Bath Comedy Festival 2017 by Nick Steel

SAT 1st - MON 17th April 2017

www.bathcomedy.com

Thank you

Bath Comedy Festival acknowledges with gratitude the support of the following companies and individuals Festival Patrons:

Arthur Smith, Barry Cryer OBE, Helen Lederer, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE, Sir Peter Hendy CBE, Ralph Oswick, Robert Brinkworth, Terry Jones

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Principal Sponsors:

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Street, Bath Festival 18 Westgate Tel: 01225 463489 18 Westgate Street, Bath Sponsors: Tel: 01225 463489 30863B Bath Logo 70cmx220cm half size:Layout 1

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With many thanks to the Festival team, advisors, friends and supporters Louisa Gummer, Colin Callan, Alan CassĂŠ & Valerie Caren, Geoff Whiting, Jem Roberts, Nod Knowles, Lloyd Ellington, Jimmy Mc, Helen Chamberlain, Graeme Thomas, Rebecca Molloy, Jasmine Barker, Lisa Evans, Georgette McCready, Craig Maplesden, Barbara Steel, Alex Gurgul, Ash Vijay, Rich Daws, Erica Pease, Mandy Connor, Arron Whan, Ann Garner, Ian McGlynn, Andy Burden, John Potter, Helen Balmer, Joanne Hunt, Elaine Sosna, Sarah Maylor, Gerraint Oakley, Phil Lodge, Mick & Liz Dempsey, Ian & Crista Taylor, Jo Lucas, Moe Rahman, Brian Hennigan, Leslie & Lynsay Redwood, Margaret Roper, Nathan Brett, Alan Nordberg, Richard Lecoche, Terry Connors, Mark McElney, Anni Marjoram, Patricia Lukas, Charles Kidd, Adrian Feeney, Simon & Amanda Brown, Nick Child, Rod Donaldson, Marcus Olliff, Dave Thorpe, Laurence Sanderson, Andy Nyiri, Michael Auton, Nick Sandy, David James, Emma Frayling, Caroline Hook, Gemma Sampson, Louise Prynne, John Arnold, Bath Soft Cheese, Jeremy Towler, Jon Monie, Ginny Adams, Neil Fowler, Hilary Strong, Steve Nightingale, Steve Ullathorne, Andy Hollingsworth, Hannah Cowling, Guy Henderson, Luke John Emmett, James Slater, Tom Clayton plus all our stewards.

Festival Supporters: Programme & website by:

Xerophon offers a range of online and offline services specialising in web authoring & hosting. E: contact@xerophon.com

Welcome

The 9th annual Festival boasts an amazing mixture of entertainment for everyone from baby buggy to Zimmer frame, starring famous names alongside exciting newcomers, with over 180 performers in total! This year we’ve taken another leap forward, and I’m very pleased to acknowledge our new partnership with Visit Bath and the support of Arts Council England.

We also operate an ‘open access’ policy, inviting anyone who is bold or crazy or downright funny enough to run their own events as part of the Festival feast.

Expanding to 17 days has allowed us to programme more events in new venues as well as extend the New Act Competition.

Look out for our new Information and Ticket Tardis in Brunel Square, and the Theatre Bath Bus which will be in Southgate over the middle weekend.

Our team chooses, promotes and produces a core set of shows, (denoted in the listings by the bath plug logo), centred on specific venues including the continually improving Widcombe Social Club and the Ring O Bells, plus the affordable festival at Bath Brew House, and such fabulous one-offs as The Wine Arts Trail.

I hope you enjoy this year’s fantastic series of events, see as much as possible and discover new comedians and venues in the process. For more information on all the events including easy online booking, and to join the e-mailing list visit www.bathcomedy.com

Nick Steel, Festival Director

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS ‘F’ Rating We were proud to become the first ‘F’ rated UK comedy festival in 2015, and are continuing and expanding our support of female comedy. This year sees at least one female act every day throughout the festival, in multiple line-ups and New Act heats, female compères and judges.

Kids’ Comedy Fest

• Opening Night at Bath Forum with Paul Merton & Chums p4

Hosted by Jimmy Mc, aka Bobo Boggle The Clown, there’s a packed programme of affordable weekday lunchtime Easter holiday family fun!

• Immersive theatre shows:

Look out for the kids’ events highlighted in yellow in this progamme.

• The Wine Arts Trail p14

Our ‘F’ also stands for ‘Funny’. There are many very funny women out there, and by applying this rating to our core programme, we prove it!

Bath Plug Award This year’s award for outstanding contribution to Comedy will be given as a surprise to a true legend, keep an eye out for the announcement! There’s a clue in this programme...see if you 2 can spot it!

• Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience p7 • The Wedding Reception p29. • Buggy-friendly Kids’ Comedy Festival p16 • Mini-Edinburgh four day run of solo shows at the Ring O Bells - starts p17

The Kids’ Comedy Fest supports the Sadsville book by TV’s Martin Roberts, (‘Homes Under The Hammer’, ‘I’m A Celebrity’), helping the NSPCC Schools Service. Meet Martin when he launches the Kids’ Comedy Festival on Monday 10th April!

• New information/ticket hut on Brunel square. • The Theatre Bath Bus will be in Southgate from 6th - 10th April. • Headline Musical Comedy shows over Easter Weekend starring Arthur Smith and Jess Robinson p27 & p29

• Two star-filled Friday Night Live line-ups headed up by comedy veterans John Moloney and Bob Mills p11 & p26 • Affordable Festival at Bath Brew House with lots of pay-what-you-feel shows - starts p8 • Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden at Wiltshire Music Centre p8 • New ‘Live and Late’ Line-Ups at Bath Brew House p5, p24, p30 • There are eight heats in the New Act Competition this year, the first three in The Igloo at The Abbey Hotel - starts p6 • A wide range of comedy at a multitude of other venues across town including the Rondo and Mission Theatres, and St James Wine Vaults, The Bell and Assembly Inn.

Support us With no major funding, Bath Comedy Festival relies on your support. From becoming a Friend Of The Festival for just £75 per year up to Principal Sponsorship, there are some exciting and rewarding small to large scale opportunities available. We don’t have standard packages, rather we talk to you or your company personally to find the best way of working together. Why not talk to us about what we can do to promote your business in association with the Festival? Email sponsor@ bathcomedy.com to register your interest.

BOOKING The easiest way to book tickets is online. Please visit

www.bathcomedy.com for easy booking links. You can buy tickets for most core events via Brown Paper Tickets who offer a great online deal. Physical tickets are available at no extra cost, you can print your own & there are electronic options.

This symbol denotes a core Festival event Friends of the Festival are entitled to concessions (where available). Email friend@bathcomedy.com for information.

Booking options by venue: Bath Brew House Ring O Bells The Igloo/Abbey Hotel St James Wine Vaults Widcombe Social Club W: www.brownpapertickets.com T: 24hr freephone 0800 411 8881

Other box offices: Bath Forum www.bathforum.co.uk or 0844 888 9991 Komedia www.komedia.co.uk or 0845 293 8480 Mission Theatre www.themissiontheatre.co.uk or 01225 428600 Rondo Theatre www.ticketsource.co.uk or 029 2071 3200 Wiltshire Music Centre www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk or 01225 860100 Tickets for many shows are also available from Bath Box Office: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk or 01225 463362 Please note different venues and events have different policies on concession rate tickets, and booking fees vary. 3

SATAPR1

Opening Night

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums 7.00pm for 8pm show Bath Forum £20 - £25 (2.5hrs)

Suki Webster, Niall Ashdown, Lee Simpson and Richard Vranch.

Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature.

“Every year they bring the house down...you could see this every night and never tire of it” ★★★★★ Mirror

They take audience suggestions and create cascades of fantastic tumbling laughter. The Impro Chums today are: Paul Merton,

FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT 4

“Masterful demonstration of improvised comedy” Daily Telegraph Start the festival in style in a most stunning venue!

Bizarre Bath 8.00pm show Meet at The Huntsman £8 / £5 concs (1.5hrs) You’ll laugh yourself silly when you join the celebrated stroll which takes an irreverent look at the city of Bath. Experience unforgettable mysteries, thrills, and surprises that stretch the traditional image of the city. So if you’re looking for something hysterical rather than historical, why not join us? Bizarre Bath leaves the Huntsman Inn, North Parade Passage, every evening at 8pm. The entertainment lasts approximately 90 minutes (but don’t worry - we’re not walking for all that time!) No booking required - pay on the day.

Brendon Burns: Black Comedian 7.30pm for 8pm show Rondo Theatre £12 / £10 concs Brendon Burns has done it again: addressing black/white relations in his home country of Australia, Burns delivers an uncompromising, eye opening show that was the sleeper hit of last year’s Edinburgh festival. “Burns has always loved wrong-footing his audience...and he does it spectacularly here” ★★★★ Brian Donaldson, The List “The comic who delivered the fringe the greatest surprise ending in its history has pretty much done it again” ★★★★ Kate Copstick, The Scotsman

with Paddy Lennox Krater Comedy Club

10.30pm for 11pm show Bath Brew House £8 (2hrs)

6.30pm for 8pm show Komedia £9 - £46

Live and Late laughter line-up show with three popular circuit comedians and compere.

Three top stand-ups and one of the best comperes in the business, plus delicious food served by our Soil Association Gold Standard Award Winning Restaurant. And for the full Saturday Night Out, Krater Comedy Club ticket holders on Saturday gain FREE ENTRY, without a queue to the sell-out club night Motorcity.

Paddy Lennox “Excellent stand-up...laidback and charismatic. Vastly entertaining” ★★★★ Three Weeks

Alan Francis

SUNAPR 2

Brew House Live and Late

“Thought provoking, eloquent, entertaining...” The Scotsman Kevin O’Connell “Happily took things down a surreal rabbit hole” Hot Press (2013) Sully O’Sullivan (MC)

“A blast of hilarity” Manchester Evening News

7:00pm show The Bell Inn Free entry (donations) An evening of pay-whatyou-can showings of some of the finest Comic Strip films. Will probably include... • A Fistful of Traveller’s Cheques • Bad News Tour • Mr Jolly Lives Next Door • The Hunt for Tony Blair With kind permission from Peter Richardson.

Featuring: Andy Askins, Joel Dommett, Stephen Grant & MC Laura Lexx Prices: £46 VIP ticket / £29.50 Meal Deal / £19 Auditorium / £15.50 Balcony / £12 Balcony Concessions / £9 Student balcony.

The Comic Strip Presents

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

New Act Competition: Heat 1 7.30pm for 8pm show The Igloo £5 (2.5hrs) The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title. Tonight’s compere is Fitz - well known local comedian and enthusiatic host, already making a name for himself on the circuit.

7.30pm for 8pm show Widcombe Social Club £16 (2hrs) The Festival’s finest musical interlude ever! A duo whose musical genius and achievement in the folk tradition has brought them international acclaim. Aly is the best known and most significant fiddle player in the Celtic

TUEAPR 4

MONAPR 3

Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham

tradition. Phil’s mastery has led to him working with the likes of James Taylor and Rosanne Cash.

These scintillating instrumentalists are also renowned for their off-thecuff wit and irreverent storytelling.

“They are simply the best traditional musicians you are ever likely to hear” The Glasgow Herald

The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience Improv Theatre Workshop: Improv Jam 7.00pm show St James Wine Vaults Free (donations) (2hrs) A class for all levels; consists of games and scenes all improvised by the people that come along. “You can be surprised by the theatre that comes out of nowhere. We mostly just have a laugh with a few drinks. It’s a good way of meeting new people.” There’s no pressure to perform first time. For more information contact Monty on 07865 424682 Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

7pm for 7.30pm show Abbey Hotel £47.50 incl 3 course meal (2hrs) This globetrotting show is truly quite legendary. Chaos greets you as soon as you walk through the door. In this fully immersive experience, the audience become diners in the infamous ‘Faulty’ restaurant, served by

Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Expect lashings of laughter, bowls full of spontaneity and as much audience participation as individual audience members want. No two performances are ever the same. “Crammed full of laughter!” Everything Theatre, Covent Garden 2017

Next Stage New Act Theatre Company: Competition: My Brilliant Heat 2 Divorce 7.30pm for 8pm show 7.10pm for 7.30pm show The Mission Theatre £12 /£10 concs (90min) An insightful exploration of what life can be like for a 40-something, suddenly single woman.Wittily observant, achingly funny and heart-wrenchingly real. Rejecting or accepting the well-meaning advice and consolation of friends, interfering mother, critical daughter and silentlyaccusing dog, Angela slowly, and at times painfully, rebuilds her life. “Mixing vaudevillian solo-turn and vicarious soul-baring...an enjoyable evening of stand-up tragedy” Guardian Runs from 4th - 8th April

The Igloo £5 (2.5hrs)

The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title. Tonight’s compere is Iszi Lawrence “Iszi Lawrence finds herself in a bracket alongside Josie Long and Sarah Millican” Oxford Times The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

Ed Patrick: Junior Optimist

7.30pm for 8pm show Wiltshire Music Centre Bradford on Avon £15 (2rs)

7.30pm for 8pm show Rondo Theatre £14 /£12 concs

Expect comedy songs and gags galore from the wellloved duo, proving they’re still alive and old’s cool.

2016 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year nominee, comedian and junior doctor.

They sing of killer stair lifts and mobile phone starers, alongside a whole aviary of Barry’s parrot jokes. Songs and patter smart & funny enough to tickle the ribs of anyone with (or without) a pulse.

His debut show follows his first-hand experiences, challenges and occasional blind panic working for the much loved but troubled NHS.

“I laughed incontinently” Guardian “Two of comedy’s most fabled masters” Festival Times

For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

THUAPR 6

WEDAPR 5

Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden

7.30pm See listing on page 7

8pm See listing on page 4

The Incredible Joz Norris Locks Himself Inside His Own Show, Then Escapes, Against All The Odds. A brand new solo show of comedy, storytelling, nonsense, music, feelings, thoughts and conceptual theatre musings.

“An absolute idiot... Simple, silly and screamingly funny” Fest

“Packed with funny anecdotes” The Guardian Repeat Show Bizarre Bath

6.15pm for 6.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

This year he’s become obsessed with the ouroboros, and with the Elephant Man.

“Material strong and unique” ★★★★ Arts Award Voice

Repeat Show My Brilliant Divorce

Joz Norris

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

Repeat Show My Brilliant Divorce 7.30pm See listing on page 7

New Act Competition: Heat 3

I’m Sorry I’ll Barbara Nice: The Adventures of Comedy Open Mic Read That Again... Raffle Andy Kershaw Playgroup AGAIN! 7.30pm for 8.30pm show 7.30pm for 8.00pm show 7.30pm for 8.30pm show

7.30pm for 8pm show The Igloo £5 (2.5hrs)

8.00pm show Komedia £14 - £25

The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title.

The OFFSTAGE Theatre Group recreates the anarchic and deliciously surreal cult comedy show that laid waste to BBC Radio in the 60s and 70s.

Tonight’s compere is George Rigden “...a mash-up between Mitch Benn and Tim Key, perhaps with a few strands of Ricky Gervais’ DNA thrown in” Steve Bennett, Chortle The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

BBC Radio 4’s Mitch Benn joins, plus original I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again cast member Jo Kendall. Stand by for wicked parodies, glorious puns and manic songs. Prices: £25.00 Meal Deal / £14.00 Auditorium Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

Rondo Theatre £14 / £12 concs

Widcombe Social Club £14 / £12 concs (2hrs)

The Bell Free (2.5hrs)

Join the Edinburgh Fringe’s favourite housewife Barbara Nice for an evening of proper good fun.

An evening with the legendary broadcaster and foreign correspondent.

A free open mic night of comedy in ‘The Love Lounge’ at the back of The Bell.

Fascinating and often hilarious, the audio-visual presentation treats the audience to recollections from a life spent on the front lines of rock & roll and world music, and on the front lines of some of the world’s most extreme and dangerous countries.

Appearances have been known to include local stand-ups like Ben Thurston and Sam Cottle, possible spots from visiting professional comedians who are in town for the Festival, and reunion sketches from The Unrelated Family, Bath’s veteran sketch-botherers.

Entrance price includes a complimentary raffle ticket! A playful life-affirming show for all the family, from ‘Phoenix Nights’ actress and comedian Janice Connolly, including the chance to win a prize off Barbara’s table. “Hiya and Higher” ★★★★★ Chortle

“Mrs Nice” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News

“The finest British broadcaster bar none. A real broadcast journalist, a real achiever, a real someone, an amazing man” Stephen Fry

“Squirrel Proof” ★★★★★ Edinburgh Evening News

“A national treasure and born again hero” Daily Telegraph

Arrive early if you’d like to perform. Contact Lawrie Duckworth on lawrieduckworth@ googlemail.com to enquire about a slot in advance. 9

Paul Revill: Revillations

7.45pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

9.15pm for 9.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

Mark Dennett A one man crusade to bring fairness and equality to the workplace, whether it’s wanted or not! Put the kettle on, things just got serious!

Paul Revill (Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition Winner 2014) returns to Bath with his debut hour.

“A great writer, awesome story-teller...he’ll go far” Eminent Banter Alf Alf tries to make sense of a world of ridiculous puns and massive props but ends up finding mayhem everywhere. Verging on absurd but never more than moments away from a punchline. “Quirky one-liners and fantastic props...chaotic but riotously funny” Eminent Banter 10

FRIAPR 7

Thu 6 APR Mark Dennett & Alf

The true story of how he got the acting role of a lifetime...and how it all went wrong! Drink! Drugs! Police! Perfume? All will be revealed!

5.45pm for 6.00pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel ’Only just 50, really’ Pauline and ‘40 er... something’ Cally pair up to look at modern day womanhood, warts ‘n all*. Pauline finds joy in being fat, feminist and 50. Ginger, single parent Cally looks at body image, boys and bonobos, with plenty of badass jokes.

“This bright sparky chappy was a real quick witted geezer” ★★★★★ Arts in Leicestershire. “Steals the Show” ★★★★ ThreeWeeks

“Likability and charm assure the audience they are in safe hands” Chortle

Pauline Eyre & Cally Beaton: 50 Shades of No F*cking Way!

For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

See the world in a way you’ve never before, through the eyes of two women who sometimes feel they’ve seen it all. An hour of life you’ll never get back. In a good way. *They don’t actually have warts.

The Walcot Street Comedy Collective 7:30pm show The Bell Inn £5 The Walcot Street Comedy Collective presents a night of leftfield artisan alternative comedy, with: - La La Bun - The Amazing Lexiconic - Comrade Sir Henry - Matt Cranium - Gary Millhouse - Arnold Kimberly-Clarke plus special guests Dj Freedom & Dj Void Fancy dress. Repeat Show My Brilliant Divorce 7.30pm See listing on page 7

Friday Night Live

starring John Moloney Martin Pilgrim: Sadulthood

7.30pm for 8pm show Widcombe Social Club £15 / £12 concs (2.5hrs)

7.15pm for 7.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

A top showcase of handpicked comedians in the Festival’s favourite venue!

In ‘Sadulthood’ Martin Pilgrim tries to come to terms with his own mediocrity.

John Moloney

Can an unspectacular life still be a happy one? “Adept and Funny” The Guardian “Excellent” Three Weeks.

“Sharply observant and carefully constructed. Not a word is unnecessary... every pause timed to the millisecond” ★★★★★ Theatre Bath

“Thought provoking, eloquent, entertaining” The Scotsman

London Philharmonic Skiffle Orchestra

“Smooth, classy and elegant as a vintage Scotch” Chortle

7.30pm for 8pm show Rondo Theatre £14 / £12 concs

David James

Zany madcappery and faultless musicianship with lots of comic props, costumes, audience participation and surprises!

Alan Francis (MC)

“Great, world-weary composure and an irritable pedantry worthy of Jack Dee” Chortle Pauline Eyre “Fabulous, funny and brilliant!” Fitzroy Club Pav Rao Winner of last year’s New Act Competition

Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

“Beautifully measured and timed delivery, every wry gag hitting its mark” Theatre Bath

This motley crew of supremely talented musicians have entertained audiences in theatres and festivals in Germany, Norway, Denmark, Finland and throughout Britain. Comedy, music, silliness and boundless fun – what more could you want? “I love your band. Great fun!” Rick Wakeman, Water Rats Ball, London, Nov 2014

Bentley Browning: Tinder Rehab 7:45pm for 8pm show The Assembly Inn Free entry (donations) Comedian and author of ‘50 Ways to Find a Husband or Wife’, Bentley Browning invites you out of the online dating armageddon through a series of tips,fun and the secret to the being sickeningly happy all the time.

★★★★ Sarma Woolf, TNT “This is funny” Charles Dance, Actor

“Bentley has a compelling stage presence that grabs the attention and clever ideas to keep it” David Mullholland, Comedian

Simon Caine: Laughter Is The Best Placebo

8.45pm for 9pm show The Assembly Inn Free (donations)

8.45pm for 9pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

Simon Capes’ new stand up show examines the world of work through his own experience of wasting his life and losing his mind in a series of monotonous jobs.

Simon’s life is a constant search for emotional and electrical outlets. If you can relate, this is the show for you.

All names and places have been changed as Simon still does a bit of temping so he can eat, pay his rent and go on the occasional holiday abroad. Look out for the Theatre Bath Bus in Southgate over this weekend!

SATAPR 8

FRI 7 APR Simon Capes: Danger: Man at Work

“Keep an eye on what Simon does because in 3 years time everybody else will be trying to do it” Stu Goldsmith

Next Stage Abi Roberts: Theatre Company: Anglichanka My Brilliant 4.15pm for 4.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) Divorce £5 or pay what you feel 1.40pm for 2pm show The Mission Theatre £12 /£10 concs (90min) Matinee performance. An insightful exploration of what life can be like for a 40-something, suddenly single woman.Wittily observant, achingly funny and heart-wrenchingly real. See listing on page 7

Also showing Sat 8th April at 3pm

Evening performances run from 4th - 8th April

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

Repeat Show Laughter Is The Best Placebo 3.00pm See adjacent listing

An exhilarating new comedy show about living in the former Soviet Union in the 90s and returning after 18 years as the first UK comic to perform comedy in English and Russian. Including diary extracts, consequences of drinking vodka, studying opera and using outdoor loos in minus twenty degrees, we see how Russia has changed and what we need to know about Putin and the country that could be described as “a riddle wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma”. “True comedy genius...on our list of newer stand-up comedians not to miss” GQ Magazine

Mervyn Stutter: King Of The Fringe Pip Utton: Playing Maggie 5.30pm for 6pm show Widcombe Social Club £10 (1hr) Not merely a reflection on how to portray this lady but a live audience with Margaret Thatcher. Pip Utton is The ‘Iron Lady’! Saviour or witch? Not for Pip to decide, only to portray. Listen to her philosophies, inspiration and logic, then take the chance to question her. Fringe legend Pip is known throughout the world for his spellbinding portrayals. In probably Pip’s greatest challenge yet, he takes audience questions, and answers them as Maggie! “Landslide satisfaction” The Daily Telegraph “Remarkable and original” The Guardian

Catherine Bohart & Cally Beaton: Cat Call 5.45pm for 6pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel Shame, sex & shouting back from two of the UK’s best new stand-up comics. With a 20 year age gap between them, they show there’s no easy side of 40. Cally breaks taboos from autism to body image, and tackles feminism head on. Catherine’s dry observations include bisexuality and the perils of having a Catholic deacon for a dad. At least they’re not ginger... oh... Repeat Show My Brilliant Divorce 7.30pm See listing on page 7

Krater Comedy Club

7.30pm for 8pm show Widcombe Social Club £10 (1hr)

6.30pm for 8pm show Komedia £9 - £46

This will be Merv’s 31st year performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, where his Pick of the Fringe showcase will celebrate it’s 26th year, making it the longest running show in the history of the Festival. Clearly the King of the Fringe!

Three top stand-ups and one of the best comperes in the business, plus delicious food served by our Soil Association Gold Standard Award Winning Restaurant.

His live solo music and comedy show is irreverent, funny, affectionate, acerbic, clever but clean, with lots of inventive comedy songs on guitar. “Stutter is as sharp as any, as funny as any and more informed than most” The Times ”He is brilliant” The Guardian

And for the full Saturday Night Out, Krater Comedy Club ticket holders on Saturday gain FREE ENTRY, without a queue to the sell-out club night Motorcity. Featuring: Paul McCaffrey, Tom Allen, Paul Myrehaug & MC Jarred Christmas Prices: £46 VIP ticket / £29.50 Meal Deal / £19 Auditorium / £15.50 Balcony / £12 Balcony Concessions / £9 Student balcony. 13

7:30pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House £12 (2.5hrs) Presented by Mirth Control, starring: Simon Evans “Magnificent...aloof presence and precise, sardonic wit, dripping disdain from every perfectly pronounced word. And what words...” Chortle Alistair Barrie “Eloquent, slick and dynamic” Chortle Jethro Bradley Esther Manito Geoff Whiting (MC): “Works the audience like a miner at the coal face, digging out nuggets of information” Independent on Sunday 14

The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre Do Shakespeare 7.30pm for 8pm show Rondo Theatre £14 / £12 concs

SUNAPR 9

SAT 8 APR Brew House Saturday Line-Ip: Simon Evans

Earth’s funniest footwear’s hit new show of songs, sketches, socks & violence, taking on The Bard Of Avon himself. Howl at Hamlet, roar at Romeo & Juliet, and peer into their Coriolanus. Plus all the usual satirical nonsense from the Two Gentlesocks Of Verrucca.

8pm See listing on page 4

Harun Musho’d: Harun with a View

11am and 3pm tours Mystery Destinations £30 (approx 2.5hrs)

2.45pm for 3pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

Ding! Ding! Yes, the infamous Wine Arts Trail is back. Haven’t we been everywhere by now?

Harun’s stand-up comedy explores his own identity, weaving in politics and history into the story of his family and their antics.

No! This year the big red bus will transport you to surprises, happenings and comic interventions all over town and beyond. Are we there yet? Not until we reach the horizon! Starting with a glass of bubbly and followed by a glass of fine wine at every hilarious stop, this is the most bonkers wine-tasting experience in the land.

“Unparalleled pinnacle of comedy puppetry” ★★★★★ Venue Repeat Show Bizarre Bath

The 10th Wine Arts Trail

For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

Guest Clippie this year is that jolly fellow of panto fame, Jon Monie.

Religion is another theme explored, leaving no religion untouched. Possibly not a show for sensitive souls (or indeed anyone who believes they have a soul, sensitive or not), but...“if you want to find out more about this fascinating story, you’ll have to watch Musho’d. Enjoy!” “This is a fun, lively show, and Musho’d has the makings of a great comedian. I would highly recommend it” ★★★★ www.viewsfromthegods. co.uk

Drew Taylor and Steffan Evans: Tales From Wales

The Unrelated Family: Funny Noises

4.15pm for 4.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

6.00pm show Moles Nightclub £5

Award winning comedian Drew Taylor and Steffan Evans bring their debut stand-up comedy tour show.

Bath Comedy Festival’s music gala returns in its 9th year.

Sharp observations that leave no stone unturned, touching on pressing issues such as the importance of bilingualism, Welsh identity and the benefits of playing hours of Subbuteo as a child... ‘Tales from Wales’ is a stand up show not to be missed!

The Unrelated Family, Bath’s premier comedy music combo, present an early evening of the very best original and classic comedy songs, with special guests and covers of funny noises from Victoria Wood, Bill Bailey, Flight of the Conchords, Hugh Laurie, Vic & Bob and many more.

Colin Howarth: End To End 5.45pm for 6pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel End to End plots a single journey from one end of the high street to the other and in turn joins the dots of a story that arcs between a cast of characters, chance meetings, unexpected tangents and sharp personal realisations. It is an uplifting show about what happens when you look up and let the moment in. “One of those comedians who truly lights up the room” Comedy Den “Witty, clever and charming” Clwb Comedy

The Unravelled Company: A Night at the Novelty Theatre 7.00pm for 7.30pm show The Mission Theatre £7.50 (70min) The Mission Theatre hosts a newly minted variety show in the traditional Music Hall style. Sweet-hearted songs, baffling eccentric dances, impossible feats and breathtaking musical virtuosity. The Unravelled Company are artistes from another time, lovingly restored to working order and displayed for a delicious hour of Edwardiana. Unmissable.

George Rigden 7.15pm for 7.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel Leicester Mercury comedian of the year nominee Geoge Rigden brings his unique brand of needlessly hostile and sneering musical comedy to Bath Comedy Festival for his debut show. Expect laughs, tears and a mean-spirited and slightly overweight man questioning why he’s still alone. “Very Funny Stuff” Steve Bennett, Chortle “Deliciously Dark” Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

7.30pm for 8pm show Widcombe Social Club £14 / £12 concs (2hrs) Simon has immersed himself in economics, like a pig immersing itself in organic cleansing elements.

why synthetic alcohol is not likely to be appearing at a bar near you, despite having been invented years ago.

As usual he deteriorates swiftly into a heartfelt rant about his children but these are at least the lofty aspirations he starts with!

He has unpicked why the French don’t want to “distinctive...eloquent, own their own home (sex, obvs), why Americans are educated“ literally made of corn, and ★★★★ Chortle

MON 10 APR

SUN 9 APR

Simon Evans: In The Money

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

Kids’ Comedy Festival Launch: Martin Roberts 11.30am for 12pm Widcombe Social Club Join our very special guest TV’s Martin Roberts who will be officially launching the 3rd annual Kids’ Comedy Festival and signing his ‘Sadsville’ childrens’ books.

Sadsville has been written by the BBC television show presenter in support of the NSPCC Schools Programme.

Kids’ Comedy: Jimmy Mc’s Family Mad House 11.45pm for 12pm show Widcombe Social Club £6 (90mins) Jimmy Mc’s Family Mad House will have all kids laughing whether they’re 3 or a young at heart 93. Includes silly games, pointless prizes, daft dressing up, groanworthy jokes, madcap music, the chance to kick a shark up the bum and so much more! Smaller audience members will also be invited to tell a joke or perform a funny act. They may win an invitation to the Kid’s Comedy Competition on Friday – where the Kid’s Comedy Cup will be presented to Little Lord and Lady Laughalot.

Kids’ Comedy: Wizzo the Wizard

David Mills: Mr Modern

Eleanor Conway: Modern Addict

1.45pm for 2pm Widcombe Social Club £4 (50mins)

6.15pm for 6.30pm show Ring O Bells (1hr) £8 / £6 concs

6.15pm for 6.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

Wizzo the Wizard might not wear long robes like Gandalf, or have a scar like Harry Potter, but he is most definitely a wizard and a wonderful one at that!

Award-winning American stand-up comedian David Mills struggles to stay modern in a world quickly reverting to more medieval tendencies. It’s not easy being a leading light of a dying generation, but someone has to keep the flame burning.

(Work in progress)

Wizzo’s got a magic wand, he does amazing tricks and he even has a dragon and a raccoon as friends! A marvellous magical experience to keep children spell-bound. “Everyone from grandparents to the children enjoyed it” “I have not seen my son enjoy himself so much for a long time”

Politics, sex, celebrity, social media - David Mills picks apart modern obsessions with sharptongued satire and incisive wit. Cracking stand-up from a rising star. “David Mills is a class act. His jokes are beautifully crafted, sparkling little missiles loaded with wit” The Scotsman

Following her critically acclaimed debut show, and national tour, Eleanor follows up with her hotly anticipated sequel, “Modern Addict”. Now sober from booze and substances, Eleanor is trying to navigate reality without stimulants. But it turns out now she’s addicted to everything. Except babies. Join her in a race against time to get her life back on track before she reaches her last lust drenched day. “Chaotic and electric” ★★★★ The Skinny

“A charm and energy you can’t learn” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

Fire Donkey Productions: Church of Phil Recruitment Seminar 6.30pm for 7pm show The Mission Theatre (1hr) £8 / £6 concs Join two of Phil’s most loyal officiants as they guide you through the rigorous selection process and show you how Phil can improve your life. Hear creditable 100% unforced testimonies from current members and learn the secret to true enlightenment. Allow the omnipresent Phil into your mind and join us for an unforgettable experience. The Church of Phil is an absurd interactive comedy theatre experience written by Polly Preston and Liam McKenna.

New Act Comedy Night 6.30pm for 8pm show Komedia Arts Café £2 (2.5hrs) Komedia Art’s Cafe is playing host to some of Bath and Bristol’s best aspiring comedians. Some who are relatively new to the game, others that have been around a while. Either way, they’re acts we believe deserve their spot in the lime-light. We have a whole host of local acts, joined by a seasoned comic to round the night off with their new material and a whole load of laughs! Come and see the new wave of comedy here first! Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

MON 10 APR New Act Competition: Heat 4

The Delightful Sausage: Cold Hard Cache

7.30pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House £5 (2.5hrs)

7.30pm for 8pm show The Mission Theatre £5 (1hr)

The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title.

New sketch comedy adventure from Chris Cantrill and Amy Gledhill, the enfant terribles of the eastern end of the western outer edge of Manchester’s alternative comedy circuit. It’s a show with their trademark mix of high energy sketches, strange illustrations and gut-churning violence.

Tonight’s compere is Robyn Perkins “Sharp, insightful, touching, but above all really, really funny” Three Weeks The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

Together they ask what is an Internet and why can’t they stop looking at it on their phones whilst driving? Surreal, interactive and very silly – book your tickets and discover the comedy secret that ‘they’ don’t want you to know.

Eleanor Conway: Walk Of Shame 7.45pm for 8pm show Ring O Bells £10 / £8 concs (1hr) Ferocious clubber and party girl Eleanor Conway has always been a woman of extremes; she partied around the world as a music journalist, ran off to Asia to work for the Triads, made hardcore porn and Tinder’d her way through most of London... Now sober from alcohol and substances she’s failing to find moderation and meaning. ‘Walk of Shame’ is about sex, sobriety, Sambuca and the modern addict that lies within us all. “It would make a sensational film” ★★★★ Female Arts “A gem; brave and hilarious” ★★★★ Fringe Biscuit

Maisie Adam: Ashley Storrie: Living on the Edge Full Frontal 8.30pm for 9pm show Storrie The Mission Theatre £5 (1hr)

An eclectic mix of anecdotal and observational material; relatable, laughable and all taken from personal experiences of being a young Yorkshire lass attempting to ‘adult’ in the big wide world. Exploring a variety of topics from the classic faux pas of the Brit abroad and the bizarre rituals of the playground, to the fascinating spectacle that is Theresa May’s body posture. “Well observed, with a warmth rather than a criticism of the folk she bumps into. Her selfdeprecation is charmingly funny” Otley Women Together

9.15pm for 9.30pm show Ring O Bells £8 / £6 concs (1hr) The sexy Hodor of Scottish comedy makes her debut after a sellout Fringe with more selfpenned pornography, more stories of mishaps that make you feel better about your own failings and more hilarity than you can shake an old stick at. “The moment you enter the room, you know this is someone special” Ed Fest Magazine “The kind of feminism that doesn’t announce its agenda but lives it... and should be mandatory viewing” The List “She is so naturally funny” Chortle

TUE 11 APR For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

Kids’ Comedy: Krazy Kev & Dinky Dino 1.45pm for 2pm show Widcombe Social Club £4 (50mins) Bath Kid’s Fest favourites Krazy Kev and Dinky Dino are back! High energy children’s performer Krazy Kev and his friend Dinky the Dinosaur will entertain you with a totally interactive show. featuring magic, games, loads of jokes and some very, very silly dancing. “Kev had the children so enthralled they actually sat there through his whole show and didn’t move, and again with Dinky Dino”

Archie Maddocks: Bisha K Ali: Illuminarchie I Don’t 6.15pm for 6.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

6.15pm for 6.30pm show Ring O Bells (1hr) £8 / £6 concs

Archie’s new show looks at how he wishes someone would take control of his life so he didn’t have to, his hope that there’s a secret society controlling his future, an accidentally racist girlfriend, a killer doughnut and an incident with a monkey.

Bisha K Ali tells a tale that centres on interracial, intra-religious, interdisaster love.

*Facts about IlluminArchie 1: When he was born, the nurse slapped herself and thanked him. 2: He can hear colours, orange pisses him off and don’t even start on purple.

A story with imams, evangelical priests, demons, and too many plot twists. This up and coming “badass comedian” (MTV News) has fast developed a reputation for “tender, and self effacing” (EdFestMag) comedy with bite.

3: He once farted with such power that it started the infamous East Anglian earthquake of 2007.

Repeat Show Bizarre Bath

** None of these are true.

8pm See listing on page 4

7.30pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House £5 (2.5hrs) The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title. Tonight’s compere is Fitz - well known local comedian and enthusiatic host, already making a name for himself on the circuit. The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

Maisie Adam: Stephanie Laing: Living on the Edge Mad About The 7.30pm for 8pm show Boy St James Wine Vaults £5 (1hr)

An eclectic mix of anecdotal and observational material; relatable, laughable and all taken from personal experiences of being a young Yorkshire lass attempting to ‘adult’ in the big wide world. Exploring a variety of topics from the classic faux pas of the Brit abroad and the bizarre rituals of the playground, to the fascinating spectacle that is Theresa May’s body posture. See also listing on p18 There are more performances of this show at St James WIne Vaults later this week.

7.45pm for 8pm show Ring O Bells £8 / £6 concs (1hr) Stephanie’s love life has been a rollercoaster ride, if rollercoasters involve a lot of awkward sex things, self-sabotage and therapy. Come and hear this lovable little weirdo talk about all the boys she’s done stuff with, including some proper wrong-uns. “Eye-wateringly honest. Devastating technique, natural comic timing and delivery” Chortle “Gloriously silly, wonderfully unpretentious” Broadway Baby Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Finalist, 2015

WED 12 APR

TUE 11 APR New Act Competition: Heat 5

Nick Doody: Interesting Times

9.15pm for 9.30pm show Ring O Bells £8 / £6 concs (1hr) Nick Doody is one of the brightest talents on the comedy circuit, being a highly engaging live performer and a prolific comedy writer for TV and radio. Sharp, topical and not afraid to say what he thinks, his brand of intelligent, honest and incisive comedy has won him fans all over the world.

“Simply the best unadulterated, gimmickfree hour of pure standup I’ve seen” ★★★★★ Chortle “All hail Nick Doody... pure comedy gold” ★★★★★ Metro

For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

Kids’ Comedy: Dave Hickory The Balloon Man 1.45pm for 2pm show Widcombe Social Club £4 (50mins) Madcap magic, awesome balloon animals, and lots and lots of fun together with loads of audience participation, Dave Hickory is the perfect addition to the Bath Kids’ Comedy Fest lineup. “Every time I looked at Will he had a huge smile on his face, in fact so did all the children” “Our playgroup friends have spent all week talking about it”

Harriet Kemsley & Her New Show 6.15pm for 6.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel Former Bath New Act Competition winner Harriet Kemsley is back. Since her last visit she’s talked on stages all over the world and supported some of her heroes on their nationwide tours, like Katherine Ryan, Stephen Merchant and Isy Suttie. She just played the role of Daisy in Jo Brand’s new Channel4 sitcom Damned, as well as performing stand up on The Radio 1 Comedy Lounge, BBC3 Comedy Marathon, The One Show Edinburgh Special and Kevin Hart’s LOL Live. “A very funny new stand-up” Time Out

Kirsty Newton: Life Begins At Party

A Ship Of Fools: Welcome To Paradise

6.15pm for 6.30pm show Ring O Bells (1hr) £8 / £6 concs

7.00pm for 7.30pm show Komedia Arts Café £10 / £7.50 conc (55min)

It’s a party...and you’re invited! Join human jukebox, musical comedy maestro and birthday girl Kirsty for a feel-good celebration of growing older disgracefully.

Two Gaulier trained bouffon clowns, Raoul and The Captain, dock in Bath with a hilarious and dark bouffon clown show that tap dances back and forth over the lines of decency.

Songs, stand-up, singalongs and surprises in an interactive, fun-filled show, directed by the award-winning Phil Nichol.

A playfully nasty rollercoaster ride of laughs, treats and horror that you will never forget.

As seen with Jess Robinson, Arthur Smith, Rich Hall, Charlie Baker, Mitch Benn, Comedy Store Players and more. “A show to blow your socks off...visually and musically exhilarating... my god, so much fun!” ★★★★ Chortle

“A Ship of Fools are without doubt masters of their craft...” Porl Cooper producer, The Hub at Slung Low Repeat Show Living On The Edge 7.30pm See listing on page 20

7.30pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House £5 (2.5hrs) The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title. Tonight’s compere is Sam Russell - up and coming stand-up and a regular host at Angel Comedy club in London. The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

Repeat Show Bizarre Bath

8pm See listing on page 4

Bilal Zafar: Cakes Elf Lyons: 7.45pm for 8pm show New Show Ring O Bells £10 / £8 concs (1hr)

A fascinating and hilarious journey of how Bilal’s Twitter handle became the focus of misguided rage from the global far right when it was mistaken for the account of a Muslimonly bakery. Having provoked the outrage of such defenders of Britishness as Katie Hopkins, EDL supporters and the Daily Star, Cakes shows how Bilal used humour to respond to the prejudice and abuse increasingly faced by British Muslims today. “Witty and absorbing… highly entertaining” The Times “Endearing, relaxed and naturally funny... hilarious” ★★★★ EdFest Mag

THU 13 APR

Wed 12 APR New Act Competition: Heat 6

9.15pm for 9.30pm show Ring O Bells £8 / £6 concs (1hr) Elf Lyons is doing a one woman production of Swan Lake. In an hour. In French. Probably. Elf hasn’t made up her mind yet. A new show from one of British Vogue’s Top Twenty Names of Now.

Last year’s preview show from the L’Ecole Philippe Gaulier graduate and Feminist Times’ One To Watch became an instant hit in Bath. ”A finely balanced, thought-provoking, and hugely enjoyable comic talent” ★★★★ TheatreBath

”Endearingly eccentric...sexy...nerdy... funny” Chortle

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

Kids’ Comedy: Paul ‘Silky’ White: Live Out Loud 1.45pm for 2pm show Widcombe Social Club £4 (50mins) A regular with Comedy Club 4 Kids, Silky looks like a grown up, but is not. He sounds like a gerbil, looks like a boiled egg and has been making people laugh since before your Mum and Dad were interested in beer/wine/tidying.. Contains songs (not rubbish) and talking down to adults. Bring one, if you can find one. “Your shirt looks like sick” Eve, aged 6, Glasgow “You’re silly. Go back to your man-cave and sit quietly” Naomi aged 7, Chesterfield

Neil McFarlane: Clackety-clack 6.15pm for 6.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel This show will be about whatever joyous and exciting new thoughts have crept into Neil’s troubled bonce during the wee hours in those long dark nights of the soul. Whatever they might prove to be. Who knows? As yet, he doesn’t. Place your bets and come along to see if you’re right. Same deal as last year and the year before; he will be saying stuff he thinks is funny and you can chuck some money in the bucket at the end if you agree with him. Pets welcome, but only if they’re sedated. Actually, it might be about trains.

Croft & Pearce Are Not Themselves

New Act Competition: Heat 7

6.15pm for 6.30pm show Ring O Bells (1hr) £8 / £6 concs

7.30pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House £5 (2.5hrs)

Stars of BBC Radio 4, ‘Spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe’ award-winners and recipients of the official Edinburgh Fringe (2016) total sell out show laurel, present their brand new sketch show!

The Bath Comedy Festival New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title.

“Magnificent sketch after magnificent sketch... fantastically talented comedians” ★★★★ BroadwayBaby “Sketch comedy at its best” Alistair McGowan “It’s getting tougher to catch them, though, as they’re selling out from good word of mouth!” ★★★★ The List

Tonight’s compere is Fitz - well known local comedian and enthusiatic host, already making a name for himself on the circuit. The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

John Otway 7.30pm for 8pm show Rondo Theatre £14 / £12 concs Rock veteran Otway dubbed himself rock’n’roll’s greatest failure after many unsuccessful attempts to produce a follow-up to his 1977 classic (Cor Baby, That’s) Really Free with Wild Willy Barrett. A mere quarter century later, he was back on Top of The Pops and back in the charts. Anarchy, fun and acrobatics. “Cabaret masquerading as a rock act. Gleeful, anecdotal, funny and life enhancing” Canterbury Fayre Review

Repeat Show Welcome To Paradise

Repeat Show Bizarre Bath

7.30pm See listing on page 21

8pm See listing on page 4

THU 13 APR Samantha Baines: Comedy Open Mic The Wonderful Brew House Paul ‘Silky’ White: 1 Woman, A Playgroup Live and Late: Indoor Fireworks World of Lieven Dwarf Planet & 2 7.30pm for 8.30pm show Scheire Roger Monkhouse 10.45pm for 11pm show The Bell The Bell Inn Cox 10.30pm for 11pm show 9.15pm for 9.30pm show Free (2.5hrs) £7 / £5 concs (1hr) 7.45pm for 8pm show Ring O Bells £8 / £6 concs (1hr)

Award-winning Samantha Baines (BBC Radio, Call the Midwife, SunnyD) needs space... the final frontier one. It’s science meets funny. There will be puns, there will be facts, there’ll even be Cox (Brian) in this debut show from one of comedy’s brightest new stars. Catch her now before she volunteers to go to Mars - well if Matt Damon managed it... “Mind-blowing... You’ve got nothing to lose... except perhaps your centre of gravity” Huffington Post 24

A free open mic night of comedy in ‘The Love Lounge’ at the back of The Bell. Appearances have been known to include local stand-ups like Ben Thurston and Sam Cottle, possible spots from visiting professional comedians who are in town for the Festival, and reunion sketches from The Unrelated Family, Bath’s veteran sketch-botherers. Arrive early if you’d like to perform. Contact Lawrie Duckworth on lawrieduckworth@ googlemail.com to enquire about a slot in advance.

Ring O Bells £8 / £6 concs (1hr)

Bath Brew House £8 (2hrs)

Unique, non fiction standup takes little concepts like, oh, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and explains them in a way not just accessible but hilarious!

Live and Late laughter line-up show with three popular circuit comedians and compere.

If nerds are the new hunks, then the charming Lieven Scheire is set to win heads and hearts at his Bath debut! Don’t miss out on Belgium’s funniest physicist. “Big scientific theories and ideas explained with wit and charm” Time Out “Oh how I wish I had done physics at school. Lieven Scheire makes it all so fascinating” The Scotsman

Roger Monkhouse One of the most original and distinctive acts. “His laconic delivery shields an engaging persona and an enquiring mind” Guardian Sean Percival Bang up to date with upfront attitude, Sean confronts realism in an explosively funny way. Sam Lake Geoff Whiting (MC) “Works the audience like a miner at the coal face” Independent

Silky brings his sold-out Edinburgh Fringe hit to Bath, adding both of the best songs and jokes he has written since. Sorry, all of the best songs and jokes he has written since picking up a 2016 British Comedy Guide Top Tip of the Fringe. Playful, often musical, each and every show is different with this veteran of international comedy. “Supremely talented” ★★★★ Broadway Baby “...takes it to the next level and warrants a full 5 stars. I’ve never seen a bad show from this lovable Scouse comedian” Sheffield Forum

FRI 14 APR

Kids’ Comedy: The Funtime Silly Disco 11.45pm for 12pm show Widcombe Social Club £6 (90mins) The Kids’ Comedy Fest Funtime Silly Disco was such a popular event last year we would be foolish not to repeat it. So it’s back and better than ever! Brush up your party outfits, polish those dancing shoes and get ready to have a ball dancing till you drop!

Kids’ Comedy: Nutty Noah 1.45pm for 2pm show Widcombe Social Club £4 (50mins) An hilarious family entertainer with a strange taste in pants. A wonderful blend of magic, music & mayhem; if it can go wrong, it usually does. As seen on TV shows ‘The Slammer’ and the ‘X Factor’ “The King of all things silly” Ben Elton

Kids’ Comedy Competition For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

3pm at Widcombe Social Club Free entry (30mins) Throughout the week our smaller audience members have told jokes or performed a funny act. Here’s your chance to see some of those again, with the Kids’ Comedy Cup on offer for the funniest, as we choose Little Lord and Lady Laughalot 2017.

David Hoare & New Act Dorian Wainwright Competition: D&D Comedy: Heat 6 Rolling With 7.30pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House Wainwright & £5 (2.5hrs) Hoare The Bath Comedy Festival 6.15pm for 6.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

Dorian Wainwright (‘Stand Up For Cider’ Finalist 2016 and 2015) and David Hoare (‘One To Watch’ - We Are Cult) invite you to an hour of jokes, stories, and comedy songs from two of Bristol’s most exciting new stand up comedians.

New Act Competition sees 72 of the best up-andcoming comics in the UK compete for the title. Tonight’s compere is Ed Hedges. “Supremely affable style” Chortle “A joy to watch” The Scotsman The Grand Final will be held on Easter Monday 17th April at Widcombe Social Club.

Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

starring Bob Mills 7.30pm for 8pm show Widcombe Social Club £15 / £12 concs (2.5hrs) A top showcase of handpicked comedians in the Festival’s favourite venue! Bob Mills Veteran comedian and broadcaster, Bob has been a mainstay of the British comedy circuit for over three decades. “A master of irony” Chortle

Mark Maier “Blessed with killer timing” Metro “It’s high time someone gave him a TV show of his own” Guardian Yuriko Kotani UK-based Japanese comedian who’s fast winning awards. Neil McFarlane “A sparky self-effacing wit which cannot possibly fail to please” Theatre Bath George Rigden (MC) “A genetic mash-up between Mitch Benn and Tim Key, perhaps with a few strands of Ricky Gervais DNA thrown in... very funny stuff!” Chortle

Marcet Lucont’s Whine List 7.30pm for 8pm show Rondo Theatre £14 / £12 concs

The finest flâneur brings a new interactive show to the baying masses. A kind of self-help group where everyone potentially leaves more depressed. Expect louche musings, deadpan wit and Gallic superiority.

“Who can resist Marcel Lucont?… pulling clever punchlines out of every interaction with his audience... Sometimes, arrogance is bliss” ★★★★ Scotsman.

Winner: Chortle Award 2015

Ed Night: Anthem for Doomed Youth 2.45pm for 3pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel Following a sell out show at last year’s festival, newcomer Ed Night returns with his hotly anticipated debut hour. Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Nominee 2017 “An amazing assurance and confidence in his delivery and some really well-written jokes... I can’t wait to see his debut hour” The Scotsman

As seen on BBC1’s The John Bishop Show and Sky Atlantic’s Set List.

“Fresh, accessible and hilarious” Guardian

SAT 15 APR

FRI 14 APR

Friday Night Live

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

“This is a man going places... there’s no mistaking his ability. He’s a natural” TV Bomb

Arthur Smith sings Leonard Cohen 2: The Extended Mix David Ephgrave: All Work, No Progress 4.15pm for 4.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel At 36, David is still unable to function in society. The comic, actor, blogger & pauper uses a projector & a mic to navigate us through the minutiae of his awkward, awkward life. Work-in-progress. “As smooth as they come” BBC “Wonderfully innovative comedy” Broadway Baby “Very likeable stand-up, confident but not cocky, and a lot of fun to spend time with” View From The Gods Also showing Sun16th April at 6pm

Sally-Anne Hayward: I was talking about you not to you

Viv Groskop: Anchorwoman

7.30pm for 8pm show Widcombe Social Club £15 / £12 concs (1hr40)

5.30pm for 6pm show Widcombe Social Club £8 / £5 concs (1hr)

5.45pm for 6pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

BBC Radio 4’s Viv Groskop presents her latest work-in-progress.

Award winning comedian, Sally-Anne Hayward comes to Bath with a show about why bitching is good for us.

Anchorwoman is a show exploring our relationship with the news, asking why exactly all the news is so annoying at the moment. There might be quite a lot to say.

Arthur and the gifted and glamourous Smithereens trio revisit the acclaimed show to say so long to Leonard - with a couple of new Leonard songs, laughs and reflections.

Oh, and she’s bored with people making up food intolerances or illnesses just to make them sound more interesting. Sally isn’t wheat intolerant, just intolerant. “Exceptionally funny” The Independent “Innate effusive likeability with straightforward but effective writing...a primetime act” Chortle

The show reflects on despair, decline and dementia yet succeeds in being hilarious, joyous

and life-affirming. An evening you will never forget. “Touching, uplifting and very funny” ★★★★ Evening Standard “With Smith’s masterful timing and a wealth of experience to draw upon, the outcome was always going to be thoroughly entertaining” ★★★★ Three Weeks

“Flawless ease.... witty, clever, observant” ★★★★★ edinburghfestival.org “Viv Groskop positively sparkles on stage” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby Repeat Show Bizarre Bath 8pm See listing on page 4

6.30pm for 8pm show Komedia £9 - £46 Three top stand-ups and one of the best comperes in the business, plus delicious food served by our Soil Association Gold Standard Award Winning Restaurant. And for the full Saturday Night Out, Krater Comedy Club ticket holders on Saturday gain FREE ENTRY, without a queue to the sell-out club night Motorcity. Featuring: Charlie Baker, Tom Wrigglesworth, Chris McCausland & MC Sally Anne Hayward Prices: £46 VIP ticket / £29.50 Meal Deal / £19 Auditorium / £15.50 Balcony / £12 Balcony Concessions / £9 Student balcony. 28

SUN 16 APR

SAT 15 APR Krater Comedy Club

Brew House Mitch Benn: Don’t Saturday Line-Up: Fear The Reaper Andrew Maxwell 7:30pm for 8pm show 7:30pm for 8pm show Bath Brew House £12 (2.5hrs) Presented by Mirth Control, starring: Andrew Maxwell Renowned for his sharp, fast paced streams of consciousness and well observed retort. Dave Thompson Brilliant one-liners and odd persona. Harriet Braine Dan Offen Geoff Whiting (MC): Strong & versatile host. Repeat Show Living On The Edge 7.30pm See listing on page 20

Rondo Theatre £14 / £12 concs

Nick Hall: Spencer 2.45pm for 3pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel

It’s been a morbid time for “the country’s leading musical satirist” (The Times); he’s turned 46 over the hill by anyone’s standards - personal life in turmoil, childhood heroes dropping like flies. At times like these, a man feels the Reaper creeping up on him… But is death anything to fear? And is it really the end? (Yes. Yes, it is, sorry!)

Spencer Percival has one claim to fame. He’s the only Prime Minister to ever be assassinated. Unfortunately no one’s ever heard of him. 205 years later, comedian Nick Hall tries to tell his story. But will he succeed?

Mitch confronts his - and your - mortality with hilarious (and tuneful) consequences. Join him! It’s time you’re not getting back!

“Side splittingly funny” ★★★★★ ThreeWeeks

“Intelligent and funny writing both of music and gags... a must see show” One4Review

As seen on BBC Two, BBC Three, and BBC Radio 4. “Brilliant” Times

“Crackingly original” ★★★★ List For easy online booking just look up your event at www.bathcomedy.com and follow the links.

“One not to miss” ★★★★ Skinny

“Mad cap energy” ★★★★ BritishComedyGuide.co.uk

Interactive Theatre International: The Wedding Reception 12.30pm prompt (2.5hrs) Widcombe Social Club £37.50 incl 3 course meal! Packing 5★ reviews, this bonkers immersive comedy from the makers of Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience returns by popular demand, complete with new bits! Of course, we’re no strangers to ‘proper’ wedding receptions, but this is something else! Will & Kate’s dream was for a small intimate wedding - but Kate’s parents had been dreaming of something else entirely. The happy couple tied the knot

romantically in a secluded registry office and turn up for their quiet and romantic wedding dinner. But ‘quiet and romantic’ are most definitely not in Kate’s parents’ vocabulary...and therein lies the rub. Surprise! Immersive, highly improvised, and as interactive as the audience wants it to be, a rollercoaster ride full of fun, frolics... and more than a few surprises. “Immensely enjoyable” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby “Nothing less than genius” ★★★★★ FringeGuru

John Hastings 4.15pm for 4.30pm show Bath Brew House (1hr) £5 or pay what you feel John Hastings is a fence sitting former drag queen. He will yell. He will shout. He will be proving the following people right. “This fast-growing comic is a pleasure to watch” ★★★★ Times

“Hastings’ bold dramatic delivery is what really stands out when he is hammering a point home” ★★★★★ Mirror “This charming, lovable comic is truly engaging and well worth checking out” ★★★★ Three Weeks Repeat Show David Ephgrave: All Work, No Progress 6.00pm See listing on page 27

Laurence Owen: Cinemusical High

Jess Robinson: Impressive

5.30pm for 6pm show Widcombe Social Club £5 or pay what you feel

7.30pm for 8pm show Widcombe Social Club £14 / £10 concs (1hr)

A one-man symphonic explosion of cinema tropes in an American high school setting. Will the nerd get the girl? Why won’t anyone talk to the foreign exchange student? Can we ever escape our teenage roles?

With incredible mimicry and cheeky wit, Jess shares her hilariously tragic and heartbreakingly funny adventures during her whirlwind of a year, since leaving her spouse of just 18 months. From joining a gang to joining the circus, to nearly causing a plane to make an unscheduled landing.

A new musical adventure from 2015 Malcolm Hardee Award winner Original songs, awesome guitar solos, double denim...welcome to Cinemusical High! “A pretty much perfect performing package... Everything parody should be” ★★★★ Scotsman “Brilliantly written and remarkably scored” ★★★★ Broadway Baby

Party with Jess, her awesome band and a truckload of celebrities as Robinson celebrates her newfound freedom since divorcing ‘Practice Husband’. “Robinson’s performance was perfection. Incredible...Inspiring... Impressive” ★★★★★ Arts Award Voice 29

Mon 17 APR

SUN 16 APR 30

Brew House Live & Late

New Act Competition

10.30pm for 11pm show Bath Brew House £8 (2hrs)

6.45pm for 7.30pm show Widcombe Social Club £8.50 (3hrs)

with Janey Godley

Stuart Black

Live and Late laughter line-up show with three popular circuit comedians and compere.

“Elegant writing and relaxed style...The punchlines are enhanced by the fact you can almost never see them coming” Chortle

Janey Godley

Maisie Adam

“One of Scotland’s finest onstage treasures… Compelling… ballsy… a breath of fresh air” Guardian

“Really well observed, with a warmth rather than a criticism of the folk she bumps into.” Otley Women Together

“Scotland’s funniest woman… the Godmother of Scottish Comedy” Scotsman

Geoff Whiting (MC) “Works the audience like a miner at the coal face” Independent

For more information on all the events in the Festival programme visit the web site at www.bathcomedy.com

Grand Final

The Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year Competition 2017 sees 72 of the best up and coming comics in the UK compete in eight heats. The nine best acts from the competition heats battle it out in tonight’s grand final, judged by a panel comprising comedy industry heavyweights Graham Smith, Alan Nixon and Jill Edwards, multi-award-winning

Scottish comedienne, playwright, blogger and best-selling author Janey Godley and Bath Comedy Festival Director Nick Steel. Previous winners include Pav Rao, Bethan Roberts, Archie Maddocks, Paul Revill, Larry Dean, Harriet Kemsley, Matt Richardson, Mickey Sharma, and Joe Lycett. Competition organiser and tonight’s compere is Geoff Whiting of Mirth Control.

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VENUE MAP

Widcombe Social Club

Ring O Bells

Great Western Wine

The Mission Theatre

Bath Box Office

Abbey Hotel / The Igloo

The Bath Brew House

Bizarre Bath / The Huntsman

Sleight (above The Ale House)

Assembly Inn Festival Bar

The Bell

Rondo Theatre

St James Wine Vaults

Wiltshire Music Centre

PARAGON

A4 LONDON

BA TH W

ICK ST RE ET

12 11

ST ATE STG WE

10 9

7 5

3 2

Widcombe Hill, BA2 6AA 10 Widcombe Parade, BA2 4JT Wells Road, BA2 3AP 32 Corn Street BA1 1UF Abbey Chambers, BA1 1NT North Parade, BA1 1LF 14 James Street West BA1 2BX Westgate Street, BA1 1EP North Parade, BA1 1LY 1 York Street, BA1 1NG

Alfred Street, BA1 2QU 103 Walcot Street, BA1 5BW St Saviours Road, BA16RT St James Square, BA1 2TW Bradford on Avon, BA15 1DZ

1 15

6 miles

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