Liverpool Comedy Festival promises largest line-up yet
Liverpool Comedy Festival returns for a 16th year this month – and organisers say with more than 150 shows across 20 venues and 16 days, the 2017 is the biggest ever.
The festival runs from September 15 to October 1, showcasing “comedians of all persuasions” from household names like Micky Flanagan, Rob Brydon, Joe Lycett and Greg Davies to future stars.
You never know who might be the next to hit the big time – and with some of the biggest names in the business originally playing to tiny rooms (Jimmy Carr for example appeared at the Unity at one festival, while Jack Whitehall performed to a modest audience downstairs at the Royal Court), you might well witness the start of another stellar career.
Comedian and festival artistic director Sam Avery says: “The way the festival works is that we wouldn’t be anywhere without the support of the venues. We work in conjunction with them to encourage them to be as eclectic as possible.
“Hot Water Comedy Club for example is putting on lots of stuff, and taking chances, which is great for us.”
81 Renshaw Street, Laughterhouse, Comedy Central, Camp and Furnace and the Everyman Bistro are some of the other main stages during the fortnight of fun.
And there are also shows at the Epstein, Empire, Echo Arena and Unity.
Among the line-up are Jollyboat, Adam Rowe, Stephanie Laing, Glenn Wool, Pat Monahan, Abandoman, Hal Cruttenden, Jenny Collier, Eleanor Conway and Liverpool’s own Keith Carter, aka Nige.
Teatro Pomodoro at the Unity
Fans of comedy theatre are being invited to drop in to The Royal at the Royal Court, or Lip Service’s Mr Darcy Loses the Plot at the Unity, while some stand up shows take place at teatime and others are free with a bucket collection at the end.
Sam adds: “I’d encourage people just to come and give it a go. You might see someone on TV in years to come and think – I remember seeing them in a tiny room with 50 other people.”
For the full line-up and tickets, pick up a brochure or visit the Liverpool Comedy Festival website HERE.