’d decided to perform with the Welsh accent of his South Wales relatives. These days he’s dropped the accent but that wonderfully edgy, breathless style persists.
It’s fitting that he should be a part of our festival line up, he’s a festival kind of a guy. He made his name at the Edinburgh Fringe and in particular by performing his innovative 24 and 36 hour shows. Tonight he was just doing the two though keeping up the hard work by providing his own support. As ever it was a poetic couple of hours weaving deftly though fatherhood, latecomers and advocating that we’re all generally a bit nicer to each other. And taking that spirit on board I went up after the show and said hello to Mark as in all the times I've interviewed him we'd never actually met face to face.

Extra dates have been added for Colin Manford and the double-header from Tony Basnett and Kahn Johnson at Manchester Comedy Festival 2010.

Debutant Manford's first gig at MCF sold out rapidly and as such he will perform again at Apotheca on Tuesday 26th October - tickets costing £3 can be booked here.

Similarly, Tony Basnett: Simon Says "Grow Up" & Kahn Johnson: Cakes and Violence can be seen again on Sunday 31st October at Apotheca after the success of their first show - tickets costing £2 can be booked here.

Labels: colin manford, extra dates manchester comedy festival, extra dates mcf, kahn johnson, mcf 2010, multitude media, tony basnett

The weekend starts tonight and there's a load of great shows on at the Manchester Comedy Festival 2010! Here's our daily guide to help you to decide what to see...

Special FX Presents: Comic FX-tra (Royal Exchange Theatre, Show time 6pm, Happy hour from 5.30pm-7pm)

Comic FX, the Royal Exchange's regular FREE monthly stand-up show, gives you an extra special line-up to celebrate the Manchester Comedy Festival, featuring special guest and award winning stand-up comic and writer, Tony Burgess. Acts also include the hilarious comedians Rod Shepherd and Dan Sharples. Don’t miss this! Click here for more info.

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.

Mark Watson (O2 Apollo Manchester, Door time 7pm, Show time 7.30pm)

This multi-award winning comic has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Mock the Week, Have I Got News For You, and many others… Tonight, he is in Manchester with his stellar show so don't miss out. 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 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 – Andy Askins, Craig Campbell, Hal Cruttenden and a Special Guest, plus MC Justin Moorhouse. Open spots also give you the chance to see fresh-blood on a professional stage for the first time. Click here to buy tickets.

Barrel of Laughs (Frog and Bucket, Door time 7pm, Show time 8.15pm)

The award winning Toby Hadoke is MC for this spectacular evening of first-class comedy. Featuring three critically acclaimed comics – side-splitting Terry Alderton, the hilarious Noel James and the witty David Longley. Make sure you head down to the Frog and Bucket tonight! Click here to buy tickets.

Matt Tiller’s Awkward Situation (Lass O’Gowrie, 8.30pm)

For one night only, guitar-wielding comedian, Matt Tiller, reprises his acclaimed Edinburgh show for FREE with some extra new bits chucked in for good measure. Come and see this warm and engaging musical comedian! Click here for more info.

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.

Ian Cognito – Still Standing! (MCF @ Engine House, Door time 9.15pm, Show time 9.30pm)

One of the best comics on the circuit and King of alternative comedy, Ian Cognito, comes to Manchester for one night only. Find out if he’s mellowed with age or not! Click here to buy tickets.

Labels: comedy store friday, comedy tonight, ian cognito, manchester comedy festival, manchester comedy friday, mark watson, mcf, mcf2010, multitude media

We caught up with the critically acclaimed Susan Murray to ask her five questions about her debut solo show, The Glottal Stops Here...

1) What is your show about?

Labels: 31st october, apotheca, comedian, edinburgh festival, female, manchester comedy festival, stand up, susan murray, the glottal stops here