Welcome to Brighton Comedy Festival! Welcome to our full programme for the 12th year of the Brighton Comedy Festival. In addition to our well established hub at the Brighton Dome, the festival will once again be returning to The Old Market and continue our partnership with Brighton's year round comedy heart at Komedia including their legendary Krater Comedy Club. With over 70 performances across 17 days, the city really will be awash with laughter. Every year we strive to bring the very best of the British comedy scene and this year is no exception. The festival starts with our Comedy Gala hosted by Alan Carr. The rest of the line up includes a selection of great comedians for you with Milton Jones, Sean Lock, Jimmy Carr, Ed Byrne, Jason Manford, Russell Kane, Nina Conti, Stewart Lee and Jeremy Hardy. We also have some of the most exciting young acts on the scene including Luisa Omielan, Lloyd Langford, Romesh Ranganathan, Hannah Gadsby and the incredibly talented bunch of fresh faces in The New Wave and the Comedy Zone. Don't miss our Best of the Fest shows, where each night we bring you a range of the best acts of the festival. Following on from its launch in 2012, we are very excited to be discovering even more new talent with the help of Jill Edwards' Comedy Workshop and Komedia in the form of our very own new act competition, The Squawker Awards. Brighten up your Autumn with some laughter. William Burdett-Coutts Festival Director @BrightonComedy facebook.com/BrightonComedyFestival
19th & 20th Sept
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Stewart Lee
Much A-Stew About Nothing “He’s the most exciting comedian in the country, bar none.” The Times Following the sell-out Carpet Remnant World, the acclaimed writer and comedian presents a mixed stew of unrelated ideas in preparation for his 2014 TV series. See it live so you can begin the backlash ahead of transmission. “More bilious than ever” Guardian
I
4
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm 19th & 20th Sept £20
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
22nd Sept
Labour Benefit Stand UP For Labour
Five of the great current UK comedians are coming together to raise money for the Labour Party. So join us for a great night of laughs for Labour with Britain's blokish comedy everyman, John Bishop, the master of the hilarious stream of consciousness, Eddie Izzard, the acerbic warmth of the great Jo Brand. Supported by the lugubrious and remorselessly pithy Welshman, Lloyd Langford, the whole evening will be compered by that conductor of easy good cheer, Stephen K Amos. Unmissable.
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm 22nd Sept ÂŁ30
5
Fri 4th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
opening night GALA With Alan Carr & Friends
This night of nights is sure to kick the festival off in style. Alan Carr is back to host the Opening Night Gala in aid of the brilliant Sussex Beacon. The all-killer no-filler line up includes Jack Dee, Kevin Bridges, Seann Walsh, Angela Barnes, Adam Hills, Suzi Ruffell, Simon Evans and Jon Richardson to name but a few. Selling Fast!
I
6
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Fri 4th Oct ÂŁ25
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Fri - Sun
krater comedy club Krater Comedy Club has gone from strength to strength since it first started way back in 1999. It’s a multi award-winning night, that has played host to some of the best acts on the circuit including Sarah Millican, Ross Noble, Omid Djalili, Milton Jones, Micky Flanagan and oh so many more. For the most up to date line-up info head to komedia.co.uk/brighton.
I
Komedia Fri - Sun, various times (check the calendar on page 32) Tickets from ÂŁ5
7
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
5th & 19th OCt
BEST OF THE FEST This is a show that definitely does what it says on the tin! The cream of the comedy crop open and close the festival with two nights of hilarity. Always a favourite. Full line-ups listed at brightoncomedyfestival.com
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Sat 5th & 19th Oct ÂŁ17 / ÂŁ15
9
sat 5th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Andy Parsons I've Got A Shed
To date Andy has done three sell-out National tours and in 2009 released his debut DVD Britain’s Got Idiots, which was followed up by Gruntled in 2011. Andy started in TV on Spitting Image becoming one of the main writers before embarking on a stand-up career which has led to such shows as Mock The Week and Live at the Apollo. This, his fourth show, is his favourite yet – come and get your dopamine fix.
I
10
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Sat 5th Oct £15
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sat 5th
Ava vidal Ava Vidal is a unique and exciting comedy talent, and a regular on the comedy circuit in the UK. In addition to her numerous TV credits for the BBC, FIVE and Comedy Central, Ava can also be regularly heard on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, Richard Herring’s Objective, and Stephen K Amos’s Idiots Guide To Life.
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Sat 5th Oct £12 / £10
Max & Ivan The Reunion
2013 Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominees Class of 2003, assemble! Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award-winners Max and Ivan (BBC Radio 4, BBC3) spin a bewitching narrative sketch comedy tale of love, loss and shatterproof rulers. Directed by Tom Parry of Pappy's. Barry Award 2013 nomination - Melbourne International Comedy Festival. “Hugely ambitious and impressive” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.15pm Sat 5th Oct £12 / £10 11
sun 6th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Jeremy Hardy Best known for his work on BBC Radio 4, notably on News Quiz, I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue and Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation, Hardy is always a festival favourite. “In an ideal world, Jeremy Hardy would be extremely famous, but an ideal world would leave him without most of his best material” Guardian
I
12
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Sun 6th Oct £14 / £5
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sun 6th
Bridget Christie A Bic for Her
2013 Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner Bridget Christie brings her critically acclaimed, smash hit show A Bic For Her to Brighton. Why does BiC think women need special biros to write with? Who decided Thatcher and Beyoncé were feminist icons? What did Sir Stirling Moss say about women’s brains? “This hour announces her as one of the finest comedians around.” Independent “A superb stand-up with a powerful voice and something to say. It’s nothing short of a revelation.” Observer “She may have stomped on rape jokes for ever, so successful is this, her finest hour.” Sunday Times
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Sun 6th Oct £12 / £10
13
Mon 7th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
noise next door The quickest wits in comedy bring their finely tuned brand of anarchy to the Brighton Comedy Festival for the first time. In this jaw-dropping show ‘the guys in ties’ transform audience suggestions into side-splitting gags and mind blowing songs in the blink of an eye.
I
14
Komedia, Main Space 8pm Mon 7th Oct £12 / £10
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Tue 8th
jimmy carr Gagging Order
The show will be packed with one-liners, stories and jokes. Some clever, some rude and a few totally unacceptable. Everybody's welcome. Just leave your conscience, sense of common decency and moral compass at home and come on out for a laugh. Jimmy has sold over a million DVDs and hosted countless TV shows but live comedy is what he does best, come and see for yourself.
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Tues 8th Oct ÂŁ25
15
Tue 8th & Wed 9th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Luisa Omielan
What Would Beyoncé Do? Direct from sold out runs in London and Edinburgh, newcomer comedian Luisa Omielan is a hot new act tipped to be the discovery of the year. Recounting hilarious and touching tales from her life with refreshing honesty, Luisa looks to the lyrics of a modern day role-model for guidance, and finds herself asking: ‘What Would Beyoncé Do?!’ “Irresistible” Guardian “Bold brash beautiful, comedy’s newest diva” The Independent
I
Komedia, Main Space 8pm Tue 8th Oct £12 / £10
Howard Marks Scholar, Smugglar, Prisoner, Scribe
Intrepid bon viveur Howard Marks brings his brand new spoken word show to Brighton. With trademark honesty and penetrating humour, Howard will look back at four extraordinary and action packed phases of his life.
I 16
Komedia, Main Space 8pm Wed 9th Oct £15
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Wed 9th
Sean Lock Purple Van Man
Purple Van Man is an hilarious new show from Sean Lock, the most fertile comic mind in Britain. We all know what white van man thinks about the world we live in but it's time to hear a different voice, purple van man’s voice. Filled with gags, opinions, deft observations and some silly voices this is Sean Lock doing what he does best, spouting inspired jibber jabber as he crosses the country in his purple van. He will make you laugh like a drunken horse. “Lock's signature mix of absurdism and everyday observation gets more effective with each new show” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Wed 9th Oct £22
SEL
LIN
ST! A F G 17
wed 9th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
robin ince
The Importance of Being Interested From Darwin, Feynman and Aristotle to the joy of picking up shells on the beach, stand-up and Radio 4 presenter Robin is realising that being self-conscious in a big universe is a darn good thing.
I
18
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Wed 9th Oct ÂŁ12 / ÂŁ10
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
wed 9th
Mike Wozniak Take The Hit
2013 Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee His wife’s parents have moved in. Permanently. Not so much a show as a person getting out of the house. But fear not, Wozniak has more show business in his moustache than he does in his little finger. Where do you keep yours? Let’s find out if we get around to it.
I
Komedia Studio Bar 7pm Wed 9th Oct £10 / £8
Romesh Ranganathan Rom Com
2013 Foster's Edinburgh Newcomer Award Nominee Best Show at Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival Romesh is trying to make sense of the world, but cannot make sense of his own house. Here he presents his struggle in an acerbic hour of razor sharp comedy - blending social commentary with personal tribulations. “Extraordinarily hilarious” Three Weeks
I
Komedia Studio Bar 8.30pm Wed 9th Oct £10 / £8 19
THUr 10th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
milton jones On The Road
Milton Jones is back on the road with another tour, this time imaginatively entitled On The Road. If you like the stuff he’s done on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo or in any of the nine radio series he’s done for Radio 4 then this is the show for you. Hundreds of his celebrated one-liners, plus pictures he drew. Clever, surreal but mainly just stupid stupid stupid. He’s won awards you know. “He’s fast, absurd, and very funny” Radio Times
20
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Thur 10th Oct £20
L SEL
IN
ST! A F G
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
THUr 10th
simon evans Leashed
Like most men of his age and delusion, Simon Evans dreams of striking out into The Wild and slipping the surly bonds of suburbia. He remembers, inaccurately, a youth spent drifting like a Home Counties Kerouac through the great European arterial transport thoroughfares, bonding, if not with tribal herdsmen, then at least with truck drivers and the occasional Foreign Legionnaire deserter.
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Thur 10th Oct ÂŁ13
21
THUrs 10th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
David Baddiel Fame: Not the Musical
Fame: our society is obsessed with it – but who will talk honestly about what it’s really like? David Baddiel, in his first full show for fifteen years, does. From accidentally stealing the spotlight at Russell Brand’s wedding, to realising Andrew Lloyd Webber cannot tell him apart from Ben Elton, David Baddiel takes aim at himself, and examines his strange relationship with the New Lad/Token Jew/Comedy rock’n’roller/Football singer-songwriter that people see him as. A “very funny and thought-provoking” (Veronica Lee, Daily Telegraph) meditation on a life lived in – and out – of fame. “Hilarious and weirdly moving” Peter Bradshaw, Guardian
I
22
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 9.30pm Thur 10th Oct £17.50
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
THUrs 10th
the committee meeting with Chris Corcoran and Elis James
The best thing to happen to the Valleys since 1992’s Garden Festival of Wales, Chris Corcoran (Radio Wales’ Rhod Gilbert Show) and Elis James (BBC2’s 8 out of 10 Cats) bring their 21stcentury take on working men’s club culture to the Brighton Comedy Festival. Comedy gang show committee style, plus bingo. All members must attend: by reading this you are a member. “Hilarious – a totally unique experience. If all committees were this much fun I’d buy a blazer and run for council!” Rhod Gilbert
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Thur 10th Oct £12 / £10
Damian Clark
G'Damo
Fresh from supporting Kevin Bridges and Jack Dee on their national 2012 tours, and selling out his Edinburgh Fringe and Glasgow Comedy Festival shows, Aussie boy Damian Clark explodes into Brighton with his high octane mayhem. Now is the time to catch this raw talent as he stands on the cusp of stardom. “Bladder burstingly funny…unforgettable stuff” Chortle
I
Komedia Studio Bar 7pm Thur 10th Oct £10 / £8 23
Thur 1oth
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Hannah Gadsby Happiness is a Bedside Table
Australian Hannah Gadsby has written a new show about the lowest point in her life (thus far) and how she eventually found happiness in a piece of furniture. Contains imagined nudity and metaphorical nakedness. Chortle Scotsman “Humour with heart, hips and brains” Adelaide Advertiser 2013
I
Komedia Studio Bar 8.30pm Thur 10th Oct £10 / £8
piff the magic dragon Show He’s played Sydney Opera House. He’s toured with Mumford & Sons. He’s had over 10 million hits on YouTube and performed to over 200,000 people in a year. But enough about Mr Piffles (The World’s First Conjuring Chihuahua™) Piff’s back too. With brand new tricks and a mind-reading fish, Brighton’s favourite Magical Dragon returns! “Hugely entertaining ... Terrific tricks.” Time Out
I 24
Brighton Dome Studio 9.30pm Thur 10th Oct £14 / £12
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
11th & 12th
jason manford First World Problems
Everybody’s favourite northern comedian, Jason Manford, has announced a brand new tour for 2013. The show promises to feature a wealth of comedy anecdotes, comic misunderstandings and audience banter delivered with Jason’s likeable charm and teasingly intelligent wit. “What Manford does best: classic, chirpy-chappie stand-up” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Fri 11th & Sat 12th Oct £22.50
25
fri 11th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
alexei sayle The godfather of alternative comedy in his first full-length stand-up show in 17 years following two sold-out London seasons and a handful of shows in 2012. “It’s good to have the old Liverpudlian loudmouth back.” Telegraph “‘Fearlessly funny… thrills and surprises at every turn.” Metro “Splenetic and splendid” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Fri 11th Oct £17
adam buxton Kernal Panic
Cult buffoon, radio host and tech-lemming, Adam looks within the soul of his laptop and considers how we present ourselves in the internet age. A new show from a man who’s been at the forefront of British comedy through his work on Channel 4, BBC6 Music and the BUG music video series.
I 26
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 10pm Fri 11th Oct £16 / £14
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Fri 11th
Susan Calman Out of My Head
Susan Calman, (News Quiz, QI and Calman is Convicted) is back with a new show. Susan will be asking lots of questions. Questions like where is she, what is she doing with her life, and can she put cat wrangler as her occupation on a mortgage application? Susan thinks about a lot of things. Sometimes she says them out loud, often just to her cats, but sometimes to other people as well. Come and listen as Susan says all the right funny words, just not necessarily in the right order. “Confident, compact...cracking.” Evening Standard
I
The Old Market - Theatre 7.30pm Fri 11th Oct £12 / £10
alex horne Lies
The 30 year old multi-BAFTA award-winning stand-up and platinum-selling R&B artist Alex Horne is back with an hour of observations, impressions and lies. Best known for mindblowing Powerpoint or live music, this show has neither: just Alex, a panda, some jokes and some lies. Although one of those may also be a lie. Or a joke. Either way, it’ll be funny. Honest.
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Fri 11th Oct £12 27
Fri 11th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sara pascoe vs. The Truth
Nothing in life is certain. Everything we believe is subjective. Evidence can be manipulated by predispositions and prejudices. You could just be a brain in a lab being stimulated by electrical impulses. Or, if each cell in your body is replaced over time, maybe you are not even you anymore, like the Sugababes. Sara has starred on BBC Live at the Apollo, C4 Stand Up for the Week and Live at the Comedy Store on Comedy Central. Despite all this, she cannot be absolutely sure that she exists. “Always clever, occasionally exquisite” The Independent
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.30pm Fri 11th Oct £12 / £10
Pajama Men
Just the Two of Each of Us Beulah would eat a spider to fit in with the cool kids. Nadine’s arm is missing and she wants it back. Franz' biggest problem is life is too easy. A procrastinating king has only 700 years to get his shit together, if he doesn’t it’s certain death for everyone. “The Pajama Men create a cartoon of the mind, a shape-shifting world in which anything seems not just possible, but imminent” Guardian
28
I
The Old Market - Theatre 9.30pm Fri 11th Oct £14 / £12
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sat 12th
Stewart Francis, Glenn Wool & Craig Campbell are The Lumberjacks
These Canadian comedians are at the top of their comedy game right now. Each with their refreshingly contrasting styles, we see them come together and perform their own uniquely individual material. With something here for everyone guaranteed, the audience is in for an eclectic and exciting show.
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Sat 12th Oct £16
Comedy Club 4 Kids Otter-ly fantastic! Now in its sixth year at Komedia, Comedy Club 4 Kids is making its comedy festival debut! Cracking entertainment for everyone over the age of six, we have the best comedians on the UK circuit doing what they do best... but without the rude bits! October line-up: Luisa Omielan, Joe Wells and Vikki Stone.
I
Komedia Main Space 2pm Sat 12th Oct £8.50 / £6.50 29
sat 12th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
vikki stone Definitley
After her smash hit, sell-out Edinburgh show, comedian, singer and musician Vikki Stone embarks on her debut UK tour. Expect an explosive show full of hilarious stand-up, songs, and silliness! As seen on ITV2's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here... Now, ITV1's This Morning and That Sunday Night Show, BBC3's Britain In Bed and Most Annoying People. “The audience were almost crying with laughter” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Sat 12th Oct £12 / £10
joe lycett
If Joe Lycett Then You Should’ve Put a Ring On It 2012 Foster's Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee, Joe Lycett, is "one of the strongest emerging comedy talents we've seen in a long time” (Time Out). “Imaginative and cheekily subversive comedy ... entertainingly mischievous” Guardian “Already possesses the relaxed, homely charm of an old campaigner” The Times
30
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.30pm Sat 12th Oct £10
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sat 12th
doc brown Of Mic and Men
Rapper turned comedian Doc Brown, is back with his tongue-in-cheek take on hip-hop culture. A regular on the London comedy circuit and appearances on Russell Howard's Good News, The Inbetweeners, Rev, Derek, Miranda and The Office Revisited, Doc is a must see act." “If Brown keeps mining this rich seam of hip-hop comedy, his fame should look after itself” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 10pm Sat 12th Oct £14
The Umbilical Brothers Don't Explain
Simultaneously childish and sneakily sophisticated, this Perrier-nominated duo are a global comedy phenomenon. From the Edinburgh Fringe to the Sydney Opera House, audiences have laughed like idiots at their acclaimed signature performance. And now Brighton, it's your turn. He who holds the microphone controls the universe. The only problem: there's only one mic. “If you thought Lee Evans was the last word in physical humour, Collins and Dundas raise the stakes a hundredfold” The Times
I
The Old Market - Theatre 7.30pm Sat 12th Oct £16 / £14 31
FESTIVAL
32
SEPTEMBER
FRI 4TH Oct
SAT 5TH Oct
September 19th & 20th
20:00
Opening Night Gala p6
19:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
20:00
20:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
19:30
Andy Parsons p10
19:45
Ava Vidal p11
September 22nd
20:00
Best of the Fest p9
20:00
21:15
Max & Ivan p11
Stewart Lee p4
Labour Benefit p5
SUN 6TH Oct
MON 7TH Oct
TUES 8TH Oct
19:30
Jeremy Hardy p12
20:00
20:00
Jimmy Carr p15
19:45
Bridget Christie p13
20:00
Luisa Omielan p16
Noise Next Door p14
WED 9TH Oct
THURS 10TH Oct
FRI 11TH Oct
19:00
Mike Wozniak p19
19:00
Damian Clark p23
19:30
Alexei Sayle p26
19:45
Robin Ince p18
19:30
Simon Evans p21
19:30
Susan Calman p27
20:00
Sean Lock p17
19:45
19:45
Alex Horne p27
20:30
Romesh Ranganathan p19
The Committee Meeting p23
20:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
21:00
Howard Marks p16
20:00
Milton Jones p20
20:00
Jason Manford p25
20:30
Hannah Gadsby p24
21:30
Sara Pascoe p28
21:30
David Baddiel p22
21:30
Pajama Men p28
21:30
Piff the Magic Dragon p24
22:00
Adam Buxton p26
Bookings: 01273 709 709
TIMETABLE SAT 12TH Oct
SUN 13TH Oct
MON 14TH Oct
14:00
Comedy Club 4 Kids p29
10:00
Jill Edwards p35
20:00
16:00
Mark Olver p34
19:30
Nina Conti p35
19:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
19:30
Knightmare p37
19:30
The Lumberjacks p29
19:45
Comedy Zone p36
19:30
The Umbilical Brothers p31
20:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
19:45
Vikki Stone p30
21:15
Tom Binns p36
20:00
Jason Manford p25
21:30
Joe Lycett p30
21:30
The New Wave p34
22:00
Doc Brown p31
Russell Kane p38
TUES 15TH Oct
WED 16TH Oct
THURS 17TH Oct
19:00
Benny Boot p39
19:45
Marcel Lucont p40
19:00
James Acaster p43
20:30
Dave Fulton p39
20:00
The Squawker Awards p41
19:30
Tony Law p43
19:30
Josh Widdicombe p44
Lloyd Langford p40
19:45
Jarred Christmas p45
20:00
Ed Byrne p42
20:30
Matt Richardson p45
21:15
Abandoman p46
21:30
Terry Alderton p46
21:30
Pappy’s p47
21:15
FRI 18TH Oct
SAT 19TH Oct
SUN 20TH Oct
19:00
Sanderson Jones p49
19:30
Lee Nelson p54
20:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
19:30
Jimeoin p49
19:45
Lucy Porter p53
20:00
Jason Byrne p57
19:30
Simon Munnery p50
20:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
19:45
Roisin Conaty p50
20:00
Best of the Fest p9
20:00
Krater Comedy Club p7
21:15
Charlie Baker p55
20:00
Paul Merton's Impro Chums p48
21:30
Seann Walsh p52
20:30
East End Cabaret p51
21:30
Steve Hughes p56
21:30
David O'Doherty p51
21:30
Seann Walsh p52
21:30
Richard Herring p53
WWW.brightonCOMEDYFESTIVAL.COM
33
sat 12th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
mark olver Dancing About Architecture
A discussion show where the best performers at the festival talk about how they write and why they love comedy, whilst at the same time raising money for local charities. For anyone who loves or has an interest in the art of being funny. Previous guests include Johnny Vegas, Jon Richardson, Russell Howard and Josh Widdicombe.
I
The Old Market 4pm Sat 12th Oct £8
The New Wave The New Wave is a cross section of the most exciting and innovative new comedy acts in the country. Following its launch via a 15-date Nationwide tour in spring 2012, a sold-out London residency throughout 2013, and a run of nine late-night shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, The New Wave heads back out on the road. The most significant tour of new comedy in over 20 years. Featuring Jamie Demetriou, Claudia O’Doherty, Liam Williams and more. “This century’s Comic Strip” Sunday Times
“If you like your comedy daring, clever and with a pinch of genius, this is the show for you” Skinny
34
I
The Old Market 9.30pm Sat 12th Oct £13 / £10
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sun 13th
nina conti Dolly Mixtures
Star of the BBC’s Live at the Apollo, QI, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and HBO’s Family Tree, groundbreaking ventriloquist and BAFTA nominated filmmaker Nina Conti introduces her daughter, her handyman, her gran, her oldest friend and a stray dog in a show that refuses to go as rehearsed. Expect a thoughtful meditation on love, life and the edge of existence. And once you've bought your ticket, let that expectation go. “I laughed until I couldn’t breathe” Melbourne Age
“Put simply, Nina Conti is a genius” Mirror
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Sun 13th Oct £17.50
Jill Edwards' Comedy Workshop Have you ever laughed? Have a fun go at learning how to create, write and perform your own stand-up this Brighton Comedy Festival. This one day comedy course is a practical and friendly taste of Jill Edwards’ original highly acclaimed stand-up comedy courses here at Brighton’s Komedia since 2005.
I
Komedia Studio Bar 10am Sun 13th Oct £65 / £45 35
sun 13th comedy zone The showcase that brought you the likes of Dave Gorman, Russell Howard, Al Murray and many more is back for its 23rd year, and its first instalment in the Brighton Comedy Festival. This year’s line-up includes Lucy Beaumont, Tommy Rowson, Carl Hutchinson and Matt Winning.
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Sun 13th Oct £10
Tom Binns is Ian D Montfort Psychic Fayre
After a triumphant BBC Radio 2 series, the New Age guru and psychic astounds audiences by making predictions and telling fortunes. “Fantastically original and funny enough to kill you from asphyxiation" Magic Circle Magazine
36
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.15pm Sun 13th Oct £12 / £10
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sun 13th
Knightmare live
Welcome watchers of illusion to the castle of confusion. The immortal words of Treguard the Dungeon Master ring out for the first time in 20 years as he opens the doors to the world of adventure, but do you dare enter? Following a sold out Edinburgh Festival run Knightmare, the cult TV show, is live onstage, and offers you the chance to don the immortal helmet of justice. Guided by two top comedians, an audience member will attempt to defeat Lord Fear's mighty dungeon in the greater game of chance. Riddles, magical characters and hideous monsters...
I
The Old Market 7.30pm Sun 13th Oct ÂŁ15
37
mon 14th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
russell kane Smallness
Following his critically-acclaimed Posturing Delivery UK tour, star of BBC Three’s Unzipped and Live at the Electric, Russell ponders whether size really matters in his new live show. Or the bigger life gets, the greater the importance of smallness...
I
38
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Mon 14th Oct ÂŁ17.50
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
tue 15th
Benny Boot As Seen on TV
After yet another sold-out run at Edinburgh Fringe, this year Benny (seen on Dave's One Night Stand) pre-empts his imminent fame by recording a TV special live from the 2013 Brighton Comedy Festival. However, the stakes are high as he's not been given the green light from the television networks. “He displays a talent for subverting the mundane” Edinburgh Evening News “A creative, endearing and very funny hour" BroadwayBaby.com
I
Komedia Studio Bar 7pm Tue 15th Oct £10
dave fulton
Based On A True Story American Dave Fulton's personal opinions, social observations, drugs, guns, bad choices, more guns and some stuff that might be considered legal. “It's only comics with something to say that cross the Atlantic.” Guardian “Fulton is left as a sole crusader for US topical comedy.” The List
I
Komedia Studio Bar 8.30pm Tue 15th Oct £10 39
wed 16th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Marcel Lucont Live Witty, acerbic, magniloquent Frenchman seeks willing, intelligent audience for fun, adventure, maybe something more. Must have own underwear, socks and breath but be prepared to have these charmed off, laughed off and taken away respectively. Winner of the Amused Moose Laughter Award 2012 and Perth Fringeworld Best Comedy Show as seen on Russell Howard's Good News (BBC3), Live at The Electric (BBC3) and Set List (Sky Atlantic). “Fresh, accessible and hilarious” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Wed 16th Oct £13 / £11
lloyd langford Galoot
Ga-loot: noun /ga'lu:t/ slang - a fellow, especially one who is strange or foolish. In 2013 Lloyd has decided to become a little bit more reckless. A stand-up comedy show about embracing your inner bell end. Will contain jokes about rum, bears and helicopters. As seen / heard on Don't Sit In The Front Row (Sky Atlantic), The Unbelievable Truth (BBC Radio 4), Wordaholics (BBC Radio 4) and Ask Rhod Gilbert (BBC1). “Brilliant, charming, understated” Independent
40
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.15pm Wed 16th Oct £12/ £10
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
wed 16th
The Squawker Awards The Sqauwker Awards are back! The winner of Brighton’s very own new act competition will be announced. In association with Komedia and Jill Edwards' Comedy Workshops/Comic Boom. Heats take place on Sept 2, 9, 17, 24 & Oct 1.
I
Komedia, Main Space 8pm Wed 16th Oct £10 41
Thur 17th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Ed Byrne
Roaring Forties A self-confessed 'miserable old git' since the age of 23, Ed Byrne is now in his Forties. While for others this might result in a crisis that prompts the purchase of a sportscar, Ed embraces middle age with open arms. Come join him, as he truly comes of age and gives out his clarion cry: 'I am in my Forties. HEAR ME ROAR!'" “It is rare for a comic to merit the word “masterful” but in this case it is no overstatement” The Scotsman
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Thurs 17th Oct £22.50
SE
LL
42
ING
FA ST !
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
THU 17th
james acaster Lawnmower
2013 Foster's Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee It’s time for some low key stand-up from an angular young man. James Acaster embarks on his 3rd UK tour and, believe you me, a whole host of topics are about to get what they’ve got coming to them. Quite frankly, it’s about high time someone gave it to them the way they’re about to get it. Here we go.
I
Komedia Studio Bar 7pm Thu 17th Oct £10
tony law
Nonsense Overdrive Join the multi award-winning Mr Tony Law for some absurd, shout-y and powerful, yet meaningful, nonsense. As seen on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Alternative Comedy Experience, Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe and more. Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee 2012, Chortle Best Live Show Award winner 2013, Chortle Best Club Comic Award winner 2013 and Chortle Best Breakthrough Act Award winner 2012. “An ever-changing, hard-to-contain force of nature” Guardian
I
The Old Market 7.30pm Thu 17th Oct £12 / £10 43
thurs 17th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
josh widdicombe Incidentally...
Star of Channel 4’s The Last Leg, BBC1’s Live At The Apollo and Mock The Week, Josh Widdicombe returns to the comedy festival with his brand new show ‘Incidently…’
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Thu 17th Oct £14
SE
LL
44
ING
FA ST !
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
THUrs 17th
jarred Christmas SNAFU
Jarred’s unique and larger than life persona has won him fans across the country - well the globe for that matter! As seen on Mock The Week (BBC2), Never Mind the Buzzcocks (BBC2) 8 out of 10 Cats, (Channel 4), Argumental (Dave), One Night Stand (Dave) and Let’s Dance for Comic Relief (BBC 1). “One of the funniest men to pick up a microphone” Time Out
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Thu 17th Oct £12 / £10
matt richardson Hometown Hero
The new host of ITV2’s The Xtra Factor and winner of the Leicester Comedy Festival’s Best New Show award takes his much anticipated debut tour on the road to a hometown near you! “Poised to become the next bright young sensation of comedy” Guardian “His 2013 debut tour is definitely one for the diary” Three Weeks
I
Komedia Studio Bar 8.30pm Thu 17th Oct £10 45
THUrs 17th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
abandoman
Moonrock Boombox After several years cutting a truly original path, Abandoman are stepping up their award-winning game. Now performing as a full band, they’ll innovate mixtape mashups and futuristic jams live on stage, using the history of hip-hop as their blueprint, and you as their inspiration. From Kanye to Jay Z, from country to funk, this show will contain musical, lyrical and comical scenes of a seriously awesome nature. “Flight of the Conchords meets 8 Mile” Chortle
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.15pm Thu 17th Oct £12 / £10
terry alderton Season 4
Award-winning comedian Terry Alderton is back! As seen on Michael McIntyre's Roadshow, Dave's One Night Stand, the Sun's Comedian of the Year 2011 returns with a brand new show. A spellbinding combination of noises, voices, incredible physicality and a mind-blowing insight into the inner workings of a fantastic comedy mind. Winner of ThreeWeeks Critics' Awards and twice Best International Act by the NZ Comedy Comedy Guild. “Excitingly different” The Times “Brilliant, always funny” The List Guardian
I 46
The Old Market 9.30pm Thu 17th Oct £14 / £12
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Thurs 17th
Pappy’s
Last. Show. Ever. The sold out smash hit returns! Full of sketches, songs and silliness. SOLD OUT 2012 - BOOK NOW! “A masterpiece of silliness and a hymn to camaraderie and carefree youth.” Guardian Telegraph Scotsman Chortle List
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 9.30pm Thu 17th Oct £15 / £13 47
fri 18th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Paul Merton's Impro Chums Paul Merton, one of the UK's best-loved performers, and his world renowned Impro Chums: Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster will create a new and unique comedy show, based entirely on suggestions from the audience, their own finely honed improvisational skills and an almost manic compulsion to show off. “Few can go comedy commando as well as this bunch” Evening Standard
I
48
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Fri 18th Oct £21 / £19
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Fri 18th
sanderson jones Comedy Sale
A show like no other. Sanderson likes to research his audience and make them part of the show! It also contains: Venn diagrams, social media and Chat Roulette. It's 'digital comedy' (a genre he invented himself ). “The human body is not designed for this amount of laughter” The Skinny “Genius” Scotsman
I
Komedia Studio Bar 7pm Fri 18th Oct £10 / £8
jimeoin What?!
Hilarious world-class stand-up from internationally acclaimed star of Live at the Apollo, The Royal Variety Performance, Channel 4’s Comedy Gala 2012, Best of Edinburgh Comedy Festival, Jason Manford's Comedy Rocks and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. No gimmicks, just great craic…!
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Fri 18th Oct £15.50 49
fri 18th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
simon munnery Fylm
Multi award-winning comedian Simon Munnery once more stabs at the void between dead film and live theatre, in his latest fylm-tastic live show. A show full of daring and imaginative comedy and live sketches all performed and projected live on screen. “One of the most consistently original and imaginative minds in comedy” Guardian
I
The Old Market 7.30pm Fri 18th Oct £12 / £10
roisin conaty Lifehunter
Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner and star of BBC3 Impractical Jokers brings her critically acclaimed show ‘Lifehunter’ to venues nationwide. “A fast-paced, refreshing and exciting talent with an engaging and original world view.” Sunday Times “Savvy and sassy, Conaty is certainly one to watch.” Independent
50
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Fri 18th Oct £12
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
fri 18th
East end cabaret Dirty Talk
The award-winning, internationally acclaimed musical comedy duo return with an all-new array of hilariously naughty original songs. Discovered in a bedsit above a gin joint in East London, Bernadette Byrne and Victor Victoria will share their strangest, sauciest misadventures, armed with an accordion, a musical saw and a life-sized plastic lobster.
I
Komedia Studio Bar 8.30pm Fri 18th Oct £10
david o'doherty
is Going to Try and Fix Everything David O'Doherty: the Ryanair James Bond, the Kevin McCloud of the tiny keyboard, former Miss Ireland, the offspring of Shannon/Pete Doherty. His new look is Jaws era Steven Spielberg. Recipient of the 2008 Edinburgh Comedy Award and inventor of the last remaining swimming stroke, The Squid (on back, feet first), has written a new comedy show with both talking and songs. No Scrubs.
I
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 9.30pm Fri 18th Oct £15 / £13 51
18th & 19th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
seann walsh Lie-in King
Fosters' Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee 2013 Star of Live at the Apollo, Stand Up For The Week, and the soon to be aired Comedy Central show Seann Walsh World, Seann Walsh returns to Brighton with his brand new show - The Lie-in King! “Sharp, creative observational comedy from a precocious newcomer. See him now, before the stadium tour” Sunday Times “Walsh is well on his way to becoming a star attraction” The Independent “...with the looks, gags and charm to become something quite special, Walsh is this generation's Dylan Moran” Time Out
52
I
The Old Market 9.30pm Fri 18th & Sat 19th Oct £13 / £11
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
18th & 19th
richard herring We Are All Going to Die
After sorting out politics (Hitler Moustache), religion (Christ on a Bike), love (What is Love, Anyway?) and penises (Talking Cock) Herring returns to tackles the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns (apart from Jesus and that canoe bloke). Is death a tragedy or an excuse to have an extended lie-in? Are we snuffed out or forced to endure eternity without bodily pleasures? Death is inevitable, so let's laugh in its face while our hearts still beat and our jaws are still attached. “A solid hour of big laughs” Chortle
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.30pm Fri 18th Oct £15
lucy porter Northern Soul
Lucy Porter as seen on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Mock The Week and The Unbelievable Truth returns to Brighton with her best show yet. Does geography shape our destiny? Born in Croydon to a Northern Irish dad and a Midlander mum (who met in Africa), Lucy never felt that she belonged down South. She tried moving to Manchester, marrying a Welshman and travelling the world, but she’s still like the littlest hobo - seeking her spiritual home. “Impeccably punchlined anecdotes of the everyday. Genuinely delightful” The Telegraph
I
Brighton Dome Studio 7.45pm Sat 19th Oct £12 / £10 53
sat 19th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
lee nelson Strap yourself in for a night of unmissable entertainment with the irrepressible Nelson, who’ll be presenting his unique take on the world including his legendary audience interaction, a game show finale and special guest appearances from premier league footballer Jason Bent and others. So get yourselves along to my brand new show for a night of qwaliteeee jokes, games and banter.
I
54
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 7.30pm Sat 19th Oct ÂŁ22.50
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sat 19th
Charlie Baker Baker's Dozen
2013 Best New Show Nominee (Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival) Award-winning comedian Charlie Baker, 'Devon's answer to Sinatra' (Guardian), sings the 13 biggest selling UK singles from the last 13 years. He'll tell more than 13 jokes. “The most laughs I've had from a comedy show this Fringe” Chortle “A superior take on the modern showman” Guardian
I
Brighton Dome Studio 9.30pm Sat 19th Oct £12 / £10 55
sat 19th
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
steve hughes While It's Still Legal
Direct from sell-out shows at the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and New Zealand Comedy Festivals, the sublime Australian comic and ex heavy-metal drummer returns to UK shores to embark upon his second solo tour. This brand new show features more thoughtful, outspoken social commentary courtesy of a masterful, erudite and provocative performer. Laid-back, effortless charm and caustic anti-establishment humour from a truly unique, world class performer. “Makes Armageddon sound like a proper laugh riot” Rolling Stone
I
56
Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange 9.30pm Sat 19th Oct £15 / £13
box office 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
sun 20th
Jason Byrne Special Eye
This year Jason Byrne, and his Special Eye head out on the road. Why Special Eye? Because Jason’s shows are special and "Yes," British public, so is his eye. As featured on Live at the Apollo (BBC1), Sony Radio Gold Award winning The Jason Byrne Show (Radio 2) and soon to be seen on BBC1 in the brand new series Father Figure of which he is the creator and star. “The outright king of live comedy” The Times
I
Brighton Dome, Concert Hall 8pm Sun 20th Oct £17.50
57
STAFF & tHANKS Festival Director William Burdett-Coutts
Programmer & Producer Heather Ruck Production Manager Pete McCabe Production & Ticketing Manager James Bush Sponsorship & Brand Manager Annette Gibbons-Warren Administrator Judith Murrell Finance Manager Louise Parker Graphic Design Neil Wurmel Illustration Dave Neale PR Impressive PR
Thanks! Thanks! So many thanks due to so many people who help us along the way. We could not have done this with out the help and support of Jody Yebga, Steve Bennett & Steve Cotton, Kenny and Richard, Carole and all in the marketing team at the Brighton Dome, Tanya Ashdown, Will Gunton, Helen Jewell and Sian Farley at the Old Market, Marina Kobler, Colin Granger, Lex Hollingworth and all at Komedia, Amy Shirlaw, Michael John Harris, Lauren Storr, Stacey Smith, Guy Hornsby, Rebecca Austin, Mags, Kim & Nik, Mel, Sacha and the gang at Impressive PR, the eternally patient Neil Wurmel and of course all of the performers and audiences that make this festival what it is!
Radio Partner
58
Media Partner
Online Partner
vist brighton
THE HOW, THE WHEN, THE WHERE The Brighton Comedy Festival lobs into town for 17 funny filled days from 4 – 20 October, why not join us?
BUYING YOUR TICKETS Tippety Tap:
To book via the wonders of the internet, head to www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
Chit Chat:
Give us a call! You can book for all shows via the Brighton Dome box office on 01273 709 709 or if you prefer, you can call The Old Market on 01273 201 801 or Komedia 0845 293 8480 if you want to speak to the venue you’re going to.
One to One:
From 10 – 6, Monday – Saturday pop in and visit the lovely box office crew at the Brighton Dome on New Road, or from The Old Market and Komedia just prior to the shows if you are willing to chance last minute purchases… you crazy risk takers you!
WHERE ARE THE JOKERS? Brighton Dome Concert Hall & Corn Exchange - Church Street Brighton Dome Studio (formerly Pavilion Theatre) – New Road BN1 1UG Still very much the beating heart of the festival with around 50 shows on offer! www.brightondome.org Komedia 44 – 47 Gardner St, BN1 1UN Nestled in the North Laines, Komedia is the undeniable year round home of comedy in our seaside city, with two great spaces for all your hilarity based needs! www.komedia.co.uk The Old Market 11a Upper Market Street, BN3 1AS One of the best venues in Brighton, or Hove actually! A beautiful theatre with a great bar, this little gem deserves a visit. www.theoldmarket.com All three are within walking distance of Brighton Station, and NCP carparks. For more transport info, head to www.brightoncomedyfestival.com. Fine Print: Booking fees may apply to phone & internet bookings. As a general rule, we advise that our shows are appropriate for those of us over 16. Live comedy will often contain concepts and language designed for more adult ears, and is always subjective. All details correct at time of printing, but the festival reserves the right to make changes.
59
The best comedians in the World
8pm sat 5th & 19th october
Bookings: 01273 709 709 www.brightoncomedyfestival.com