Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 - Festival Guide - 5 - 23 February 2020 by Leicester Comedy Festival

FESTIVAL GUIDE

FREE

5-23 FEBRUARY 2020

19 DAYS TO FIND YOUR FUNNY BONE

Tickets 0116 456 6812

COMEDY-FESTIVAL.CO.UK

#votecomedy

PROUD SPONSORS OF

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Enjoy a bit of classic comedy? Original comedy too? And half-decent tunes? You’re in the right place.

Enjoy ‘The Big Bang Theory’? Move along.

The Home Of

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“A programme bursting with variety” daily mirror

COMEDY

SHOUT “UNION JACK RADIO” visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

CONTENTS SPONSORS The great companies that sponsor the festival

WELCOME Welcome from Festival Director, Geoff Rowe

BUSINESS PARTNERS CLUB ROLL OF HONOUR Our local business supporters

FESTIVAL INFORMATION Useful bits of information

4 5

For all the latest news and gossip from the festival subscribe to our newsletter.

A-Z OF ACTS Performers names at a glance

9 17 – 19

FESTIVAL DIARY Times, events, titles, venues and prices for quick reference

OUR LISTINGS EXPLAINED How the listing section works

22 – 36

ACCESS GUIDE TO THE FESTIVAL MAPS & VENUE INFORMATION Find your way around the festival

CONTACT & PEOPLE Get in touch with the team behind the festival

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS People and organisations we want to thank

WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF EVENTS FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM THIS YEAR! You can now use our search facility on our website to filter your choices. TICK THE BOXES next to the dates, start times or venues to find events at the time and place to suit you, or use our keyword search to find an event if you know the title or performer. Once you find an event – make a night of it using our SUGGESTIONS FOR OTHER EVENTS before and after the event you’re interested in.

COMMENTS

SHOW LISTINGS Find out more about the shows (listed in alphabetical order)

VISIT WWW.COMEDY-FESTIVAL.CO.UK TO REGISTER

WATCH OUT FOR More than your average comedy festival. Here are some things to look out for

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

42 – 159 161 162 – 167 168 168

We work with over 250 promoters who take the responsibility for organising the individual events. We co-ordinate the programme and provide overall marketing and publicity. This means that we do pass on your praise, comments and criticism to the relevant promoter or organiser of the event. We are keen to know what you think of events, venues, marketing, workshops and everything that takes place as part of the festival.

Our contact details can be found on page 168 so please do get in touch!

“Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent” the guardian

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

FUNDERS

Sponsored by

@KidsComedyFest

“Leicester’s mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom” i

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

FESTIVAL INFORMATION FESTIVAL TICKET OFFICE: 0116 456 6812 HOW TO BOOK TICKETS:

DIRECTIONS We’ve included basic maps (page 162-167) which show the location of Festival venues. We have tried to include postcodes for as many venues as possible so you can search online or type it into your Sat Nav. ACCOMMODATION

New for 2020 we are piloting paperless tickets for the festival. Alongside many other festivals, we are seeking to reduce the amount of paper used during Leicester Comedy Festival, whilst at the same time reducing our costs. If you don’t want to go paperless, you will still be able to have paper tickets posted to you when you buy tickets via our box office. If you have any questions or comments about this please give us your feedback by emailing info@comedy-festival.co.uk

If you’re coming from out of town, there are several hotels in Leicester where you can stay and catch some laughs late into the night. Our official Festival hotels are The Belmont Hotel, Ramada Encore, Mercure Grand Hotel Leicester and St Martins Lodge. You can find more information about deals and how to book on our website and page 12 of the brochure.

Tickets for all festival shows are available from our festival box office. Give the helpful ticketing team a call on 0116 456 6812 or click on www.comedy-festival.co.uk. The ticket office will be open for telephone sales Monday – Friday from 10am-6pm. During the main festival dates, the phone line will also be staffed Saturdays (10am – 6pm) and Sundays (midday – 4pm).

Visit:

If you need assistance in buying tickets during the festival, pop to the Festival Hub which will once again be located in Jubilee Square in Leicester city centre. Check the website for more information about opening times for the Hub. Tickets may also be available to purchase direct from the venue/ promoter. Details are listed on pages 162-167.

BOOKING FEES We pass 100% of ticket income on to our venues, acts and promoters have worked hard to keep booking fees as low as possible, working with our ticketing partner Fringe Box Office. In 2020 there is an 80p booking fee charged on all tickets and a maximum booking charge of £4.80 per transaction. If you have any feedback on our centralised ticket office, do let us know by emailing info@comedy-festival.co.uk If you buy tickets from anywhere else, the booking fees and arrangements may be different so please check the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets. Leicester Comedy Festival is produced by Big Difference Company, a registered charity (1135167). If you want to contact the show promoter directly about tickets, contact details can be found on page 162-167.

UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION: www.comedy-festival.co.uk or visit our Facebook page /LeicsComedyFest

Twitter: @LeicsComedyFest Watch:

Search for Leicester Comedy Festival TV on www.youtube.com

Listen:

Union JACK Radio www.unionjack.co.uk BBC Radio Leicester www.bbc.co.uk/leicester

Read:

Leicester Mercury for interviews, previews & reviews

GET THERE EARLY! Some of the venues have fixed seating and you’ll get issued with a seat number when you buy your ticket. Other venues allocate seats on a first come, first served basis so there are occasionally queues of people waiting to get in to make sure they get the “best” seats. We’ve indicated which option is relevant next to each event. If the seating is unreserved, and you turn up late, you might be sat/stood at the back of the room. ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES All the promoters and venues that put on events try and ensure that everyone is able to attend Festival events and have a comfortable time when they get there. We have produced a guide to visiting our venues for people with disabilities and this can be downloaded from our website or by contacting our main festival office. For 2020 we are also working to make sure everyone has a good time at the festival, including those who might have poor mental health. Details are included on the access guide. If you wish to speak to an individual venue about access requirements, you will find their contact details on page 161.

SPECIAL OFFERS There will be various special offers promoted leading up too, and during, the festival. These are often available via Twitter or Facebook or through our newsletter. For up to date news about the festival subscribe to the newsletter via our website www.comedy-festival.co.uk PRICES & TIMES Prices for events are contained in this brochure; full price tickets are shown and relevant concession/discounted prices are shown in brackets. Discounts vary with different events, so check with the ticket office when booking. Start times indicate the time the performance will start; the venue may open before this, and you are advised to check opening times when booking tickets. We have also tried to suggest finish times (so you can enjoy more than one event in a day). It is difficult to guarantee finish times as comedy shows do sometimes overrun but we hope the estimates are useful.

VOLUNTEERS Are you interested in going behind the scenes and experiencing the festival in a different way? Join our team and help make 2020 truly marvellous! We have loads of opportunities for people to volunteer and gain valuable experience at one of the largest festivals of its kind in Europe. For more information email volunteers@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk COMMENTS We work with over 250 promoters who take the responsibility for organising the individual events. We co-ordinate the programme and provide overall marketing and publicity. This means that we do pass on your praise, comments and criticism to the relevant promoter or organiser of the event. We are keen to know what you think of events, venues, marketing, workshops and everything that takes place as part of the festival. Our contact details can be found on page 168 so please do get in touch!

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

HIGHLIGHTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

WATCH OUT FOR: SPECIAL OFFERS

There will be various special offers promoted leading up to, and during, the festival. These are often available via twitter or facebook or sign up to our newsletter which is sent out from time to time and is the best way to get the latest festival news. You can subscribe to the newsletter via our website www.comedy-festival.co.uk.

THE BIG WEEKEND Back for a 5th year, we’re delighted to be taking the BIG Weekends to the Harborough District, Oadby & Wigston and Coalville & Ashby, thanks to our friends at Harborough District Council, Oadby & Wigston Borough Council and North West Leicestershire District Council and their partners. The BIG Weekends are a great way to experience a taste of the main festival in the county. See page 132 for more details. We are also hosting shows in other Leicestershire towns and villages so check out the listings for events outside of the city centre. FREE SHOWS Don’t let the excess of Christmas mean you can’t come along and have a laugh. We have a host of free shows every day of the festival, as well as shows for as little as £5. There really is no excuse! Many free shows are ticketed so get your ticket in advance to guarantee entry. There are also a range of shows which are “Pay What You Want” (PWYW) where comedians will collect money at the end of their shows; please give generously!

ROAR WITH LAUGHTER FRINGE The Roar with Laughter Fringe is back, taking over seven pubs across Leicester and Leicestershire. You’ll get a great night of comedy served alongside a free pint of Tiger. Turn to our advert on page 10 for tour dates.

LEICESTER FRIDGE Back for another brilliant year, a selection of shows and events featuring locally sourced acts and

Laugh Term Comedy School We are bringing back our Laugh Term Comedy School which is an opportunity for young people to learn stand-up comedy and comedy performance skills. This year the “school”, which takes place over half term (gettit?!) Will be hosted at Curve Theatre – full details are in the listings.

BEYOND A JOKE Following the success in recent years, we continue to organise a series of talks, discussions and seminars aimed at people who want to delve a little deeper into issues linked to contemporary society and comedy. Topics this year include transphobia, older people, mental health, refugees and censorship. THE UK KIDS’ COMEDY FESTIVAL Back after a fantastic launch in 2019, we are delighted to present The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival. Packed with shows specially aimed at children, young people and their families, there will be a mix of big names in kids comedy including Jarred Christmas & The Hobbit: The Mighty Kids Beatbox Game Show, Comedy in the Dark for Kids and Comedy Club 4 Kids as well as special events such as Loving Laughing where we will present the award for the Funniest School in Leicestershire. For more information about The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival visit our website www.ukkidscomedyfestival.co.uk

their friends. Watch out for the “fridge” icon next to shows.

“The festival offers big names… and innovative curios” the times

Roar With Laughter Advert 228mm x 176mm 2020.pdf

11/10/2019

09:16

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

PRESENTS

R E T H G U A L H T I ROAR W

CMY

22nd February

Every Friday & Saturday

20th February

Oadby

Aylestone

17th - Eddie Hoo Whissendine & Dave Longley

BLACK DOG

ANCHOR Hathern

BLACK HORSE

8th February

6th, 14th, 15th February

Croft

Desford

HEATHCOTE ARMS

WHITE LION

doing a live podcast 7th & 15th February ‘Arguing for the sake of arguing’ 24th - Gong Show Thurnby

LANCASTER ROSE & CROWN ARMS Includes a free buffet

Ticket prices from £10 and includes a free pint of Tiger Excluding Lancaster Arms free show on 6th February Book tickets in the pub or visit comedy-festival.co.uk

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Sturgess Motor Group are pleased to support Leicester Comedy Festival. What do you call a man with a car on his head? Jack!

See our website for our latest offers on New & Used cars (but no more bad jokes, we promise!)

www.sturgessgroup.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the highlights of the comedy calendarâ&#x20AC;? the independent on sunday

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

.. . . . . t h g i n e h t y a t S

The Belmont Hotel

Ramada Hotel

20 De Montfort Street, Leicester. LE1 7GR 0116 254 4773 www.belmont-hotel.co.uk

84-90 Charles Street, Leicester LE1 1GE 0116 366 0150 www.ramada.co.uk

From Bed & Breakfast in the 1930’s to AA 4* rated Boutique & Bistro Hotel in 2017, The Belmont has been the heartbeat of Leicester life for 80 years. Now the hotel is part of Leicester’s bright and brilliant future, with fabulous new food and drink menus, individually designed bedrooms, bespoke business and wedding facilities and much, much more.

Shopping, cafés, sightseeing, dining out, night-life... a city break offers an ideal opportunity to take in sights and sounds of some of the most vibrant and exciting Leicester !!!

Situated in pretty New Walk, the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the train station, festival venues and brilliant shopping and entertainment.

At the Ramada Hotel we can offer a fantastic offer for Bed and Breakfast and every attraction is a minute walk.

Please call the hotel directly to receive 10% off the best available rate during the festival.

Please contact the Sales Department for more information.

Discover the unique culture and heritage of Leicester city or just have a coffee, relax and watch the world go by!

Travel to Leicester with

Check www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk for best fares 12

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

If you want to extend your stay at the festival, we’ve teamed up with 4 brilliant Leicester hotels who are our “official festival hotels”. All are located close to the city centre so they are in easy walking distance of many of our central festival venues.

Mercure Hotel

St Martins Lodge

Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES 0116 2214 9257 www.mercureleicester.co.uk

Peacock Lane, Leicester, LE1 5NR 0116 261 5200 www.stmartinslodge.co.uk

The Grand Hotel

Choose Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel where Victorian charm meets modern comfort. A stunning Grade II listed building which blends Victorian splendour with stylish urban interiors and great food in one of the most central and sophisticated hotels Leicester has to offer. Just minutes from the train station and the regenerated Cultural Quarter - trendy bars, excellent Asian food and great shopping are on your doorstep. Our Classic Bedrooms all offer supremely comfortable beds, HD TVs, complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, en suite bathrooms, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

St Martins Lodge, Leicester’s newest luxury accommodation offers 28 bedrooms designed with handpicked fabrics and wallpaper with luxurious bathrooms to complement the original features of the building. Located in the heart of the City’s Cathedral Quarter, St Martins Lodge is a two minute stroll from Leicester’s historic Guildhall, St Martins House Conference Centre, Leicester Lanes shopping with a variety of independent retailers and an array of independent wine bars, eateries and sweet treats.

Please visit the hotel website for the best offers which include on-site parking and breakfast.

Phone reservations 0116 214 9257 and quote “Comedy” to receive 15% off our rate of the day during the festival.

Travel to Leicester with

Check www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk for best fares “Leicester’s mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom” i

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

CONNECTING PEOPLE & PLACES Sheï¿½eld

Derby

Nottingham

Leicester

East Midlands Railway are proud to support Leicester Comedy Festival London St Pancras

Find out more at eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

#stand-uplawyers Proud sponsors and lawyers to Leicester Comedy Festival Freeths are a Top 50, full service commercial law firm with 13 offices spread across the UK giving us a national reach with a local understanding.

From city-centre offices in the heart of the Leicester business community, our respected legal experts focus on getting the right results, every time.

For more details please contact: Mukesh Patel | Managing Partner, Leicester | 0116 248 1100 | mukesh.patel@freeths.co.uk | www.freeths.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talentâ&#x20AC;? the guardian

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Playground Creation Specialists

Red Monkey

www.redmonkeyplay.co.uk

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

A–Z OF ACTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Ben Briggs

Dan Nightingale

Aaron Simmonds

Ben Ennis

Dan Soff

Abi Roberts

Bexie Archer

Bilal Zafar

43,55,138

156

Bill Burns

157

Adam Beardsmore Adam Gardiner Adam Morrison Jones

155

Dan Webber Dane Baptiste Daniel Nicholas

67,105

Eshaan Akbar

42,74,87,117,146

105

Ewan Wardrop

155

Fanny Burns

63,66,69,75,101,113,114,140

Fatih Göksu

121

Bobba Cass

Danielle Ward

Fiona Clift

Brian Damage And Krysstal

Danny Clives

Fiona Ridgewell

Daphna Baram

Fran Jenking

Darcie Silver

151

Frank Foucault

Darren Coles

145

Frank Lavender

Darren Walsh

Fred Ferenczi

55,129

43,56,57,138

Dave Chawner

Freddie Farrell

54,78

149,150

Freddy Quinne

Friz Frizzle

Adam Unwin

87,151

Adam Willis

158

Adele Cliff

Calum Vaughan

Adèle Anderson

Carl Donnelly

Ahir Shah

Carla Pol

Ailis Duff

120

Carly Smallman

Aisling Groves-Mckeown

120

Carly Smith

Alan Seaman

46,81,142

Caroline Mabey

Alasdair Beckett-King

47,115,146

151 57

Dave Gotheridge Dave Grape

153

Cassie Atkinson

108

Dave Hall

Alastair Clark

Cassie Symes

120

Dave Suich

155

Gaelle Constant

Alex Covell

Catherine Bohart

David Benson

Gareth Berliner

Alex Farrow

Celya Ab

David Eagle

121

Garrett Millerick

79,82,87

Ceri Dupree

David McIver

Gary Jennison

155

Charlie Baker

David Morgan

Gary Tro

113

David Smith

Geoff Rowe

Alex Franklin Alex Hylton

61 46,47,54,96,102,105,157

Alex Keen

137

Charlie Gascoyne

149

Alex Leam

47,48

Charmian Hughes

Dawn Margaret

George Edgeller

Alex Turner

150

Chella Quint

Diane Spencer

George Hinchcliffe

Alexander Bennett

Chelsea Birkby

Dickie Dido

George Lewis

Alexandra Christle

Chesca Forristal

Dillie Keane

George Rigden

Alexandria Macleod

Chiara Bucaria

136

Dimple Pau

151

Alfie Brown

Chloe Green

147

Dom Joly

Georgie Morrell

Alfie Moore

Chloe Petts

59,147

Dom Mackie

Georgina Thomas

George Vere

Chris Betts

Donald Alexander

145

Chris Cooke

Donna Bond

Allan Lear

154

Chris Kehoe

Doug Deans

Allan Smith

149

Chris Leworthy

Dr Ettrick-Hogg

Chris McCausland

Drew Taylor

150

Greg Scorzo

Duncan Oakley

Ali Brice Alice Moore

Allyson Smith Amadeus Martin Andrew Bird

49 128 50

Chris McGlade Chris Norton Walker

44,60,129

151

Grace Campbell

146

Graham Whistler

Griff Rhys Jones

44,46

Ed Byrne

Hannah East

Ed Jones

Hannah Platt

Andrew Ryan

Chris Purchase

Ed Patrick

Hannah Platts

Andrew White

51,88

Chris Read

Andy Barr

51,66

Chris Tavner

Andy Parsons

Chris Young (hastings)

81 159 81

Chris Phillips

80 45,120

145

Chris O’Neill

121

158

Gordon Rideout

Andy Mandoiu

79 79,87

Good Kids

105

Andy Gilbert

79 155

145

Andrew Lawrence

Andrew Duncan

142

142,156 82 87,150,151

Ed Platt

Hannah Silvester

Edd Hedges

Hannah Weetman

147

155

Edi Johnston

60,83

145

Christian Brighty

Edy Hurst

63,72

Christian Dart

Elaine Pantling

107

Andy Stedman

Christian Reilly

Eleanor Conway

Angela Barnes

Christopher Badger

Ania Magliano

Christopher Macarthur-Boyd

Harriet Dyer Harriet Kemsley

82,114 82

Harry Baker

Harry Househam

Eleanor Hodgkinson

Harry Kenyon

Eleanor Tiernan

Harry May-Bedell

73 117,159

120

Ellie Calnan

151

Harry Smith

Anna Leong Brophy

Clare Snow

Ellie Griffiths

145

Harun Musho’D

Annie McGrath

Clint Edwards

Elliot Steel

Haydn Jenkins

110

Clinton Baptiste

Elliot Wengler

Hayley Thornton

150

Cock-Kane The Clown

Emily Brady

128

Helen Ainsworth

Colin Chadwick

Emily Jane Kerr

120

Helen Bauer

Emily Lloyd-Saini

Helen Duff

Emily McQuade

151

Ann Other

74,75,94

Anthony King

43,45,146

Arthur Smith

50,53,65

Arthur Strong

Aurie Styla

Becky Brunning Becky Fury Becky Parkes

Cropston Fairweather Crystal Gray

B Barry Dodds

Clare Buckingham

63,72,105,118 87

Emma Jane Peyton

121

91 85,87,146 85

Henry Churniavsky

Henry Paker

Dan Aykroyd

Emma Read

120

154

Dan Evans

114

Eric Rushton

Hobbit 92

Dan Jones

Erich McElroy

Holly Mallett

Hester Goodman

155

120

A–Z OF ACTS Hopwood Depree

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jodie Mitchell

147

Kevin Hudson

100

Lynn Ruth Miller

Joe Hadley

128

Kevin Precious

101

Howard Walker

Joe Hobbs

Khalid Winter

Hugh De La Cruz

157

Joe Reed

Ki Shah

Joe Sutherland

Kieran Ahern

80,81

101,145

Joe Wells

Kieran Boyd

Ian Lane

Joe Zalias

Kirsty Mealing

Ian Peskett

John Archer

Kirsty Munro

Ian Smith

John Bond

Kitty Lux

155

Mandy-Jane Evans

Ian Stone

John Pendal

Kwame Asante

102

Marc Lucero

Ignacio Lopez

John Robertson

Kyle Evans

111

Maria Shehata

110

Howard Read

159

I Ian Hall

Ishi Khan

42,88,151

95,96 145

John Shuttleworth

Johnny T.grrr

Laugh Till It Hurts

M McCabe

154

Mabel Read

134

Maddie Campion

109

101

Maddy Anholt

109

Maisie Adam

109

Mama G

109

78 150,151

56,102

Ivan Brackenbury

151

Ivan Gonzalez

113

Jon 147

Laura Davis

104,146

Ivo Graham

Jon Long

Laura Lexx

104

Jon Pearson

J Jack Barry

Jonathan Elston

Jack Britton

Jonathon Little

Jack Campbell

Jonty Bankes

Jack Carroll Jack Chisnall Jack Cross Jack Gleadow

88,127

103

Maria Tea

110

Marie Fawcett

151

Marilyn Bird

128

Marise Gaughan

110

54,96

Laura Monmoth

62,82,104,115

Mark Docker

103

Lauren Pattison

71,104,146,156

Mark Dolan

77 53,102,110,146,156

Lawrence Laidlow

118

Mark Herdman

155

Lee Apsey

Mark Olver

Lee Kyle

105

Mark Powell

143

43,106

87,89

Jordan Brookes

Joseph Murphy

Lee Lard

Josh Berry

Lee Moore

143

Mark Steel

111

Josh Cooper

Leen Dewilde

Mark Vigil

62,128,150

128 82,90,146

Mark Simmons

110,111

Josh Jones

Leisa Rea

155

Mark Watson

111

108

Josh Pugh

63,76,97,101,135,142,157

Lena Stahl

Marlon Davis

111

Jack Tucker

Josie Long

Leroy Brito

106

Martin Appleby

Jacob Hatton

Josie Peters

Lester Forrest-Easte

153

Martin Dewey-Findell

Jacob Hawley

Joy Carter

136,151

Lew Fitz

106

Martin Wallace

Jacqueline Haigh

Joz Norris

Lewys Holt

Martin Westgate

111

Jade Fearnley

117

Jules O’Brian

147,151

Liam Cook

Jake Lambert

Julia Masli

Jamali Maddix

Juliet Meyers

James Cook

Juliette Burton

Jack Lane Jack Robertson

77 128

156

Matt Bragg

142

Liam McKenna

Matt Forde

112

Liam Miles

Matt Green

112

Liam Webber

128

Matt Hollins

56,112

Lily Phillips

106

105

James Gault

Matt Hutchinson

112

James Redmond

Karen Bayley

Lindsey Davies

Matt Hutson

112

Jamie Dsouza

Kat Butterfield

108

Lindsey Santoro

106

Matt Prestage

Jamie Hutchinson Jamie Oliphant Jane Hill

125 91 91,129

Lindsey Warnes Carroll

138

Matt Price

Kate Bell

Lisa Vernon

151

Matt Stevens

Kate Lucas

Liz Cotton

107

Matt Watts

Matthew Highton

113

Jane Tugwell

Kate McCabe

Janice Connolly

Jarlath Regan

Jarred Christmas

Kate Barron

66,113 124

103,117

Liza Pulman

Kathryn Mather

Lloyd Griffith

78,102,107

Matthew Hoss

112

Kathy Giddins

Lloydie James Lloyd

128

Maurice Sedan

157

45,92

Katie Burchett

150

Lord Rodney

130,131

Max Olesker

113

Jason Byrne

92,150

Katie Davison

Lord Russell

130,131

Megan Roberts

Jason Neale

93,125,126,135,140

Katie Mitchell

Lost Voice Guy

86,107

Meredith Ashton

Jay Handley

56,135

114

Jeanette Bird-Bradley Jen Kenny

Katie Pritchard

44,99,120

Louisa Robey

140

Michael Brunström

128

Kayleigh Cassidy

Louise Peacock

136

Michael Clarke

145,151

Kazeem Edwards

151

Lovdev Barpaga

107

Michael Fabbri

114

Jeremy Nicholas

Keiron Attwood

151

Lovell Smith

Jess Aszkenasy

151

Keith Oliver

156

Lubna Kerr

Jessica Brooks

142

Michael Legge

108,151

Mickey Sharma

114

117,159

Keith Rowe

Lucy Beaumont

108

Micky Overman

114

Jessica Fostekew

93,94

Kelly Convey

100

Lucy Pearman

108

Mike Brown

149

Jessica Toomey

155

Kemah Bob

Lukas 103

Milo Edwards

115

Jo Dexter

142

Kev Sutherland

136

Lukas Kirkby

117

Milton Jones

50,115 115,146

Jo Enright

Kevin Daniel

156

Luke Kempner

108

Mitch Benn

Jo Fletcher-Cross

151

Kevin Dewsbury

155

Luke Rollason

Mitch Ward

Joann Condon

106

Kevin Egan

Lulu Popplewell

108

Miztli Rose

115

Joanne McNally

Kevin Hayes

Lydia Towsey

158

Mole Wetherell

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

A–Z OF ACTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Monica Winfield

146

Polly Preston

Samson Read

134

Ted Hill

Mr Lorraine

151

Pope Lonergan

Samuel Walls

Tez Ilyas

Punch And Judy

101

Sanjeev Kumar

134

Thanyia Moore

Sara Mason

134

The Hobbit

Sarah Callaghan

134

The Oxford Imps

149

Mrs Barbara Nice Myra Dubois

64,107,139,144,146 117

R Rachel Piekarczyk

144 43,71,138,144,156 144 92

Naomi Paul

117

Rachel Thorn

137

Sarah Johnson

101,134,144

The Same Faces

149

Nathan Cassidy

117

Rachel Wd

137

Sarah Kempton

Thea Constance

120

65,117

Radu Isac

126

Sarah Keyworth

70,135

Tim Hands

83,155

Sarah Southern

135

Tom Binns

89,151

Nathan Caton Nathan D’Arcy Roberts

118

Rahul Somia

Neil Delamere

118

Rainer Hersch

126

Sarah Spencer

120

Tom Burgess

124

Neil O’Rourke

118

Raul Kohli

126

Sasha Ellen

135

Tom Deacon

152

Niamh Hall

145

Ray Badran

127

Saskia Preston

135

Tom Dowling

80,81

Nick Elleray

119

Rebecca Shorrocks

138

Scott Bennett

63,136

Tom Glover

152

Nick Steel

155

Reginald D Hunter

128

Scott Capurro

136

Tom Lawrinson

128

Sean Morley

137

Tom Little

Sean Turner

Tom Lucy

Nicola Dempsey

Rhod Gilbert

Nicola Houghton

119

Ricardo Insua Cao

Nicola Lucey

Richard Atkinson

156

Sezar Alkassab

Nigel Lovell

145

Richard Baldwin

146

Shane Shambhu

Tom Stade

153

Nikki Morgan

128

Richard Pulsford

48,88,128

Shappi Khorsandi

137

Tom Taylor

153

Nina Gilligan

119

Richard Stott

129

Sharon Lockyer

136

Tom The Tale Teller

Nipper Harris

Richard Todd

129

Shaun Hartman

150

Tom Ward

153

Richie Williams

155

Shelf 147

Tom Young

149,150

Rob Auton

129

Sian Davies

Njambi McGrath Noah Geelan

120 61

Rob Coleman

O Olaf Falafel Olga Koch

120 121,144,146

P Pam Sandwich Pascal Cameron Patrick Draper Patrick Healy Patrick Monahan Paul Currie

Rob Gee

137

Tom Mayhew

152 152 86,153

55,138

Tommy Tomski

129,142

Sikisa 138

Tony Carpenter

83,147

56,101,107,114,129,158

Silky 121,122

Tony Cowards

Rob Kemp

130

Rob Leeson

Simon Lomas

135

Tony Law

Simon Munnery

139

Tony Slattery

153 154 50,154

153

Rob Mulholland

130

Sinead Parker

120

Tony Wright

87,121,146

Rob Sedgebeer

157

Sophie Duker

139

Tracey Gee

Rob Stuart-Hudson

156

Spencer Jones

140

Travis Jay

154

Rob Throup

150

Spiky Mike

78,151

Troy Young

Robert Duncan

105

Spring Day

151,159

Stags Woodward

54 83,155 49,57,63,121 122

154

Robert Lane

146

146,155

Vicky Hawley

Paul F Taylor

122,138

Robert White

Steffan Evans

49,140

Vicky Johnson

Paul James

122,123

Robin Morgan

130

Stella Graham

140

131

Stephanie Laing

Stephen Bailey

141 42

Will Franken

159

Paul Kerensa

123

Roger Swift

Paul McCaffrey

123

Rosie Dempsey

Paul Merryck

123

Rosie Jones

131

Stephen Kantor

63,140,141

W Wil Hodgson Will Bicknell-Found

157 61

Paul Ricketts

Ruby Carr

131

Steve Bond

Will Gove-White

155

Paul Savage

123

Ruby Clyde

137

Steve Bugeja

Will Mars

158

Will Penswick

158

Will Preston

158

Paul Sinha

107,123

Paul Smith

124

Rumbi 42

Steve McNeil

113,157

Paul Sweeney

124

Russ Payne

151

Steven Leech

141

Will Rowland

158

Pete Selwood

Russell Arathoon

147

Stevie Gray

141

William Seaward

145

Pete Teckman

Ruth Cockburn

102

Stewart Lee

141

Stuart Goldsmith

142

Young People Focus Charity

Stuart Laws

142

Zoe Lyons

Peter Brooke Turner

155

Rudi Lickwood

119,151

Steve Lee

Peter Buckley

Phil Carruthers

128

Sadie Townsend

Phil Green

124

Sajeela Kershi

133

Stuart Reid

Sadia Azmat

133

Stuart Mitchell

109

87,150,151

Phil Jarvis

Sam Lake

133

Sue Langley

114

Phil Jerrod

124

Sam Marshall

128

Sunil Patel

143

125

Sam Pamphilon

113,133,157

Phil Lindsey Phil Wang

54,125

Sam Plummer

Philip Hutchinson

83,147

Sam Rix

Sunjai Arif

143

87,128

Susan Murray

143

Susie McCabe

143 143

Sam Serrano

133

Suzanne Tuck

Pierre Novellie

125

Samantha Day

151

Pippa Hastings

150

Samantha Pressdee

133

Tal Davies

147

Polly Penter

125

Sammy Nour

139

Tanyalee Davis

144

Phoebe Hitt

139

Zenjiro 159

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Sundays - Fridays from 5th - 23rd February

15% off food for ticket holders

0116 408 0008 - cosyclub.co.uk 68 Highcross St, Leicester LE1 4NN

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

A series of talks and events exploring contemporary issues in stand-up comedy. These events provide an opportunity to go beyond the laughter with contributions from comedians, industry professionals and academics. In partnership with Centre for Comedy Studies Research (Brunel University) and www.beyondthejoke.co.uk

IT’S A FUNNY OLD WORLD DISCUSSION Saturday 8th February PETER Pizzeria

CAN LAUGHTER UNITE?

FREE

COMEDY & TRANSPHOBIA DISCUSSION

midday

Saturday 8th February PETER Pizzeria

See page 89

FREE

- A discussion about comedy, refugees and asylum seekers

Sunday 9th February PETER Pizzeria

2.00pm See page 57

I SAY COMEDY CONVERSATION WITH LOST VOICE GUY Sunday 9th February Curve

FREE

FREE “YOU CAN’T SAY THAT!” THE ‘ART OF THINKING’ ABOUT OFFENSIVE COMEDY - A discussion

SAY WHAT YOU WANT! FREE TV COMEDY, FREE SPEECH AND CENSORSHIP - A discussion

2.00pm

Sunday 9th February The Cosy Club

See page 63

£10.00

2.00pm See page 86

AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTHUR SMITH

midday See page 159

£12.50

Thursday 13th February 6.30pm The Old Grammar School See page 50

AN INTERVIEW WITH MILTON JONES Saturday 15th February Haymarket Theatre

2.00pm See page 136

£10.00

2.00pm See page 50

in partnership with Equity & De Montfort University

FREE MENTAL HEALTH & COMEDY DISCUSSION

UK COMEDY FESTIVALS SEMINAR

FREE

AN INTERVIEW WITH TONY SLATTERY

FREE

Sunday 16th February PETER Pizzeria

2.00pm

Sunday 23th February PETER Pizzeria

2.00pm

Tickets and further information available from www.comedy-festival.co.uk

midday See page 114

See page 155

See page 50

DIARY START TIME

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WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 5 2020 7:45 08:45 12:30 14:00 17:30 18:30 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 21:15 19:00 20:00 19:30 20:30 19:45 20:45 19:45 21:15 19:45 20:45 20:00 22:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:15 22:45 20:30 22:00 20:30 21:30 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 22:00 21:00 21:15 22:15 21:30 22:30

Business Breakfast - Launch of Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Loving Laughing The Great British Faith Off Sadia Azmat George Lewis: Work in Progress Max & Ivan: Commitment Christian Reilly: Magic Money Tree Alternative Business Awards First Night Funnies 1 Man Show* Kathryn Mather: Always Angry (Work in Progress) Proper Funny Comedy’s Festival Launch Party Ian Smith - We’re All Having A Really Great Time (Work in Progress) Ed Byrne: If I’m Honest Tiny Stories: B.Y.O.B Andrew Ryan - Work in Progress Carl Donnelly: Shall We All Just Kill Ourselves? Catherine Bohart: Lemon TOM BINNS FOXYCOMEDY CLUB NIGHT Thanyia Moore: Bully (WIP) Claw and Order Crybabies: Danger Brigade The Moon, the Bitch and the Whoredrobe Chris Purchase: Twenty Sided Dice Tony Cowards’ Ewok Circus

Leicester Castle Business School The Y Theatre PETER Pizzeria The Cosy Club The Cookie Firebug Wygston’s House Curve PETER Pizzeria International Arts Centre The Cosy Club Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 De Montfort Hall The Y Theatre The Cookie Black Horse The Exchange Bar The Lyric Rooms Wygston’s House PETER Pizzeria Upstairs At The Western Firebug Manhattan 34 The Exchange Bar Grays@LCB Depot

57 107 146 133 79 113 61 49 76 42 99 125 87 71 151 50 57 58 151 77 144 62 66 147 60 153

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6TH 2020 10:15 10:45 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 18:30 19:30 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 20:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 21:30 19:30 20:30 19:30 21:00 19:30 20:30 19:30 19:30 21:00 19:45 21:25 19:45 20:45 19:45 20:45 22:30 20:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 22:45 20:15 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:30 21:30 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:00 21:45

Giggly Wriggly Readers Shelf: Straight (work in progress) Jack Barry: Alien Myra DuBois: Dead Funny Jarlath Regan: Drawings Graham Whistler: Single Use Spastic Little By Little Daphna Baram: Cracking Up Fascinating Aïda Not Quite Paul Smith: Following 1 Man Show* Comedy at the Zones Flo & Joan: Before The Screaming Starts Sunil Patel: Work In Progress Maria Shehata: Hero Big Value Comedy Show - Auditions Erich McElroy’s Election 2020 (a work in progress) Reginald D Hunter: Facing the Beast Maisie Adam: Work in Progress Freddy Quinne Is Brought To You By Thursday Night Live Funhouse Comedy Club Ishi Khan- WIP (LOVE is ...) Samantha Pressdee: Covered SCOTT BENNETT: RELAX The Improlectuals Little Boxes

Coalville Library The Cosy Club Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter Queen of Bradgate Wygston’s House De Montfort Hall Upstairs At The Western Haymarket Theatre International Arts Centre Warning Zone Curve Manhattan 34 The Cosy Club Just the Tonic at BrewDog Black Horse The Y Theatre The Cookie The Exchange Bar Pied Bull The Lyric Rooms The Lancaster Arms Knight & Garter PETER Pizzeria Wygston’s House Upstairs At The Western

80 137 89 117 92 81 106 69 75 120 124 42 63 77 143 110 55 74 128 109 78 151 78 88 133 136 146 106

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

DIARY

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END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

21:00 21:00 21:00 21:15 21:15 21:30 22:00

22:00 22:00 22:00 22:15 22:15 22:30 22:50

The Notorious G.A.Y Hotel de Comedie Kevin Hudson: Stretch That Skull Cover and Smile Josh Jones: Waste Of Space (Work in Progress) Jason Neale: Things That Didn’t Happen (And Wildly Exaggerated Versions Of Things That Did) Laura Monmoth: Trans Vision Scamp maria tea: on her last eggs

Queen of Bradgate St Martins Lodge Manhattan 34 The Cosy Club The Exchange Bar The Cookie Wygston’s House

147 85 100 97 93 104 110

Giggly Wriggly Readers It Just So Happened - an alternative history show Accomplished Ladies AComedyTapas Chloe Petts: Alpha (Work In Progress) In Stitches Comedy Club Phil Jerrod: Work in Progress Tom Glover - Because the night belongs to Glover Comedy Art Gallery Tour A Little By Little (With A Little Bit On The Side: Food, Music & Guests) Alfie Moore - Fair Cop Work In Progress The Hinckley Chuckle Graham Whistler: Single Use Spastic Stuart Laws is All In BrightSparks Comedy Asylum Some-Antics Spoken Word & Comedy Josh Berry: Work In Progress Cornish Comedians Showcase Shappi Khorsandi: Skittish Warrior...Confessions of a Club Comic Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britian The Same Faces: Different Voices 1 Man Show* Gay Comedy Night Norris & Parker: Thirst Traps A Night with Lee Lard - Peter Kay Tribute Alasdair Beckett-King: Nevermore Work In Progress Flo & Joan: Before The Screaming Starts The LOL Word Laughter Loft Black Horse Spencer Jones: Work in progress Everards Tiger presents Roar With Laughter at the Rose and Crown, Thurnby Sezar Alkassab: Telling Stories 7 Acts for £7 Alf and Rich - One Liners Patrick Monahan: Started From The Bottom, Now I’m Here Multi-Culture-Lol! Alex Leam - The Joy of Decks Yanks in the UK: A Stand-up Culture Clash sex, lies, and improvisation Phil Green: Warrior Princess Hotel de Comedie Tom Glover - A Glover Not A Fighter Lulu Popplewell: Look At My Great Big Ribbons (work in progress) Retro Fit Garrett Millerick: 20/20 Sanjeev Kumar: Illegal Immigrant Kirsty Munro: Sex Education For Adults Leicester Fridge: NAKED COMEDY

Ashby Library King Richard III Visitor Centre PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter Just the Tonic at The Shed The Cosy Club The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot Attenborough Arts Centre Lily’s Live Lounge Kayal Concordia Theatre Knight & Garter Firebug Attenborough Arts Centre Bean Gaming Cafe PETER Pizzeria King Richard III Visitor Centre Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall De Montfort Hall Upstairs At The Western International Arts Centre The Y Theatre Just the Tonic at The Shed CONKERS The Cosy Club Curve The Cookie Black Horse Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Rose and Crown Kayal Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall King Richard III Visitor Centre Firebug Grays@LCB Depot Knight & Garter PETER Pizzeria Upstairs At The Western Just the Tonic at The Shed St Martins Lodge Manhattan 34 The Cosy Club Kayal Just the Tonic at BrewDog King Richard III Visitor Centre Manhattan 34 Manhattan 34

80 88 45 46 59 87 124 152 63 43 48 146 81 142 56 139 97 66 137 155 149 42 79 120 44 47 77 147 103 140 75 137 43 48 121 117 48 159 137 124 85 152 108 128 79 134 102 105

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 7TH 2020 10:30 11:00 18:30 17:30 18:30 17:30 18:45 17:45 19:00 18:00 19:15 18:15 19:30 18:30 18:30 19:30 18:30 19:30 20:40 18:30 19:50 18:50 21:30 19:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 19:00 19:00 23:00 19:00 20:00 20:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 21:30 20:30 19:30 19:30 20:30 21:30 19:30 19:30 20:30 23:30 19:30 19:45 20:45 19:45 21:25 21:00 20:00 20:00 22:00 21:00 20:00 20:00 22:00 20:10 21:10 20:30 23:00 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:45 21:30 20:30 20:30 21:30 21:00 22:00 21:45 21:00 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 21:15 22:15 21:30 22:30 21:30 22:30 22:40 22:00 22:30 23:30 00:59 23:59

PAGE

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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8 2020 10:00 14:00 10:15 11:00 11:00 15:00 11:00 12:00 12:00 13:30 12:30 13:30 13:00 15:00 13:00 15:00 13:30 14:30 13:40 18:40 14:00 15:00 14:00 15:30 14:30 15:30 14:30 15:30 15:00 16:00 15:00 16:00 15:00 16:00 15:00 15:20 15:30 16:30 15:30 16:30 15:45 16:45 17:00 16:00 16:00 17:00 16:00 16:20 16:00 17:00 18:30 16:15 17:30 16:30 18:00 17:00 17:00 18:00 17:00 18:00 18:00 17:00 17:00 17:20 17:00 18:00 17:30 22:30 17:30 18:30 18:30 17:30 18:30 17:30 17:30 18:25 18:00 19:00 18:00 18:20 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 18:30 19:30 20:30 18:30 18:30 19:30 18:50 19:50 19:00 20:00 20:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 19:20 19:00 20:00 19:30 20:30 19:30 22:00 19:30 20:30

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

PAGE

AAK Stand-Up Comedy Workshop Funny Folk Tales and Silly Stories from Tom the Tale Teller Kids comedy @ Conkers A Political Breakfast It’s a funny old world discussion Short & Curly - Eye to eye (Work In Progress) National Forest’s Funniest Kids! Sue Townsend Mole Rides Samson and Mabel Charge At You Like An Ox The Noels Arms - All Dayer Chris Phillips : John , Paul , George, Ringo & Me Comedy and Transphobia discussion Jacob Hatton Once Upon A Time Next Tuesday Afternoon Jokes On Us AComedyTapas Howard Read: Work In Progress Paul ‘Silky’ White: ZIUQ Secret Comedy Club Paul F Taylor - Paul Of Fame (Work In Progress) Board Game Smackdown A PUNchline Hour Jason Neale: Things That Didn’t Happen (And Wildly Exaggerated Versions Of Things That Did) Kate Bell - U ARE WHAT U WEAR: The Fashionista show Secret Comedy Club Dan Jones - Necessary Evil WIP Comedy Comes to Clarence featuring Mrs Barbara Nice Nathan D’Arcy Roberts: Is Denzel Washington My Dad? Robin Morgan: What A Man, What A Man, What A Man, What A Mighty Good Man (Say It Again Now) Daniel Nicholas: Lessons in Nostalgia Good Kids: Golden Years Mama G’s Story Time Roadshow at Leicester LGBT Centre Secret Comedy Club Jack Campbell: Cheesecake The Secret Tour Darren Walsh: Punimal Farm Danielle Ward WIP Jacob Hawley: Faliraki suzanne tuck: Tuck into Poetry, a lite bite of cheese and puns Matt Hutchinson: Hostile (Work In Progress) Secret Comedy Club Hannah Silvester: Unmentionables The Oxford Imps Nathan Cassidy: Observational Red Light Comedy Olga Koch: Bride (Work in progress) 3 Not So Wise Men Sam Serrano: Boyish Nina Gilligan: Broad Shoulders Jarlath Regan: Notions Eleven Richard Stott: Right Hand Man Josh Berry: Work In Progress Secret Comedy Club Jamie Oliphant: An Oliphant Never Forgets Tom Taylor: Will Be Played By The Understudy (Work in progress) Ceri Dupree: Gagging for it!! Definitely Maybe Actually Nevermind

Grays@LCB Depot Coalville Library CONKERS Grays@LCB Depot PETER Pizzeria The Cookie Century Theatre Town Hall Bike Park Just the Tonic at The Shed The Noels Arms The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 Knight & Garter Just the Tonic at The Shed Black Horse Grays@LCB Depot The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 Firebug PETER Pizzeria Grays@LCB Depot Grays@LCB Depot Clarence House Just the Tonic at The Shed Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Manhattan 34 Leicester LGBT Centre Grays@LCB Depot Grays@LCB Depot Ssshhhh it’s a secret!! PETER Pizzeria Kayal Firebug King Richard III Visitor Centre Just the Tonic at The Shed Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Town Hall Bike Park Grays@LCB Depot Kayal Knight & Garter Attenborough Arts Centre Firebug King Richard III Visitor Centre PETER Pizzeria Grays@LCB Depot Grays@LCB Depot Just the Tonic at The Shed Haymarket Theatre Upstairs At The Western

WANT TICKETS?

. .

45 79 101 44 88 138 118 142 134 147 60 62 90 46 46 86 122 137 122 56 44 93 98 137 67 64 118 130 69 81 109 137 89 150 70 69 90 143 112 137 82 149 117 127 121 42 133 119 92 129 97 137 91 153 58 70

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

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END TIME

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VENUE

19:30 19:30 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:45 21:00 21:00 21:30 21:30 21:30 21:30 22:00 22:00 22:00 22:00 22:00 23:30

22:00 20:30 21:45 21:30 22:00 21:00 21:30 21:00 22:00 21:00 21:30 21:10 22:45 23:00 21:30 21:30 21:30 21:30 23:00 23:00 21:45 22:00 22:00 22:30 22:30 22:30 22:30 23:00 23:00 23:00 23:00 23:00 00:30

Comedy night @ Conkers Alexander Bennett Is A Messy Bitch Who Loves Drama Mark Steel: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright Whatton Laughs Laughter Loft Black Horse Jon Pearson: Alone Laugh Out Loud at Leicester LGBT Centre Garrett Millerick: 20/20 Everards Tiger presents Roar With Laughter at The Heathcote Arms, Croft Eshaan Akbar: Infidel-ity Mountsorrel Comedy Night Chris Tavner : Shit Socialist Funhouse Comedy Club Just the Tonic’s Saturday Night Comedy Club Georgie Morrell: Eyecon Dan Webber - Genre Fluid Richard Pulsford: Roll-Up for the Smirking Break Scott Capurro Explodes Saturday Night specials @ The Pied Bull Fennel Street Club Comedy Specials Will Mars: Midlander pol penter: The World Is Your Oyster Bar Lily Phillips: Smut (work in progress) Kate Barron: Made You Lick Wil Hodgson: Waffle Retro Fit Gin & Comic THE LATE NIGHT COMEDY CLUB Alex Leam - Improv Provocateur The Same Faces: [Specialist Subject] - The Musical Paul Currie: Volume 8 (Work in progress) Heaven Knows I’m Friz Frizzle Now Late Night Jokes On Us

CONKERS Manhattan 34 Curve Long Whatton Community Centre Black Horse Grays@LCB Depot Leicester LGBT Centre Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Heathcote Arms The Cookie Mountsorrel Memorial Centre Kayal Century Theatre Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall King Richard III Visitor Centre Knight & Garter Grays@LCB Depot PETER Pizzeria Pied Bull The Fennel Street Club Manhattan 34 Upstairs At The Western Just the Tonic at The Shed The Cookie Just the Tonic at BrewDog Kayal Grays@LCB Depot PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre Firebug Manhattan 34 Manhattan 34

65 48 111 157 103 96 103 79 74 74 115 61 78 98 80 67 128 136 135 76 158 125 106 98 157 128 80 146 47 149 122 83 102

A Political Breakfast “You can’t say that!” The ‘Art of Thinking’ about Offensive Comedy Stella Graham: Sneaky Little Bitch? Joe Orton Rides Say What You Want! Television Comedy, Free Speech and Censorship Sanjeev Kumar: Illegal Immigrant I Say - the annual comedy conversation featuring Lost Voice Guy Jessica Fostekew: The Hoovering Podcast LIVE Can laughter unite? A discussion about comedy, refugees and asylum seekers Steve Vertigo: Murmuration; Word on the Tweet Jane Hill: 55 AComedyTapas Maddy Anholt: How to Train Your Psychopath Elite Gaming Lounge’s Comedy Quiz A Life’s Work Bring Your Own Dog Comedy Willis & Vere: More Pretentious Wank Jessica Fostekew: WORK IN PROGRESS Alf - Cardboard Proppelganger Ed Patrick and Alex Farrow: Work in Progress Red Light Comedy Ishi Khan- WIP (LOVE is ...)

Grays@LCB Depot The Cosy Club The Cookie Town Hall Bike Park The Cosy Club Kayal Curve Just the Tonic at BrewDog PETER Pizzeria The Cookie Firebug Knight & Garter The Exchange Bar Elite Gaming Lounge Kayal Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Firebug Grays@LCB Depot PETER Pizzeria Rutland Cycling Leicester The Exchange Bar

44 159 140 95 136 134 86 93 57 141 91 46 109 73 43 56 158 94 48 71 127 88

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 9TH 2020 12:00 11:00 12:00 13:30 13:30 12:30 13:00 15:00 14:00 15:30 14:00 14:50 14:00 15:00 14:00 15:00 14:00 15:30 14:00 15:00 14:30 15:30 15:00 16:00 16:00 15:00 15:00 16:30 15:20 16:20 15:30 16:30 15:30 16:30 16:00 17:00 17:00 16:00 16:00 17:00 16:00 18:00 17:30 16:30

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16:40 16:45 17:00 17:30 17:30 17:30 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:15 18:30 18:30 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:20 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:15 20:30 20:30 20:40 21:00

17:40 17:35 18:00 18:30 18:30 18:30 19:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 19:15 19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:20 21:15 20:30 20:30 20:45 21:50 21:00 21:00 21:15 22:00 21:30 21:40 22:00

Sarah Southern: Work in progress Harun Musho’d: Why I Don’t Talk To People About Terrorism Lew Fitz: Babs Jeremy Nicholas: What Are You Talking About? Danny Clives is Looking to Bang Heaven Knows I’m Friz Frizzle Now Paul ‘Silky’ White: The Sound Of The Baskervilles ALAN SEAMAN - FUNNY STUFF BY THE FIREPLACE Colin Chadwick: Funny T-shirts Comedy at The Classroom - Leicester (Stoneygate) Sian Davies: About Time The Oxford Imps Jack Gleadow: Master of Fun (Work in progress) Mark Simmons: 50% Punchlines Jessica Fostekew: Hench Phil Lindsey: Here Comes Johnny Handshakes ALAN SEAMAN - FUNNY STUFF BY THE FIREPLACE Matt Hoss: Hossanova (Work In Progress) Dad’s Army Radio Show What Did You Eat Today? Laura Monmoth: Only Bod Can Judge Me Radu Isac: Good Excuses for Sociopaths Jason Byrne: Wrecked But Ready Garrett Millerick: 20/20 Sarah Keyworth: Pacific Mark Watson: How You Can Almost Win SUNDAY NIGHT WITH SHIP OF FOOLS Roger Swift’s Machine Pun Chris Tavner: Socialism and Cats (work in progress) Paul Currie: TRUFFICLE MUSK (2020)

Kayal The Cosy Club The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Firebug Grays@LCB Depot Black Horse Wygston’s House Kayal The Real Ale Classroom, Leicester The Cosy Club Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Firebug Grays@LCB Depot Wygston’s House Kayal The Little Theatre Wygston’s House The Exchange Bar The Cosy Club The Y Theatre Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Sue Townsend Theatre Wygston’s House Grays@LCB Depot Kayal Firebug

135 83 106 93 69 83 122 46 62 63 138 149 90 110 93 125 46 112 67 157 104 126 92 79 135 111 142 131 61 122

MONDAY FEBRUARY 10TH 2020 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 19:00 20:00 19:30 22:00 19:30 20:30 19:30 21:30 19:45 20:45 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:30 23:00 21:15 22:15

Frank Lavender: Work In Progress DMU for Laughs A Man Chasing After His Own Hat The UK Pun Championships Happy Monday Comedy Club Elbow Room Comedy Best In Class David Morgan Knows Exactly What He’s Doing Jokes on Us: New Act Showcase Two Wolves, One Cup: Secrets of Motivation Alex Hylton - Hylton’s Paradise Lost

The Cosy Club The Cookie Wygston’s House De Montfort Hall Cognito Elbow Room The Cosy Club The Cookie The Exchange Bar Wygston’s House The Exchange Bar

78 70 43 150 82 72 55 70 96 155 47

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 11TH 2020 10:30 11:15 13:30 14:15 18:30 19:30 18:30 22:00 19:00 21:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 20:30 19:45 20:45 20:00 21:00 21:00 20:00 20:30 22:15

It’s Hot, It’s Not Curve It’s Hot, It’s Not Curve Susie McCabe: Born Believer The Cookie THE BIG CHILL/I: NO WOMAN NO LAUGHS WITH OLGA KOCH featuring MRS BARBARA NICE Chutney Ivy BBC Radio Leicester presents... The Cosy Club Saskia Preston: Work In Progress Firebug It Just So Happened - an alternative history show Wygston’s House Chella Quint - Adventures in Menstruating Town Hall Bike Park Alastair Clark - Another Exercise In Futility Manhattan 34 Christopher Macarthur-Boyd: Work in Progress The Cookie A PUNchline Hour The Exchange Bar WORD! Comedy Special - with Rob Gee and Lydia Towsey Wygston’s House

WANT TICKETS?

PAGE

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visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

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20:30 21:00 21:15 21:30

21:30 22:00 22:15 22:30

Tickled Pink Comedy Night Chris Cooke: Upbeat (WIP) Mad Ron: Access Your Inner Thug Elliot Steel: Work in Progress

Firebug Manhattan 34 The Exchange Bar The Cookie

151 59 109 73

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 12TH 2020 10:30 11:15 13:30 14:15 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 20:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 21:20 19:30 19:30 21:30 21:00 19:30 20:45 19:45 20:45 19:45 22:00 20:00 22:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 22:00 20:30 22:30 20:30 21:30 20:30 22:00 21:00 22:15 21:15 22:30 21:30

It’s Hot, It’s Not It’s Hot, It’s Not Jack Carroll: Walk in Progress (Work in progress Stand Up) Chris McCausland: Observationless Comedian Best of Silver Stand Up Rob Auton: The Time Show Christian Reilly: Magic Money Tree Lamp Laughs with Leicester An Evening with John Archer The Same Faces: Uncle Armando St Martins comedy club Maddie Campion: Mad Money (WIP) Njambi McGrath: Black Black Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado Michael Fabbri & Dan Evans Ian Stone : Typical Jew? Catherine Bohart: Work In Progress FOXYCOMEDY CLUB NIGHT The Black Horse Quiz Comedy Hijack EGG: Work In Progress Stephanie Laing: Butterfingers Adam Beardsmore - Amateur Hour Asking For A Friend with Mark Dolan

Curve Curve The Cosy Club The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Firebug Wygston’s House Winstanley House Holy Trinity Church Upstairs At The Western St Martins House Manhattan 34 The Cosy Club De Montfort Hall Black Horse The Cookie The Exchange Bar Wygston’s House Black Horse PETER Pizzeria Manhattan 34 The Exchange Bar The Cookie

89 89 89 60 55 129 61 102 49 150 140 109 120 141 114 87 58 77 144 72 141 46 53

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13TH 2020 10:30 11:00 14:00 15:00 18:00 23:00 21:30 18:00 19:15 18:15 18:30 19:30 19:30 18:30 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 21:10 19:30 21:00 19:30 21:30 19:30 21:20 19:30 20:30 19:30 20:30 19:30 21:10 19:45 20:45 19:45 20:45 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:30 23:00 20:30 21:30

Silly Wriggly Readers Rob Gee at Leicester Children’s Hospital School A Bellyful of Laughs in Aid of Charity Link 25 Comedy Club Festival Special The Death Hilarious in Congress Of Fearful Eyes: A Sketch Comedy Show Joanne McNally: Work in Progress An Interview with Arthur Smith Best of Silver Stand Up Little By Little Adam Morrison Jones - Entertainer Comedy with a Dyslexic Geordie that has ADHD. Josie Long: Tender Clinton Baptiste: The Paranormalist Returns Tickled Pink Comedy Night Paul Kerensa: Kneel Down, Stand Up Andy Stedman - Confessions Of A Failed Rock Star Katie Davison: The Business of Success Andy Parsons - Healing The Nation Alasdair Beckett-King: Nevermore Work In Progress Josh Pugh: It Doesn’t Stop (Work In Progress) Megazone Presents: Comedy Tag A Stand-up for the mystery hour Mark Dolan: What Was I Thinking?! Thursday Night Live Beerhouse Comedy Night One Night of Dread

Market Harborough Library & Museum Leicester Royal Infirmary Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel St Martins House The Cosy Club The Cookie The Old Grammar School PETER Pizzeria Queen of Bradgate Knight & Garter Wygston’s House The Y Theatre Just the Tonic at The Function Rooms Just the Tonic at BrewDog Holy Trinity Church Black Horse Upstairs At The Western Sue Townsend Theatre The Cosy Club Manhattan 34 Megazone Leicester The Exchange Bar The Cookie Pied Bull Beerhouse Knight & Garter

138 129 43 42 145 94 50 55 106 46 65 97 62 151 123 51 99 51 47 97 114 45 110 151 54 121

DIARY

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

20:30 20:30 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:15 21:15 21:30

21:30 23:00 21:45 22:00 22:00 22:15 22:15 22:30

EGG: Work In Progress The Further Ravings of Electric Frog Little Boxes Andrew Lawrence - The Pale, Male and Stale Tour Katie Pritchard: Disco Ball (Work in Progress) Eshaan Akbar: Work In Progress Raul Kohli: The Kohli Bible Tom Deacon: Conkered

PETER Pizzeria Wygston’s House Upstairs At The Western Black Horse Manhattan 34 The Cosy Club The Exchange Bar The Cookie

72 146 106 50 99 74 126 152

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14TH 2020 17:30 18:30 18:45 17:45 19:00 18:00 18:00 19:35 18:00 18:50 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 18:30 19:30 19:30 18:30 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 21:30 19:00 19:30 20:30 19:30 20:30 19:30 22:00 21:30 19:30 19:30 20:30 19:30 20:30 19:45 20:45 19:45 20:45 20:00 22:30 21:55 20:00 20:00 21:00 21:00 20:00 20:00 22:00 21:00 20:00 23:00 20:30 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:30 20:30 22:00 20:30 21:30 21:00 23:30 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 21:15 22:05 21:30 22:30 22:30 21:30 21:30 22:45 22:00 23:00 22:30 23:30

Ania Magliano - Lots Of Love...ly jokes AComedyTapas Chuck Salmon: Pool Noodles Comedy Film Night Richard Todd: Work in Progress In Stitches Comedy Club Sophie Duker: Work In Progress Sarah Callaghan: Love You More (Work in progress) Comedy Art Gallery Tour I, Tom Mayhew Bilal Zafar - CARE (WIP) Katie Davison: The Business of Success Matt Hutson: Consolation Some-Antics Leicester Comedy Festival Special LEGS Caroline Mabey: (In) Definitely Mabey Comedy Quiz Night Paul Sinha: Hazy Little Thing Called Love An Improvised Funeral Rodney and Russell’s House of Twaddle @ The Angel Arthur Smith - Laughs and Stories Raul Kohli: The Kohli Bible The Same Faces: Improvised Comedy @ Harborough Comedy Film Night Tom Lucy: Work in Progress Mark & Haydn: Work in progress Laughter Loft Black Horse Tony Cowards: It’s a Punderful Life 7 Acts for £7 Will Preston Can’t Face Reality Tales of Whatever Union JACK radio’s Circuit Breakers Olaf Falafel: Knitting With Maracas 2Funny Comedy @ The Lancaster Arms, Desford - Naughty Night Chloe Petts: Alpha (Work In Progress) JIM CLAPP’S MAGNUM OPUS Joe Sutherland: Whatever (work in progress) ABI ROBERTS - Orson Welles Slow Hand Clap Work In Progress Sara Mason: A Beginner’s Guide To Bondage Charlie Baker: One Night in Devon (Work in Progress) Lindsey Santoro: Looks like a boiled egg One Night of Dread Conversation Garden on Love Island (A Decide Your Own Misadventure)

PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre Harborough Theatre Just the Tonic at The Shed The Cosy Club Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Attenborough Arts Centre Attenborough Arts Centre PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre Bean Gaming Cafe Upstairs At The Western Just the Tonic at The Shed Swift Bar Lutterworth Golf Club The Y Theatre Leicester Cathedral The Angel Hotel The Cosy Club Manhattan 34 Market Harborough Rugby Club Harborough Theatre The Cookie Just the Tonic at BrewDog Black Horse Grays@LCB Depot Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall King Richard III Visitor Centre Knight & Garter PETER Pizzeria Firebug The Lancaster Arms Just the Tonic at The Shed Upstairs At The Western Manhattan 34 The Cosy Club Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot Knight & Garter Firebug

51 46 61 64 129 87 139 134 63 86 55 99 112 139 105 57 65 123 49 131 53 126 149 64 152 110 103 153 43 158 143 156 120 42 59 94 95 45 134 58 106 121 66

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15TH 2020 10:00 12:00 10:30 11:30

Belly Laughs Bottomless Brunch Joke Puppets

Knight & Garter Market Harborough Library & Museum

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DIARY

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

11:00 12:30 13:00 13:00 13:00 13:30 13:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:30 14:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 15:45 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:30 17:30 17:30 17:30 17:30 17:30 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:15 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:50 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00

12:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 14:00 14:30 14:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 16:40 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 15:20 16:00 16:30 16:30 16:45 17:00 17:00 16:20 17:00 17:30 17:50 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:00 17:20 22:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 19:00 18:50 19:00 22:30 18:20 19:15 19:30 19:30 20:30 22:00 19:30 19:50 21:00 20:00 20:00 20:30 20:00 20:00

A Political Breakfast Short & Curly - Eye to eye (Work In Progress) Annie McGrath - Work In Progress Sue Townsend Mole Rides Wars of the Roses Abridged Comedy Club 4 Kids Samson and Mabel Charge At You Like An Ox Chris Phillips : John , Paul , George, Ringo & Me Joke Puppets How to be a World Class Poet Olaf Falafel’s It’s One Giant Leek For Mankind Afternoon Jokes On Us John Shuttlworth’s Back! AComedyTapas Howard Read: Work In Progress Wars of the Roses Abridged Joe Zalias: Horrible stunts for kids Secret Comedy Club An interview with Milton Jones Paul F Taylor - Paul Of Fame (Work In Progress) Good Kids & Jack Chisnall Jason Neale: Things That Didn’t Happen (And Wildly Exaggerated Versions Of Things That Did) How to be a World Class Poet Laura Davis: Work In Progress Secret Comedy Club Lucy Beaumont: Work in Progress Paul Sweeney: Amusements Vol.1 Attraction It Was Funnier In My Head Daniel Nicholas: Millennial Generation Game (2nd Attempt) Freddy Quinne Is Brought To You By Josh Pugh: Maybe The Real Comedy Awards Are The Friends We Made Along The Way Im-pair-ment by Jack Carroll & Pete Selwood Secret Comedy Club The Secret Tour Darren Walsh: Punimal Farm Scottish Falsetto Socks: Roll Up! Luke Kempner: Masculinity The Musical Matt Price: Raging Bill Walking Schtick Comedy in the Dark for Kids sunjai arif: Which Princess Are You? Sikisa: I’m A 7 Work in Progress Well... tickle my Amygdala! Secret Comedy Club Chris Kehoe: Envirologicalism Bad Clowns: Cult Classic Henry Paker: Work in Progress Red Light Comedy Fawlty Towers Murder Mystery Sarah Johnson: Impractical Parent Alfie Moore - Fair Cop Work In Progress Comedy on the Wolds Andrew White - Anyway, The Thing Is, What I Really Mean... Juliette Burton: Defined Union JACK radio’s Circuit Breakers Paul McCaffrey: LEMON Mitch Benn: Ten Songs To Save The World

Grays@LCB Depot The Cookie Firebug Town Hall Bike Park King Richard III Visitor Centre De Montfort Hall Just the Tonic at The Shed The Cookie Market Harborough Library & Museum Future Cycles Firebug Manhattan 34 The Little Theatre Knight & Garter Just the Tonic at The Shed King Richard III Visitor Centre Pied Bull Grays@LCB Depot Haymarket Theatre The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 Future Cycles Grays@LCB Depot Grays@LCB Depot Firebug Just the Tonic at The Shed King Richard III Visitor Centre Grays@LCB Depot Just the Tonic at BrewDog Manhattan 34 The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot Ssshhhh it’s a secret!! PETER Pizzeria Kayal Firebug Grays@LCB Depot Future Cycles Phoenix King Richard III Visitor Centre Just the Tonic at The Shed St Martins House Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Ebike Centres The Angel Hotel Grays@LCB Depot Kayal Waltham on the Wolds Village Hall Grays@LCB Depot Attenborough Arts Centre PETER Pizzeria Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall Firebug

PAGE

44 138 53 142 156 63 134 60 96 86 120 46 96 46 86 156 95 137 50 122 80 93 86 104 137 108 124 88 69 78 97 87 137 150 70 136 108 113 156 64 143 138 157 137 59 54 85 127 76 134 48 65 51 98 156 123 115

DIARY

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:10 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:45 21:00 21:00 21:30 21:30 21:30 22:00 22:00 22:00 22:00 23:25

20:00 20:00 20:00 19:20 21:30 21:10 20:30 22:00 20:30 20:20 20:30 22:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 21:10 23:00 22:30 21:30 21:30 21:30 23:00 23:00 23:00 21:30 22:30 21:45 23:00 22:00 22:30 22:30 22:30 23:00 23:00 23:00 23:00 00:25

Andrew Bird - Work In Progress Martin Westgate: Check Check. Is This Thing On? Matt Hutson: Consolation Secret Comedy Club Milton Jones in Milton: Impossible John Shuttlworth’s Back! LEGS Stand up Comedy Night An Improvised Funeral Nick Elleray: Big Nick Energy Will Penswick: Works of Arts in Progress Phil Wang: Philly Philly Wang Wang Edd Hedges: Shut it down Carol Comedy in the Dark Rosie Jones: Work in Progress Laughter Loft Black Horse Rob Kemp: Agenda Everards Tiger presents Roar With Laughter at the Rose and Crown, Thurnby Susan Murray: How Not to Die in a Plane Crash! Just the Tonic’s Saturday Night Comedy Club 2Funny Comedy @ The Lancaster Arms - Take a PUNt Chuck Salmon: Pool Noodles Katie Davison: The Business of Success Tales of Whatever Saturday Night specials @ The Pied Bull Fennel Street Club Comedy Specials Beer Pharmacie Festival Special Lucy Beaumont: Space Mam HAHA HARBOROUGH Comedy Club Matt Hollins and Acquaintances The Same Faces: Improvised Comedy Marise Gaughan: Drowning Tickled Pink Comedy Night Alfie Brown - Imagination Jack Tucker: Comedy Stand-up Hour One Night of Dread ImproVine THE LATE NIGHT COMEDY CLUB Chris Betts vs The Audience Late Night Jokes On Us

Black Horse Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre Grays@LCB Depot De Montfort Hall The Little Theatre Upstairs At The Western Swift Bar Lutterworth Golf Club Leicester Cathedral Manhattan 34 Just the Tonic at The Shed The Y Theatre Just the Tonic at BrewDog Phoenix The Cookie Black Horse Grays@LCB Depot The Rose and Crown Kayal Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall The Lancaster Arms King Richard III Visitor Centre Grays@LCB Depot Knight & Garter Pied Bull The Fennel Street Club Beer Pharmacie Firebug Harborough Theatre Manhattan 34 Upstairs At The Western Just the Tonic at The Shed Kayal The Cookie Just the Tonic at BrewDog Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre PETER Pizzeria Manhattan 34 Manhattan 34

50 111 112 137 115 96 105 140 49 119 158 125 72 64 131 103 130 75 143 98 42 61 99 143 135 76 54 108 81 112 149 110 151 48 90 121 87 146 59 102

Aldwinckles Magic Comedy Brunch A Political Breakfast Mental Health and Comedy discussion Stella Graham: Sneaky Little Bitch? Joe Orton Rides Wars of the Roses Abridged Liz Cotton: 100% Cotton Tickled Pink Comedy Night A Very Funny Tasting with Jarred Christmas UK Comedy Festivals Seminar Ted Hill: All The Presidents Man MCUsical: The Unofficial Marvel Parody Musical (Work in progress) AComedyTapas McNeil and Pamphilon: Rusty Wars of the Roses Abridged

Aldwinckles Coffee House Grays@LCB Depot PETER Pizzeria The Cookie Town Hall Bike Park King Richard III Visitor Centre The Cosy Club Kayal The Angel Hotel PETER Pizzeria The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot Knight & Garter Firebug King Richard III Visitor Centre

47 44 114 140 95 156 107 151 45 155 144 113 46 113 156

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16TH 2020 12:30 10:30 11:00 12:00 12:00 13:30 12:30 13:30 13:00 15:00 13:00 14:00 14:45 13:45 14:00 15:00 14:00 16:30 15:30 14:00 14:00 15:00 14:30 15:30 16:00 15:00 15:00 16:00 15:00 16:00

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DIARY

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

15:00 15:15 15:15 15:20 15:30 15:30 16:00 16:00 16:30 16:30 16:40 16:45 17:00 17:00 17:30 17:30 18:00 18:00 18:00 18:15 18:15 18:30 18:30 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:20 19:30 19:45 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:40

16:00 16:45 16:15 16:20 16:30 16:30 17:00 17:00 17:30 17:30 17:40 17:45 18:00 19:00 18:30 18:30 18:55 19:00 20:00 19:00 19:15 19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 20:00 20:20 20:30 20:45 20:45 22:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 21:30 21:40

Sarah Keyworth: Work In Progress 2Funny Comedy @ The Lancaster Arms - Danny Dolphin & the Nation State Naomi Paul: Despite Everything, Price Still Includes Biscuits Scottish Falsetto Socks: POP! (work in progress) Bring Your Own Dog Comedy Stuart Mitchell - Is It Just Me? (Work in Progress) You Need Help A Silly Hour of FUN Wifi Wars For Dog’s Sake Juliet Meyers: (Pro)Found Tom Little Gets Good Reviews So Prepare To Be Impressed John Pendal: Monster Red Light Comedy Mark Simmons: Jokes With Mark Simmons Podcast Live Church of Phil Mass Extinction Event Suck Seed: a stand-up comedy show A Life’s Work Comedy at The Classroom - Leicester (Stoneygate) Joe Hobbs: Big Boy Sam Pamphilon: Everyone’s Waiting For You To Run, Why Aren’t You Running? Allyson June Smith - The Self-Confidence Trick Carly Smallman: Love Songs for Dickheads Harriet Dyer: Mental Health Show ALAN SEAMAN - FUNNY STUFF BY THE FIREPLACE Live at the Market Hall David McIver: Festival (WIP) Dom Mackie’s Poor Life Choices Sasha Ellen Offends the Elders (work in progress) John Pendal: Heeled (Work in Progress) Wifi Wars: Pub Quiz Carla Pol: The Pol Show Laughter Loft Gong Show Steve Vertigo: Murmuration; Word on the Tweet Bilal Zafar - CARE (WIP) SUNDAY NIGHT WITH SHIP OF FOOLS Alex Hylton - Get Rich or Die Cryin’ Katie Mitchell: She Festers

The Exchange Bar The Lancaster Arms The Cosy Club Kayal Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Grays@LCB Depot Firebug The Exchange Bar Kayal The Cosy Club The Cookie Fix My Bike PETER Pizzeria Grays@LCB Depot Wygston’s House Kayal The Real Ale Classroom, Leicester The Cosy Club Firebug Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Wygston’s House Harborough Market Hall Grays@LCB Depot Queen of Bradgate Kayal The Exchange Bar Firebug The Cosy Club Black Horse The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Wygston’s House Grays@LCB Depot Kayal

135 42 117 136 56 142 159 44 157 77 98 152 96 127 111 61 142 43 63 94 133 49 57 82 46 107 70 71 135 95 157 57 103 141 55 142 47 99

BabyGigs & The Puppet Fringe Theatre Bring Your Own Baby Comedy Laugh Term Comedy School Jarred Christmas & Hobbit Tony Wright: The Untickable Box (Work in progress) Jamie DSouza - Unintelligible Bachelor (work in progress) Comedy at The Classroom - Lutterworth A Man Chasing After His Own Hat Dom Mackie’s Poor Life Choices A Latte Laughs with Esquires Coffee Dad’s Army Radio Show Neil O’Rourke: MegaLad Jake Lambert: Incomplet (Work in Progress) Tues Night @ Social Club Jokes on Us: New Act Showcase Beerhouse Comedy Pub Quiz Suck Seed: a stand-up comedy show

Market Harborough Methodist Church Attenborough Arts Centre Curve Harborough Market Hall The Cosy Club The Cookie The Real Ale Classroom, Lutterworth Wygston’s House Queen of Bradgate Esquires Coffee Harborough Market Hall The Cosy Club The Cookie Black Horse The Exchange Bar Beerhouse Wygston’s House

53 56 103 92 154 91 63 43 71 43 67 118 91 155 96 54 142

MONDAY FEBRUARY 17TH 2020 10:30 11:20 12:00 13:15 13:00 15:30 14:00 15:00 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 19:00 21:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 21:00 19:30 21:30 19:45 20:45 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:30 22:30 20:30 21:25

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DIARY

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

21:15 21:30 22:00

22:15 22:30 23:45

Ruby Carr’s Birthday Party Neil Delamere: Work in Progress Shish, That’s Funny: Comedy at Al Jumeirah Shisha Lounge

The Exchange Bar The Cookie Al Jumeirah Shisha Lounge

131 118 138

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18TH 2020 12:00 13:50 15:30 13:00 14:00 16:00 18:30 19:30 19:00 21:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 22:00 19:45 20:45 20:00 21:00 21:00 20:00 20:30 21:25 20:30 21:30 21:00 22:00 22:15 21:15 22:30 21:30

Networked to Death: Possibly the funniest business networking event ever!!! Laugh Term Comedy School Kids Comedy Workshop Tom Ward: Return Of The Love Machine (Work in progress) BBC Radio Leicester presents... Tues Night @ Social Club Harry and Chris: This One’s For The Aliens Jo Brand & special guests First Party, Fire and Theft Marlon Davis: Work in Progress A PUNchline Hour Suck Seed: a stand-up comedy show Harry Baker: I am 10,000 Eric Rushton: Convict Unbreakable Foolish Bandits Present Cast Vs Crew

Chutney Ivy Curve New Walk Museum and Art Gallery The Cookie The Cosy Club Wygston’s House Firebug De Montfort Hall Manhattan 34 The Cookie The Exchange Bar Wygston’s House Firebug Manhattan 34 The Exchange Bar The Cookie

118 103 101 153 54 155 83 94 76 111 44 142 83 73 156 77

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 19TH 2020 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 13:00 15:30 15:00 16:00 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 19:00 20:00 20:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 21:20 19:45 20:55 19:45 20:25 19:45 20:45 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 20:30 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:30 21:00 22:00 21:15 22:15 21:30 22:30

The Book of Daft - 3D! (Family Show) Shirley Goes Pop (again) Laugh Term Comedy School Kids Court Pascal Cameron: Hairballs Nathan Caton: Work in Progress Christian Reilly: Magic Money Tree Micky Overman is Cool, Funny and Very Interesting (Work in progress) Eleanor Tiernan WIP The Turville Militant Pacifists : Return to Turville Confessions of a Cockney Temple Dancer Jacob Hawley: Work In Progress Chelsea Birkby: Up For It Olga Koch: If/Then Tanyalee Davis: Work in progress FOXYCOMEDY CLUB NIGHT Crybabies: A Work in Progress Zenjiro Kamikaze Stand up comedy UCLmao Pony Tales Jamali Maddix: Strip Club Einstein

Attenborough Arts Centre Attenborough Arts Centre Curve Attenborough Arts Centre The Cosy Club The Cookie Wygston’s House PETER Pizzeria Firebug The Y Theatre Curve The Cosy Club Manhattan 34 The Cookie Black Horse Wygston’s House Firebug PETER Pizzeria Manhattan 34 The Exchange Bar The Cookie

145 138 103 101 121 117 61 114 73 150 65 90 59 121 144 77 66 159 155 125 91

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20TH 2020 13:00 15:00 13:00 15:30 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 18:30 19:30 18:30 20:00 20:00 19:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 21:20 19:30 20:30 19:30 20:30

Megazone Presents: Comedy Tag - Kids Show Laugh Term Comedy School Pascal Cameron: Hairballs Nathan Cassidy: Observational Murder Inc. Silver Stand Up Final hosted by Mrs Barbara Nice Jacqueline Haigh: The Goddess Tantric Massage Parlour Jon Long: An Inconvenient Truth - The Musical Jo Enright: Erdington Girl Troy Hawke!: ‘Tiles of The Unexpected!’ Maddy Anholt: How to Train Your Psychopath

Megazone Leicester Curve The Cosy Club The Cookie Just the Tonic at BrewDog PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter Wygston’s House Holy Trinity Church Black Horse Upstairs At The Western

113 103 121 117 117 139 90 96 94 154 109

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DIARY

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

PAGE

19:30 21:05 19:30 21:30 19:45 20:45 20:00 21:00 20:00 22:30 20:00 21:50 21:30 20:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00 20:00 22:00 21:00 20:00 20:00 21:00 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:30 20:30 21:30 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 21:15 22:15 21:30 22:30 22:00 23:00

Newtown Linford Comedy - The Linford Club History Girls Edy Hurst’s Comedy Version of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of H.G. Well’s Literary Version (Via Orson Welles’ Radio Version) of “The War of the Worlds” Jordan Brookes: I’ve Got Nothing Big Value Comedy Show - Auditions Count Arthur Strong: Is There Anybody Out There? Some like it LIT! Aaron Simmonds - Disabled Coconut Lloyd Griffith: Live in 2020 Tom Mayhew: Get Rich or Die (Work in progress) Everards Tiger presents Roar With Laughter at the White Lion, Whissendine The Village Hub Comedy Club Thursday Night Live Rodney and Russell’s House of Twaddle @ Wygston’s House Adam Morrison Jones - Entertainer Tez Ilyas: RoUgH dRaFt We Apologise for the Inconvenience Ignacio Lopez: EspañYOLO Chris Betts: Work In Progress Fiona Ridgewell: Contender (WIP) Laura Lexx: Knee Jerk Paul Merryck: Local Businessman Unrepentant

The Linford Club School of Museum Studies Building Manhattan 34

118 85 72

The Cookie Just the Tonic at BrewDog De Montfort Hall The Y Theatre Attenborough Arts Centre Sue Townsend Theatre The Exchange Bar White Lion The Village Hub Pied Bull Wygston’s House Knight & Garter PETER Pizzeria Upstairs At The Western Black Horse Manhattan 34 The Exchange Bar The Cookie Wygston’s House

97 55 66 139 45 107 153 75 150 151 131 46 144 156 87 59 76 104 123

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21ST 2020 12:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 13:00 14:00 13:00 15:30 15:00 16:00 18:00 17:00 18:00 17:00 18:30 17:30 18:45 17:45 19:00 18:00 19:00 18:00 18:00 19:00 18:50 18:00 18:15 19:15 18:30 19:30 18:30 20:40 18:30 19:30 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:00 20:00 19:30 20:30 20:30 19:30 19:30 21:30 19:45 20:45 19:45 21:05 19:45 21:45 20:00 21:00 20:00 21:00

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen MATHS MADNESS with Kyle D Evans Blue Planet III Laugh Term Comedy School MATHS MADNESS with Kyle D Evans Joe Wells Doesn’t Want To Do Political Comedy Anymore! Pierre Novellie: Work In Progress Zenjiro Kamikaze Stand up comedy AComedyTapas Rodney and Russell’s House of Twaddle @ RIII Visitor Centre Comedy at the Museum Knees Bent Bras Off Ra Ra Ra Ray Badran performs stand up comedy In Stitches Comedy Club Tony Law: Identifies A Little By Little (With A Little Bit On The Side: Food, Music & Guests) SAJEELA KERSHI: Little Miss Understood (Work in progress) Harriet Kemsley: Work In Progress Helen Duff Is The Tits (work in progress) Kelly Convey: Work in Progress Tom Stade: You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet Laugh Term Comedy School Showcase An Audience With A Stranger Ahir Shah - Dots Milo Edwards: Pindos Rhymes Against Humanity: The Improvised Musical History Girls Helen Bauer: Good Tit (Work In Progress) Leicester Fridge presents... Griff Rhys Jones: All Over The Place Dane Baptiste: The Chocolate Chip CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation

Attenborough Arts Centre King Richard III Visitor Centre Attenborough Arts Centre Curve King Richard III Visitor Centre Knight & Garter Just the Tonic at BrewDog PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre New Walk Museum and Art Gallery Just the Tonic at The Shed Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cosy Club The Cookie Lily’s Live Lounge Grays@LCB Depot Firebug Attenborough Arts Centre PETER Pizzeria Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall Curve King Richard III Visitor Centre Sue Townsend Theatre Just the Tonic at The Shed Upstairs At The Western School of Museum Studies Building The Cosy Club Manhattan 34 Curve The Cookie The Y Theatre

145 111 56 103 111 95 125 159 46 130 63 102 127 87 154 43 133 82 85 100 153 103 49 46 115 128 85 85 105 81 69 67

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

20:00 20:00 20:00 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:45 21:00 21:00 21:15 21:30 21:30 22:00 22:00 22:00 22:30

21:00 22:00 21:00 23:00 21:30 21:30 21:30 21:30 23:00 21:45 22:00 22:00 22:15 22:30 22:30 23:00 23:00 23:00 23:30

Diane Spencer Show 9 Laughter Loft Black Horse Ian Lane: No More Tetris Until You’ve Saved Comedy (Work in Progress) 7 Acts for £7 Simon Munnery: Alan Parker Urban Warrior Farewell Tour The Edi Johnston Bit Presents Nitpick The Taming of the Drew George Rigden: Spooning With Uri Nineteen Twelve Comedy Special Matt Forde: Brexit, Pursued by a Bear sex, lies, and improvisation Edd Hedges: Such a sweet kid (WIP) truthfairy Kate Barron: Made You Lick Eleanor Conway: You May Recognise Me From Tinder Cock-Kane The Clown’s Games Night Paul James: Designated Drinker Consignia Present: Thus Spake Zarathustra Mickey sharma: pervert

Just the Tonic at BrewDog Black Horse Grays@LCB Depot Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall Firebug Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre PETER Pizzeria Nineteen Twelve Sue Townsend Theatre Upstairs At The Western Just the Tonic at The Shed The Cosy Club The Cookie Just the Tonic at BrewDog Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre Firebug Manhattan 34

70 103 86 43 139 145 150 79 119 112 137 72 154 98 72 62 122 66 114

Belly Laughs Bottomless Brunch Rodney and Russell’s House of Twaddle @ The Guildhall Family Extravaganza A Political Breakfast Andy Barr - Collected Jokes, Poems and Thoughts 2010-2020 Fran Jenking: ‘I’m Your #1 Fran’ Comedy Art Gallery Tour Sue Townsend Mole Rides Ali Brice - The Autumn/Winter Collection Chris Phillips : John , Paul , George, Ringo & Me Afternoon Jokes On Us AComedyTapas Matthew Highton’s Soul in a Suitcase Secret Comedy Club Rob Coleman: the 3000 mile row Work in progress Stuart Goldsmith: The Accident (Work in progress) Chris Norton Walker - Another Unexpected Item in the Gagging Area The Laurel & Hardy Cabaret Frank Foucault: Drain (wip) Jarred Christmas & Hobbit: The Mighty Kids Beatbox Comedy Show Secret Comedy Club Milo Edwards: Work in Progress Im-pair-ment by Jack Carroll & Pete Selwood Chris Read: Little Man The Dark Room for Kids Secret Comedy Club Robin Morgan: Work In Progress CLINT EDWARDS: WORK IN PROGRESS The Secret Tour Healy and Hulie IVAN BRACKENBURY SUPPORTS TOM BINNS: THE PSYCHIC COMEDIUM Elliot Wengler: Special Features (WIP) Comedy in the Dark for Kids Paul James: The Hoff & I Lily Phillips: Smut (work in progress) Secret Comedy Club

Knight & Garter The Guildhall Attenborough Arts Centre Grays@LCB Depot Firebug The Cookie Attenborough Arts Centre Town Hall Bike Park Firebug The Cookie Manhattan 34 Knight & Garter Firebug Grays@LCB Depot The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 The Guildhall Grays@LCB Depot PETER Pizzeria Grays@LCB Depot Just the Tonic at The Shed The Cookie Just the Tonic at BrewDog Firebug Grays@LCB Depot Manhattan 34 Grays@LCB Depot Ssshhhh it’s a secret!! Kayal Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall Grays@LCB Depot Phoenix King Richard III Visitor Centre Just the Tonic at The Shed Grays@LCB Depot

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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22ND 2020 10:00 12:00 11:00 11:45 11:00 13:20 11:00 12:00 12:50 12:00 12:30 13:30 13:00 13:20 13:00 15:00 13:30 14:30 14:00 15:00 14:30 15:30 15:00 16:00 15:00 16:00 15:00 15:20 15:30 16:30 15:30 16:30 15:45 16:45 16:00 18:00 16:00 17:00 16:00 17:00 16:00 16:20 16:30 17:30 17:00 18:00 17:00 18:00 17:00 18:00 17:20 17:00 17:00 18:00 17:00 18:00 17:30 22:30 17:30 18:30 17:30 18:30 17:30 18:25 18:00 19:00 18:00 19:00 18:00 19:00 18:00 18:20

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

18:15 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:30 18:50 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:10 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:45 21:00 21:30 21:30 21:30 21:30 22:00 22:00 22:00 22:00 23:30

19:05 19:20 19:30 19:30 20:30 19:30 19:30 19:50 20:00 20:00 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:00 19:20 20:00 22:45 20:30 21:30 21:30 20:30 21:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 21:40 21:00 21:00 22:00 22:00 21:00 22:00 22:00 21:00 21:10 23:00 21:30 21:30 21:30 23:00 23:00 23:00 21:45 22:00 22:20 22:30 22:30 22:30 23:00 23:00 23:00 23:00 00:30

Freddie Farrell: You’re So Vain, You Probably Think This Joke is About You. Michael Brunström’s Umlaut: A Colon into another Dimension Laugh Till It Hurts: A BDSM Comedy Show Tony Law: Identifies Red Light Comedy Lee Kyle: ConQuest SAJEELA KERSHI: Little Miss Understood (Work in progress) Alfie Moore - Fair Cop Work In Progress Steph and Louisa: Flip Flop (Work in progress) lubna kerr: Where are you really really from? Fiona Clift: How To Be Alone Steffan Evans: If I Die Right Now Rainer Hersch: All Classical Music Explained Stephen Bailey: Can’t Be Bothered Secret Comedy Club Rob Mulholland: Workout (work in progress) Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Kieran Boyd - Work in Progress Leicester Comedy Festival at The Coplow Centre - Billesdon History Girls Stevie Gray: Arctic Monkeys’ Midlife Crisis Quiz at #NotJustACornerShop Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John Comedy in the Dark Hats Off To Laurel and Hardy The Dark Room: Boss Level Travis Jay: work in progress Angela Barnes - Work in Progress Laughter Loft Black Horse Proper Funny Comedy’s Saturday Showcase Notflix: The Improvised Musical Everards Tiger presents Roar With Laughter at the Black Dog, Oadby Everards Tiger presents Roar With Laughter at the Anchor, Hathern Heaven Knows I’m Friz Frizzle Now Nicola Houghton: It’s All Gravy Just the Tonic’s Saturday Night Comedy Club Janet Lauren Pattison: Work In Progress The Taming of the Drew Saturday Night specials @ The Pied Bull Fennel Street Club Comedy Specials Birstall Sports and Social Club Special Rob Mulholland: Too Big To Fail Miztli Rose: Mexican Wave (Work in progress) Sanjeev Kumar: Illegal Immigrant Mark & Haydn: Work in progress JARRED CHRISTMAS: Comedy To Make Love To Paul Savage: Shame Spiral SPECIAL RECORDING THE LATE NIGHT COMEDY CLUB Cock-Kane The Clown’s Games Night Paul James: Designated Drinker Mickey sharma: pervert Late Night Jokes On Us

Manhattan 34 Firebug Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Future Cycles Black Horse Grays@LCB Depot Kayal Attenborough Arts Centre Knight & Garter Curve King Richard III Visitor Centre PETER Pizzeria Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall Grays@LCB Depot Grays@LCB Depot The Y Theatre Just the Tonic at The Shed The Coplow Centre School of Museum Studies Building Manhattan 34 Wigston Deli De Montfort Hall Phoenix The Guildhall Sue Townsend Theatre Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Black Horse Firebug Curve Black Dog Anchor Inn Grays@LCB Depot Kayal Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall Knight & Garter PETER Pizzeria King Richard III Visitor Centre Pied Bull The Fennel Street Club Co-op Sports & Social Club Manhattan 34 Just the Tonic at The Shed Kayal Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Grays@LCB Depot PETER Pizzeria Knight & Garter King Richard III Visitor Centre Manhattan 34 Manhattan 34

78 114 103 154 127 105 133 48 140 108 76 140 126 141 137 130 105 101 105 85 141 126 128 64 83 145 154 51 103 126 120 74 74 83 119 98 91 104 150 135 76 56 130 115 134 110 92 123 146 62 122 114 102

The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen A Political Breakfast

Attenborough Arts Centre Grays@LCB Depot

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SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23RD 2020 11:00 12:00 11:00 12:00

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DIARY

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

START TIME

END TIME

EVENT TITLE

VENUE

12:30 13:00 13:00 13:45 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:30 14:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:15 15:20 15:30 15:30 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:40 16:45 17:00 17:00 17:30 17:30 18:00 18:00 18:15 18:30 18:30 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:00 19:20 19:30 19:30 19:45 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:30 20:30 20:30 20:40 22:00

13:30 14:00 15:00 14:45 15:00 15:00 16:00 15:00 15:30 15:30 17:00 16:00 16:00 16:15 16:20 16:30 16:30 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:40 17:45 18:00 17:55 18:30 18:30 19:00 19:00 19:15 20:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 20:00 20:00 20:20 22:00 21:00 20:45 22:30 21:00 21:00 22:00 21:30 21:30 21:40 23:45

BEN BRIGGS - ZEIT-HEIST The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen Joe Orton Rides George Edgeller: Losing My Edgeller John Pendal: Heeled (Work in Progress) Kwame Asante: Work in Progress The Laurel & Hardy Cabaret An Interview with Tony Slattery Lucy Pearman & Northern Power Blouse (Work in progress) The Extraordinary Time-Travelling Adventures of Baron Munchausen Rainer meets the LSO AComedyTapas Paul ‘Silky’ White and David Eagle: Comedy/Music/Sex/Death Will Rowland: Butterfly Kevin Precious: Teachers and Schools (Work in progress) Bring Your Own Dog Comedy Rob Coleman’s Grumpy Hour Nicola Houghton: It’s All Gravy Sean Morley: Königsnahe (Work In Progress) Sam Lake: Cake (Work in progress) Matt Green: Nice Scarf Hannah Platt & Tom Lawrinson: Truly Evil (WIP) SCOTT BENNETT: work in progress Laura Lexx: Superior WiP Joz Norris: You Build The Thing You Think You Are (work in progress) Dan Nightingale: The Best Comedian (You’ve Probably Never Heard Of) Charmian Hughes: She Badger of Destiny Donald Alexander: Yikes! Double Shot Comedy - with Esquires Coffee Peter Fleming: Home, Time Tony Slattery is UNREHEARSABLE Comedy Heaven ALAN SEAMAN - FUNNY STUFF BY THE FIREPLACE Grace Campbell: Why I’m Never Going Into Politics Leroy Brito: 3 Dads The Same Faces: Improv Smackdown 2020 Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps Helen Bauer: Good Tit (Work In Progress) Fanny Burns Ivo Graham: The Usual February Faff (Work in Progress) I AM the boyfriend FOXYCOMEDY CLUB NIGHT Aurie Styla: Vulna-Rebel (WIP) Chris McGlade: Forgiveness LOVDEV BARPAGA: Whole Lotta Lovdev Up in Smoke - Comedy at Al Jumeirah Shisha Lounge

The Cookie Attenborough Arts Centre Town Hall Bike Park The Cosy Club The Cookie Kayal The Guildhall PETER Pizzeria Firebug Attenborough Arts Centre De Montfort Hall Knight & Garter Black Horse The Cosy Club Kayal Just the Tonic at BrewDog The Cookie Queen of Bradgate Firebug PETER Pizzeria Kayal The Cosy Club The Cookie Black Horse Firebug PETER Pizzeria Kayal Wygston’s House The Cosy Club Esquires Coffee The Cookie PETER Pizzeria Curve Wygston’s House Firebug Kayal Upstairs At The Western The Y Theatre The Cosy Club Buddies The Cookie Black Horse Wygston’s House PETER Pizzeria Firebug Kayal Al Jumeirah Shisha Lounge

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

“Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent” the guardian

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Our son really enjoyed the experience. He was offered great support throughout the week and during the showcase performance when nerves got the better of him! The workshop leaders were fabulous and the evening showcase was well organised and managed. Frankie’s mum

A DEDICATED HALF-TERM PROGRAMME FOR ASPIRING TEENAGERS TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE OF PERFORMING LIVE COMEDY. From Monday 17th February Until Friday 21st February 2020 Curve Theatre Suitable for 13-18 years old. 9.30 – midday or 1pm – 3.30pm (each day) £25 for the week (morning or afternoon sessions) Showcase: Friday 21st February 5.30pm & 7pm (tickets £5)

The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival present

JOKE SPOT

A touring roadshow giving young people the opportunity to take to the stage, stand behind a microphone and tell their favourite joke! Get your kids ready with their jokes, come along and join in the fun. Sat 8th February Conkers, Moira Fri 14th February Leicester Morningside Arena Sat 15th February Focus Charity HQ Sun 16th February The Lancaster Arms, Desford Mon 17th February Belgrave Library

UK Kids’ The

Wed 19th February Mowmacre Playground

More dates & venues to be added. For times & more information visit www.ukkidscomedyfestival.co.uk

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

“Leicester’s mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom” i

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

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visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

OUR LISTINGS EXPLAINED Don’t forget that everything in our brochure is listed alphabetically rather than in date order. The performance dates for each show are shown under each entry in black. We’ve also included an A-Z list of all the performers in the festival, with page references so you can easily find them, and a festival diary, so you can see who is performing on each day.

Differing times on different dates

Appearance dates in black with keyline, with Weekends underlined

Price Reserved / non reserved seating

Refers to map on pages 157-161

LCF Fridge Approximate finish time Beyond a joke Start time

Reserved Seating

Non Reserved Seating

LCF Fridge

“Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent” the guardian

Beyond a joke

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Crooked Hand Productions present

WORLD PREMIERE

1 MAN SHOW*

When stand-up comedian, Dave Meek collapses mid-set, he wakes up in the local hospital's Emergency Assessment Unit with memory loss. After a few days of tests it seems, God only knows what's caused his condition. But God is about to move in mysterious ways. A one-act play by Leicester writer Paul Gosling and directed by Carolos Dandolo, the team who brought you MASSIVE No 2, 5 REASONS WHY (I Quit Teaching) and 8 DATES A WEEK. *Not a one man show. www.crookedhandproductions.com THEATRE DATES:

Venue: International Arts Centre

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £7 (£6)

Map Ref: 35

Big Difference Company present

25 COMEDY CLUB FESTIVAL SPECIAL Join us for a great night of comedy, in the company of great Leicester & Leicestershire business people. The 25 Comedy Club has been running for 2 years and is an exclusive members only comedy club, targeted at businesses and their guests. Tonight the show will include Eshaan Akbar, as seen on BBC Two, Sky, Channel 5 and heard on BBC Radio 4, BBC Asian Network. Tickets include 2 course dinner followed by a comedy show. www.25comedyclub.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: St Martins House

Time: 18:00 (21:30) Entry: £60

Map Ref: 64

ROAR WITH LAUGHTER, 2Funny Comedy @ The Lancaster Arms & Creatures Creatives Collectives present

2FUNNY COMEDY @ THE LANCASTER ARMS - DANNY DOLPHIN & THE NATION STATE Concluding our weekend of Love, Light, Laughter Weekend is story time for all. Please leave your date of birth at home. Make a mask, enjoy a short play and a reading of an animal fable. Writer Bobba Cass and illustrator Peter Buckley invite you to story time. Playwright & actor Ishi Khan, actor Rumbi & beatboxer Calum present a short play inspired by the book, Danny Dolphin & the Nation State. This is fun for everyone. CHILDREN'S, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Lancaster Arms

Time: 15:15 (16:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 75

Everards and 2Funny Comedy present Roar With Laughter at The Lancaster Arms

WORLD PREMIERE

2FUNNY COMEDY @ THE LANCASTER ARMS - TAKE A PUNT

Take a PUNt. What happens when you have a panel of punny comedians? Two panels, host Ishi Khan and a load of puns all for your funny bones. All round puntastic fun! Join us for the the second day of the Love, Light, Laughter Weekend and laugh your heart out loud til it's lighter. We'd love to hear your puns for comedians to read out on the night. Please send these to info@lancasterarms.co.uk or pop into The Lancaster Arms and submit your puns https://thelancasterarms.co.uk GAME SHOW, MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Lancaster Arms

Time: 20:30 (22:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 75

Everards and 2Funny Comedy present Roar With Laughter at The Lancaster Arms

2FUNNY COMEDY @ THE LANCASTER ARMS - NAUGHTY NIGHT Naughty Night is the ﬁrst of our Love, Light, Laughter Weekend. Top comedians from the circuit to tickle those adult ears, lighten up our lives with after hours laughter. Ticket price includes a FREE pint of Everards Tiger. https://thelancasterarms.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Lancaster Arms

Time: 21:00 (23:30) Entry: £15

Map Ref: 75

3 NOT SO WISE MEN

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Henry Churniavsky (2019 Not So New Comedian of the Year Semiﬁnalist) talks at being Jewrotic (Jewish & Neurotic) blaming his mother for everything. John Wilson aka Dickie Dido. Seen those adult movies when a plumber is called? It taught him everything he knows about plumbing. Johnny T.Grr (Lancashire Hotpots). Torn between music & comedy he combined both perfectly. He is currently writing a musical about crisps. www.cuecomedy.co.uk

IMPROV, MUSICAL

DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 18:50 (19:50) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 40

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Just The Tonic present

7 ACTS FOR £7 Just the Tonic brings you 7 comedians each Friday night for only £7. A total bargain of a mixed bill show. "Just the Tonic consistently boast some of the most inserting lineups in the country" The Times. Each week will feature some of the best acts from the UK circuit. A two and a half hour show for £7. Bargain. These shows will sell out, so book early! For individual show listings check online at: www.justthetonic.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 37

Charity Link present

A BELLYFUL OF LAUGHS IN AID OF CHARITY LINK Our Leicester Comedy Festival 2018 award winning show is back! The Grand Hotel will treat you to delicious dishes and a dollop of fun with local comedian Anthony King. You will have a nice warm feeling knowing that you will ensure local people & children are warm, fed and safe, no matter what crisis, illness, disability or difﬁculty they are facing. Ticket price includes a delicious two-course meal and comedy night. www.charity-link.org MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel

Time: 18:00 (23:00) Entry: £25

Map Ref: 54

Esquires Coffee present

A LATTE LAUGHS WITH ESQUIRES COFFEE A good time's a brewing at Esquires Coffee. Join us for a mug full of belly laughs featuring Tez Ilyas (Mock The Week, The Last Leg), Bilal Zafar (Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee) and Carly Smallman ("A bundle of energy" The Sun), all washed down with a hot cuppa. Our shiny new coffee shop is in the heart of the action at the bottom of New Walk, and we can't wait to show you around as part of Leicester Comedy Festival. www.esquirescoffee.co.uk/store/esquires-leicester MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Esquires Coffee

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 26

A LIFE'S WORK

REGIONAL PREMIERE

The man of many jobs brings his experience to the stage. Taking a humorous anecdotal approach to the world of work, jobs and interviewing. Listen to stories from the ofﬁce, the road and the music industry (sort of) by one of the worlds least successful jacks of all trades. As part of the Kayal All-Dayer. w ww.martinwallace.rocks DATES:

Venue: Kayal

SOLO SHOW

Time: 9th 15:20 | 16th 18:00 (60 mins) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

Hathern A Laugh Productions in association with the Spice Guy present

A LITTLE BY LITTLE (WITH A LITTLE BIT ON THE SIDE: FOOD, MUSIC & GUESTS)

WORLD PREMIERE

A little bit more from the Maestro of an entirely new genre: "Sit Down Comedy", this time JL is taking his show, an hilarious antidote to anyone who has ever had a set back at interview and recruitment, to Lily's Live Lounge. In addition to crazy recruitment anecdotes and pithy heart felt notes in the margin of personal interview setbacks the audience will get food,music and an extended bill with mystery guests. MIXED BILL, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Lily's Live Lounge

Time: 18:30 (20:40) Entry: £14 (£10)

Map Ref: 47

A MAN CHASING AFTER HIS OWN HAT

WORLD PREMIERE

"There are very few moments in a man's existence when he experiences so much ludicrous distress, or meets with so little charitable commiseration, as when he is in pursuit of his own hat" - Charles Dickens. Musical storytelling from James Acaster support act, New Act of the Year ﬁnalist, BBC New Comedian Award and UK Pun Championship contender. STORYTELLING, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Map Ref: 93

"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 A NIGHT WITH LEE LARD: PETER KAY TRIBUTE A night of pure entertainment including a one course meal and post show disco. Now in his 14th year and with over 3000 performances under his belt, Lee Lard is still being voted the most popular comedy tribute act in the UK! Lee's outstanding tribute to Bolton's funny man Peter Kay has now been enjoyed by thousands of fans throughout the UK and abroad. www.visitconkers.com

ALTERNATIVE, EVENT

DATES:

Venue: CONKERS

Time: 19:30 (23:30) Entry: £22.50

Map Ref: 20

JOU and Jesters Dublin present

A POLITICAL BREAKFAST Up to 4 comics/academics talk "Politics" both national and international while those around them have breakfast, coffee and fun! Chaired "effortlessly"* by Chris O'Neill from Jesters in Dublin. *Not true DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 11:00 (12:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

“I’m pretty busy at the moment being the director of the festival; can I get back to you with a quote later?” - Geoff Rowe, Leicester Comedy Festival Organiser

APP

DAB

SHOUT “UNION JACK RADIO”

A PUNCHLINE HOUR

WORLD PREMIERE

Chris Norton Walker (Leicester Comedy Festival 2018 Best Joke Nominee) hosts one liner comedians from all over the UK to come and perform their funniest short jokes! Last year's SELL OUT shows included performers such as Tony Cowards, Adele Cliff and Mark Simmons. Who will turn up this year? Anyone from TV comedians, Award winner and UK Pun Finalists! SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 15:45 (16:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

A PUNCHLINE HOUR

WORLD PREMIERE

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

A SILLY HOUR OF FUN

WORLD PREMIERE

The Whirlwind of fun, magician of mirth & Tsunami of songs are BACK! Puns, gags and musical fun from: Adele Cliff - Dave's Funniest Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) Katie Pritchard - Musical Comedy Awards Winner 2019 Chris Norton Walker - Leicester Comedy Festival 2018 Best Joke Nominee DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

WANT TICKETS?

MIXED BILL

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes on Us & Trevor Lewis present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

A STAND-UP FOR THE MYSTERY HOUR

Renowned sound technician Trevor Lewis present's one of his favourite comedians for A Stand-Up for The Mystery Hour But who will they be? Trevor has special guests queuing up to appear, no clues as to who he'll be bringing - it is, as the show title suggests, a total mystery that will only be revealed on the night! It will be a suitably acclaimed comedian from the UK and international circuit - you may even recognise them from TV! ALTERNATIVE, IMMERSIVE DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

Duncan Murray Wines present

A VERY FUNNY TASTING WITH JARRED CHRISTMAS Award-winning Leicestershire Wine Merchants Duncan Murray Wines have hosted drinks tastings for many years including the sell-out from The Big Weekend in February 2019 and Spooky Sips with Arthur Smith. For 2020, it promises to be a night of slurping and sizzling comedy with Jarred Christmas who "has the ability to improvise and roll with anything that's thrown his way" - The Comedy Store. www.duncanmurraywines.co.uk IMPROV, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Angel Hotel

Time: 14:00 (16:30) Entry: £35

Map Ref: 67

www.comedyinleicester.com present

AAK STAND-UP COMEDY WORKSHOP A Stand-Up Comedy Workshop from comedian Anthony King. Anthony has been leading workshops since 2002 and has mentored and workshopped contestants in Leicester Comedy Festival's Stand-Up Challenge over the last 6 years. The session places an emphasis on creating material and developing your comic voice. Suitable for beginners, those seeking to improve their sets and public speaking, etc. Limited places. Full details at: www.comedyinleicester.com INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 10:00 (14:00) Entry: £25

Map Ref: 30

Andrew Roach Talent present

AARON SIMMONDS: DISABLED COCONUT Join 2017 BBC New Comedy Award ﬁnalist & wheelchair enthusiast Aaron Simmonds as he discusses how it feels to be trolled online for not being disabled enough in his critically-acclaimed show. As seen & heard on BBC Two, BBC Three, ITV2, Radio 4 & Radio 5 Live. British Comedy Guide - Recommended Show. "an assured debut from a lover and a ﬁghter" ****Metro, "a talented comedian who has the audience in the palm of his hand" **** Broadway World STORYTELLING, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 5

Bawls Out Comedy present

ABI ROBERTS: ORSON WELLES SLOW HAND CLAP WORK IN PROGRESS Join award-nominated, critically-acclaimed ﬁreball Abi Roberts, as she builds an exciting no-holds-barred show about important things like love, death and oat milk. "....an incredible stand-up ..unstoppable charisma, dominating the stage all through the hour... .a true talent and a one-of-a-kind stand-up" - Edinburgh Festivals Magazine *****. "Brilliant, funny and charming. True comedy genius..." - GQ Magazine. www.abiroberts.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 21:15 (22:05) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 70

ACCOMPLISHED LADIES

WORLD PREMIERE

Accomplished Ladies is a period drama musical sketch show with an historical feminist twist. Expect a comedy journey through time presented through a series of sketches that tell stories of two women in challenging, compromising and damn right heroic situations. Clever, witty and at times - let's be honest historically dubious, Accomplished Ladies will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to take on the present day. MUSICAL, HISTORICAL DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Map Ref: 58

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £7 (£6)

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC and JESTERS Dublin present

ACOMEDYTAPAS JESTERS Dublin present 12 acts doing 4 minutes of funniness each so you can decide what you want more of and also what you don't. You will laugh and learn... but mainly laugh! Book early last year was rammed. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: Fridays: 17:45 | Sat & Sun: 15:00 Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 42

Jokes On Us present

ADAM BEARDSMORE: AMATEUR HOUR As an up and coming act, Adam wants to be better at stand up, but is struggling to ﬁnd the time whilst juggling comedy, work, family, ego, anxiety, aspiration, anger, origami animals, ﬁre batons, a sword, electric eels, council tax, a scale model of a war plane and two live grenades. (Exaggerated for dramatic effect). BBC New Act Nominee 2018 & 2019. SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC in association with MUCH Laughter CIC present

ADAM MORRISON JONES: ENTERTAINER Entertainer is the story of a man who's one dream was to be the greatest holiday park entertainer in England. Join Adam Morrison Jones as he brings it all back to life. Entertainer is a show full of stand up and music and a lot of heart, and it needs you - yes you! - as an audience member. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 13th 19:00 | 20th 20:30 (60min) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 42

Jokes On Us present

AFTERNOON JOKES ON US Not sure who to see? Jokes On Us are proud to present an afternoon showcase of some of our favourite acts appearing at this year's festival to help you make up your mind! Join compere Alex Hylton as he hosts this daytime delight where you'll see a range of acts performing short snippets of their shows to help you decide who to see. And it gets better... It's Pay What You Want! The Joke's On Us! STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 14:30 (15:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Avalon presents

AHIR SHAH: DOTS Nominated twice for Best Show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017 and 2018, Ahir Shah returns to Leicester Comedy Festival with a show about the necessity, utility, and absence of certainty. As seen on Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, and The Mash Report. "Tremendously thoughtful, woundedly candid and self-laceratingly funny." **** (Scotsman). **** (Guardian) **** (Times) **** (Telegraph) **** (Sunday Times) www.ahirshah.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Sue Townsend Theatre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £12 (£10)

Map Ref: 65

Ship of Fools Comedy Club present

WORLD PREMIERE

ALAN SEAMAN: FUNNY STUFF BY THE FIREPLACE No big theme this year particularly now that Brexit has all been sorted happily * So just lots of funny stuff from one of the Midlands' most experienced comics. All kinds of stuff. Topical stuff. Random stuff. Just funny stuff. And it's funny stuff in front of a ﬁreplace. We could toast pikelets. Anything could happen. (*as if)

SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 9th 18:00 | 16th & 23rd 19:00 (60min) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 93

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 HD Management present

ALASDAIR BECKETT-KING: NEVERMORE WORK IN PROGRESS A new work in progress show from Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year winner Alasdair Beckett-King. A true Renaissance man, Alasdair is 500 years old. **** "Magniﬁcent, wonderful and hilarious" (The Wee Review). **** "A master of comedic storytelling" (Broadway Baby). ***** (Edinburgh49). ****1/2 (One4Review). ****1/2 (Radio Ha Ha). **** (RGM). www.abeckettking.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £6 (£4)

Map Ref: 70

Jokes On Us present

ALASTAIR CLARK: ANOTHER EXERCISE IN FUTILITY Imagine Sartre did standup. Comedy's daft nihilist is back with a new, hour-long lament on existence itself. Told through the course of a single day. 50% theatre, 50% spoken word, 100% jokes (some jokes may be sad). "Massively funny" ***** (TheSphinx.co.uk). "Exceeded all expectations" **** (TheTab.com). "Intelligent and ambitious" **** (LiverpoolSoundandVision.co.uk). SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

ALDWINCKLES MAGIC COMEDY BRUNCH Professional Entertainer, Mitch Ward, will be performing in the coffee shop all morning with his unique comedic style tricks up close at your table, while you eat brunch! Remember to bring the family and visit early to make sure you've got a table as we won't be taking reservations, brunch will be available to purchase and if you have enjoyed the entertainment a donation would be very welcome. https://www.aldwincklescoffeehouse.co.uk

MAGIC, INTERACTIVE

DATES:

Venue: Aldwinckles Coffee House

Time: 10:30 (12:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 2

Jokes On Us present

ALEX HYLTON: GET RICH OR DIE CRYIN' Fresh from a 5* run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Alex Hylton performs his heartwarming debut hour about chasing dreams and risking everything in his home city. Not sure whether he's destined, or just desperate to make the big time, Alex tried his hardest with this ambitious show to make a million quid and all his problems go away. But how did he get on? Will he get rich, or die cryin'? STORYTELLING, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Jokes on Us Present

WORLD PREMIERE

ALEX HYLTON: HYLTON'S PARADISE LOST

Fresh from a 5* debut-run at 2019 The Edinburgh Fringe, Alex Hylton presents a brings a brand new show to the Leicester Comedy Festival 2020. Join one of the UK's fastest rising stars as he tries out an hour of new ideas. 'He will very likely have you in stitches for the whole hour!' - Deadline News 'Vivid, honest and committed storytelling, engaging and funny!' - ThreeWeeks SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

ALEX LEAM: IMPROV PROVOCATEUR The illegitimate child of Improv and stand up, we hand select the bravest performers from across the festival and put them through their paces in a range of near the knuckle improvised games. The much sort after 'Handsome certiﬁcate' for the winner. Humiliation for the loser. Hosted by Alex Leam. "This was such good fun, See it, Play it, Love it!" - Tony Slattery (Edinburgh Fringe Festival sell out show 2018/2019) IMPROV, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Map Ref: 42

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £5

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

ALEX LEAM: THE JOY OF DECKS Before he became a stand-up, Alex Leam's ﬁrst showbiz career was as a mobile DJ (that couldn't drive). He dreamed of Ibiza, but ended up doing weddings and pub quizzes. Comedy, about playing music for a living. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 42

Jokes On Us Present

WORLD PREMIERE

ALEXANDER BENNETT IS A MESSY BITCH WHO LOVES DRAMA

New show for 2020. Often dark, silly, ﬁlthy and thoughtful. Watch my clips on YouTube or something. **** THE STAGE ***** ONE4REVIEW "I don't think I can begin to do him justice; a producer and performer of some refreshingly different material" CHORTLE "His sharp interpretations of the world around him add a sinister spin to the everyday - Unique and hilarious" THE REVIEWS HUB "Courageous and thought provoking" THE SCOTSMAN alexanderbennettcomedian.com SATIRE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Jokes On Us present

ALF: CARDBOARD PROPPELGANGER One-liner prop comic Alf brings his debut comedy show to Leicester. If it's a show with a plot you're after, then this probably isn't the show for you. Expect songs, puns, massive and completely unnecessary cardboard props and to quote Jethro "Utter Chaos". As seen on Britain's Got Talent. "A Very Funny Guy" David Walliams, "Brilliant" - Aleisha Dixon. ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Mirth of Forth Productions present

ALF AND RICH: ONE LINERS Two of the UK's ﬁnest and most productive one liner comedians Prop Comic Alf (Britain's Got Talent 2018, "Utter Chaos" - Jethro) and Richard Pulsford (Dave's Funniest Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe 2019, UK Pun Championship runner-up 2016). "Richard's joke rate is phenomenal" (Buxton Fringe 2018). They get together to present a show full of their best short form jokes. Be prepared for some audience interaction. Even if they are not. #AlfAndRich www.richardpulsford.com MIXED BILL, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 41

ALFIE BROWN: IMAGINATION After a sell out Edinburgh run which garnered incredible reviews, Alﬁe is taking his brand new show on tour around the UK and Europe. This year he is focused on family, friendship and inherited belief. Truly subversive and almost torridly honest, a true room distilling comedian, like him, the new hour will be loving, dangerous, inquisitive and disgusting. ***** Scotsman, **** Guardian. ****The Times, ****The Evening Standard SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £12

Map Ref: 68

Blue Light Comedy present

ALFIE MOORE: FAIR COP WORK IN PROGRESS Join Humberside police sergeant-turned-comedian Alfie Moore again for a hilarious, interactive work in progress ahead of recording the fi fth series of his critically acclaimed BBC Radio 4 comedy show 'IT'S A FAIR COP'. If you'd like to find out what a policeman's lot is actually like and to enjoy an evening with a very funny man get your ticket now before they sell out again! It'd be a crime to miss it! www.alfiemoore.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 18:50 (19:50) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 40

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Ali Brice in association with Alistair Neil Brice and A. N. Brice present

WORLD PREMIERE

ALI BRICE: THE AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION

I was cold, I was naked, were you there? Were you there? I was cold, I was naked, were you there? YES - with my new Autumn/Winter Collection. Get your glad rags on, we're going to chuckletown. "Never before has one man made one thing out of one idea and performed it so conﬁdently" Hilary Napleton www.alibrice.com ALTERNATIVE, MIME DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 13:30 (14:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: TBC

ALLYSON JUNE SMITH: THE SELF-CONFIDENCE TRICK Allyson takes this hour look at how being comedian and moving to the UK might be the last step in ﬁguring out her own self conﬁdence. This is a show about coming of age before you're middle aged, after you're middle aged, or at any time in your life. Any Allyson show inevitably serves up a potent observational cocktail of wit, bite and shame. "Allyson June Smith is simply one of the funniest comedians I've worked with" - Jason Manford. www.allysonjunesmith.com

SOLO SHOW, THEATRE

DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Big Difference Company present

ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS AWARDS Join us for the 3rd Alternative Business Awards, celebrating the serious men & women who drive the region's economy. Following the huge success of previous Awards, we're bringing the night back and encouraging the local business community to show their fun side and salute individuals and companies in a series of unique categories. Hosted by Patrick Monahan (winner of ITV's Show Me The Funny). EVENT DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 19:00 (21:15) Entry: £15

Map Ref: 21

AN AUDIENCE WITH A STRANGER You don't know this man. He wants you to meet him for a whole hour. Come and ﬁnd out his story. What else are you doing?

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 (£5)

Map Ref: 41

The Comedy Agency present

AN EVENING WITH JOHN ARCHER Thought by many to be the best Comedy Magician in the UK today, John Archer was the ﬁrst man to fool Penn & Teller in their ITV show, hosted by Jonathan Ross. He is a past winner of 'The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year' and has spent almost three decades entertaining audiences all over the World with regular tours to entertain British troops serving overseas. In 2019, John got to the semi ﬁnals of Britain's Got Talent with rave reviews! www.htl.church MAGIC, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Holy Trinity Church

Time: 19:30 (21:20) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 34

Jericho Comedy present

AN IMPROVISED FUNERAL Join us at Leicester Cathedral for a completely improvised funeral! Taking your suggestions we will show the life and times of a ﬁctitious individual. With vibrant vicars, horrendous hymns, and ﬂashbacks to the life of the deceased. You'll die laughing as we urn your applause putting the fun into funeral. "refreshingly interactive" Opening Night. "Devilishly funny" Daily Info. "Dead Funny" Oxford Mail. www.improvfuneral.com IMPROV, IMMERSIVE DATES:

Venue: Leicester Cathedral

Map Ref: 44

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £10 (£9)

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 AN INTERVIEW WITH ARTHUR SMITH In the beautiful intimate venue of Market Harborough Grammar School, Leicester Comedy Festival Director Geoff Rowe is delighted to welcome comedy circuit veteran Arthur Smith back to Market Harborough for a Q&A - prepare for anecdotes galore from stage, radio and TV. Quality bar provided by Duncan Murray Wines. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: The Old Grammar School

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £12.50

Map Ref: 80

Big Difference Company present

AN INTERVIEW WITH MILTON JONES Award winning comedian Milton Jones is perhaps best known for his appearances on BBC 'Mock The Week', his loud shirts and crazy hair. Come and hear him chat with Leicester Comedy Festival Director Geoff Rowe, about how he got started and his comedy career (which has spanned more than 20 years). DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: Haymarket Theatre

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 33

AN INTERVIEW WITH TONY SLATTERY Leicester Comedy Festival patron since 1994, Tony Slattery returns to the festival. After playing to packed houses at last year's Edinburgh Fringe, join Tony for a no-holds-barred reﬂection on his life and work. From the Cambridge Footlights to the demons that have consistently dogged his success. An unstructured and unpredictable gallop through several lifetimes worth of poignant and hilarious anecdotes. Anything can happen, and probably will. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 58

ANDREW BIRD: WORK IN PROGRESS Off the back of supporting Michael McIntyre and Rob Brydon, Andrew went on his own successful debut tour including Leicester last year. Now he is back doing a Work In Progress show for his next tour. "A truly great comedian" Michael McIntyre. "Very punctual" Rob Brydon. www.andrewbirdcomedian.com SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 10

ANDREW LAWRENCE: THE PALE, MALE AND STALE TOUR

WORLD PREMIERE

Despicably white, horrendously middle-aged and most appalling of all - a man. Live at the Apollo comedian Andrew Lawrence presents an antidote to the comedy world's smug, faux-Liberal orthodoxy in this all new show of the funniest and possibly most offensive jokes you've ever heard. No angry, ﬁngerpointing. No PC garbage. Just big laughs and a great night out. "Master of dark humour and a political provocateur" British Comedy Guide www.andrewlawrencecomedy.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 10

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

ANDREW RYAN: WORK IN PROGRESS

Winner of Best New Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2018. Irishman Andrew Ryan returns to his favourite festival with another showcase of what goes on in his head. "Rapturously funny" **** - The List. "An hour of hilarious comedy" **** - Edfestmag. www.andrewryancomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Glorious Management present

WORLD PREMIERE

ANDREW WHITE: ANYWAY, THE THING IS, WHAT I REALLY MEAN...

Andrew White's biggest fear has always been confrontation - famously the hardest fear to confront. He's spent the ﬁrst 20 years of his life running from problems and people pleasing, but now some earth shattering news has ﬁnally forced him to face his issues head on... // "NOT TO BE MISSED" (Daily Record) "ONE OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT RISING STAR COMEDIANS" (Essex Magazine) // **** "RAMPANTLY ENGAGING" (The List). www.standupandrew.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

Laugh Out London and Barrstard Productions present

ANDY BARR: COLLECTED JOKES, POEMS AND THOUGHTS 2010-2020

WORLD PREMIERE

Television's Andy Barr (London Live) presents a collection of jokes, poems and thoughts from his 10 year career in comedy (a career almost entirely subsidized by school administration). Marvel as the award-winning Barr (H.G. Wells Short Story Competition 2011, Gareth Morinan Alternative new Act of the Year 2016) dazzles and astounds with his verbal dexterity, sparkling musical numbers and at least one industry standard traumatic event. ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 12:00 (12:50) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

Off The Kerb Productions present

ANDY PARSONS: HEALING THE NATION We will be alright. Trust me. I'm not a politician. As seen on Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo, Q.I. etc. - and repeated on Dave. "Cracking adlibbing... a joke-rich rallying call for a better Britain" THE GUARDIAN. "Coruscating live performer specialising in lacerating topical gags" THE INDEPENDENT. "Potent live performer... can nail a nonsense with beautiful economy of words" THE TIMES. andyparsons.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Sue Townsend Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:10) Entry: £16

Map Ref: 65

ANDY STEDMAN: CONFESSIONS OF A FAILED ROCK STAR

WORLD PREMIERE

"Stedman's voice is sure to melt hearts." - UNCUT magazine. Andy Stedman had always dreamed of being a rock star, a famous singer-songwriter whose songs changed peoples' lives. National radio airplay, overseas shows, album releases... but here he is now in a small room in Leicester! Where did it all go wrong and what next for Andy. A hilarious and at times bittersweet true story ﬁlled with jokes, songs and plenty of self-deprecation. https://andystedman.com/

MUSICAL, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 10

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

ANGELA BARNES: WORK IN PROGRESS

Join Angela Barnes (Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Frankie Boyle's New World Order, The News Quiz) as she tries out some new ideas she's had. There will be thoughts, there will be stories, there will be successes, there will be failures, and there will be jokes - so come along to ﬁnd out which is which... 'An extremely entertaining fresh slant' **** - One4Review. 'Great punchlines galore' **** - Ed Fest Mag. www.angelabarnescomedy.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Hannah Layton Management present

ANIA MAGLIANO: LOTS OF LOVE...LY JOKES Ania is doing some stunning and sexy jokes this Valentine's Day. It's the perfect date night show for you and your loved one, whether that loved one is a romantic partner or a bowl of chips. Ania is a comedian who has written for BBC Radio 4's The Now Show and her Fringe show was recommended by Comedy Central as a 'show not to miss'. She was also a ﬁnalist in the Chortle Student Comedy Award 2018 and the 2Northdown New Act Competition 2019. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Map Ref: 58

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £5

ADVERTISEMENT EVENTS

TI C W K W ET W .C S

O N

SA LE

O M ED YFE ST IV A L. C O .U K

N O W !

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2020 7PM AT CURVE THEATRE

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT

KATHERINE@BIGDIFFERENCECOMPANY.CO.UK

TICKETS £15 CATEGORY SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES £450+VAT

LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL

WIN!

present

AN EXCLUSIVE FESTIVAL WEEKEND TO MAKE YOU ROAR WITH LAUGHTER!

Comedy Heaven

Featuring We have a fun weekend up for grabs. Includes two nights accommodation, festival show tickets and an Everards hamper. Simply vote for your favourite joke on our Facebook Page /Everards

WANT TICKETS?

Gary Delaney, Dan Nightingale, Tony Slattery & special guests Sunday 23rd February, Curve Theatre .

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 ANNIE MCGRATH: WORK IN PROGRESS

Deadpan comic Annie McGrath tries out some new stuff. Dark and charmingly offbeat, she will be doing her trademark dry jokes and silly anecdotes. As seen on Channel 4, Comedy Central, BBC Three, ITV2, Sky Sports, and supporting Lou Sanders on tour. "Nothing but masterful" ****1/2 (Short Com); "A consummate performer" **** (One4Review); "Hilarious" ***** (The Feminist Fringe); "Delightfully dark" **** (Three Weeks). SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 13:00 (14:00) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 27

Source Of Humour present

ARTHUR SMITH: LAUGHS AND STORIES Comedian, writer and actor Arthur Smith is a much admired master of our comedy scene. Following his critically acclaimed show "SYD", spend an evening in the company of the Night Mayor of Balham (self-proclaimed) and original Grumpy Old Man. "...stands out among his generation for a willingness to keep pushing himself and experimenting with the new forms of comedic expression...Today's hottest comics still see him as an inspiration" - Guardian. www.arthursmith.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £9 (£8)

Map Ref: 70

Union JACK Radio & PBJ Management present

ASKING FOR A FRIEND WITH MARK DOLAN Comedian Mark Dolan and three famous friends answer those questions you've never dared ask, like: Is lip kissing anyone other than your partner, cheating? Is it time to admit the Beatles are a bit overrated? Do you really need to wash your hands after a wee? This is a live version of the hilarious radio show broadcast on Union JACK Radio. Expect outspoken comedians and big personalities ﬁnally answering some of life's 'toughest' questions. UnionJACK.co.uk DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 68

TALK TO US: We’d love to hear what you think about the Festival, and the shows that you have seen. Tweet, email or write to us to share your thoughts (contact details are on page 170)

Hannah Layton Management & Team AS present

AURIE STYLA: VULNA-REBEL WORK IN PROGRESS He is loud, charismatic, fast... and now, Vulnerable! After years of performing around the world & producing his own tours, Aurie faces his biggest challenge yet - his own feelings! This is an hour of laughs about what makes life a rollercoaster: Relationships, work stress, family, and social expectations. No more hiding his emotions, Aurie Styla is The Vulna-Rebel! www.AurieStyla.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 58

BABYGIGS & THE PUPPET FRINGE THEATRE

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Why is there a piano in the canal? Who put it there? And what is the meaning of the Big C? Puppets and live piano music tell the story of The Lord of the Locks and Aspril's watery quest to answer these questions. Acclaimed children's concert series BabyGigs joins forces with The Puppet Fringe Theatre to bring you a mirth-ﬁlled musical tale. Puppets, live piano music and plenty of audience interaction throughout! www.babygigs.co.uk CHILDREN'S

DATES:

Venue: Market Harborough Methodist Church

Map Ref: 51

"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

Time: 10:30 (11:20) Entry: £7.50 (£5)

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 BAD CLOWNS: CULT CLASSIC An interactive show where the audience ﬁnds themselves in the hands of three friendly faces of a demonic cult. With rituals and laughs aplenty, the Bad Clowns hope to either save, or eternally damn your souls. ***** "A slick, briskly paced and wonderfully anarchic production" (LondonTheatre1), **** "A fast paced hour of delectable silliness" (ThreeWeeks), **** "Takes high-concept comedy to new and perilous heights (BroadwayBaby). www.badclownscomedy.com HORROR, IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £6 (£4)

Map Ref: 36

BADGER OF DESTINY - CHRISTOPHER BADGER Touching on Star Wars, school days and the emotional impact of supporting England during a major tournament, performance poet Christopher Badger brings the comedic 'Badger of Destiny' to his home city of Leicester. With amusing musings on mid-life, masculinity and the mysteries of the universe, Christopher reflects candidly on his search for meaning and mentors and the perils of navigating that first difficult 43 years. www.christopherbadger.co.uk

SPOKEN WORD, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 93

BBC RADIO LEICESTER PRESENTS... A top line-up of stand-up comedy featuring a selection of festival favourites, followed by a chat show with comedians, promoters and people involved in Leicester Comedy Festival. Your chance to see some great comedians and get the latest gossip and information about the overall festival. Broadcast live on BBC Radio Leicester. Hosted by Alex Hylton. MIXED BILL, DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

BECKY FURY: TRUTHFAIRY

WORLD PREMIERE

Winner of Ed Fest Malcolm Hardee Award and Morecombe Festival 2019 'Look Out' Award presents a show about truth. "Finest Sticks of Comedy dynamite to be found for love or money" ScotsGay www.beckyfury.com SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

The Doorstep Comedy Club present

BEER PHARMACIE FESTIVAL SPECIAL Excitingly we get to be a part of the Leicester comedy festival and not only that Phil Wang headlines Beer Pharmacie's debut show into the festival! Alex Hylton also joins us by hosting the night with a few more faces to be a part of all of the fun! For full listing ﬁnd us on www.thedoorstepcomedy.com or follow us on @thedoorstepcomedyclub on Facebook. thedoorstepcomedyclub.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Beer Pharmacie

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 7

BEERHOUSE COMEDY NIGHT All welcome at this hilarious comedy night. Expect the unexpected in Market Harborough!

EVENT DATES:

Venue: Beerhouse

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 8

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 BEERHOUSE COMEDY PUB QUIZ Fall down the rabbit hole with us this night, not your normal pub quiz it at hands. Every round crafted for maximum laughter.

EVENT DATES:

Venue: Beerhouse

Time: 20:30 (22:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 8

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC and Knight & Garter present

BELLY LAUGHS BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH Our Leicester Comedy Festival weekend brunch is not to be missed! From 10am, our restaurant serves up a truly special start to your day; inclusive of comedy from hilarious special guests, bottomless mimosas & bloody marys, and of course brunch! www.knightandgarter.co.uk EVENT DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 10:00 (12:00) Entry: £30

Map Ref: 42

The Cookie present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

BEN BRIGGS: ZEIT-HEIST

Ben Briggs returns with another hour of pure stand up comedy with Zeit-Heist. Exploring contemporary topics with a brash style and honest views. Ben will put a spot light on our modern society and discuss just how we can cure ourselves. "Inherently appealing style" Chortle. www.benbriggs.co.uk SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 12:30 (13:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

BEST IN CLASS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Showcasing underrepresented working-class comedy voices. Sponsored by Spam, chippy teas, waste grounds, hanging around, knock-off trainers, crap schools, bunking off, electric meters, hand-me-down clothes, caravans, jam butties, gravy, pyjamas, playing out, white lightning, E, backyards, slums, dying young. All ticket sales help fund working class comedians to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. http://bestinclass.org.uk/

MIXED BILL, EVENT

DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5 (£3.50)

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BEST OF SILVER STAND UP Fast and furious hour of comedy from past winners of The Silver Stand Up Award. Pete Teckman, Fred Ferenczi and Nipper Harris and guests join Marc Lucero in a look at life from a different angle. The word 'Senior' takes on a new meaning and as for 'Pensioner', forget it. Do not miss! ALTERNATIVE, MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £7 (£3.50)

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Just The Tonic present

BIG VALUE COMEDY SHOW - AUDITIONS For 25 years Big Value has taken the most exciting new comedians to the Edinburgh Fringe. Join us as we try to ﬁnd the next generation of talent to add to our pantheon of comedy stars. Previous acts have included: Jason Manford, Sarah Millican, Romesh Ranganathan, Jon Richardson and many many more. Tomorrow's stars at yesterday's prices....today. Got what it takes? Email newacts@justthetonic.com to try for a slot in these auditions. www.justthetonic.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

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"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 20:00 (22:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 BILAL ZAFAR: CARE WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Bilal Zafar worked in a massive private care home for a year on a zero hour contract.. He blocked most of it out, but will remember it for you innit. The care industry in UK, how we treat our elderly, employment etc. Edinburgh Fringe Best Newcomer Nominee 2016, as seen/ Heard on BBC 1, MTV, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live and other stuff. bilalzafarcomedy.com

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 14th 19:00 | 16th 20:30 (60min) Entry: £5 (£4)

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The Doorstep Comedy Club present

BIRSTALL SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB SPECIAL We're back this year after our sell out show at the previous Leicester Comedy Festival and we cannot wait to get to it again! There will be four top class acts again to wow our amazing audience. For full line up please ﬁnd us on thedoorstepcomedyclub.com or our Facebook page "The Doorstep Comedy Club". www.thedoorstepcomedyclub.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Co

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: FREE

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Bright Buoy present

BLUE PLANET III Two idiots at the BBC are making another Blue Planet. Put on your polar ice caps and climb aboard an aquatic comedy adventure featuring swashbuckling swordﬁsh, spannerhead sharks, and monsters at the bottom of the sea in this children's comedy show by the "hugely talented" (Chortle) Luke Rollason and the "hilarious" (The List) Christian Brighty. "Take the kids, take the parents, you will all have a laugh" (The Scotsman). CHILDREN'S, CLOWN DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 13:00 (14:00) Entry: £5

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Jokes On Us Free Festival present

BOARD GAME SMACKDOWN The cult festival hit is back! Join comedians as they play board/card/party games live on stage. Hosted by award-winning comedian and UK board game champion James Cook. See website for details and podcast. Boardgamesmackdown.com GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: FREE

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BrightSparks Arts in Mental Health in association with Weave present

WORLD PREMIERE

BRIGHTSPARKS COMEDY ASYLUM

The award-winning comedy mental health showcase led by local legend Rob Gee returns for its 13th year! The team that brought you the masterpieces "Death in Dunton Gusset", "Richard 111's Time Team" and "Robots vs Zombies" will dissect the theme of luck, and sometimes its colossal absence. If you've ever dealt yourself a royal ﬂush when no one else is looking, this show is for you. Includes buffet supper. www.brightsparksarts.uk IMPROV, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:30) Entry: £3

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BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY The lunchtime comedy club for parents and their babies is coming to Leicester! Enjoy the funniest comedians at the festival without needing to book a babysitter! With top comedy for mum and dad, plus toys, soft ﬂooring and more for baby ... this show is a top night out during the day! "Promises to leave at least one of you crying with laughter" - Mother and Baby Magazine. Ages 16+ and under 12 months. www.byobcomedy.com/leicester for details. https://www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/attenborougharts/ EVENT DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 12:00 (13:15) Entry: £5

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WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 BRING YOUR OWN DOG COMEDY

Do you like comedy? Do you like dogs? Well have we got the show for you!! Bring your furry friend along to watch 4 great comedians. Pups also get a cupcake and doggy beer thrown in. You don't even need to have your own pooch to come, buy a ticket just for yourself and watch as the inevitable chaos ensues. Tickets are priced £15 for 1 human and 1 dog, £10 for a solo human. BELLY RUBS FOR ALL!!!! www.justthetonic.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: 1 person + dog £15 | 1 person £10

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De Montfort University present

BUSINESS BREAKFAST - LAUNCH OF LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL 2020 The launch of Leicester Comedy Festival 2020, to guests and friends from local businesses, at De Montfort University, where the Festival began in 1994. To be held in the Leicester Castle Business School and featuring special guest Patrick Monahan (winner of ITV's Show Me The Funny). www.dmu.ac.uk www.comedy-festival.co.uk/businesspartnersclub EVENT DATES:

Venue: Leicester Castle Business School

Time: 7:45 (08:45) Entry: By invite only

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Big Difference Company present

CAN LAUGHTER UNITE? A DISCUSSION ABOUT COMEDY, REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS According to some media outlets, there is nothing funny at all about refugees and asylum seekers. Is comedy a suitable mechanism to discuss the experiences of people who have recently arrived in the UK? Can humour help change the perception of new arrivals? Join representatives from Journeys Festival International, British Red Cross, refugees, asylum seekers and comedians to discuss these and other issues. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 14:00 (15:30) Entry: FREE

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CARL DONNELLY: SHALL WE ALL JUST KILL OURSELVES? Double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Carl Donnelly returns with a new show about how difﬁcult it is to be a good person in the modern age. Having travelled the world and tried every self-help technique there is, Carl is now questioning the point of it all. "Connecting effortlessly with his audience... a beautifully balanced performance" The Scotsman. "Observational genius" The Guardian. www.carldonnelly.co.uk

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 10

CARLA POL: THE POL SHOW What's the difference between a sign and a gesture? Carla Pol, the Italian comedian, opens up like a silly Russian doll interweaving her disconnected visual world and chameleonic storytelling. Drawings, props, audience interaction and some academic stuff, this show is bed bug friendly. Come along. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5

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CARLY SMALLMAN: LOVE SONGS FOR DICKHEADS Carly returns to Leicester with a brand new musical comedy show about the dickheads she has loved, lost and laughed at. They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone new, but sometimes the best way to get over someone is to sing songs about their personal life and tell strangers about dick pics they sent. Be those strangers for a silly, side-splitting hour of Sunday shenanigans. "Smutty outspoken jollity" - The Sun. https://www.carlysmallman.com/

SOLO SHOW, MUSICAL

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

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"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Aboutacomb present

WORLD PREMIERE

CAROLINE MABEY: (IN) DEFINITELY MABEY

Rop-roaring off-the-wall stand-up work in progress from one of the silliest people I know. 'The slightly deranged offspring of a ménage-a-trois between Vic Reeves, Harry Hill and Floella Benjamin' Evening Standard. 'Funny and touching and brilliant' Guardian. www.carolinemabey.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

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Chambers Touring present

CATHERINE BOHART: LEMON Join the star of BBC2's The Mash Report as she smashes stereotypes around sex, sexuality and relationships. As seen and heard on Roast Battle, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Stand Up Sketch Show and The Guilty Feminist Podcast. 'Destined for stardom' (Evening Standard). 'The laughs keep coming and, ﬁnally, so does a tear or two. Marvellous' **** (Times). 'A beautifully-delivered hour' **** (Skinny). 'Packed full of laughs' ****(Herald). www.catherinebohart.com/live SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

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Chambers Touring present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

CATHERINE BOHART: WORK IN PROGRESS

A new hour of comedy from the star of BBC2's The Mash Report. As seen and heard on Roast Battle, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier and The Guilty Feminist Podcast. **** The Times **** The Herald **** The List www.catherinebohart.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

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CERI DUPREE: GAGGING FOR IT!! Ceri Dupree is beside himself with utter joy at the thought of returning to one of his favourite EVER theatres with his all new show, especially written for the Leicester Comedy Festival. Stand up/sit down comedy. Songs, sketches, parodies, impersonations and of course FAAAAAAAABULOUS costumes. Do Joan Collins, Shirley Bassey, Camilla, HM The Queen, The Three Degrees and a woman from the Salvation Army do stand up? They do in this show! www.haytheatre.com

SOLO SHOW, MUSICAL

DATES:

Venue: Haymarket Theatre

Time: 19:30 (22:00) Entry: £20 (£18)

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Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

CHARLIE BAKER: ONE NIGHT IN DEVON WORK IN PROGRESS

One night (one night), one night in Devon. When you touch me you take me up high with the clouds in the sky. One night (one night), one night in Devon. When you kiss me you light up my life, make me feel so alive. Cider, Farming, Ice Creams, Village halls, Trago Mills, Axes and Facebook marketplace. Geddon it. "quick and easy wit and energetic style" - Leicester Mercury. www.charliebakercomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

NCF Comedy present

WORLD PREMIERE

CHARMIAN HUGHES: SHE

Brand new/work-in-progress. Who/What is She? Madonna (both), Whore, Crone, Cis, Trans, Goddess, Muse, Ursula Andress, Mature-Yet-Attractive Comedian or The Colossal Squid? Has crooner Charles Aznavour nailed it with ''She is the song that summer sings/chill that autumn brings''? Blimey Charles, no pressure! 'LIghts up show' (Scotsman) 'Funny, profound' (Dominion Post) 'Best gags' (Independent). 'A joy' Funny Women. As part of the Kayal All-Dayer http://charmianhughes.co.uk/ SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

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WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Ingenious Fools and Period Positive present

CHELLA QUINT: ADVENTURES IN MENSTRUATING Help charmingly clever comedian and design researcher Chella Quint to break taboos and end period poverty with ad-busting, craftivism and a bleeding ridiculous conga line in this bloody funny ﬁ ve-star comedy. As heard on BBC Radio 4's 'A Bleeding Shame' and 'Woman's Hour'. "With her games, props and jokes, Quint seems to work some sort of magic." - The Guardian #periodpositive www.chellaquint.com / www.periodpositive.com SOLO SHOW, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Town Hall Bike Park

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £6 (£5)

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Jokes On Us Present. Directed by Alex Farrow

CHELSEA BIRKBY: UP FOR IT From da club to Descartes, philosophy and pop culture combine in Up For It, a fun and thoughtful show about sexuality, shame and the self. "I guarantee anyone at the fringe will enjoy **** Mumble. Expect "good gags" Chortle, and a "gently incisive take" **** Bath Echo, from this two-time-ﬁnalist and "one to watch" Funny Women, the "personable, likeable" Chelsea Birkby, The Scotsman. As heard on BBC Radio 4 Xtra and Union Jack FM. www.chelseabirkby.com SOLO SHOW, CLOWN DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

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Avalon present

CHLOE PETTS: ALPHA WORK IN PROGRESS Chloe Petts' "inexhaustibly funny mind" (Diva Magazine) makes her one of the most exciting prospects on the comedy circuit. Runner up in the Funny Women Awards 2018 and alumni of the prestigious Pleasance Reserve, Petts presents a work-in-progress of her debut show, Alpha. She looks at gender, sexuality and popular TV gameshow, The Chase. "Compelling presence" - Steve Bennett, Chortle. "Conﬁdent, laid-back, casual and very funny" - The Guardian. http://avalonuk.com/clients/chloe-petts/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 7th 18:00 | 14th 21:00 (60min) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

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Jokes On Us present

CHRIS BETTS VS THE AUDIENCE The cult hit returns! Comedian and contrarian Chris Betts will argue the opposite of anything anyone in the audience says. Think part stand-up, part debate class. Since the topics are chosen by the audience, every show is completely new and different. Past topics include: who needs reading, legalised bestiality and a defence of crystal meth. 'This is not your regular comedy show... Outrageous and unpredictable fun' **** Ed Fest Magazine www.thechrisbetts.com SOLO SHOW, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

CHRIS BETTS: WORK IN PROGRESS

A brand new hour of jokes and stories from comedian and huge Point Break fan Chris Betts. �� "Chris Betts is witty, charming and very funny" - Voice Magazine www.thechrisbetts.com SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE

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Jokes On Us present

CHRIS COOKE: UPBEAT WORK IN PROGRESS 'Cheer up, it might never happen' Chris Cooke has been told to cheer up for the last time. Something's happening, and it could even be an uplifting show. Can he turn fearful into cheerful? Can a non-coffee drinker perk the hell up? Can a downbeat man create an upbeat show? Probably not. A work in progress comedy show. Max Turner Prize Semi Finalist. As heard on Radio 4 Extra and seen on BBC2's Genius with Dave Gorman. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

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"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Andromeda Talent present

WORLD PREMIERE

CHRIS KEHOE: ENVIROLOGICALISM

As the world unravels around us Chris Kehoe turns his critical eye on the environment in a brand new hour of half-arsed philosophy, surreal ramblings and acerbic wit* and asks, "What difference can one man make, to a problem he doesn't really understand (without straying too far from the couch)?" *all material from 100% organic renewable sources SATIRE, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

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CHRIS MCCAUSLAND: OBSERVATIONLESS COMEDIAN WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

It's a brand new work in progress show from stand-up comedian Chris McCausland, as seen on BBC's Would I Lie to You?, Have I Got News For You, Live at the Apollo and C4's 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. An hour of tried and tested funny stuff, and the beginnings of a future tour show, not just an hour of brand new ideas that could be rubbish. It's also not about anything in particular, just life and stuff, and possibly doughnuts! www.chrismccausland.com

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £7 (£6)

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Mick Perrin Worldwide present

CHRIS MCGLADE: FORGIVENESS Following the murder of his father, hard hitting and critically acclaimed northern comedian Chris McGlade is attempting to lay to rest the ghosts that have haunted him ever since. This show, whilst telling the story of his dad's horriﬁc murder, is also a funny, sincere, un-PC, no holds barred and touching homage to the man who shaped his life and humour. 'Forgiveness is a masterclass in confessional comedy' **** (Telegraph). SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £10

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CHRIS NORTON WALKER: ANOTHER UNEXPECTED ITEM IN THE GAGGING AREA

WORLD PREMIERE

Super-marketable Chris Norton Walker (Leicester Comedy Festival 2018 Best Joke Nominee) presents another fun packed ONE LINER show. Asking the question - What's the weirdest thing you've found whilst online shopping? NortonWalker.Com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 15:45 (16:45) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

A George Martin Production

WORLD PREMIERE

CHRIS PHILLIPS: JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, RINGO & ME

When I was younger so much younger than than today the Beatles split up, 40 years later I had a chance meeting with one of them, so roll up roll up for my magical mystery hour as I reveal the true origin of the Fab 4 or Y fab Pedwar as they should be known, I think you know where I'm going with this & I've got the map & the word of Mary Hopkins to prove it. STORYTELLING, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

Jokes On Us Present

WORLD PREMIERE

CHRIS PURCHASE: TWENTY SIDED DICE

Chris loves Dungeons and Dragons, loves it so much that he wishes his life was more like a fantasy adventure and getting better was just about levelling up his character sheet. Come join GQ's Best Jokes in the World 2018 and Comedy world record holder Chris Purchase while he lives through his childhood fantasy of turning the real world into one big game. www.thechrispurchase.com ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

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WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 CHRIS READ: LITTLE MAN

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Jazz musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and half of globe-trotting Harry and Chris presents his debut hour of comedic songs and soulful ballads, inspired by everything from starﬁsh preservation to becoming a father. 'Up-and-coming talent' (All About Jazz). 'Fantastic' (Evening Standard). 'Musical genius' (Russell Howard). Reviews for Harry and Chris: ***** (Sunday Post). ***** (Fringe Guru). **** (Fest). www.chrisreadmusic.com

MUSICAL, SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

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CHRIS TAVNER: SHIT SOCALIST As part of his UK tour, Chris Tavner presents his stand-up show about his life of being a socialist activist. Well, we say activist, that depends on what time he gets up. Chris will explore lessons learned from his experience in the context of Brexit, Trump and Corbynmania, working through his own contradictions and hypocrisies along the way. A show for the many... "Chris Tavner... (tore) up a bit of a storm" - Giggle Beats www.christavner.com SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 20:10 (21:10) Entry: £7 (£5)

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CHRIS TAVNER: SOCIALISM AND CATS WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Chris Tavner presents his brand new, Work-in-Progress show. Are you the sort of person who wants to see a world of fairness and equality, a world based on need rather than proﬁ t? Do you also love cute little kitty cats, despite their contempt for your very existence? Then this show is for you! (probably). As part of the Kayal All-Dayer www.christavner.com SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 20:40 (21:40) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

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Foxy Comedy present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

CHRISTIAN REILLY: MAGIC MONEY TREE

Can we can afford the NHS, a Green New Deal, world peace, and a pony? Spoiler alert: YES! We just need to know why. After several years of research and conversations with economists from all over the world, Christian presents his ﬁndings - hopefully before a needless austerity binge kills us all. Can a musical comedian communicate this urgent idea? Have fun watching him try! The funniest songs I have heard in along time" The Scotsman. MUSICAL, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £7

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Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

CHRISTOPHER MACARTHUR-BOYD: WORK IN PROGRESS

An hour of stand-up comedy by Glasgwegian stand-up sensation and 2004 East End of Glasgow Spelling Champion. Includes jokes about cereal, coffee, and the death of planet earth. Live support for Kevin Bridges, Russell Kane, Jason Manford. As seen on BBC's Up For It and The Comedy Underground. "No spare moment lacks a laugh." Shortcom *****. www.offthekerb.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

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FoxyComedy present

CHUCK SALMON: POOL NOODLES Kenny Shallows has always dreamt of being a poolside lifeguard. But when he wangles a place on the prestigious lifeguarding course at Hardwater Leisure Centre (largest in Britain if you count the car park!) he ﬁnds he is a small ﬁsh in a big pond. Join tasty new troupe Chuck Salmon for an hour-long narrative sketch show that is "a glimpse into the future of British comedy" (***** - TCS). SKETCH, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

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"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 14th 18:00 | 15th 20:30 (60min) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

CHURCH OF PHIL MASS EXTINCTION EVENT

You are invited to the funeral of Phil, the leader of the Church of Phil, who died and can't be brought back. OR CAN HE? Join the award-winning "gleefully absurd" Fire Donkey team on a surreal journey into the after-life of apocalyptic proportions, as a death cult goes in search of redemption and an obscure 90's child-star. Features home-made props, niche references to 90's pharmaceutical adverts, and a very brittle fourth wall. ALTERNATIVE, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

CLAW AND ORDER - MARK VIGIL

WORLD PREMIERE

DCI Bob Claw is in court, eagerly awaiting the jury's verdict. Except this time, it's not one of Claw's collars who stands accused, it's Bob Claw himself. But what is he accused of? And how did it go so wrong for one of the force's most respected detectives? All is revealed in this one-man sketch show, loosely themed around crimey, detectivey things as award nominated comedian Mark Vigil returns to the Festival with his brand new show. SKETCH, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

CLINT EDWARDS: WORK IN PROGRESS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

A brand new work in progress show from Rhod Gilbert's tour support, writer of BBC's The Apprentice: You're Fired!, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, BBC R4's The News Quiz & The Now Show. Warm-up for BBC's Have I Got News For You, Mock the Week, Vic & Bob's Big Night Out, C4's GBBO Extra Slice, Dave's Dave Gorman: Modern Life Is Goodish & Dave Gorman: Terms and Conditions Apply. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE

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Phil McIntyre Entertainments Ltd by arrangement with Headway Talent proudly present

CLINTON BAPTISTE: THE PARANORMALIST RETURNS As seen on Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights. The world- renowned clairvoyant, medium and psychic is back! 'Hundreds of years ago when man walked the planet he had no real means of communication. In time man developed a phenomena which has never been fully understood by the psychic community. This phenomena is...Clinton Baptiste' - Peter Kay (That Phenomena). Join paranormal sensation Clinton Baptiste as he takes you on a hilarious yet touching journey. www.clintonbaptiste.com CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Function Rooms

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: £18

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Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

COCK-KANE THE CLOWN'S GAMES NIGHT

It's Cock-kane. It's Games Night. That's Your Guarantee. Cock-kane The Clown (UK) is once again back, and he is very heavily armed with his able bodied Cock-ettes to run some twisted Parlour Games.A selection of party games with very real bragging rights. Sit back and enjoy the Chaos, or actively participate in this late night show that will inﬂict your tortured soul to bed wetting nightmares for decades to come. CLOWN, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £4

Map Ref: 42

COLIN CHADWICK: FUNNY T-SHIRTS This moron wearing all of his funny T-shirts at once has got layers, watch him peel himself like a very funny sentient onion that won't make you cry. As seen on BBCThree and RTE Two and heard on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4extra, "Awesome" - Hotpress, **** "thick and fast" - Broadwaybaby, "the man can certainly write a gag" - Chortle. As part of the Kayal All-Dayer. www.colin.ie

ALTERNATIVE, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Big Difference Company present

COMEDY AND TRANSPHOBIA DISCUSSION In 2019, during a festival show, a row broke out on Twitter about whether a comedian had told a transphobic joke. The online debate that followed was interesting and involved contribution from trans comedians and others about what constitutes a transphobic joke. Speakers including representatives from local trans organisations and trans comedians, including Laura Monmoth. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 14:00 (15:30) Entry: FREE

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Discerning Nights and Attenborough Art Centre present

COMEDY ART GALLERY TOUR Fancy being led round an art gallery with award winning comedians as your tour guide? Well you are in luck! This Leicester Comedy Festival experience a fresh way of seeing Sargy Mann's Exhibition at the Attenborough Arts Centre. Whether you're an avid art viewer, or never set foot in an art gallery in your life, this will be an experience you don't want to miss out on. Family show on the 22nd! EXHIBITION, IMMERSIVE DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 18:30 (18:50) Entry: FREE

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www.comedyinleicester.com present

COMEDY AT THE CLASSROOM - LEICESTER (STONEYGATE) 5 acts for £10 on a School Night in small venue. No less than 5 circuit acts perform in this wonderful, cosy Micropub in Allandale Road, Stoneygate. Enjoy great beers and wines while soaking up different styles of comedy from new and experienced performers and be home in time to go to bed early enough to get up the next morning for work. For details of performers go to: www.comedyinleicester.com www.comedyinleicester.com CABARET DATES:

Venue: The Real Ale Classroom, Leicester

Time: 18:00 (20:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 81

www.comedyinleicester.com present

COMEDY AT THE CLASSROOM - LUTTERWORTH 5 acts for £10 on a School Night in small venue. No less than 5 circuit acts perform in this wonderful, cosy Micropub in Lutterworth. Enjoy great beers and wines while soaking up different styles of comedy from new and experienced performers and be home in time to go to bed early enough to get up the next morning for work. For details of performers go to: www.comedyinleicester.com www.comedyinleicester.com CABARET DATES:

Venue: The Real Ale Classroom, Lutterworth

Time: 19:00 (21:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 82

COMEDY AT THE MUSEUM Join us for an incredible night of comedy in the unique setting of New Walk Museum's Art Gallery. Transformed into a theatre for their debut show as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival, the gallery will host a night of contemporary comedy. Featuring English Comedian of the Year 2016 Josh Pugh ("Funny at a rate of knots" Joe.co.uk), Leicester Mercury Comedian of the year 2015 Tom Little plus some very special guests. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: New Walk Museum and Art Gallery

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £12.50 (£10)

Map Ref: 56

Warning Zone Life Skills Centre present

COMEDY AT THE ZONES Warning Zone charity has delivered life-saving messages to children & young people across LLR for over 25 years. Year 6 children visit and we equip them with vital life skills and knowledge at a key stage in their lives, before they make the transition to secondary school. Join us for a night of electrifying comedy, featuring Scott Bennett, Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show nominee 2019, and Patrick Monahan (winner of ITV's Show Me The Funny). www.warningzone.org.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Warning Zone

Map Ref: 89

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: £15

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Like the name says it's a Comedy Club for Kids! Cracking entertainment for everyone over six years old and under 400 years old (no vampires). We have the best comedians from the UK and world circuit doing what they do best... but without the rude bits! "A highlight for children... giving them a taste of some of the biggest names in comedy with the fun, rowdy feel of a real comedy club" - The Guardian. demontforthall.co.uk

CHILDREN'S

DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Time: 13:30 (14:30) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 22

Sharman Fielding Accountants & Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland's Clarence House present

COMEDY COMES TO CLARENCE FEATURING MRS BARBARA NICE Sharman Fielding Accountants & Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland's Clarence House co present a fun-ﬁlled evening with the nation's favourite housewife extraordinaire Mrs Barbara Nice. Comedy for all ages and giggles for a good cause. With her enviable track record of gathering 5-star reviews and sell out shows, Barbara is sure to brighten up your evening. Entrance fee includes a complimentary ticket for her world-famous rafﬂe! www.ageuk.org.uk/leics SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Clarence House

Time: 16:15 (18:30) Entry: £12

Map Ref: 15

COMEDY FILM NIGHT Upper-crust executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) and down-and-out hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) are the subjects of a bet by brokers Mortimer and Randolph Duke. An employee of the Dukes, Winthorpe is framed by the brothers for a crime he didn't commit, with the siblings then installing the street-smart Valentine in his position. When Winthorpe and Valentine uncover the scheme, they set out to turn the tables on the Dukes. octagonﬁlms.org.uk EXHIBITION, EVENT DATES:

Venue: Harborough Theatre

Time: 20:00 (21:55) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 32

COMEDY FILM NIGHT Four Lions tells the story of a group of British jihadists who push their abstract dreams of glory to the breaking point. As the wheels ﬂ y off, and their competing ideologies clash, what emerges is an emotionally engaging (and entirely plausible) farce. In a storm of razor-sharp verbal jousting and large-scale set pieces, Four Lions is a comic tour de force; it shows that -while terrorism is about ideology- it can also be about idiots. octagonﬁlms.org.uk

EXHIBITION, EVENT

DATES:

Venue: Harborough Theatre

Time: 18:00 (19:35) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 22

Big Difference Company present

COMEDY HEAVEN The spectacular ﬁnale show for Leicester Comedy Festival 2020, returns to its spiritual home of Curve, in aid of local charities. Some of the best acts of the festival gather to raise money for good causes and see the festival out in style. Hosted by regular MC Mark Olver. In aid of Big Difference Company & Prostaid. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 19:00 (21:00) Entry: £18

Map Ref: 21

Big Difference Productions present

COMEDY IN THE DARK This unique comedy experience returns to the Leicester after sell-out shows across the UK and Europe. At Comedy in the Dark, the audience's senses are heightened - things look and sound different. Guests include Helen Bauer, Pascal Cameron, Laura Davis, Stuart Goldsmith, Mitch Benn, Tony Law, and more to be announced. "Destined to become one of the most talked about shows" (Time Out). MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Phoenix

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 59

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Big Difference Productions present

COMEDY IN THE DARK FOR KIDS A special version of this unique comedy experience. It's still comedy, and it's still dark... A perfect family show for half-term giggles! Please see www.comedyfestival.co.uk for more details and the line-up as it's announced. Recommended for 8 -12 years olds. Children need to be accompanied by a paying adult. CHILDREN'S, MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Phoenix

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 59

COMEDY NIGHT @ CONKERS Join us for a night of comic genius and get ready to laugh out loud. Introducing three top comedians and a compere (Nathan Caton, Arthur Smith, Becky Brunning, James Redmond*) to entertain you plus there's a full bar & food service available on the night too! *Acts may be subject to change. visitconkers.com EVENT, MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: CONKERS

Time: 19:30 (22:00) Entry: £12

Map Ref: 20

“Quite simpy the best radio station out there.” - God, 2019.

APP

DAB

SHOUT “UNION JACK RADIO”

COMEDY ON THE WOLDS Comedy on the Wolds returns for its third year with a mixed bill of comedians in the Leicestershire village of Waltham on the Wolds. Join us for a night of laughter and entertainment, hosted by Eshaan Akbar (BBC's Mock The Week, Frankie Boyle's New World Order, BBC Radio 4) and featuring Tom Little and Carly Smallman. Licensed bar also available at the venue. Suitable for age 16+ only. www.walthamvillagehall.co.uk

MIXED BILL

DATES:

Venue: Waltham on the Wolds Village Hall

Time: 19:00 (21:00) Entry: £12.50

Map Ref: 88

Three Way Comedy present

COMEDY QUIZ NIGHT Join us at Lutterworth Golf Club to welcome a Guest Quiz Master for our Valentines Comedy Quiz. Forget about a candlelit dinner for 2, grab a few more and make a team! Maximum 6 per team. The kitchen will be open at the interval, if you need food for thought! EVENT DATES:

Venue: Swift Bar Lutterworth Golf Club

Time: 19:30 (22:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 66

COMEDY WITH A DYSLEXIC GEORDIE THAT HAS ADHD - SEAN TURNER

WORLD PREMIERE

This show isn't about dyslexia or ADHD, it is just performed by an alternative comedian called Sean Turner B.A. in Drama 2.2. He tells funny stories about his life and experiences from his childhood then into adulthood. Plus random jokes on subjects such as being a dyslexic person or what his life would be like if he had been born a transformer? Small parts of audience interaction will be part of the show. www.seanturnercomic.com

ALTERNATIVE, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Map Ref: 93

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 or Pay What You Want

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 CONFESSIONS OF A COCKNEY TEMPLE DANCER - SHANE SHAMBHU We all present different faces to the world, but some are more different than most. In this funny and visually stunning one-man show, Shane Shambhu reveals the secret life he kept from his school friends, growing up in the cultural melting pot of East London. Follow Shane's transformation from "fat kid" to international performer as he rips up ideas of race, language and culture in a bedazzling mix of theatre, dance and ﬁlm. DANCE DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 19:45 (20:55) Entry: £14

Map Ref: 21

Consignia & Captain Colino's Comedy Playhouse present

WORLD PREMIERE

CONSIGNIA PRESENT: THUS SPAKE ZARATHUSTRA

I have a few ideas what this show could be. 1 is about a forgotten band, another idea is about Jeremy Spake, and the other show idea is about Windows 95. I thought it would be funny to list it as musical but the music will be quite bad. Sorry. Leicester Comedy Festival 2019 Improv/Musical nominees, despite being neither improv or musical. Can't afford a pro photographer. It will probably be a masterpiece and not get reviewed. Story of my life. MUSICAL, DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

CONVERSATION GARDEN ON LOVE ISLAND (A DECIDE YOUR OWN MISADVENTURE) Imagine Bandersnatch with less clothes and more STDs. Winners of Best Improv show in Leicester Comedy Festival 2018, Conversation Garden are marooned on Love Island, looking for love, money, and maybe survival. In this show, YOU DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. The show returns for its second year in Leicester - which of the 39 endings will you unlock this time? IMPROV, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 22:30 (23:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 27

BFGConcerts and Benennis present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

CORNISH COMEDIANS SHOWCASE

An hour of Cornish ﬂavoured jokes and stories from 3 comedians from Cornwall - Matt Price, Dan Triscott and Graham Wilkes. If you've seen Poldark, then this is LOLdark. This is the only Cornish comedy showcase anywhere in the world. So grab a pint (pasty optional) and come and have a laugh with the boys from Kernow. Proper job! "A really fun night of Comedy" - Cornish Gazette. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 41

COUNT ARTHUR STRONG: IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE? As well as being the all-round entertainer we all know and love from the telly, Count Arthur Strong is also a lifelong fan of astronomy, since having been given a microscope for Christmas when he was a small precocious baby. In fact, it's said his ﬁrst word was 'Uranus'. In his brand-new show, he seamlessly combines the very best showbiz entertainment as he wrestles with some of the big questions that other all round entertainers shy away from.

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Time: 20:00 (21:50) Entry: £22.50

Map Ref: 22

CRYBABIES: WORK IN PROGRESS Edinburgh Best Newcomer nominees Crybabies present a work in progress of their latest and, no doubt, greatest show. Because if history has taught us anything, it's that sequels are always good. Always. Praise for past work: **** The Guardian. **** The Telegraph. **** Chortle. **** The Skinny. **** Beyond The Joke. ALTERNATIVE, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 CRYBABIES: DANGER BRIGADE

Join Ed Jones (handsome), James Gault (tall), and Michael Clarke (?) for Crybabies' debut hour of surreal comedy, action, friendship, father issues, rats, crisps, and concerns of the heart. Buckle up for an offbeat adventure through the seductive waters of World War II, truly the Godfather Part II of world wars. Edinburgh Best Newcomer Nominees 2019. **** The Guardian. **** The Telegraph.**** Chortle.**** The Skinny. **** Beyond The Joke ALTERNATIVE, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £9 (£7)

Map Ref: 27

The Chandeliers present

CSI: CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION Mirth meets murder in the world's daftest whodunnit. Following a ﬁ ve-star sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation returns to Leicester with a rip-roaring crime comedy made up entirely on the spot. A fully improvised, witty and absurd murder mystery. No one knows who the killer is; not even the cast! "A novel idea, executed superbly" ***** (The Wee Review) www.crimesceneimpro.com IMPROV, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £12 (£10)

Map Ref: 85

SFTW present

DAD'S ARMY RADIO SHOW Two actors, two microphones, over twenty-ﬁ ve characters - and lots of sound effects! The nation's favourite sitcom returns newly-minted in this highlyacclaimed production with Perry and Croft's classic BBC show brought gloriously to life, transporting the audience right back to Walmington, working from original radio scripts Featuring three episodes newly adapted for radio 'When You've Got To Go', 'My Brother and I' and 'Never Too Old' www.dadsarmyradioshow.co.uk/ THEATRE, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: The Little Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:15) Entry: £17.50 (£16)

Map Ref: 77

DAD'S ARMY RADIO SHOW Watch as your favourite, classic BBC sitcom comes to life with just two actors, two microphones and plenty of sound effects! Be transported back to Walmington as David Benson and Jack Lane work from original radio scripts, vintage music and all of Perry and Croft's beloved characters and catch phrases. Featuring three episodes newly adapted for radio; 'When You've Got To Go', 'My Brother and I' and 'Never Too Old' SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Harborough Market Hall

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £15 (£12)

Map Ref: 31

Jokes On Us present

DAN JONES: NECESSARY EVIL WORK IN PROGRESS Dan Jones led a simple life -- then he fell in love with someone from the other side of the planet. An hour-long work in progress stand-up show about modern relationships and crossing cultures as he navigates the world of borders, visas and not being in charge of his own destiny. Amused Moose Breakthrough Comedian of the Year 2019. As seen on BBC3. "Snarky & Funny" - Chortle. "One to Watch" - Rhod Gilbert. www.danjonescomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

DAN NIGHTINGALE: THE BEST COMEDIAN (YOU'VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD OF)

WORLD PREMIERE

IT'S A SUNDAY NIGHT, IN LEICESTER. WHAT ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO DO? WATCH ANTIQUES ROADSHOW? (Which is actually very watchable.. but still not as good as Dan. Unless you're really into antiques and then it's probably much more suited to you than Dan. He's still decent though). 56-58 MINUTES OF REALLY FUNNY COMEDY FROM ONE OF BEST TIMEKEEPERS IN BRITISH COMEDY. IF NOTHING ELSE THIS SHOW WILL START ON TIME. "Genuinely hilarious" - CHORTLE.

STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Map Ref: 58

"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £7 (£6)

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

5th - 23rd Feb 2020 Tony Slattery - Lauren Pattison Tez Ilyas - Kelly Convey Bilal Zafar - Hopwood DePree

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

DAN WEBBER: GENRE FLUID The stand-up poet, reluctant bear and attempted vegan strips... away labels of life, love, the arts and the LGBTQ+ community in this fast-paced, honest and hilarious debut. Under constant pressure from marketing people to decide whether he is a comic or poet, Dan navigates through the confusing world of deﬁnitions. "A roller coaster of laughs and heart breaks" - Impact Magazine SPOKEN WORD, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 42

Live Nation in association with UTC Artist Management present

DANE BAPTISTE: THE CHOCOLATE CHIP Dane is now a Grown Ass Black Man. Too old to be concerned with chicken or trainers. Too young to be considered a peer of Trevor McDonald. Has he got a chip on his shoulder? Yes. A chocolate one. Join one of the nation's most exciting stand up stars as he presents another brilliantly hilarious and boldly provocative show. Star of hit podcasts Dane Baptiste Questions Everything and Quotas Full. As seen on Live at the Apollo, C4's 8 Out of 10 Cats. www.danebaptiste.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £14

Map Ref: 68

Discerning Nights present

DANIEL NICHOLAS: LESSONS IN NOSTALGIA Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe (6 months fresh). A stand-up game show. If you remember MSN and video game soundtracks from the 90s, then you won't forget this show more than ever feeling nostalgic for "the good old days", Daniel Nicholas, the 'Prince of Peculiar' (GreatCentral.co.uk), takes you on a journey to work out whether nostalgia is actually a good thing. Featuring a game where everyone has to pretend to be sick and gets fed Jaffa Cakes. www.danielnicholas.co.uk INTERACTIVE, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

Discerning Nights present

DANIEL NICHOLAS: MILLENNIAL GENERATION GAME (2ND ATTEMPT)

WORLD PREMIERE

Let's try this again shall we? Last year Dan did a show that had a questionable Sean Connery impression. This year? Well there might still be a questionable Sean Connery impression. A new stand up game show from the 'Prince of Peculiar' (Great Central). Looking at the different generations there are and why everyone hates young people. Featuring a game where you have to pretend your running through a battleﬁeld of exploding babies. www.danielnicholas.co.uk INTERACTIVE, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

DANIELLE WARD: WORK IN PROGRESS A brand new work in progress show from the Sony Award winning host of Do The Right Thing Podcast. No idea what it's about yet.

SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 40

DANNY CLIVES IS LOOKING TO BANG

WORLD PREMIERE

Hello so I been performing stand up comedy for 6 years now. It has been a wild ride! I supported Joe Lycett and Guz Khan on tour! It has been non-stop cocaine and hookers parties! Just joking it has mainly been me at Motorway Services spending the money from the gigs on crane machines! I have won 0 prizes. Now here I am doing ONE HOUR of jokes and stories in my favourite venue The Firebug! I would love you come! STORYTELLING, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Map Ref: 27

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Foxy Comedy present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

DAPHNA BARAM: CRACKING UP

Daphna thinks she is having a midlife crisis but her GP thinks that's highly optimistic. Looking back on her life she delves into mass and time, AKA weight and age, her immigration experience, her career rollercoaster, disappointments and hopes. * * * * "Full of hearty laughs and hopefulness, Baram wins the audience over with minimum effort. Amazing" (The Wee Review) * * * * * "Masterful." (Bunbury Magazine). ALTERNATIVE, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

DARREN WALSH: PUNIMAL FARM

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Like puns? Think you've seen it Orwell before? Well gammon check this out. Join Darren (Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2019 - BEST JOKE), on the farm for a pun-packed adaptation of George Orwell's famous novel, ﬁlled with video sketches, 1-liners, jingles and general nonsense. As seen on ITV's 'Out There', BBC Edinburgh Presents, UK's ﬁrst Pun Champion. (Don't come if you don't like puns). darrenwalsh.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

Jokes On Us present

DAVID MCIVER: FESTIVAL WORK IN PROGRESS Yes, come and see what that lovable rascal David McIver has rustled up with his grubby little ﬁngers this time. If you like shows, this is one. A work in progress character comedy show about music festivals, being 17 years old and indie bands from the late 2000s. A great show for anyone who has either been a teenager or listened to music. 'An outstanding, theatrical piece of one-man comedy' **** Chortle. Seen on BBCThree and iPlayer. www.davidmciver.com CHARACTER, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Corrie McGuire Management present

WORLD PREMIERE

DAVID MORGAN KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT HE'S DOING

David Morgan is a stand up comedian who's currently the least attractive man in Channing Tatum's Magic Mike Live. You may have seen him on ITV1's Zoe Ball on Saturday, ITV2's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now or Safeword and he was very funny on all of them. Come see his brand new show in his comedy hometown of Leicester. "David Morgan is Funny, That's Right. Capital F" Attitude. www.thisisdavid.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Haus of Bollix present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

DEFINITELY MAYBE ACTUALLY NEVERMIND

What do Jamie, Mark, and Fitzwilliam Darcy have in common? They're white, problematic, and all played by Colin Firth. Drag artist Crystal Bollix takes on their greatest enemy yet... Romantic Comedies. Join Crystal for a new cabaret extravaganza all about the pitfalls of chick ﬂicks. Watch as they navigate the tricky world of rom-com masculinity, femininity and beyond. Expect costumes, dazzling lip sync, and of course audience interaction. CABARET, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

DIANE SPENCER: SHOW 9

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Mostly biographical, mildly ridiculous and delightfully ﬁlthy stand-up comedy. Topics include whining tourists, Mother's new board game and male stripper shows. Refreshingly honest, Diane is an award-winning, regular performer on the circuit and rapidly rising online star. Check out her other 8 shows on YouTube. ***** "Not to be missed" ThreeWeeks. **** "Half-horrifying, half-fascinating, all hilarious" The Skinny. www.dianespencer.tv

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Big Difference Company in partnership with DMU for Life present

DMU FOR LAUGHS Join DMU for Life for an evening of comedy with alumnus Sarah Keyworth (Herald Angel Award Winner, Pleasance Best Newcomer Winner, Roast Battle, The Stand Up Sketch Show), hosted by fellow alumnus David Morgan (Zoe Ball on Saturday, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now) plus other top comedians from the UK circuit. Make sure you don't miss out on any future DMU for life events by updating your contact details on their website. www.dmu.ac.uk/dmuforlife MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 68

DOM JOLY'S HOLIDAY SNAPS Best known as the creator of Trigger Happy TV, now the writer and broadcaster is undertaking his ﬁrst UK tour since 2011, giving fans a rare opportunity to see him live. Dom will be talking about his exploits as a serial globe-trotting and seeker of dangerous travel spots. Joly famously attended school with Osama Bin Laden and armed with a trusty Powerpoint, fans can expect his holiday snaps to provide comedy and a sense of danger. www.ytheatre.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: £18

Map Ref: 85

DOM MACKIE'S POOR LIFE CHOICES Dom Mackie may only be in his early twenties, but he has already made many stupid decisions in his life. From his very awkward ﬁrst date, to how he appeared on a BBC One game show, Dom can prove that (like his comedy career) that we all make POOR LIFE CHOICES. Come and see the show that has been taken to Austria, Canada and even Kent! 5* - Mooney on Theatre www.dommackie.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Chuckle Busters @ Queen of Bradgate

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 15

DONALD ALEXANDER: YIKES!

WORLD PREMIERE

The slender man of Scottish comedy is delighted to be performing in Leicester in 2020. Donald was in the ﬁnal of the BBC New Comedy Award 2019 broadcast live on Radio 4. Donald has a unique and offbeat comedy voice that "wrong-foots the audience into his traps of witty whimsy" (Chortle.co.uk ). "A truly original and entertaining alternative comic" - (**** wee review). Star of: 'The Comedy Underground' BBC Two Scotland (2019) SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Esquires Coffee present

DOUBLE SHOT COMEDY WITH ESQUIRES COFFEE A good time's a brewing at Esquires Coffee. Join us for a mug full of belly laughs from some of the circuit's tastiest comedy acts, including Lauren Pattison (Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee 2017) and hosted by Tez Illyas, all washed down with a hot cuppa. Our shiny new coffee shop is in the heart of the action at the bottom of New Walk, and we can't wait to show you around at this year's festival. www.esquirescoffee.co.uk/store/esquires-leicester MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Esquires Coffee

Time: 18:30 (20:00) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 26

PM Live Ltd proudly present

ED BYRNE: IF I'M HONEST Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself and tries to decide if he has any traits that are worth passing on to his children. Ed Byrne presents his brandnew masterclass in observational comedy hot on the heels of his 17/18 touring hit, Spoiler Alert! A TV household name, in the past year Ed has appeared on BBC's Live At The Apollo (Host), Mock The Week, The Pilgrimage, Top Gear and QI. demontforthall.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Map Ref: 22

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £26.50

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 ED PATRICK AND ALEX FARROW: WORK IN PROGRESS Two ﬁne comics work on new shows. Ed Patrick, a Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year nominee, host of the Guardian/BBC Radio 5Live recommended podcast Comedians' Surgery, Ed is also an NHS junior doctor. "Sidesplitting and uplifting" - TheatreBath, "Packed with funny anecdotes" - Guardian. Alex Farrow, the former school teacher explores the funnier side of philosophy outside the classroom, a regular on BBC Radio Oxford. www.edpatrickcomedy.com

MIXED BILL

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £7 (£6)

Map Ref: 58

EDD HEDGES: SHUT IT DOWN CAROL Edd Hedges brings his 2019 Edinburgh Fringe show "Shut It Down Carol" to the Leicester Comedy Festival. He's been doing it for ages now so it should be bloody great. 'Edd Hedges is a joy to watch' The Scotsman. 'It's not often you are left stunned at the end of a Fringe show...funny, complex and dark' **** *The Student Newspaper. 'You'll be thinking about Hedges for the rest of the run' ***** The Fountain. **** * one4review. https://eddcomedy.wixsite.com/website

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

EDD HEDGES: SUCH A SWEET KID WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Edd Hedges brings his brand new show to Leicester Comedy Festival. Its early doors, but he thinks this is going to be the one the ﬁnally ends world suffering. Stories and jokes and stuff from a kid that one a big competition ages ago and has been around the world telling jokes. He's been on the BBC and had some nice reviews. It'll be fun. You should come. He's a sweet kid. STORYTELLING, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

EDY HURST'S COMEDY VERSION OF JEFF WAYNE'S MUSICAL VERSION OF H.G. WELLS' LITERARY VERSION (VIA ORSON WELLES' RADIO VERSION) OF "THE WAR OF THE WORLDS" Edy Hurst, the mad cap lad of comedy, brings his greatest challenge to life. The pre-re- boot-daptation that no one asked for, yet everyone needs. Bringing together all the budget and resources of a child's birthday party, this is the greatest (only) Comedy Musical Sci-ﬁ story ever told. As seen on MTV UK, Radio 4 Extra ****. 'Bursts with Comedic Joy' - The Skinny. **** "Funny. Quirky, Deep. Seamless - The Lancashire Post. ALTERNATIVE, MUSICAL www.edyhurst.co.uk DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

PBJ Live present

EGG: WORK IN PROGRESS Expect the unexpected, if what you don't expect is off-beat observations, beautiful sketches, witty repartee, intense social commentary and crackling sexual chemistry. If that sounds like what you were expecting, expect the expected. Following sell out shows and critical acclaim for 2018's Richard Pictures, Anna and Emily are bringing their new Work In Progress to Leicester. As seen on Channel 4. "An absolute blast" **** FEST www.eggcomedy.com SKETCH DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 58

www.comedyinleicestershire.com present

ELBOW ROOM COMEDY 5 acts for £10! No less than 5 circuit acts in this wonderful, cosy Micropub in Hinckley. Enjoy great beers and wines while soaking up different styles of comedy from new to experienced performers. 90 plus minutes of stand-up with two 'real ale' breaks. For details of performers go to: www.comedyinleicester. com (Book early. This will sell out). www.comedyinleicestershire.com CABARET DATES:

Venue: Elbow Room

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 24

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Oxygen Entertainment present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

ELEANOR CONWAY: YOU MAY RECOGNISE ME FROM TINDER

Eleanor suspects she may have intimacy issues. She always has sex on the ﬁrst date and hasn't got beyond a third date in over ten years. It's a shame because she's really good at sex. She's even crossed a line that many women have probably contemplated crossing on occasion but few have actually done: sex work. Conway follows up her global smash hit 'Walk of Shame' with a candid look at intimacy, shagging and crossing lines. TMI guaranteed. www.eleanorconway.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £10 (£9)

Map Ref: 36

Avalon present

WORLD PREMIERE

ELEANOR TIERNAN: WORK IN PROGRESS

A trying out of new ideas from someone who has had some success doing the same thing before. "Brilliantly written, logic-askew epiphanies " - Fest Magazine. "The comedic story-telling mastery of a modern day Joyce Grenfell". Www.eleanortiernan.com SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

ELITE GAMING LOUNGE'S COMEDY QUIZ Come and join us in Coalville's own gaming lounge for a highly interactive comedy quiz as part of the Big Weekend. Expand your trivia by compete against other teams and win prizes! Fun for the whole family (ages 5-100) but tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. www.elitegaminglounge.co.uk GAME SHOW, EVENT DATES:

Venue: Elite Gaming Lounge

Time: 15:00 (16:30) Entry: £3.50 (£2.50)

Map Ref: 25

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

ELLIOT STEEL: WORK IN PROGRESS

Elliot returns to Leicester to do an hour of (mostly) new comedy (while sneaking in some hits) in a city that needs to get trains that run past 9pm. As seen on Comedy Central's Roast Battle, Live From The Comedy Store and BBC's The Premier League Show. "His millennial pearls of wisdom deﬁnitely deserve bigger crowds" **** - The List www.offthekerb.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

ELLIOT WENGLER: SPECIAL FEATURES WORK IN PROGRESS

There's only one thing that'll stop Elliot telling you stories of working for Nando's by accident, Pokemon championships, and chicken culls for sake of democracy... HIMSELF! Luckily he's got his inner monologue on display to help him out. Come see a live comedy show with DVD special features; audio commentaries, gag reels, and more! 'likeable performer; nice ideas' - Broadway Baby. 'truly funny stories; a real treat' - Concrete. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Map Ref: 30

"A programme bursting with variety" daily mirror

Time: 17:30 (18:25) Entry: FREE

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

ERIC RUSHTON: CONVICT

Ever since birth Eric Rushton has been in prison. That prison is his mind. Also, he is now in actual prison. This show is his parole hearing. Should be good. 'Intriguing and Amusing' - Chortle. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

ERICH MCELROY'S ELECTION 2020 WORK IN PROGRESS Erich McElroy is back to face another US presidential election - all we can do is laugh - the alternative isn't even worth mentioning. Heard on BBC Radio Scotland's 'Breaking the News' & Radio 4's 'Moral Maze.' Seen on BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, SkyNews. ***** "This is political stand-up comedy at its best." BroadwayBaby "The pace never dips and the jokes land every time" **** Wee Review **** "A box worth ticking" Metro. www.erichmcelroy.com

SATIRE, SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 10

Blue Book Artist Management present

ESHAAN AKBAR: INFIDEL-ITY Fresh from appearances on BBC's Mock The Week and Frankie Boyle's New World Order, Akbar brings his acclaimed 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival show to Leicester. He asks what it takes to be a man these days. After #MeToo, incel attacks and man buns, Eshaan Akbar explores masculinity and his relationship with men, women and himself. Love and loss can teach you a lot about who you actually are. eshaanakbar.com SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 68

Blue Book Artist Management present

ESHAAN AKBAR: WORK IN PROGRESS Fresh from appearances on BBC's Mock The Week, Frankie Boyle's New World Order, BBC Radio 4 and his own podcast on BBC Asian Network, Akbar brings a new work-in-progress show to Leicester. At the time of writing, he only has one joke - about pansexuals - that he thinks funny. Find out if he's added anymore to that. eshaanakbar.com SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

EVERARDS TIGER PRESENT ROAR WITH LAUGHTER @ ANCHOR INN, HATHERN Four top comedians from the UK comedy circuit will be at The Anchor in Hathern to bring you a barrel of laughs. Some you'll have seen on TV, some you won't but all are guaranteed to make you roar with laughter! Ticket price includes a FREE pint of Everards Tiger! www.theanchorhathern.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Anchor Inn

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 3

EVERARDS TIGER PRESENT ROAR WITH LAUGHTER @ THE BLACK DOG, OADBY Tickled Pink Comedy Leicester invites you to celebrate talented women in comedy with an all female line up. You will feel empowered and inspired. This is a supportive night and good fun. Ticket price includes a FREE pint of Everards Tiger! www.blackdogleicester.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Black Dog

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 9

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 EVERARDS TIGER PRESENT ROAR WITH LAUGHTER @ THE HEATHCOTE ARMS, CROFT

Four top comedians from the UK comedy circuit will be at The Heathcote Arms, Croft to bring you a barrel of laughs. Some you'll have seen on TV, some you won't but all are guaranteed to make you roar with laughter! Ticket price includes a FREE pint of Everards Tiger! www.theheathcotearms.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Heathcote Arms

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 74

EVERARDS TIGER PRESENT ROAR WITH LAUGHTER @ THE ROSE AND CROWN, THURNBY We have two great shows at The Rose and Crown, Thurnby where four top comedians from the UK comedy circuit will be to bring you a barrel of laughs. Some you'll have seen on TV, some you won't but all are guaranteed to make you roar with laughter! Ticket price includes a FREE pint of Everards Tiger and a buffet! www.roseandcrownthurnby.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Rose and Crown

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 83

EVERARDS TIGER PRESENT ROAR WITH LAUGHTER @ THE WHITE LION, WHISSENDINE Four top comedians from the UK comedy circuit will be at The White Lion in Whissendine to bring you a barrel of laughs. Some you'll have seen on TV, some you won't but all are guaranteed to make you roar with laughter! Ticket price includes a FREE pint of Everards Tiger! www.whitelioninn.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: White Lion

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 90

Attenborough Arts present

FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZA Funny Family Extravaganza! Join comedian Dan Nicholas and our friendly learning crew to see the funny side of things... expect belly laughs, silly stand up, and fun for all the family. Everyone is welcome and supported at this inclusive family event. Followed by a family friendly comedy art gallery tour. www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/attenborougharts CHILDREN'S, EVENT DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 11:00 (13:20) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 5

VOLUNTEER FOR US: Are you interested in going behind the scenes and experiencing the Festival in a different way? Join our team and help make 2019 truly marvellous. For more information contact us on volunteers@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

Buddies Cafe present

FANNY BURNS Join us for national touring drag act 'Fanny Burns.' Leicester born and bread, Fanny offers a fun ﬁlled show of comedy & singing that will leave you wanting more. Tickets include supper and are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. www.fannyburnsdrag.com CHARACTER, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Buddies

Map Ref: 12

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 20:00 (22:30) Entry: £15

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 David Johnson and John Mackay present

FASCINATING AÏDA They're back at last! Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson and Liza Pulman are heading out on tour. With a selection of old favourites, songs you haven't heard before and some you wish you'd never heard in the ﬁrst place. The songs are hilarious and topical - the glamour is unstoppable. With three Olivier Award nominations and over 25 million YouTube and Facebook hits for Cheap Flights and their incredibly rude Christmas song how can you miss it? demontforthall.co.uk MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £26.50

Map Ref: 22

FAWLTY TOWERS MURDER MYSTERY Join us as Basil's plans to host a murder mystery evening at Fawlty Towers are scuppered when the Hotel Inspector is actually found murdered in his room! Collect the clues, question the characters and solve the mystery! A unique, interactive murder mystery with two course dinner... For more details please pop in or visit our website. theangel-hotel.co.uk CHARACTER, EVENT DATES:

Venue: The Angel Hotel

Time: 18:30 (22:00) Entry: £35

Map Ref: 67

The Doorstep Comedy Club present

FENNEL STREET CLUB COMEDY SPECIALS Fennel Street Club's debut year and bringing some amazing acts to wow audiences every Saturday in the festival. For £10 you will get 4 amazing acts coming down to literally 'laugh your socks off'. For full line ups check us out on thedoorstepcomedyclub.com or on our Facebook page. www.thedoorstepcomedyclub.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Fennel Street Club

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 72

FIONA CLIFT: HOW TO BE ALONE We are born alone, we live alone, sometimes we need a loan and we die alone. But what does that actually mean? Celebrated Antipodean Mistress of the Monologue, Janice Bruce McHeath, believes in monologue. Using a chair, some wigs, and extreme physical skills, she creates a cast of characters all giving testament to the power of monologue. But remember, it isn't comedy, monologue. A hilarious evening of character comedy by Fiona Clift. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 19:00 (19:45) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 21

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

FIONA RIDGEWELL: CONTENDER WORK IN PROGRESS

So she wants to be a boxer, in the golden ring... Fiona Ridgewell has a few obstacles she has to overcome ﬁrst. Join her in this stand-up show about her upbringing, family and the decision to take up boxing, as she delivers a punch or two! 'Fiona Ridgewell has funny bones and an easy warmth on stage.' Julia Chamberlain. 'I could easily imagine seeing Fiona as a panellist on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown or Would I Lie To You?' EFC. www.ﬁonaridgewell.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

PETER Pizzeria present

FIRST NIGHT FUNNIES Celebrate the ﬁrst night of the festival with an incredible line up of comedians, including award winning comedian and ﬁnalist in both the BBC New Comedy Awards and Funny Women, Catherine Bohart. Line up to be announced on www.comedy-festival.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 58

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

FIRST PARTY, FIRE AND THEFT A comedy show about recovery. Ian Peskett and Tommy Tomski weren't born to be total reprobates, but after years of hard work, dedication and toil they were doomed to succeed. Time plus tragedy really does equal comedy in this 'all cards on the table' breakdown of two lives lived very precariously. Thank Darwin they survived to tell the tale along with special guest Kathy Giddins dissecting her own troubled past with a dose of musical comedy. MIXED BILL, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

FLO & JOAN: BEFORE THE SCREAMING STARTS Following last year's sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival, London's Soho Theatre, national UK tour and at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, musical comedy sisters Flo & Joan have a new hour of their dark and waggish songs to parade about the place. "These intricately crafted, ﬂawlessly performed numbers will have you howling with laughter one minute, wiping away a tear the next" - The Telegraph. MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 19:45 (21:25) Entry: £15

Map Ref: 21

FOOLISH BANDITS PRESENT CAST VS CREW Three daring cast members, who are determined to perform an audience-chosen fairy tale, compete against three dastardly technicians, who try to hinder the performance using lights, sounds and props. Who will win this improvised contest? Fast, chaotic and entertaining - famous fairy tales like you've never seen them before! "fresh and unpredictable...a riotous piece of improvisational comedy" - Buxton Fringe Festival Review IMPROV, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 68

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

FOR DOG'S SAKE - DAVE CHAWNER

With so much doom and gloom everywhere award-winning comedian, best selling author & presenter Dave Chawner explains how dogs can save the future! As seen on BBC, ITV & C4. As heard on Radio 1, Radio 4 & BBC Radio 5 Live. 'Hilariously entertaining' - Mail On Sunday. * * * * - The List. * * * * - Edinburgh Festival Magazine. * * * * - Three Weeks. * * * * - Broadway Baby. * * * * - Wee Review. * * * * - Ed Fringe Review. * * * * - Voice Mag. www.DaveChawner.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 16:30 (17:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 71

FoxyComedy present

FOXYCOMEDY CLUB NIGHT Join us for a laugh every Wednesday and on the ﬁnal Sunday with top club comedians. Featuring great headliners: Weds 5th BRIAN DAMAGE+KRYSSTAL "Always enjoyable. incredibly funny. His 'Buddy Holly plays Oasis' is a gem" CHORTLE. Weds 12th KEVIN HAYES 'Here is a great Irish comic. His dry, smooth wit is wondrous' THE IRISH TIMES. Weds 19th DUNCAN OAKLEY 'musical skills that would easily ﬁ t into many rock bands. MC Ben Ennis, plus Guests. ALTERNATIVE, MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 20:30 (22:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

KM Comedy Management present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

FRAN JENKING: 'I'M YOUR #1 FRAN'

Work in progress shenanigans from your favourite cheeky chappy, delivering a hilarious set of new ideas, routines and punchlines. You are the Guinea pigs, he's the... the... errrm... god knows... just watch and enjoy! "Fabulous ﬂights of fancy from an amenable onstage presence" - BBC.co.uk. "Fran is one to watch. His likeability and audience skills are an asset to any club" - The Comedy Hut. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Map Ref: 68

"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

Time: 12:30 (13:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

FRANK FOUCAULT: DRAIN WORK IN PROGRESS

Absolutely no idea. Probably playing different characters underwater? It's a work in progress. **** The Scotsman. **** The Skinny. **** Broadway Baby. "Stupidly funny" - Chortle. ALTERNATIVE, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

Corrie McGuire Management present

FRANK LAVENDER: WORK IN PROGRESS Yorkshire's #1 funnyman (citation needed) and indisputable sex symbol Frank Lavender springs forth from the smokey working men's clubs of South Yorkshire for an hour jam-packed full of good honest comedy that doesn't mean to offend anyone. Hilarious character comedy from the creator of Myra DuBois. "A less manic, more articulate Count Arthur Strong... pin-sharp material." -The Scotsman www.franklavender.com SOLO SHOW, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 70

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

FREDDIE FARRELL: YOU'RE SO VAIN, YOU PROBABLY THINK THIS JOKE IS ABOUT YOU.

Freddie released his debut show 'Excuse Me While I Burst into Flames' with American record label Comedy Dynamics in 2017, it sold and streamed more copies than he could ever have imagined. Now he's back with bits and pieces to put together his second show. Come and enjoy Freddie's brand of raw comedy with no reservations! 'Charming funny man, one to watch for sure!' Joe Lycett (Live at the Apollo) www.freddiefarrell.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 18:15 (19:05) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Shearings Ltd & Man V Fat present

WORLD PREMIERE

FREDDY QUINNE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

The ﬁrst ever comedy show funded totally by company sponsorship, award-winning comic Freddy Quinne's innovative take on raising the money needed to perform his comedy leads to an hour of superbly crafted stand-up in between lots and lots of advertisement and product placement. This show explores the sacriﬁces performers make to give themselves a platform and whether or not that ends up undermining the show itself. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 71

Shearings Ltd & Man V Fat present

WORLD PREMIERE

FREDDY QUINNE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Funhouse present

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB Funhouse Comedy has been running its award-winning shows every month at Ashby's delightful Lyric Rooms since 2008 with mixed bills that feature top TV acts as well as brilliant acts you've not yet been introduced to. This show features the phenomenal Zoe Lyons, who has appeared on countless TV shows, including BBC's Live at the Apollo and Mock The Week, as well as the wonderful Steve Bugeja plus rising star Khalid Winter and compere Spiky Mike. https://funhousecomedy.co.uk/venues/ashby-comedy-club/ EVENT, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: The Lyric Rooms

Time: 20:15 (22:45) Entry: £12

Map Ref: 78

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Funhouse present

FUNHOUSE COMEDY CLUB Award-winning Funhouse Comedy Club returns to the Century Theatre with a fantastic mixed bill show featuring the wonderful ex-choir boy and Sky Sports presenter Lloyd Grifﬁ th topping the bill, plus outstanding Irish funnyman Michael Legge, as well as Bedford's dreadlocked joker Paul Ricketts and amiable Geordie compere Barry Dodds. https://funhousecomedy.co.uk/venues/coalville-comedy-club/ EVENT, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Century Theatre

Time: 20:15 (22:45) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 13

Coalville Library present

FUNNY FOLK TALES AND SILLY STORIES FROM TOM THE TALE TELLER Tom the Tale Teller who is joining us for Funny Folk Tales and Silly Stories for children 5 to 11 year olds and parents and carers. https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/ﬁnd-a-library/coalville-library CHILDREN'S, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Coalville Library

Time: 10:15 (11:00) Entry: £1

Map Ref: 17

Avalon present

GARRETT MILLERICK: 20/20 My last two shows have been 'critically-acclaimed-sell-out-smash-hits'*, so I'm attempting to do it again with this one. Historically the third one is never as good as the ﬁrst two, so I'm really up against it. I'll endeavour to make sure it's better than Terminator 3, or The Godfather 3... Basically I'll aim for Rocky III slightly overcooked, but plenty to enjoy for fans of the original, and a cracking soundtrack to boot. (*See Google) www.garrettmillerick.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 7th 21:30 | 8th & 9th 20:00 (60min) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

GAY COMEDY NIGHT This festival favourite is back with even more fresh faces and fabulous comedy! Featuring Robert White, probably the only Asperger, dyslexic, cross lateral, gay, quarter-Welsh, webbed-toed comedian on the circuit, bringing you more of the fun you saw on Britain's Got Talent but with extra naughty bits. Guiding us through the night is rising star, exciting stand-up comedian and drag king Kemah Bob - host of FOC IT UP and heard on Guilty Feminist. www.ytheatre.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £12 (£10)

Map Ref: 85

GEORGE EDGELLER: LOSING MY EDGELLER

REGIONAL PREMIERE

What happens if you lose it? Worse still, what happens if it turns out you never had it in the ﬁrst place? Join up-and-coming stand up George Edgeller on a journey as he ﬁgures out what you do after your get up and go got up and left. (Leicester Comedy Festival Circuit Breaker 2019) SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 13:45 (14:45) Entry: £5 (£3)

Map Ref: 70

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

GEORGE LEWIS: WORK IN PROGRESS

Not only will this be a very funny hour, but it's at the perfect time for you to nip over after work and be home for tea. Lovely! George has appeared on Celebrity Mastermind and the Stand Up Sketch Show. And has written for BBC Radio 4, C4's 8 Out Of 10 Cats, BBC's Have I Got News For You and his own weekly football column 'Funny Old Game' in the Times, so you're in safe hands. "An expert craftsman" - Chortle. http://georgelewiscomedian.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Map Ref: 68

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Ebdon Management present

GEORGE RIGDEN: SPOONING WITH URI As a child, George Rigden (Leicester Mercury Comedian of The Year nominee 2017) was friends with Uri Geller. This is the bizarre, but true story of that friendship. In the wake of Operation Yewtree and the #MeToo movement, this is a tale that is as relevant as it is proﬁ table (TBC). "Spooning With Uri is stranger than ﬁction, a bizarre tale that's disturbing and a little bit heart-breaking, but very funny indeed" **** The List STORYTELLING, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

DONATE: Less than 5% of our income comes from public funding. You can support the festival by making a donation via our website www.comedy-festival.co.uk or when booking your tickets.

Andrew Roach Talent present

GEORGIE MORRELL: EYECON Join award-nominated comedian & one-eyed legend Georgie Morrell as she explores disability & celebrity. Ever wanted to be an icon & have everyone look up to you? Georgie didn't but she is now & doesn't remember agreeing to this. Or did she? Has she totally sacriﬁced who she is to be the poster girl of disability? As seen & heard on BBC Two, Radio 4 & Radio 5 Live. "Engrossing...highly entertaining and well worth seeing" **** One4Review http://georgiemorrell.co.uk/ STORYTELLING, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 41

Ashby de la Zouch Library present

GIGGLY WRIGGLY READERS Join us at Ashby de la Zouch Library for a fun 30 minutes of funny stories and rhymes for 0-4 year olds and their parents and carers. https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/ﬁnd-a-library/ashby-de-la-zouch-library CHILDREN'S, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Ashby Library

Time: 10:30 (11:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 4

Coalville Library present

GIGGLY WRIGGLY READERS Join us at Coalville Library for a fun 30 minutes of funny stories and rhymes for 0-4 year olds and their parents and carers. https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/ﬁnd-a-library/coalville-library CHILDREN'S, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Coalville Library

Time: 10:15 (10:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 17

Jokes On Us present

GIN & COMIC Comedians Lindsey Davies & Dawn Margaret have combined their love for Gin & Comedy to collaborate on a Gin Themed Comedy Show, which is interactive and includes Gin Themed Games, Audience Participation and Gin Themed Prizes. http://www.ginandcomicevents.co.uk/ INTERACTIVE, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 GOOD KIDS & JACK CHISNALL

WORLD PREMIERE

Sketch-comedy cowboys GOOD KIDS (Breaking Talent Award 2018 nominees at Birmingham Comedy Festival, "a really fab little sketch act" Joe Lycett) team up with JACK CHISNALL (50% of sketch duo MOON, one of Fringe 2018's best-reviewed shows, "the complete package" **** The Guardian) to show off their comedic chops. A split bill of wicked ass mayhem. Former writers for BBC Radio 4's 'The Now Show'. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

GOOD KIDS: GOLDEN YEARS Brand new lively sketch comedy silliness from Brummie wide-faced loons Good Kids. The renegade double-act take to the festival with their highly-anticipated new show. Expect songs, sketches, characters and a ﬂippin' great time. "Good Kids are a total blast!" - Fringe Guru. "Cleverly scripted and often witty." ThreeWeeks. "A really fab little sketch act" - Joe Lycett. www.goodkidscomedy.co.uk

SKETCH, MUSICAL

DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Mick Perrin Worldwide present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

GRACE CAMPBELL: WHY I'M NEVER GOING INTO POLITICS

Grace Campbell survived a childhood in British politics. Her Dad, Alastair Campbell, worked closely with Tony Blair for many years. Now Grace, co-founder of feminist group The Pink Protest, wants to tell you why she'll never consider a career in Westminster. As seen on Channel 4. **** - Metro **** - Threeweeks www.disgracecampbell.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 27

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

GRAHAM WHISTLER: SINGLE USE SPASTIC

Single Use Spastic is the brand new show from award winning stand up comedian Graham Whistler. The show tells the story of how Graham nearly quit comedy all together to become a Paralympian, only for him to fail spectacularly along the way. Graham is a master of self sabotage and saying the wrong thing. If you know Graham, you will know why he 'should' be a big success but also why he isn't. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 42

GRIFF RHYS JONES: ALL OVER THE PLACE Griff is back and once again all over the place with his brand new full-length stand-up show. It's time to join one half of Smith & Jones, one quarter of Not The Nine O'Clock News and one third of Three Men In a Boat as he presents an evening of hilarious true stories, riffs, observations and details of his recent medical procedures. 'Great comedy' **** The Telegraph. 'The jokes come faster than the rapids on the River Tay' The Guardian. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Curve

Map Ref: 21

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 19:45 (21:45) Entry: £18 (£16)

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Ship of Fools Presents

HAHA HARBOROUGH COMEDY CLUB Headlining is the brilliant musical comedy star KATE LUCAS, former Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year. Support comes in the form of hilarious Yorkshireman HOWARD WALKER, plus Birmingham Breaking Talent Award winner CELYA AB and compere ALAN SEAMAN www.harboroughtheatre.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Harborough Theatre

Time: 20:30 (22:30) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 32

HANNAH PLATT & TOM LAWRINSON: TRULY EVIL WORK IN PROGRESS Tom and Hannah present two work in progress stand up shows. BBC New Comedian of the Year 2019 ﬁnalist Hannah Platt has a frank and acerbic approach to comedy, never shying away from sensitive topics. 'Voice of a generation' The Skinny. 'Tom Lawrinson is a comic with a creative mind full of weird, wonderful and completely unexpected punchlines. So much so that he leaves tears running down the faces of the audience' TicketArena.co.uk. ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 16:45 (17:45) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 70

Jokes On Us present

HANNAH SILVESTER: UNMENTIONABLES Award-winning comedian Hannah Silvester will be airing her dirty linen in public again in a new solo show at the Leicester Comedy Festival. Join Hannah as she swears to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, with all of the awkward and embarrassing bits she should probably keep to herself. "Brummie charm and extreme likability" - Psychologies Magazine. "Hilariously, viciously blunt" - Chortle. www.hannahsilvester.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Loughborough Student Union present

HAPPY MONDAY COMEDY CLUB Cognito hosts a very special one hour show featuring 3 fantastic stand-ups handpicked just for you by the Festival organisers! Hosted by Garrett Millerick ('Wickedly funny' **** - The Times 'Just want's to entertain you and does it superbly' **** - The Sunday Times), featuring Laura Monmoth (Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award), Jack Gleadow (Leicester Mercury Comedian of the year 2018) and Tom Little ('Hilarious' - The Mirror.) MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Cognito

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5 | FREE for LU students

Map Ref: 18

HARRIET DYER: MENTAL HEALTH SHOW Harriet Dyer is an award winning comedian, mental health advocate and an experience to behold. This is an evolved version of her critically acclaimed debut hour, "Barking at Aeroplanes" which she's since performed all over the world in a small bid to keep people talking about and laughing in the face of mental health. "She's insightful, unique, peerless, extraordinary and... well, maybe a little unhinged." BBC Radio 4 Extra. http://www.harrietdyer.com

SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

We’re not the Messiah. We’re a very naughty radio station. DAB

APP

SHOUT “UNION JACK RADIO”

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 United Agents present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

HARRIET KEMSLEY: WORK IN PROGRESS

"Very funny rising star" (Time Out), Harriet returns to Leicester with a brand new hour off the back of her critically-acclaimed UK Tour (2018-19) if she can ﬁnd her way out the car park. As seen on Bobby & Harriet Get Married, C4's 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Roast Battle & E4's Pants on Fire . **** The Guardian, **** Scotsman, **** List, **** The Skinny. unitedagents.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 27

Avalon present

HARRY AND CHRIS: THIS ONE'S FOR THE ALIENS Harry and Chris (Guardian Pick of the Fringe 2018) are at the top of their field, after inventing the field of comedy-rap-jazz. They've sold out four Edinburgh shows, appeared on the Russell Howard Hour and were called 'fabulously entertaining' by Jonathan Ross. "Thoroughly feelgood" Chortle, "Magnificent" ***** Sunday Post, "Blisteringly talented" ***** Fringe Guru www.harryandchris.com MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 27

Avalon present

HARRY BAKER: I AM 10,000 Mathematician-turned-World-Slam-Champion Harry Baker turns 10,000 days old, celebrating numbers, words and life itself. Harry's love of language and logic has got him through literal marathons, seen him rap in front of Ice Cube, and now has him analysing the technical accuracy of So Solid Crew's 21 seconds. He's got 99 problems but maths ain't one. 'Ferociously intelligent' **** (Scotsman). 'The greatest performer on earth' ***** (BBC Radio 1). www.harrybaker.co SPOKEN WORD, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 27

HARUN MUSHO'D: WHY I DON'T TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT TERRORISM Harun Musho'd is an Arabic name. Good news is I can't drive. Bad news is I have a rucksack. If you don't like that joke, don't come to this show. "Excellent Show. Sharp and witty comedy from a rising star." FringeReview. "Musho'd has the makings of a great comedian" **** Views From The Gods. "When so many newer comics are Stewart Lee wannabes, at least this bears comparison to the original" Chortle. SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 16:45 (17:35) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Lucky Dog Theatre Productions present

HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY The award-winning Lucky Dog bring their internationally renowned biopic about the best-loved comedy duo of all-time back to Leicester Guildhall. Widely regarded as being the most accurate show ever written about The Boys, it is the closest thing you can get to seeing the original pair in action. Be prepared to laugh your socks off before having your heart broken. ***** FringeReview. ***** RemoteGoat. ***** LoveFringe. ***** FringeGuru. www.luckydogtheatreproductions.com THEATRE DATES:

Venue: The Guildhall

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 73

HEALY AND HULIE

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Best buds Patrick Healy (Yellow Young Comedian of the Year 2018 and So You Think You're Funny 2018 Finalist) and local Leicester boy Rahul Somia (Barrel of Laughs New Act Competition 3rd Place) team up to split an hour to give their hilarious insights on what goes on in their mind and in their lives. It's only by pure coincidence they also happen to be the two most handsome men in the world today. MIXED BILL, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Map Ref: 40

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £5

ADVERTISEMENT EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 We are seeking brave businessmen & businesswomen to take part in our:

2020

In aid of Leicester Comedy Festival &

NEW TRUSTEES WANTED We are seeking new trustees for Big Difference Company! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll join a committed and dedicated board of trustees & staff team, to help us develop the charity and annual festivals If you want to support the development of the charity, and have an interest in our work, please contact geoff@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk for further information. Our trustees are all volunteers and give up their time to support the charity.

(registered charity 1135167)

1st April, The Y Theatre, Leicester

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Organise or join our fundraising events and challenges

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Big Difference Company produce and deliver ambitious festivals and projects which improve social, economic and cultural wellbeing. To find out more about how you can support us contact katherine@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

You can support by visiting www.bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

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. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

HEAVEN KNOWS I'M FRIZ FRIZZLE NOW

Friz Frizzle is going to ruin your favourite songs. Armed with a piano, he'll take the songs you know and love and mess around with them until you don't want to know or love them anymore. It's better than it sounds. He also has some stories to tell about Westlife, the age of Uncles and a Crowded House mishap. Come see it to believe it. "A Master of Musical Comedy" - Comedy Central UK. **** - Broadway Baby. http://frizfrizzle.com MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 9th 17:30 | 22nd 20:00 (60min) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

HEAVEN KNOWS I'M FRIZ FRIZZLE NOW

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Blue Book Artist Management present

HELEN BAUER: GOOD TIT WORK IN PROGRESS Nominated for Best Newcomer at Edinburgh Fringe 2019, sweet angel stand up comedian Helen Bauer presents a work in progress show of her new thoughts and feelings on pretty much everything. "What follows is an hour of comedy so perfectly put together, you'd be forgiven for doubting this could possibly be someone's debut show." (The Skinny). As heard and seen on BBC Radio 4, BBC2, BBC3 and Comedy Central UK. http://www.bluebookartistmanagement.com/proﬁles/helen-bauer.aspx SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

HELEN DUFF IS THE TITS WORK IN PROGRESS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Work In Progress from the deliciously unpredictable provocateur who makes crafting a cult classic look like child’s play. ‘Bold, subversive and very funny’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Deserves any and all praise that comes her way’ **** (Skinny). ‘Master of shamelessly silly yet socially conscious clowning’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). As seen on BBC III, BBC Two’s ‘The Mash Report’, and alongside Will Ferrell in ‘Holmes & Watson’. www.helenduff.com THIS SHOW WILL BE SIGNED DATES:

CLOWN, STORYTELLING 09

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £6 (£5)

Map Ref: 5

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

HENRY PAKER: WORK IN PROGRESS

Award winning stand-up and comic writer Henry Paker is one of the most sought after comic brains in the UK. Described by The Guardian as "one of the funniest men on the planet" Henry has gone on to star in BBC3's 'Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live', 'Russell Howard's Good News' and 'Comedy Central at The Comedy Store'. Join him as he debuts a brand new hour of hilarious stand-up. **** - The Times. **** - The Skinny. www.offthekerb.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

LUTheatre present

HISTORY GIRLS Does history repeat itself? LUTheatre returns to Leicester Comedy Festival for the third year running to present this original comedy, wherein we follow the story of Sarah as she is visited by famous ﬁgures from history - but is their advice as timeless as it seems? As her own life seems to be getting more hectic by the day, it begins to seem that behind every successful man there really is a woman rolling her eyes. https://www.leicesterunion.com/opportunities/societies/ﬁndasociety/7256/ THEATRE, HISTORICAL DATES:

Venue: School of Museum Studies Building

Map Ref: 63

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Big Difference Company present

HOTEL DE COMEDIE Check in at Hôtel De Comédie and experience a series of unique comedy moments in Leicester's newest boutique hotel! Take a tour of the hotel's luxurious suites to encounter and interact with a variety of intriguing comedy acts. Set in different rooms through St Martins Lodge, this is an interactive show where four comedians perform outside their comfort zones. Guests include Myra Dubois, Phil Jerrod, Jack Gleadow, and more. Not to be missed! IMMERSIVE DATES:

Venue: St Martins Lodge

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 67

HOW TO BE A WORLD CLASS POET - ANDY GILBERT Andy Gilbert delivers his master class in poetry for people who don't like poetry. His unique teaching methods will inspire you to release your inner Byron and express yourself through a talent that you never knew you had. Gilbert is considered deluded in some poetry circles but his sincerity has never been in doubt. Strong language and adult themes. SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Future Cycles

Time: 14:00 (15:00) & 16:00 (17:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 29

HOWARD READ: WORK IN PROGRESS A brand new work-in-progress by the multi-award-winning stand-up, animator and song-writer, Howard Read. This show could contain anything from Howard's trade-mark Perrier-Nominated interactive animated characters, to his Writer's Guild Award-Winning jokes, or his Musical Comedy Award Nominated songs. He doesn't know what's going to be in the show at time of going to print, and he still might not, at time of stepping on stage. www.howardread.com ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

A Rush of Laughter present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

I AM THE BOYFRIEND

Ever ruined a ballet show with an oversized snowball, had your name chanted by thousands of people at Edgbaston cricket ground (for the wrong reason) or constantly have advice on how to behave in a ladylike fashion. Karen is a proud geezer bird and embraces all that entails without sacriﬁcing a bit of lippy and an occasional heel. "Karen is one of the most consistently hilarious comedians, I have had the pleasure to work with" Joe Lycett. SOLO SHOW, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 10

Big Difference Company and Equity present

I SAY - THE ANNUAL COMEDY CONVERSATION FEATURING LOST VOICE GUY Lost Voice Guy is perhaps one of the most popular comedians in the UK. He's been a regular at Leicester Comedy Festival for many years and this is your chance to hear him interviewed by Festival Director, Geoff Rowe. Hear how he got into comedy, and how he went on to win Britain's Got Talent in 2018. In partnership with De Montfort University. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 21

An Objectively Funny Production present

I, TOM MAYHEW Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Nominee in 2017, Tom Mayhew brings his critically acclaimed 2019 Edinburgh show to the Midlands! A story of being working-class and ﬁghting for your place in the world...with lots of jokes. ***** The Edit. **** Chortle. **** The Scotsman. **** The Skinny: "passionate, articulate and - above all else - hilarious". www.tommayhew.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 5

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

IAN LANE: NO MORE TETRIS UNTIL YOU'VE SAVED COMEDY WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Hey you! Stop trying to make bricks disappear for 60 minutes. Thanks. Technophobic multimedia comedian and autistic human Ian 'Avenue' Lane brings you a new work-in-progress fusion of sardonic pedantry and visual whimsy. May contain 90's screensavers, ice cream van dashboards, chicken shop posters and extractor fans. 'Densely layered yet consistently funny' **** (Comedy To Watch). 'Powerful, provocative stuff' (Disability Arts Online). ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

IAN SMITH: WE'RE ALL HAVING A REALLY GREAT TIME

WORLD PREMIERE

Multi-award winning comedian Ian Smith (BBC3's Sweat the Small Stuff) returns to Leicester with a work in progress of a new show. He's given it a very positive name, so he's going to have to put a lot of effort into this! "An effortlessly brilliant stand-up show" **** The Scotsman. "A riot of sprightly silliness" **** Chortle; "Manages to combine an incredibly well structured gig with almost Basil Fawlty levels of anger" **** ThreeWeeks www.iansmithcomedy.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

IAN STONE: TYPICAL JEW? Am I a typical Jew? Big Nose? - Yes. Tight with money? - I like to think not. Member of the global banking conspiracy? I'm not at liberty to tell you. This is a show about cultural presumptions. Are the Germans always efﬁcient? Is anybody in Malaysia not good at Badminton? Are the Dutch all tall? Come with me on an exploration across the choppy seas of cultural identity towards the dry land of acceptance. www.ianstonecomedian.co.uk

ALTERNATIVE

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 68

A Rush Of Laughter & Comedy Sheep present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

IGNACIO LOPEZ: ESPAÑYOLO

Spain's best export, Ignacio Lopez (as seen on BBC 'Sesh') slams Spanish and British culture in a relentlessly funny show about invasions, history and tapas. An armada of sarcasm, silliness and songs! 'Unique and hilarious' - Buzz Magazine. 'Playful, Brutal & Bloody Funny' - Moody Comedy. 'Charismatic with waspish charm. Coaxing and smart' - Chortle. www.comedylopez.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £5 (£5)

Map Ref: 10

IM-PAIR-MENT BY JACK CARROLL & PETE SELWOOD Disabled comedians Jack Carroll (ITV's 'Britain's Got Talent', BBC's 'Live At The Apollo') and Pete Selwood (New Yorkshire Comedian of The Year 2016) present 'ImPAIRment', a sketch show about, you guessed it... disability. SKETCH, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £8 (£5)

Map Ref: 68

IMPROVINE

WORLD PREMIERE

On January 17th 2017, the world lost an institution as Vine closed down for good... until now! Combining two things that no one asked for, Improvine merges the worlds of improvised silliness with our fallen hero Vine to create some ridiculous sketches based on your favourite iconic 6-second videos. Join us as some of The Midland's ﬁnest improvisers join forces to debut this brand new, utterly ridiculous show! IMPROV, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Map Ref: 41

"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 The Cosy Club present

IN STITCHES COMEDY CLUB Join us every Friday night for a line up of handpicked festival favourites at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2018 Best New Venue! Guests include Garrett Millerick, Eshaan Akbar, Helen Bauer, George Rigden, Pascal Cameron, Patrick Monahan, Carla Pol and more to be announced. https://comedy-festival.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 70

2Funny Comedy present

ISHI KHAN: LOVE IS... WORK IN PROGRESS I'm writing this copy in September 2019 when the show is still to be written. Let's tap into the psychic powers from mum's side of the family ! Hmm... ok. Plan B. **** - Female Arts. Former Funny Women Best Show Award nominee, Ishi comes out about her ﬁrst kiss, crisps & strawberries. It'll be fun especially because you'll be there. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 16:30 (17:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

2Funny Comedy present

Venue: The Lancaster Arms

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 75

Mirth of Forth Productions present

IT JUST SO HAPPENED: AN ALTERNATIVE HISTORY SHOW Stand-up comedian Richard Pulsford (Dave's Top Ten Jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe 2019, UK Pun Championships runner-up 2016) hosts this alternative history show. Comedians and history buffs perform short sets based 'on this day' (7th February) in history and explore some possible alternative histories of Leicester. Recorded for the It Just So Happened podcast. For the list of panellists see www.ItJustSoHappened.co.uk and @ItJustSo1 on Twitter. ItJustSoHappened.co.uk HISTORICAL, MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 41

Mirth of Forth Productions present

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

Glorious Management present

IT WAS FUNNIER IN MY HEAD - ANDREW WHITE Gay rights. Growing up. Petrol station crisps... Andrew White covers it all in this 'best of' show. Having performed at some of the top comedy clubs & festivals across the UK for the last ﬁ ve years, come and enjoy an hour of his stand-up hits alongside some brand new material! "ANDREW WHITE'S COMEDY ACT IS NOT TO BE MISSED" (Daily Record). **** "RAMPANTLY ENGAGING" (The List). www.standupandrew.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 17:00 (17:50) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 41

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Big Difference Company present

IT'S A FUNNY OLD WORLD DISCUSSION Is comedy, and stand-up in particular, mainly a young person's game? Does contemporary comedy alienate older people or can it ever be a useful thing to bring people together? Join us as we discuss mainstream comedy shows and speciﬁc projects targetted at older people, including in care homes and community venues. Speakers include Janice Connolly, Lynn Ruth Miller, Troy Young (Age UK) and Pope Lonergan. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 12:00 (13:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 58

IT'S HOT, IT'S NOT Why is it that sometimes I'm hot but you're cold? Why are there puddles and sometimes not? How can it be sunny and rainy all at once and also not at all? And if it's summer here, why is it winter there? Some call it our nation's obsession but where would we be without the weather? It's Hot, It's Not is a celebration of climatic elements by the major international performance company Reckless Sleepers. Age guidance: 2-5 CHILDREN'S DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 10:30 (11:15) & 13:30 (14:15) Entry: £12 (£10)

Map Ref: 21

IVAN BRACKENBURY SUPPORTS TOM BINNS: THE PSYCHIC COMEDIUM Widely regarded as THREE of the best headliners working in British Comedy, Tom's ventriloquist act, alter egos Hospital radio DJ Ivan Brackenbury and psychic Ian D Montfort has won him over 30 ﬁ ve star reviews and many awards nationally and internationally. "Not only is the running gag a thing of comedy genius, but Binns tags it jaw-droppingly brilliantly" The Scotsman. CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £15

Map Ref: 37

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

IVO GRAHAM: THE USUAL FEBRUARY FAFF WORK IN PROGRESS

Work in progress from a life in progress, as seen on BBC's 'Mock The Week', 'Live At The Apollo', C4's '8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown'. "Has star in the making coming off him like steam" - **** Telegraph. www.ivograham.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Berks Nest present

JACK BARRY: ALIEN Your best friend Jack Barry is worried about you. The world's turned to shit and you haven't been laughing enough. He's going to roughly slap you around the face with his jokes and tell you to get a hold of yourself. As seen on The Russell Howard Hour and in Catastrophe, Cuckoo and Netﬂix's Turn Up Charlie. Writer for Mock the Week. 'The ﬁnest of British comedy... effortlessly endearing' ***** (EdFestMag.com). **** (Sunday Times). **** (List). www.jackbarry.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

JACK CAMPBELL: CHEESECAKE

The tricky third hour. A look back on ﬁ ve years on since winning English Comedian of the Year 2014 to the next big dream - having his own utility room. Brand new work-in-progress show that was performed at Leicester Comedy Festival 2019. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Map Ref: 30

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 JACK CARROLL: WALK IN PROGRESS Jack Carroll (ITV's 'Britain's Got Talent', 'Trollied', BBC's 'Live at the Apollo') presents an hour of work in progress stand up. "Carroll is terriﬁc"- The Guardian. SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £8 (£5)

Map Ref: 70

JACK GLEADOW: MASTER OF FUN (WORK IN PROGRESS)

WORLD PREMIERE

The Leicester Mercury Comedian of The Year 2018 returns with a brand new work in progress show. Join Jack for an evening of fun all round entertainment. Expect fun, games and ﬁnd out how on earth he became the 15th coolest person in Hull. "A natural born performer with great stage presence who knows how to entertain" ITALKTELLY. ''An absolute natural'' CHORTLE. Nominated Chortle Best Newcomer and Best New Show Leicester Comedy Festival. www.jackgleadow.co.uk

SOLO SHOW, INTERACTIVE

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £8 (£7)

Map Ref: 68

Phil McIntyre Entertainments by arrangement with Stamptown Comedy present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

JACK TUCKER: COMEDY STAND-UP HOUR

A well-respected journeyman on the comedy circuit, Jack has bumped mics with the best of them. Tucker is a bonaﬁde legend in the Upstate New York regional stand-up comedy scene who's sold out all over the world, from New York to Manhattan to Brooklyn. Ask any comedian, they'll all say the same thing: Jackie is a powerhouse superstar rock star. 'A raucously hilarious 60 minutes.' ****½ Chortle. ***** Ed Fest Mag. **** Fest. www.stamptowncomedy.com SOLO SHOW, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 36

Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

JACOB HATTON: ONCE UPON A TIME NEXT TUESDAY

Apocalypse! Really soon! Sifting through the ruins at the end of the world, a band of survivors comes together. One of them, Jacob Hatton (BBC Radio 4 Extra, Soho Theatre Young Company) decides it's time for a comedy show to ﬁnd out how we got here: "Endorphin milking titterfest" **** (Mumble Comedy). "Attuned to the human psyche" (Broadway Baby). SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 14:30 (15:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Avalon present

JACOB HAWLEY: FALIRAKI Stevenage soft lad Jacob Hawley presents ruminations on love, youth and mental health. Politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts and selfcare for those who don't. 'Intelligent and important' **** (Sunday Post). 'A down-to-earth talent who's got it in spades' **** (List). Creator and star of BBC Radio 4's 'Welcome To Britain', and BBC Sounds' 'Jacob Hawley: On Drugs'. As seen on BBC Three. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 27

Avalon present

JACOB HAWLEY: WORK IN PROGRESS Stevenage soft lad Jacob Hawley presents 40 minutes of new gold. Creator and star of BBC Radio 4's 'Welcome To Britain', and BBC Sounds' 'Jacob Hawley: On Drugs'. As seen on BBC Three. 'Intelligent and important, his self-aware set sees him explore themes of class and identity in the modern world expertly' **** (Sunday Post). 'With his sensitive and joke-busy hours, he's already shaping up as a must-see staple in the years to come' **** (List). SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:25) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

JACQUELINE HAIGH: THE GODDESS TANTRIC MASSAGE PARLOUR Critically-acclaimed, one-woman sitcom by Jacqueline Haigh, about her true experiences of working as a receptionist in a Tantric Massage parlour. A hilarious peek behind the velvet curtain! Edinburgh hit 2018/19! "excellent comedic timing" **** North West End. "great characters...heart-warming" **** The Wee Review. "I loved this show... comedy gold" Fringe Review. Directed by Alan Short, co-director Emmy award-winning 'Watership Down'. www.jacquelinehaigh.com/goddesscomedyshow SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 42

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

JAKE LAMBERT: INCOMPLET WORK IN PROGRESS

Guess who's back, back again. Jakey's back, tell a friend. Guess who's back, guess who's back, Guess who's back, guess who's back, Guess who's back, guess who's back, Guess who's back... Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show nominee 2018. London Theatre 1 *****. I Talk Telly ****. One 4 Review ****. www.jakelambertcomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

IAM present

JAMALI MADDIX: STRIP CLUB EINSTEIN Critically acclaimed comedian and host of Vice's 'Hate Thy Neighbour' and C4's 'Adventures in Futureland', Jamali Maddix is heading out on tour again after his incredible 2018 World Tour. The new show reﬂects on tales from the front line of social change and uncomfortable home truths. As seen on 'Live at the Apollo' (BBC Two), Frankie Boyle's 'New World Order' (BBC Two), '8 Out of 10 Cats' (More4), Dara O'Briain's 'Go 8-Bit' (Dave). www.jamalimaddix.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £12 (£10)

Map Ref: 68

PBJ LIVE present

JAMIE DSOUZA: UNINTELLIGIBLE BACHELOR WORK IN PROGRESS Join rising star Jamie DSouza as he previews his highly anticipated debut stand up show. Covering topics such as being mixed race, veganism and football. There's sure to be something for everyone (as long as you're a mixed race, vegan Arsenal supporter). Jamie is a BBC New Comedy Award nominee 2019, Musical Comedy Awards ﬁnalist 2017 and So You Think You're Funny Finalist 2017. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

JAMIE OLIPHANT: AN OLIPHANT NEVER FORGETS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

How do you begin to process some of the mistakes your parents make while raising you? Jamie takes a closer look. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: TBC

JANE HILL: 55 I'm 55. I thought I'd have everything I wanted by now. Unfortunately I still don't know what that is. Warning: this show contains adult material, like pensions and the menopause. Finalist, Old Comedian of the Year, 2018. 'Comedy gold... she holds the room in the palm of her hand' ***** (One4Review). 'Charming, endearing, entertaining... undoubtedly made the world a little bit of a better place' (Notts Comedy Review.) www.janehill.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Map Ref: 27

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 14:30 (15:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

JANET Emmerdale meets Monty Python in "Janet", a deliciously surreal show that follows the life of Janet from conception to tragic-comic end. Janet, represented by 1.5kg of uncooked bread dough, refuses to give in to destiny and be cooked. Other characters are played by various kitchen paraphernalia and differently shaped loaves. www.helenandjohn.co.uk ALTERNATIVE, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 42

JARRED CHRISTMAS & HOBBIT An hour of fantastic family fun and silliness for kids aged 5 to 100! Join award-winning comedian Jarred Christmas (as seen on CBBC's 'Joke Machine' and 'Dog Ate My Homework') and world champion beatboxer and UK loopstation champion, Hobbit, in an upbeat and energetic show packed with brilliant silliness, beatboxing, audience interaction and laughs galore. CHILDREN'S, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Harborough Market Hall

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 31

Avalon present

WORLD PREMIERE

JARLATH REGAN: DRAWINGS

Do you like weird drawings, stick men jokes in a vein of Modern Toss, doodles, sketches and artwork not good enough to hang on a wall but not crap enough to throw in the bin. Well Jarlath Regan has released two best-selling books of this stuff. Here he incorporates it into his standup for a one-off hour of stupidity, artistry and rudeness. "Subtle yet sublime observational wit and penmanship" The Herald. Jigser.com ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10 (£9)

Map Ref: 58

Avalon present

JARLATH REGAN: NOTIONS ELEVEN Following a sell-out run at the Dublin Fringe, multi-award-winning comedian, chancer and podcaster, Jarlath Regan brings his latest standup show to LCF for one night only. As seen on 'The Apprentice You're Fired', 'Live At The Palladium' & 'Russell Howard's Good News'. As heard on 'The Guilty Feminist', 'Irishman Abroad' & Richard Herring's podcasts. ***** UBER **** Metro **** List www.jigser.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10 (£9)

Map Ref: 27

Blue Jeans Management present

JARRED CHRISTMAS & HOBBIT: THE MIGHTY KIDS BEATBOX COMEDY SHOW Calling kids aged 5 to 100, join our MIGHTY gang! A sensational interactive show, where comedy and beatboxing collide with electrifying results. Pick-up beatboxing tips to impress your friends, make mind-blowing music and laugh through your pantaloons! Fantastic family fun and silliness galore, with awardwinning comedian Jarred Christmas and world renowned beatboxer Hobbit. Nominated for 'Best Kids Show' Leicester Comedy Fest 2017. CHILDREN'S DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 58

Blue Jeans Management present

JARRED CHRISTMAS: COMEDY TO MAKE LOVE TO Stories to spoon to. Jokes to cuddle to. Laughs to form a deeper connection with your soul mate to. None of this is guaranteed. But Jarred is funny and he has made love. He's no expert on love making but he is an expert on laugh making. "Spreads joy in microseconds. If dicking around were a martial art, Christmas would be Bruce Lee" Chortle. "Master of comedy" EdFest Mag. And here's one quote about his love making:- "He was there" His Wife. www.jarredchristmas.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 68

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 JASON BYRNE: WRECKED BUT READY

Jason Byrne returns with his brand-new show, Wrecked But Ready. After 23 consecutive years Jason is wrecked but he is as ever ready (which is a battery, but he's more Duracell than Eveready). "The outright King of live comedy" - The Times. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 20:00 (21:50) Entry: £15

Map Ref: 85

JASON NEALE: THINGS THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN (AND WILDLY EXAGGERATED VERSIONS OF THINGS THAT DID)

WORLD PREMIERE

MC of The Gilded Balloon's infamous AAA Showcase (Edinburgh Fringe Festival) & Resident MC at Bristol's Riproar Comedy Club, Leicester's own Jason Neale brings his BRAND NEW 1-Hour show to Leicester Comedy Festival. There'll be, as the title suggests, tales of things that didn't really happen, and exaggerated versions of things that did. It's sure to be packed with belly laughs. "Superb... got this Stand-Up Comedy thing nailed!" Voodoo Stands Up. SOLO SHOW www.jasonneale.co.uk DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 15:45 (16:45) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

JASON NEALE: THINGS THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN (AND WILDLY EXAGGERATED VERSIONS OF THINGS THAT DID)

WORLD PREMIERE

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 71

JASON NEALE: THINGS THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN (AND WILDLY EXAGGERATED VERSIONS OF THINGS THAT DID)

WORLD PREMIERE

Venue: Firebug

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

Talking Toolbox present

JEREMY NICHOLAS: WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? This comedy keynote talk that should be compulsory for schools and university students who want to present with impact. Writer and broadcaster Jeremy Nicholas is on a mission to make all public speaking more entertaining and engaging. This show contains top tips on speaking and is packed with hilarious anecdotes from Jeremy's twenty-odd-years as an international speaker and as the 11th most famous BBC Jeremy, after Vine, Bowen, Paxman etc. www.JeremyNicholas.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 58

Little Wander present

JESSICA FOSTEKEW: HENCH Absolute powershed and regular host of 'The Guilty Feminist', Jessica Fostekew explores her big strong strength. Have you ever watched a feminist try and take 'hench' as a compliment? It's like watching a snake eat but funny. In preview, Hench was nominated for Best Show at the Leicester Comedy Festival and went on to be nominated in the same category in the 2019 Edinburgh Comedy Awards. jessicafostekew.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Map Ref: 27

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £11 (£9)

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 JESSICA FOSTEKEW: THE HOOVERING PODCAST LIVE The podcast all about eating: live. Host Jessica Fostekew ('Live At The Apollo', 'News Quiz' & 'The Guilty Feminist') joins a panel of celebrity guests to share some interesting local grub as well as their funniest and most brilliant stories about scofﬁng it. Recommended on BBC Radio 4's Podcast 'Radio Hour', on the BBC' Good Food Programme' and in The Guardian and The Independent. Bring snacks, you will get peckish. https://play.acast.com/s/hoovering SPOKEN WORD, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 36

JESSICA FOSTEKEW: WORK IN PROGRESS This is a pile of brand new jokes and stories from Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show Nominee 2019 AND Leicester Festival Best Show nominee 2019. You've seen Jess on BBC's 'Live at the Apollo' and on Dave's 'Terms Conditions Apply' with Dave Gorman. You've heard her on BBC R4 on 'News Quiz', 'The Museum of Curiosity' and 'The Now Show'. Co-host of 'The Guilty Feminist' podcast and she's the host and creator of her own podcast 'Hoovering'. jessicafostekew.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 27

JIM CLAPP: MAGNUM OPUS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Jim Clapp is bringing his latest and greatest production 'Magnum Opus' to Leicester. It's opening night and someone from Radio 4 is in. However, the actors have quit last minute and his extravagant set is scattered and burning across the M4. Jim has put the last of his money into this show and with his old contacts ignoring his calls, or dead, this is his last chance. The show must go on. With the help of you, the audience. SOLO SHOW, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 87

Big Difference Company present

JO BRAND & SPECIAL GUESTS Join us for an exclusive show with all proﬁ ts going towards Leicester Comedy Festival and registered charity Big Difference Company (1135167). Headlining this show will be Legend of Comedy & friend of the festival Jo Brand. Known for her appearances on Live At The Apollo, QI, Have I Got News For You and Would I Lie To You, Jo will be performing a rare stand up set with very special guests including Arthur Smith. Full line up to be announced. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Time: 19:30 (22:00) Entry: £25

Map Ref: 22

JO ENRIGHT: ERDINGTON GIRL Most recently seen playing the part of 'Angela' in ITV Sitcom 'The Job Lot', Jo Enright has starred alongside Steve Coogan in 'I'm Alan Partridg'e and with Peter Kay in 'Phoenix Nights'. Other recent comedy roles include BBC Two 'Sitcom Lab Rats' playing the part of Cara and on BBC/HBO's 'Life's Too Short' as Warwick Davis' wife Sue. www.htl.church

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Holy Trinity Church

Time: 19:30 (21:20) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 34

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

JOANNE MCNALLY: WORK IN PROGRESS

'Joyously nuts' (The Irish Times) Joanne returns to Leicester with a brand-new hour of hilarious stand-up! 'She crafts her performance in such a way that no member of the audience is left out - we are all in on the joke' - **** Ed Fest Mag. 'The jokes come thick and fast' - **** Arts Desk. www.joannemcnally.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Hannah Layton Management present

JOE HOBBS: BIG BOY Award winning newcomer Joe Hobbs is a big boy. Join him for irreverent anecdotes about growing up proper working class, masculinity in the modern world, and being a giant, delicate ﬂower. Two time BBC New Comedy Award Nominee, Amused Moose Breakthrough Comedian Winner, So You Think You're Funny Runner Up. "Joe Hobbs is a playful, witty newcomer who keeps the audience guessing and the laughs coming" - Rhod Gilbert. www.joehobbs.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Ride Leicester present

JOE ORTON RIDES An interactive cycling tour of 1960's Leicester and the life of Joe Orton! 90 mins of shock, outrage & humour from one of the UK's most inﬂuential, scandalous and satirical playwrights. Cycle rides are led by Dr Emma Parker, Orton expert at UOL. Rides are free but donations to the Orton statue appeal will be welcome. Rickshaws & adapted bikes are available for people who need extra help. Email cycle-city@leicester.gov.uk for details. INTERACTIVE, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Town Hall Bike Park

Time: 13:00 (15:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 86

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

JOE SUTHERLAND: WHATEVER WORK IN PROGRESS

Work in progress from Joe Sutherland, as seen on 'Roast Battle', 'Stand-up Sketch Show' and Sky's 'Urban Myths'. What is even happening? Joe doesn't know but he'll just carry on as normal with new jokes, insults and everything else. "A star in the making" (The List). "Brilliantly weird moments" (Edfest). "Biting punchlines" (The Mirror). www.joesutherland.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC in association with Glorious Management present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

JOE WELLS DOESN'T WANT TO DO POLITICAL COMEDY ANYMORE!

The news is too horrible to joke about, so Joe's looking for a new shtick. Support for Frankie Boyle, Stephen K Amos and Alexei Sayle. Writer for BBC1's ;Have I Got News for You'. As seen on BBC2's 'Ouch Storytelling Live' and BBC3's 'Quickie's. 'Some of the most surprising and thought-provoking material coming from any comedian' (Guardian). 'A genuine hidden treasure of the Fringe' **** (Chortle.co.uk). 'Recommended' (Heat). www.joewells.org.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £5 (£3)

Map Ref: 42

The Doorstep Comedy Club present

JOE ZALIAS: HORRIBLE STUNTS FOR KIDS Horrible stunts for kids. An interactive kids comedy show featuring stunts, magic and jokes. How dangerous are the stunts? You decide. Guaranteed carnage, fun and hilarity. www.thedoorstepcomedyclub.com CHILDREN'S, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Pied Bull

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 60

JOHN PENDAL: HEELED WORK IN PROGRESS Popular comedian John Pendal returns to Leicester with a work-in-progress preview of his 5th solo show. It's not been written at the time of going to press, but will definitely include the words 'panda' and 'kink'. John's last show "Monster" received 4 fi ve star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival. Between them his first four shows have been performed in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Melbourne, Oslo and Rome. http://www.johnpendal.com

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Map Ref: 68

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 JOHN PENDAL: HEELED WORK IN PROGRESS Popular comedian John Pendal returns to Leicester with a work-in-progress preview of his 5th solo show. It's not been written at the time of going to press, but will definitely include the words 'panda' and 'kink'. John's last show "Monster" received 4 fi ve star reviews at the Edinburgh Festival. Between them his first four shows have been performed in Atlanta, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Melbourne, Oslo and Rome. http://www.johnpendal.com

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 71

JOHN PENDAL: MONSTER John brings his hit show "Monster" fresh from the Edinburgh Festival, where it received ﬁ ve star reviews: "deeply moving" ***** - The Wee Review, "indelible triumph" ***** - Broadway Baby and "comedy masterpiece" ***** - Feminist Fringe Reviews. "Monster" is a comedy show about sex and sexuality that laughs in the face of shame and guilt. It's aimed at anyone struggling to feel good about themselves. http://www.johnpendal.com/monster.html

SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £7 (£6)

Map Ref: 68

RBM Comedy present

JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH'S BACK! 'John Shuttleworth's Back'... is giving him trouble. Years of strenuous DIY, not to mention playing his organ whilst perched upon a multi pack of Diet Sprite with no lumber support, has taken its toll. But - ever the trouper - John returns to regale audiences with an evening of his classic songs (plus new ones and hilarious 'back' stories), pausing only to reapply his deep heat rub! A LUDICROUSLY COMPELLING NIGHT OUT - EVENING STANDARD. www.shuttleworths.co.uk CHARACTER, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: The Little Theatre

Time: 15:00 (16:40) & 19:30 (21:10) Entry: £19.50 (£17.50)

Map Ref: 77

Market Harborough Library and Museum present

JOKE PUPPETS Fancy some fun with puppets? Costumed session with museum expert, Jane Tugwell, who will have a ball playing puppet jokes whilst looking at how puppets have been used in comedy over the years. Children will also get the chance to make their own joke puppet, perfect for pranks! http://www.harboroughmuseum.org.uk/ CHILDREN'S, PUPPETRY DATES:

Venue: Market Harborough Library & Museum

Time: 10:30 (11:30) & 14:00 (15:00) Entry: £2.50

Map Ref: 50

Jokes On Us present

JOKES ON US: NEW ACT SHOWCASE Want to see some fresh new comedy talent? Nothing to do on a Monday? Enjoy rhetorical questions in bios? Boy, have we got the show for you! Here at Jokes on Us we're always on the look out for rising stars and we've invited some of our favourite new comedians to perform short spots in one of our favourite venues, The Exchange. Join host Alex Hylton in this Pay What You Want treat. STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

HD Management present

JON LONG: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH - THE MUSICAL Part 2 in the Carbon Diaries trilogy. Following on from a successful Edinburgh Fringe run of his show "Planet-Killing Machine", award-winning musical and stand-up comedian/part-time tour-guide of a tip (true story) Jon Long, explores the extent of our environmental doom and what, if anything, can be done to avoid it... with jokes & songs. "Charming - and yes, funny" - The Guardian. "A necessary reﬂection of our times...dependably funny" - Fest. CABARET, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 93

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 A Rush Of Laughter present

JON PEARSON: ALONE Since moving out of his martial home, but still being happily married, Jon spends way too much time on his own, leading him to some strange and dark places. From conspiracy theories, crazy fad diets to his take on saving the planet. 1 Hour of Comedy from a Leicestershire comedian. www,jonpearson.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

Fight in the Dog present

JORDAN BROOKES: I'VE GOT NOTHING Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner 2019. No tricks. No gimmicks. No plan. Just an hour in my company as we reach the end. Things will be over soon. We're nearly there everyone! Great work. But before we go, I'm making one last attempt to ﬁnd connection in the here and now, to snufﬂe out any remaining joy in this rapidly crumbling world, before it's too late. Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee 2017. Chortle Comedian's Comedian Award winner 2018 SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £11 (£9)

Map Ref: 68

Union JACK Radio present

JOSH BERRY: WORK IN PROGRESS Viral impressionist Josh Berry - who's appeared on BBC's 'Dead Ringers', 'The Tracey Ullman Show', 'Michael McIntyre's Big Show' and that James Acaster video - slices through British culture with whimsical parody and barbed satire. Star of his own series 'Josh Berry's Fake News' on Union JACK radio, don't miss this 'prodigiously talented impressionist' (FringeReview.co.uk), described as 'absolutely superb' (Jon Culshaw ). www.joshberrycomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

JOSH JONES: WASTE OF SPACE WORK IN PROGRESS

Born and bred in Manchester, Josh Jones is fast-becoming one of the best young acts on the circuit. In just a few short years he has become a full-time comedian performing at some of the biggest clubs in the country. Josh found one of his old school report cards in which a teacher called him a "terror" and a "waste of space". The story of a naughty school boy growing up to become a fun-loving camp man. BBC New Comedian of the Year Finalist 2019. offthekerb.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Glorious Management present

WORLD PREMIERE

JOSH PUGH: IT DOESN'T STOP WORK IN PROGRESS

An hour(ish) of new ideas from a comic who "sees the world differently to everyone else" (Chortle). Mainly jokes and that, maybe some stories and sketches. Just trying to do my best really. "Funny at a rate of knots" Joe.co.uk. "A classy hour of charming left ﬁeld comedy" Chortle. "Flashes of genius" Ticketmaster. SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Glorious Management present

JOSH PUGH: MAYBE THE REAL COMEDY AWARDS ARE THE FRIENDS WE MADE ALONG THE WAY #MTRCAATFWMATW comes to Leicester following a subjectively successful run at 2019 Edinbrugh Fringe. "A classy hour of charming left ﬁeld comedy." Chortle. "Funny at a rate of knots" Joe.co.uk. English Comedian of the Year winner 2016.

SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE

DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Map Ref: 49

"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Impatient Productions present

JOSIE LONG: TENDER The multiple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee returns to the road after ﬁ ve years. A new show about the mind-bending intensity of new motherhood, but mostly about kindness, gentleness, and joy - all in all, the edgiest thing you will see this year. The aim is for you to come out of it feeling optimistic about the future, although that is a big ask. At the very least there will be some really silly voices in it, and that's not nothing. www.josielong.com/ SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:10) Entry: £16

Map Ref: 85

Ebdon Management present

JOZ NORRIS: YOU BUILD THE THING YOU THINK YOU ARE WORK IN PROGRESS The latest WIP project from critically acclaimed comic and maker-of-things Joz Norris. You make yourself by adding, or by taking away. Winner of the Comedians' Choice Award for Best Show 2019. Nominated for the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality. Sold-out run at Edinburgh Fringe 2019, and transferred to a sold-out run at Soho Theatre. "A comedy legend." - To Do List. "Fantastic." - The Guardian. "Joyously silly." - Evening Standard. www.joznorris.co.uk ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

JULIET MEYERS: (PRO)FOUND I went to India to discover my Iraqi-Jewish roots and unleashed family feuds, bad gurus, smug sex therapists and angry monkeys. I also fell out with my 'zen' travelling companion and nearly died (twice!) Stand-up and story-telling about identity, rubbish tradition, ageism, self-help, immigrants and loving a dog! "Devilish..on the edge" **** Scotsman Writer on Sarah Millican TV Programme (Contains traces of Jews!). www.ncfcomedy.co.uk

SPOKEN WORD, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 16:40 (17:40) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

Andrew Roach Talent present

JULIETTE BURTON: DEFINED Award-winning comedian Juliette is full of contradictions: pessimistic optimist?Introverted extrovert? Mentally ill or healthy? Why must we choose one or the other? After a time of huge change, Juliette had to redeﬁne her life, labels & herself. Can she be everything at once? Or must we choose how we are deﬁned? As seen & heard on BBC One, ITV & Radio 4. "Joyous" The Times, "Huge talent" ***** Daily Mirror, ***** Sunday Mail, ***** Voice Mag. www.julietteburton.co.uk STORYTELLING, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 5

Just the Tonic present

JUST THE TONIC'S SATURDAY NIGHT COMEDY CLUB Just the Tonic Comedy Club presents another one of our ﬁne mixed bill line ups. At time of going to print we are keeping this one a surprise. Please check www.justthetonic.com for details nearer the time. 'Consistently boasting the most interesting line ups in the country' (The Times). Early Bird price listed below. Price is subject to change depending on acts booked. www.justthetonic.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £12

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KATE BARRON: MADE YOU LICK

WORLD PREMIERE

Award winning Canadian comedian, Kate Barron is the unﬁltered voice in your head that is brutally honest and always hilarious as she shares her naughty stories of sex, dating, and being happily childless. Kate doesn't believe in pulling punches and captivates audiences with her charm and high-energy performances. Her material is not family friendly or for the faint of heart, but it might teach you a thing or two. www.KateBarron.ca

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 68

WANT TICKETS?

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 KATE BELL: U ARE WHAT U WEAR - THE FASHIONISTA SHOW

See the hit Nafflix TV show LIVE on stage! Actor and character comic Kate Bell affectionately and viciously sends up the fashion industry through a host of chaotic characters... including celebrity personal trainer Tee-Tee 'T-Boss' Boston and urban reporter Kelle-Leigh Lewisham. Hosted by global social media sensation and influential influencer PiXii Malone - OBVS! Think retro Clothes Show... with a bit of This Morning and Loose Women. Katebellactor.com

CHARACTER, SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

KATHRYN MATHER: ALWAYS ANGRY WORK IN PROGRESS A surprisingly positive and un-angry show by award winning comedian Kathryn Mather, about misophonia with a sprinkling of dick jokes. Have you ever been annoyed by a kid kicking your seat in the cinema? Then this is the show for you. www.KathrynMather.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

KATIE DAVISON: THE BUSINESS OF SUCCESS

Women. Chances are you've met one. Statistically, at least 12% of you are one. They're in our streets, in our homes and since as early as 1994, in our workplaces. One of them is in my clothes right now - it's me, Katie Davison. And me will be delivering this debut hour of comedy characters, all of them titans of industry offering valuable insight into what it takes to be a success. Debut character comedy from Katie Davison, as seen on BBC3. CHARACTER, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

KATIE DAVISON: THE BUSINESS OF SUCCESS

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

KATIE DAVISON: THE BUSINESS OF SUCCESS

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 42

KATIE MITCHELL: SHE FESTERS Deep in her hill, away with the fairies, dead Katie Mitchell lays dreaming. Mainly of smurfs, shapes, and a man with an outrageous Transylvanian accent. She Festers is an absurdist exploration of escapism and fantasises, a surreal delve into the forest. "One of the weirdest and most brilliant new acts I've seen. The brilliance of dada at it's best" - Monsoon of Random. Directed by Andrew O'Neill. ALTERNATIVE, HORROR DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Map Ref: 40

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 20:40 (21:40) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

ADVERTISEMENT EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Jokes On Us present

KATIE PRITCHARD: DISCO BALL WORK IN PROGRESS Brand new work-in-progress show from carnage-wielding, mayhem-manifesting, human disco ball: Katie Pritchard. Winner Musical Comedy Awards 2019. Winner 2Northdown New Act Competition. 'Mind-blowing' (Herts Advertiser). 'Inventive and hilarious' (BroadwayBaby.com). 'Always original and entertaining' (FemaleArts.com). 'A veritable Sizewell B' (Chortle.co.uk). 'Fantastically weird' (Femedy). DisCO Disco DIsCo DIsco DiscO *dances like a robot*. www.katiepritchard.co.uk MUSICAL, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

KELLY CONVEY: WORK IN PROGRESS

Come along to the freshest, most refreshing Work in Progress at Leicester Comedy Festival 2020! "Her material is watertight, her jokes are very funny and I found her approach to telling them refreshing." **** - I Talk Telly. Leicester Comedy Festival Mercury Comedian of the Year 2017 Nominee. So You Think You're Funny?! 2016 Finalist. www.kellyconvey.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: Â£5

Map Ref: 58

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS: You can book tickets for all of our Festival shows from our Festival box office. Visit our website www.comedy-festival.co.uk or give our friendly team a call on 0116 456 6812. Tickets will also be available during the Festival from the Festival Hub in Leicester City Centre.

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WANT TICKETS?

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visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

KEVIN HUDSON: STRETCH THAT SKULL COVER AND SMILE

So what has 'Leicester's favourite poet-comedian-accountant' (Leicester Mercury) and four-time Silver Stand-Up ﬁnalist been doing since last year's festival? A year older, he's discovered that with the correct attitude all shirts are non-iron. Expect the usual wordplay, smatterings of Greek mythology and tales of love, contrived to ﬁ t a framework very loosely based on a Jack Kerouac quote. And how many shows can offer you that? Fromage! SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE

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Barnstormers Comedy present

KEVIN PRECIOUS: TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS WORK IN PROGRESS Former Religious Studies Teacher turned stand-up comedian Kevin Precious turns his hand to examining his former profession. A work-in-progress show from a seasoned professional who previously toured the UK's theatres and arts centres with a show dedicated to precisely the same subject. 'Instantly recognisable stage presence and boundless wit' - Leicester Mercury. www.kevinprecious.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 15:20 (16:20) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

KIDS COMEDY @ CONKERS Get ready for a great day of entertainment for all the family. There will be three punch & Judy shows throughout the day and we will be showcasing the amazing Kids Joke Spot. The Kids Joke Spot is a pop-up interactive activity for young people who want to know what it's like to be a comedy performer. The children will have the opportunity to get on stage and tell their own jokes into a microphone for their parents and passersby to enjoy. visitconkers.com

CHILDREN'S, CHARACTER

DATES:

Venue: CONKERS

Time: 11:00 (15:00) Entry: FREE

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DONATE: Less than 5% of our income comes from public funding. You can support the festival by making a donation via our website www.comedy-festival.co.uk or when booking your tickets.

KIDS COMEDY WORKSHOP Do you enjoy making people laugh? Develop your comedy skills with multi-award winning comic, Rob Gee ("Seriously funny" - Sunday Mirror). Rob will take you through the process of creating and performing your own comedy. Learn how to make an audience collapse into laughter - or groan and howl - as well as various tricks of the trade. Ages 8 to 11 years, all ability levels welcome. CHILDREN'S, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: New Walk Museum and Art Gallery

Time: 14:00 (16:00) Entry: £4.50

Map Ref: 56

KIDS COURT The award nominated Kids Court is back! Parents sit in the dock, in the court where the kids are in charge! With a Judge, Prosecution and Defence played by local comedians, children get the chance to put their parents or older siblings on trial and decide a suitable penalty for their misdemeanours, with you helping to decide whether they are guilty or not. www2.le.ac.uk/hosted/attenborougharts

CHILDREN'S, GAME SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Map Ref: 5

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £5

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

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DAB

SHOUT “UNION JACK RADIO”

KIERAN BOYD: WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Kieran presents new material from his new show, in all likelihood sandwiched in between bits of definitely-very-good material from last year's show to soften the blow! As of the submission date for this brochure copy, he has NO IDEA what it will be, because Edinburgh only finished 4 weeks ago. But it will be his BEST SHOW YET. Tour support for Ed Byrne Autumn 2019. "Impressively funny...Terrific material" Kate Copstick, The Scotsman. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £8 (£7)

Map Ref: 39

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

KIRSTY MUNRO: SEX EDUCATION FOR ADULTS

Miss Kirsty Munro will teach you all you ever wanted to know about bumping naughties. Erotic storytime, the karma sutra in 60 seconds and how to put a condom on a banana with oven gloves on. With interactive games of "ﬁnd that clitoris", "seduction do's and don'ts" and "connect four-play", you'll come away with an A*! Post-performance cuddling is compulsory. CABARET, IMMERSIVE DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 22:30 (23:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

KNEES BENT BRAS OFF RA RA RA You are invited to my family party! Welcome. The show is a comedy theatre show, using spoken word, poetry, songs and storytelling to look at how we celebrate in this country. How do we come together to rejoice? You will leave remembering how important it is to ﬁnd your tribe. 'A must-see production, well written, perceptive and thoughtful and very funny!' Buxton Fringe. ****One4Review. ****Broadway Baby. www.ruthecockburn.co.uk STORYTELLING, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

Blue Book Artist Management present

KWAME ASANTE: WORK IN PROGRESS Edinburgh comedy award nominee and medical doctor Kwame Asante returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival, to present a collection of newer material in a work-in-progress show! As part of the Kayal All-Dayer http://kwamedy.tumblr.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

LAMP LAUGHS WITH LEICESTER Local mental health charity, Lamp, are holding their ﬁrst charity comedy show with an array of comedy guests including Lloyd Grifﬁ th(8 out of 10 Cats, Soccer AM) and hosted by Mark Dolan (Balls of Steel, "****Consistently Funny" Independent). Comedy can be a great way to approach the topic of mental health and help break down the stigma surrounding it, with the aim of course to make Leicester laugh! www.lampadvocacy.co.uk MIXED BILL

DATES:

Venue: Winstanley House

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Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10

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. .

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

LATE NIGHT JOKES ON US Join compere Alex Hylton as he presents a selection of some of the ﬁnest acts of the Festival in this late night, no-holds-bar, 'anything can happen' showcase at Manhattan34. Leave your inhibitions at the door and ﬁnd us downstairs. How much is it for this late night delight? It's Pay What You Want. That's right. The Jokes' on Us. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 23:30 (00:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Leicester LGBT Centre present

LAUGH OUT LOUD AT LEICESTER LGBT CENTRE Join us for our premier event, charity fundraiser, mixed bill of entertainment hosted by popular panto dame Robert Pearce as Mama G. Full line-up to be announced on www.leicesterlgbtcentre.org featuring comedy, music and singing with local talent. www.leicesterlgbtcentre.org ALTERNATIVE, CABARET DATES:

Venue: Leicester LGBT Centre

Time: 20:00 (21:30) Entry: £5

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Big Difference Company in partnership with Curve present

LAUGH TERM COMEDY SCHOOL A dedicated "school"for aspiring teenagers to develop their skills and experience of performing live comedy. Join the school each day and work with real life comedians to develop your very own comedy performance which will be performed on the Friday night in front of a live audience. Suitable for young people aged 13-18. ukkidscomedyfestival.co.uk/laugh-term-comedy-school CHILDREN'S DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 9:30 (12:00) or 13:00 (15:30) Entry: £25 for the week (mornings or afternoons)

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Big Difference Company in partnership with Curve present

LAUGH TERM COMEDY SCHOOL SHOWCASE Join us for the culmination of our inaugural Laugh Term Comedy School. A showcase of young talent as participants from the School take to the stage and perform comedy, some of them, for the very ﬁrst time. The have been working all week with professional comedians to learn the tricks of the trade. Come and spot the stars of the future. ukkidscomedyfestival.co.uk/laugh-term-comedy-school CHILDREN'S DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 17:30 (18:30) or 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

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LAUGH TILL IT HURTS: A BDSM COMEDY SHOW Like 50 Shades Of Grey, but funny on purpose. The story of one man's adventure into the dark and crazy world of BDSM and kink. Experienced kinksters will get a kick out of the many bizarre yet true tales of sexual deviance and for the curious newbie there are plenty of hot tips to help you begin an adventure all of your own. The show discusses many rude subjects but no play of any sort is performed on stage (so feel free to sit at the front)! SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Laughter Craft present

LAUGHTER LOFT BLACK HORSE The multi award winning Laughter Loft Black Horse returns! 4 of the best acts from the UK circuit ply their trade each night! You'll have seen some of them on TV and some you won't have. The only guarantee is that they'll all make you Laugh! http://www.blackhorseaylestone.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Map Ref: 10

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £10 (£10)

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Laughter Craft present

LAUGHTER LOFT GONG SHOW The award winning Laughter Loft brings you it's ﬁrst ever Gong Show! 10 acts go up against each other to try and win the prize! If the audience aren't impressed then they will be Gonged off! Who wins? You decide! http://www.blackhorseaylestone.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 10

LAURA DAVIS: WORK IN PROGRESS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

A new hour of stand-up comedy from multi-award-winning Laura Davis. 'A different kind of provocative... smart, challenging, ambitious, playful and funny' (**** Chortle). "Supremely witty... hilarious" (**** Scotsman). "A fascinating show... a lot of laughs from this rising stand-up star" (****The List). "Laura Davis is excellent" (Daniel Kitson). lauradaviscomedy.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Impatient Productions & Andrew Roach Talent present

LAURA LEXX: KNEE JERK Star of Live at the Apollo, Laura Lexx is a 'tour-de-force' **** (Telegraph) shining a hilarious light on how distracted we are with arguing instead of actually making a difference. Why don't we leave each other alone and get on with the big stuff? Following a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Lexx takes on society's big issues... but come for jokes, not answers. 'A must-see for all' **** (The List), 'Utterly brilliant' ***** (LondonTheatre1) http://www.lauralexx.co.uk/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £9 (£8)

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Andrew Roach Talent present

LAURA LEXX: SUPERIOR WORK IN PROGRESS Double Comedians Choice Award winner Laura Lexx brings a bag of fun new ideas to Leicester. "stand up star" **** The Telegraph, "my new favourite comedian" The Daily Mail, "A joy... roars of laughter" The Independent, **** The Sunday Times. It's sure to make you laugh, think and want to be her friend. www.lauralexx.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 17:00 (17:55) Entry: £6 (£5)

Map Ref: 10

Jokes On Us present

LAURA MONMOTH: ONLY BOD CAN JUDGE ME All new for 2020, Leicester Comedy Festival Best New Show nominee Laura Monmoth tells a tale of debauchery and failure - all told through the cheerful world of retro kids cartoons. A nostalgic trip to ruin all your childhood favourites. Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award winner. "A zany mixture of projection, interaction, subversion and nerd culture, Laura blew the audience away" - What's On Magazine. SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

LAURA MONMOTH: TRANS VISION SCAMP What lengths are you prepared to go in order for people to know your name? Leicester Comedy Festival Best New Show nominee Laura Monmoth invites you into a story of Star Wars, managing our expectaions, friendly trolling, and of course, karaoke. "A zany mixture of projection, interaction, subversion and nerd culture, Laura blew the audience away" - What's On; "Rather magniﬁcent. 5/5" - Lancashire Evening Post. ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

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Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £5 (£4)

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WANT TICKETS?

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 LAUREN PATTISON: WORK IN PROGRESS

Following a whirlwind couple of years of awards, nominations, sell-out shows and international touring, Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee 2017 Lauren Pattison is back with the beginnings of a brand new show. She is reluctant to say what it is about because she is writing this in October and changes her mind a lot. As seen on 'Roast Battle' and supporting Katherine Ryan on tour. 'Razor wit and brutal honesty' ***** (List). www.lauren-pattison.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 58

LEE KYLE: CONQUEST Lee Kyle didn't really know what to write about this year. Nothing had happened. Nothing. He was worried he was going to have to start knowing about politics or something. Then, a life changing adventure happened, which was lucky. What happened? Well, I can't say really, it'd spoil the show but it happened in Australia, contains a trolley dash, some platform shoes with glitter on them, accidentally swearing on the telly. www.imleekyle.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 10

Julia Masli & The Duncan Brothers present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

LEGS

Legs* are what most humans stand on. They also allow humans to walk, crouch and lunge. If at any point in your life you have used your legs, thought about legs or if you know someone with legs, then this is the show for you. Winner of the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality. "do yourself a favour and use your legs to go see Legs"****The Skinny. "Days later, you'll still be thinking about this hour''**** The List. **** BeyondTheJoke CLOWN, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

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www.comedyinleicester.com present

LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL AT THE COPLOW CENTRE - BILLESDON The Leicester Comedy Festival comes to Billesdon with a full bill of stand-up comedians from new to experienced. 90 plus minutes of comedy (two breaks) and no less than 5 acts with varying styles - so all tastes are bound to be catered for - and there's nothing on TV or Netﬂix, we've checked. Anthony King hosts the show with his dark and twisted songs. For details of the full line-up visit www.comedyinleicester.com www.comedyinleicester.com CABARET DATES:

Venue: The Coplow Centre

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £10

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Leicester Fridge: Showcasing Local Comedy present

WORLD PREMIERE

LEICESTER FRIDGE PRESENTS...

Leicester Fridge is packed with scores of nutritious, delicious locally-produced comedians. By treating yourself to our mixed bill of the ﬁnest handpicked acts from the city and county, you'll have a great evening, discover some new comedy heroes and support your local scene at the same time - everyone's a winner! Follow 'leicesterfridge' on facebook and twitter for line-up announcements. leicesterfridge.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (21:05) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Leicester Fridge proudly present

LEICESTER FRIDGE: NAKED COMEDY Join us for one of the festival's most talked-about events, as a selection of comedians perform totally starkers for charity. Performing naked is the ultimate challenge for any comedian, and always produces some very memorable moments for the audience! Winner of the Liberty Award for embodying the spirit of the festival, this show has sold out year after year. Advance tickets only - not for the easily shocked! leicesterfridge.co.uk MIXED BILL, HORROR DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Map Ref: 49

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 23:59 (00:59) Entry: £8

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Leicester Comedy Festival present

LEICESTER MERCURY COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR Now in its 26th year, the stellar list of past winners include Josh Widdicombe, Johnny Vegas, Jason Manford, Seann Walsh and Rhod Gilbert. Join us as we present this year's ﬁnest up and coming acts, nominated by top comedy promoters from across the UK. A serious comedy competition, hosted by Dan Nightingale - "Dan's laughing, we're laughing... funny as hell" - Leicester Mercury. "witty and incredibly well timed" - Arts Award Voice MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 19:30 (22:45) Entry: £18 (£16)

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RBM present

WORLD PREMIERE

LEROY BRITO: 3 DADS

Leroy has starred in the BBC sitcom 'Tourist Tap' (starring Sally Phillips), as well as his @BBCSesh video about the Severn Bridge which has received over 2 and a half million views! This show has featured on BBC Radio Wales as a half hour special and now makes its live debut at Leicester comedy festival. "RISKY AT TIMES BUT NEVER CRUDE AND ALWAYS UNIQUELY OBSERVATIONAL" BUZZ MAGAZINE https://www.leroybrito.co.uk/ STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 19:20 (20:20) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

LEW FITZ: BABS

WORLD PREMIERE

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE IN LIFE? With his solo fringe debut Lew Fitz (BBC New Comedy Award Nominee 2018) covers a hilarious, uncommon and heartbreaking journey from his Northern, working-class roots all the way to the Deep South of America and back again all to ﬁnd out what he's supposed to be. "Engaging performance... his writing is as nimble and vibrant as he is", Steve Bennett, Chortle. Dave TV & The Guardian's Top 5 Jokes of the Fringe 2017 www.lewﬁ tz.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £5

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Blue Book Artist Management present

LILY PHILLIPS: SMUT WORK IN PROGRESS Female comedians are often criticized for only talking about vaginas and periods, which is offensive, but in Lily's case 100% true. Follow newcomer Lily Phillips on her journey to feminism and stand up. Lily will be bringing her work in progress show SMUT to Leicester comedy festival and with it her unique brand of Vaginal based comedy. Pleasance Reserve Comedian 2019, Funny Women Finalist 2018 and she has ﬁlmed for Comedy Central and BBC3. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 8th 21:00 | 22nd 18th (60min) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

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Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

LINDSEY SANTORO: LOOKS LIKE A BOILED EGG

Do you like intelligent jokes, high brow comedy and elegant ladies? If the answer is 'yes' then do not waste an hour of your life with Lindsey. Join Lindsey for her debut solo show as she recounts tales of her idiocy for your amusement in her own cheeky, daft and honest way. What better way to get you in the mood for Valentine's day than getting to know all about Lindsey and why she compares herself to the humble boiled egg. https://www.facebook.com/LindseySantoroComedy/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 21:30 (22:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Alphamum Productions present

LITTLE BOXES "Don't stack me away in little boxes to collect dust!". Laugh and cry as Joann Condon (Little Britain, Dad's Army Lost Episodes, The Ofﬁce, Edge of Heaven, Cradle to Grave) presents Little Boxes. My new one woman show lifts the lid on all the little boxes that are created for us: Mum, woman, actor, writer, comic, cook, cleaner... who am I... and who are you... really? 'Funny, touching ... ticks all the right boxes' **** London Pub Theatres https://alphamums.net/ SOLO SHOW, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

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Time: 21:00 (21:45) Entry: £8

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Hathern A Laugh present

WORLD PREMIERE

LITTLE BY LITTLE

An exhibition of the gentle art of "sit down comedy", For anyone whose dream job evaporated in front of them. A fantastically funny and entertaining account of some of my worst mishaps, heroic failures and knee knocking embarrassments during job interviews & recruitment. Based on true life experiences. improvisation and audience participation deﬁnitely encouraged..In the Words of Monty Python "And now for something completely different". ALTERNATIVE, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Queen of Bradgate

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £4 (£2)

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LIVE AT THE MARKET HALL Live at the Market Hall returns to the Big Weekend in Harborough for a second year headlined by Lost Voice Guy (Britain's Got Talent Winner 2018), featuring Paul Sinha(The Chase) and Mrs Barbra Nice (BBC 2's Comedy Showcase, Britian's Got Talent). Join us for an incredible evening ﬁlled with laughter in the unique setting of the Harborough Market Hall which will be transformed into a theatre for the evening. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Harborough Market Hall

Time: 19:00 (21:00) Entry: £15 (£12)

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LIZ COTTON: 100% COTTON

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Cotton's successful Edinburgh debut show. A classical guitarist and secret songwriter of rude songs, she tells the story of how she had to leave the country for the sake of her art; and you will never hear the name "Boris" again in quite the same way. "Sharp, rude and very, very funny" (George Jeffrie, The Windsors). "Jake Thackray meets Victoria Wood...clever charismatic performer....hilarious" (Tim Wilcock, Edinburgh Fringe Review). www.lizcotton.com

MUSICAL, STORYTELLING

DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 13:45 (14:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

United Agents proudly present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

LLOYD GRIFFITH: LIVE IN 2020

Lloyd is back on the road for his third UK tour. This is the working title as he had to think of something for this brochure way too far in advance. However, he's back and this time with more jokes (hopefully), more singing (potentially) and 100% more charm (for sure). Recently seen supporting Jack Whitehall on tour, '8 out of 10 Cats', 'Soccer AM', Netﬂix's 'Flinch', Comedy Central 'Live At The Comedy Store' & 'Roast Battle'. lloydgrifﬁ th.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Sue Townsend Theatre

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £14 (£13)

Map Ref: 65

TALK TO US: We’d love to hear what you think about the Festival, and the shows that you have seen. Tweet, email or write to us to share your thoughts (contact details are on page 170)

NCF! COMEDY present

LOVDEV BARPAGA: WHOLE LOTTA LOVDEV Birmingham based one liner comedian with a quirky delivery and added punjabi perspective on life. Barpaga has been gigging for over 10 years. With his brilliant and daft wordplay mixed with old fashioned jokes and storytelling, Lovdev Barpaga has featured on BBC Asian Network Live, he was also a breakfast host on FREERADIO Birmingham and regularly performs at established venues around the country. Catch his show it's' going to be a treat SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Map Ref: 40

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 20:40 (21:40) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Big Difference Company present

LOVING LAUGHING An annual showcase of the comedic talents of primary schools children from across Leicester and Leicestershire! We have been working with young people to teach them the basics of joke telling and comedy performance and the participants will take to the stage to show off what they have learnt and we will crown one school the "funniest school in Leicestershire". ukkidscomedyfestival.co.uk/loving-laughing CHILDREN'S DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 12:30 (14:00) Entry: By invitation only

Map Ref: 85

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

LUBNA KERR: WHERE ARE YOU REALLY REALLY FROM? Lubna Kerr is confused about her identity. She was born in Pakistan, raised in Glasgow, married a man from Lanarkshire, has two Welsh children, one Scottish child and lives in Edinburgh. A trained pharmacist who now thinks Laughter is the best medicine. Lubna explores her identity as a Scottish Pakistani Muslim woman living in a world dominated by fat, blond white men... Voted 5th on WhatCulture.com's 10 hidden gems from Edinburgh Festival 2019 www.lubna.kerr.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £6 (£5)

Map Ref: 42

Avalon present

LUCY BEAUMONT: SPACE MAM 3 years ago I gave birth..to another life form. Come and have a laugh for an hour, off beat humour and proper punchlines and I'll explain why you shouldn't have kids, believe in aliens or Morris dance ( if you sit on the front row. ) Writer and co-star of Radio 4's 'To Hull and Back'. As seen on 'Married to a Celebrity', 'QI', Dave's 'Ultimate Worrier' and Brian Cox's 'Inﬁnite Money Cag'e. 'The stage Beaumont is a riot' (Scotsman). twitter.com/lucyAbeaumont ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £9

Map Ref: 27

Avalon present

LUCY BEAUMONT: WORK IN PROGRESS Trying out things that might eventually be funny.. a lot of it centred around taxi journeys...I would like to thank you in advance for attending. Writer and co-star of Radio 4's 'To Hull and Back'. As seen on 'Married to a Celebrity', 'QI', Dave's ;Ultimate Worrier' and Brian Cox's 'Inﬁnite Money Cage'. 'The stage Beaumont is a riot' (Scotsman). 'Devastating comic-timing' (Stage). 'Perfect for the times' (Guardian). twitter.com/lucyAbeaumont ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £4.50

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LUCY PEARMAN & NORTHERN POWER BLOUSE: WORK IN PROGRESS Work-in-progress from Lucy Pearman & Northern Power Blouse. Pearman will have some new bits to try: something silly, probably a song, hopefully some props and almost deﬁnitely some audience interaction. **** Telegraph Northern Power Blouse are getting sexy and fun with sketches, songs & big characters - between them they've written for Comedy Central, Comic Relief, BBC Three, Radio 4 and popped up on ITV, E4 & 'Vic & Bob's Big Night Out'. MIXED BILL, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 14:30 (15:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

Avalon Management present

WORLD PREMIERE

LUKE KEMPNER: MASCULINITY THE MUSICAL

Luke Kempner brings his brand new show 'Masculinity The Musical' to the Leicester Comedy Festival. Comedian, Impressionist, musical theatre star (ish) debuts his musical comedy extravanGANZA! Featuring everyone one from Ru Paul to Danny Dyer, from Bear Grylls The Island to Love Island. Luke takes you on a journey to ﬁnd out what masculinity actually means. 'Luke is a blummin Genius' - Dawn French. **** 'A tour de force' Telegraph www.lukekempner.com MUSICAL, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Firebug

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Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 27

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 LULU POPPLEWELL: LOOK AT MY GREAT BIG RIBBONS WORK IN PROGRESS

Silly stand up from a silly idiot who has become overly preoccupied with controlling how she's seen and how things pan out. There might be tarot readings. There might be ribbons. There will be jokes. It's a work in progress! Scorching, charismatic, refreshingly free' **** Marbles Magazine. 'A deﬁnite rising star on the circuit' - The Fountain. 'Quick lines and sharp gags. Such a funny and warm performer' **** Plays To See SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: £6 (£4.50)

Map Ref: 70

Jokes On Us present

MAD RON - ACCESS YOUR INNER THUG Mad Ron is at odds with the modern World. He delivers his motivational speech to the young. Live life without the menial distractions of work and responsibility. Sieze the day, and an armful of contraband on the way. In 1974 Ron could go to the shops with 50p and come home with 3 Mars Bars, a bag of crisps, 4 packets of Polo's, a bottle of Lucozade and a comic. Now there's CCTV all over the place. www.madroncomedy.com CHARACTER, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

MADDIE CAMPION: MAD MONEY WORK IN PROGRESS

In 2008 Katie Holmes didn't reprise her role as Rachel Dawes in the acclaimed Batman Begins follow up, The Dark Knight. Instead she chose to make the movie "Mad Money", which was both a critical and commercial ﬂop. In this stand-up show Maddie Campion argues that Katie Holmes made the right decision. Maddie Campion is a "very inventive and dry writer" **** (Funny Women), has "fresh-faced delivery and a sprinkling of quirkiness" (The List) www.maddiecampion.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Mirth Control Comedy/ Noel Gay present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

MADDY ANHOLT: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PSYCHOPATH

Maddy Anholt is back with a vital and hilarious new comedy. Using the world famous PsychOMeterTM this handy show will teach you how to spot your very ﬁrst psychopath, and how to manage the cheeky little fellow before he eats your life. ***** (EdFringe Review). **** 'Nothing short of brilliant' (Broadway Baby). **** 'Catch her before she's lost to TV' (Chortle). Nominated Best New Show, Leicester Comedy Festival. www.maddyanholt.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

Mirth Control Comedy/ Noel Gay present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

MADDY ANHOLT: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PSYCHOPATH

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £6 (£5)

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PBJ Management present

MAISIE ADAM: WORK IN PROGRESS As seen on 'Mock The Week', '8 Out Of 10 Cats', 'Hypothetical' and 'Have I Got News For You?', Maisie Adam (winner of So You Think You're Funny and the Amused Moose National New Comic Award) comes to Leicester to try some new ideas for her 3rd solo show. Her debut show 'Vague' was nominated for Best Newcomer, and her follow-up show 'Hang Fire' was a sold-out smash hit that went on to tour the UK and Europe. Hopefully this one's not bad either. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Map Ref: 68

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Petite Pantos present

MAMA G'S STORY TIME ROADSHOW AT LEICESTER LGBT CENTRE Combining panto, drag and the art of storytelling this all-singing, partial-dancing extravaganza is ﬁlled with stories about being who you are and loving who you want. Let Mama G introduce you to her range of wonderful characters: groundbreaking astronauts, feuding fairies and goats with a wind problem; in stories that will make the whole family think, laugh and love! See our website for details of a pre-show children's art & craft event www.leicesterlgbtcentre.org CHILDREN'S, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Leicester LGBT Centre

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £5

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PBJ LIVE proudly present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

MARIA SHEHATA: HERO

Pick of the Fringe 2019 comedian Maria Shehata regales us with tales of dating, family, and ﬂatmates after a mis-adventurous transatlantic move for love left her with an ex- ﬁancé, two trash bags full of stuff and living with an 83 year old who never quite remembers who she is. Not exactly what Maria had in mind when she left LA for the UK! "Maria is an absolute master at the art of comedy storytelling." http://www.mariashehata.com/ SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

MARIA TEA: ON HER LAST EGGS Maria Tea: on her last eggs (observational, surreal with a clown feel) An artist/comedian /writer, teaches yoga and pilates to the middle classes and ﬁnds herself frustrated living in Hackney with a three year old- that's not hers ( she kept " the box"). Maria Tea on her last eggs. When? Wednesday mariatea.com SOLO SHOW, CLOWN DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 22:00 (22:50) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

Avalon Entertainment present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

MARISE GAUGHAN: DROWNING

In 2014, Marise's father killed himself, setting off a chain reaction that began in Amsterdam and ended sharing a psych ward with Kanye West in L.A. Stand-up comedy at its darkest about destructive choices made in a mental abyss. It's about fathers, inner darkness, and the funny stuff that can happen even as the world around you goes to shit. marisegaughan.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £10 (£7)

Map Ref: 39

StraightUp Productions present

MARK & HAYDN: WORK IN PROGRESS Mark and Haydn are a sketch comedy double act who've been described as "brilliant" by their Guardian. They bring their fast-paced, gag ﬁlled version of sketch comedy to the Leicester Comedy Festival. Leicester Square Sketch Off Finalists 2019. "Smart comedy operators we can expect to hear more from" Steve Bennet, Chortle www.markandhaydn.com SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 14th 20:00 | 22nd 21:30 (60min) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 36

Different Gravy Productions present

WORLD PREMIERE

MARK DOLAN: WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

TV's Mark Dolan is a disaster. Late, unreliable, ﬂaky, confused. Can he change? In the course of an hour, this award-winning comic will share tales of missed appointments, forgotten lunch dates and ignored urinary tract infections. The past is terrible, the present is so-so. Can the future be great? Grab your tickets for this hilarious and confessional hour. "Genius" The Guardian. "****Fantastic" Metro. "****Consistently Funny" Independent www.markdolan.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

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Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £6

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WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 MARK SIMMONS: 50% PUNCHLINES

WORLD PREMIERE

This show is for people that like jokes. Lot's of jokes. Silly jokes, clever jokes, naughty jokes. "Master of one liners" one4review *****. Leicester Mercury Comedian Of The Year - Runner up. As seen on ITV1's 'Out There'. Rob Brydon and Rob Beckett Tour support 2019. marksimmons.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

MARK SIMMONS: JOKES WITH MARK SIMMONS PODCAST LIVE Mark Simmons brings his hit podcast to Leicester for a special live recording. Watch as he chats to other comedians about jokes and routines they liked but for whatever reason couldn't get to work. Recommended for comedy nerds. Previous guests include, Rob Beckett, Nick Helm, Angela Barnes and many more. Check them out on your podcast app. marksimmons.co.uk

DISCUSSION

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

MARK STEEL: EVERY LITTLE THING'S GONNA BE ALRIGHT A few years ago, it seemed unlikely that the UK would vote to leave the EU; we had a reasonable opposition to the Tory Government; Donald Trump was a buffoon who surely wasn't going to beat Hillary Clinton and Mark was living the married suburban ideal, since then it's all gone to absolute shit! But don't worry as Mark thinks Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 19:45 (21:45) Entry: £18

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Impatient Productions present

MARK WATSON: HOW YOU CAN ALMOST WIN Last year Mark Watson - a man prone to considerable anxiety, with multiple phobias and a history of piss-poor self-esteem - was asked to go on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls. It really wasn't for him at all because his favourite things include safety, comfort, food and not being scared and miserable. But the experience changed him for the better, and now he's written a sort of motivational talk about what it taught him. But with jokes. markwatsonthecomedian.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Sue Townsend Theatre

Time: 20:15 (21:15) Entry: £14

Map Ref: 65

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

MARLON DAVIS: WORK IN PROGRESS

As seen on 'Live at the Apollo' and Comedy Central's 'Comedy Store Live', Marlon Davis serves up a brand-new hilarious hour. 'A cracking hour of comedy and pathos' **** - The List. 'It's a wild ride, heartfelt and honest' **** - Three Weeks. offthekerb.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

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Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC in association with MUCH Laughter CIC present

MARTIN WESTGATE: CHECK CHECK. IS THIS THING ON? Coming out of the mean streets of Norwich, Martin Westgate brings his latest show to the Leicester Comedy Festival. With a cheeky grin and a knowing glint in his eye, Martin has a gag for every occasion but only one style of shirt. In Check, Check, Is This Thing On? he showcases his wit and punnery, guaranteeing you an evening full of gags. And he doesn't care what you've heard, Norwich is a city. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Map Ref: 42

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Kyle D Evans / Foxy Comedy present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

MATHS MADNESS WITH KYLE D EVANS

Stacks of hilarious audience participation and some mind-bending mathematical concepts, all delivered in an accessible fashion for children & their parents. Kyle is an award winning maths communicator (Famelab UK, Winner 2016) and musical comedian (Best Stand-up, Swindon Fringe 2018) and regular contributor to BBC Radio 4's 'More or Less'. "A treasure chest of mathematical delights" - Wee Review. Note: All ages welcome, recommended 8+ www.kyledevans.com CHILDREN'S, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 13:00 (14:00) & 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 41

Avalon present

MATT FORDE: BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR Broken pledges. Fake deadlines. And that's just Britain's leading political comedian, once again promising his last show as an EU citizen (maybe). Former political adviser Matt Forde is known for his podcast The Political Party, a weekly celebration of politics and its personalities, and the Dave TV show 'Unspun with Matt Forde'. He has also appeared on 'Have I Got News For You', 'Mock the Week' and 'The Royal Variety Performance'. mattforde.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Sue Townsend Theatre

Time: 20:45 (21:45) Entry: £15

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MATT GREEN: NICE SCARF

WORLD PREMIERE

An hour of hilarious new jokes and stories mixed with some of Matt's favourite routines, all wrapped up with a really rather lovely scarf. Note: scarf may not appear in ﬁnal show. "Green's takes on the absurdity of real life make us howl from laughter from beginning to end" ***** (Views from the Gods). "A talented storyteller...side-splitting...hilarious...Green leaves the audience wanting more" **** (Remotegoat). www.mattgreen.org

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 16:40 (17:40) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

Jokes on Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

MATT HOLLINS AND ACQUAINTANCES

Local comic Matt Hollins has met some weird and wonderful people in his 16 years in Comedy. Joining him on stage tonight newbie Colin 'the Librarian' Drinkwater, what he lacks In experience he makes up for in enthusiasm. Comedy Industry expert Dave Chedderton will be doing one his notorious Q & A sessions and not forgetting Louis OK the East Midlands answer to a once great now disgraced comedy legend. CHARACTER, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 20:45 (21:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

MATT HOSS: HOSSANOVA WORK IN PROGRESS Matt Hoss has just won all the comedy awards after his debut hour. He has fame, groupies and mad dollar, but that's not important to him for now. He needs to write the hotly anticipated second hour. See Matt's work in progress show. You'll see why he got exclusively 5 Star reviews. "Funny, Brave and Intelligent" **** Lancashire Post "Really funny" **** Broadway Baby. "Oh my... What a unique individual" Binge Fringe. As part of the Kayal All-dayer www.matthosscomedy.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 19:20 (20:20) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

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Hannah Layton Management present

MATT HUTCHINSON: HOSTILE WORK IN PROGRESS Matt is the son of Jamaican and English parents and is an NHS doctor. He's also a comedian - (Finalist Leicester Square & Hackney Empire New Act competitions, Semi-ﬁnalist BBC New Comedy Award). This stand up show asks: "How hostile is the environment in Britain?". Life is portrayed as tough for immigrants - and it often is, but that's not the whole story. Who is welcomed, and what does it mean to "integrate". "An assured presence" - Chortle http://dissectingthejoke.com/ SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

112

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 MATT HUTSON: CONSOLATION

WORLD PREMIERE

Matt Hutson (Musical Comedy Award Finalist 2017/2018/2019) brings his signature style of angsty and passionate Musical Comedy to Leicester for two special shows. This year he's talking about how he's a twin and why it's ruined his life - but in a fun way. 'Emotional But Hilarious' (British Comedy Guide). MUSICAL, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 41

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

MATT PRICE: RAGING BILL

Cornish comedian Matt Price was raised by his Grandad William "Raging Bill" Price. This is a show about growing up, Swampy the Eco Warrior and learning about life the hard way. "Great gags. funny asides, beautifully comic descriptions ...The characters and their stories are comedy gold and Price is a talented goldsmith." The Scotsman www.mattpricecomedian.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

MATTHEW HIGHTON'S SOUL IN A SUITCASE

WORLD PREMIERE

Do you believe in the soul? Because I want yours. Seriously. What do I want for it? Does it matter? Let's ﬁnd out... An hour full of stories, silliness and sublime storytelling (a lot of S's really) with the ever inventive Matthew Highton. You'll laugh, you'll wonder, one of you will hopefully give him your soul. "Highton has the storytellers gift" **** Steve Bennett - Chortle. "Wonderful" The Guardian. "Plenty to laugh at" Time Out www.matthewhighton.com

STORYTELLING, ALTERNATIVE

DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

Berks Nest present

MAX & IVAN: COMMITMENT Say 'I do' to the triumphant return of Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees Max & Ivan. (BBC Two's 'W1A', Radio 4's 'Casebook'...) Commitment is the true story of the unreasonable lengths one best man (Max) will go to give one groom (Ivan) the greatest weekend of his life. It's a show about dreaming big, growing up, and trying - but ultimately very much failing - to make it in the band. Directed by Kieran Hodgson. maxandivan.com SKETCH, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £13 (£11)

Map Ref: 27

MCNEIL AND PAMPHILON: RUSTY

WORLD PREMIERE

For the ﬁrst time in eight years, award-winning double act McNeil and Pamphilon (team captains on Dara O'Briain's 'Go 8 Bit') present a new hour of sketch comedy. With their TV show cancelled, Sam's marriage over, and the pair both heavier and the wrong side of 40, this is sure to be a waste of everyone's time. But they've nothing left to lose. SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 27

MCUSICAL: THE UNOFFICIAL MARVEL PARODY MUSICAL WORK IN PROGRESS MCUsical: The Unofﬁcial Parody Musical retells the last 10 years of your favourite superhero cinematic ﬁlms through an hour of your favourite Broadway songs! You'll love it 3000! (Please note that this show is a Work-in-Progress showing) From previous shows: **** - PerthHappenings.com.au. **** - WeekendNotes.com. **** - Edinburgh Culture Review. "Hilarious... this show is well worth your time" - The Scotsman MUSICAL, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Map Ref: 30

"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 14:30 (15:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Megazone/ Discerning Nights present

MEGAZONE PRESENTS: COMEDY TAG - KIDS SHOW After last year's sold out show, Megazone and Daniel Nicholas, return with an hour of laser tag with a twist! You'll be allocated to a team lead by upcoming and established comedians, as you battle it out together to win in this Jungle themed event for kids . Featuring mini-games and arts and crafts! Limited tickets available. Head to www.megazoneleicester.co.uk to ﬁnd out more. 0116 253 1153 CHILDREN'S, IMMERSIVE DATES:

Venue: Megazone Leicester

Time: 13:00 (15:00) Entry: £12

Map Ref: 53

Megazone/ Discerning Nights present

MEGAZONE PRESENTS: COMEDY TAG Comedy Tag returns. Megazone and Daniel Nicholas, are teaming up once again to bring you laser tag and comedy with a twist. You'll be allocated to a team lead by award winning comedians, as you battle it out together to win in this Maﬁa themed event. Limited tickets available. Head to www.megazoneleicester. co.uk to ﬁnd out more. www.megazoneleicester.co.uk IMMERSIVE, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Megazone Leicester

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £12

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Big Difference Company present

MENTAL HEALTH AND COMEDY DISCUSSION For 2020, Leicester Comedy Festival is having a speciﬁc focus on mental health & wellbeing including ways in which those performing and attending the festival can look after each other across the 19 days. Come and hear more about the programme and whether there is anything funny about mental health. Guests include Rob Gee, Harriet Dyer and representatives from LAMP. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 12:00 (13:30) Entry: FREE

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Captain Colino's Comedy Playhouse present

MICHAEL BRUNSTRÖM'S UMLAUT: A COLON INTO ANOTHER DIMENSION

WORLD PREMIERE

Michael Brunström: a surrealist comedian on a genre-juggling journey through the labyrinthine colons of his own identity. Is there a way out? An unforgettable and uniquely absurd show from the mind that brought you "The Hay Wain Reloaded", "Parsley" and "World of Sports". ***** "A stunning piece of comedy... completely unpredictable." (Comedy to Watch). **** "An artistic genius." (Skinny). **** "Sense-bendingly entertaining." (Scotsman). www.michaelbrunstrom.co.uk SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 18:30 (19:20) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 27

MICHAEL FABBRI & DAN EVANS Two new shows from these fearless ﬁ xtures of the live comedy scene - For the price of just one! MICHAEL FABBRI (Star of Radio 4's Dyslexicon) delivers news from the front line of failure. 'Exceptionally funny, extremely sharp, hugely enjoyable' The Scotsman. DAN EVANS offers you a golden opportunity to back one of his awesome ﬁ fth-done-already business ideas. 'Originally ridiculous. Silliness taken to the nth degree' Milton Jones. SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 10

Jokes On Us present

MICKEY SHARMA: PERVERT Why does self exploration almost always turn out to be pervy?! www.mickeysharma.com SOLO SHOW, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

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Time: 21st 22:30 | 22nd 22:00 (60min) Entry: FREE

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WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 MICKY OVERMAN IS COOL, FUNNY AND VERY INTERESTING WORK IN PROGRESS

Micky Overman (Chortle Best Newcomer Nominee 2018) is trying to stop caring about what people think of her. She knows she's cool and interesting despite circumstantial evidence to the contrary (personality, interests, taste, everything she's ever done). A work-in-progress show from "a redoubtable talent" (The Scotsman), whose sharp social commentary is always accompanied by some incredible silliness. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 58

MILO EDWARDS: PINDOS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

What's it like to have 15 minutes of fame in the largest country on Earth? Pindos is the debut stand-up hour from former Cambridge Footlight, Milo Edwards, about how he became a Russian TV star, got arrested in deepest Russia and discovered what happens when a country is run by a shirtless man on a horse. It comes fresh from an award-winning run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019. - 'We need comedians like Milo Edwards' - Scotsgay 5* SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5 or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

MILO EDWARDS: WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Following the success of 2019's hit Edinburgh show 'Pindos', Milo Edwards is back with another hour of stand-up about the relationships that deﬁne us. It's a show about being in love, and out of it, but it isn't ﬁnished, so please adjust your expectations accordingly. Previous Praise for Milo Edwards: 'We need comedians like Milo Edwards' - ScotsGay ��. 'An intelligent, thought provoking hour' - Broadway Baby ��. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 16:30 (17:30) Entry: £5 or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

MILTON JONES IN MILTON: IMPOSSIBLE One man. One Mission. Is it possible? No, not really. Milton Jones reveals the truth about being an international spy, before being given a disappointing new identity which forced him to appear on 'Mock the Week', 'Live at the Apollo'. But this is also a love story with the twist, or at least a really bad sprain. Just gloriously daft nonsense or is there a deeper meaning? Every man has his price. Sainsburys, where good food costs less. demontforthall.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £29

Map Ref: 22

RBM Comedy present

MITCH BENN: TEN SONGS TO SAVE THE WORLD One broken world and ten funny songs to ﬁ x it. From BBC Radio 4's "Now Show" to his column in the New European, award-winning Mitch Benn, spreads insight and laughs in equal measure. Join the "country's leading musical satirist" (The Times) as, with six string in hand and a head full of silly rhymes, he identiﬁes the problems and proposes (semi-serious) solutions. "Song after song of exquisitely crafted satire" The Scotsman mitchbenn.com MUSICAL, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £9 (£7)

Map Ref: 27

Dawn Sedgwick Management present

MIZTLI ROSE: MEXICAN WAVE WORK IN PROGRESS Having spent her childhood in Mexico, actor-comedian, Miztli Rose, suddenly found herself living in rainy old Brighton one summer. Little did she know she would never see her Mexican family again. Now at the age of thirty, she's having a bit of an identity crisis. Join Miztli in her brand new storytelling comedy show as she explores how the pivotal moments in our lives shape the people we become. www.miztliroseneville.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Map Ref: 39

"A programme bursting with variety" daily mirror

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

A flower is just a weed with a marketing budget

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WANT TICKETS?

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visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 MOUNTSORREL COMEDY NIGHT

A top line up of stand up comedy featuring Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award winner Laura Monmoth ("Rather magniﬁcent. 5/5" Lancashire Evening Post.), Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2017 Alasdair Beckett-King (**** "Magniﬁcent, wonderful and hilarious" - The Wee Review) and Patrick Monahan (as seen on BBC 'The One Show', ITV 'Fake Reaction and Celebrity Squares). https://comedy-festival.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Mountsorrel Memorial Centre

Time: 20:00 (21:30) Entry: £12

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Jokes on Us and New Horizons in British Islam present

MULTI-CULTURE-LOL! After two award nominated nights in 2018 and 2019, the charity New Horizons in British Islam present a brand new show in 2020! Former Bollywood dance instructor turned comedian Eshaan Akbar hosts a night of hilarity with three other fantastic acts TBC. Reminder: This is a 'Pay what you want' event so bring some cash and give generously on the night! www.nhorizons.org MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:30 (21:45) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

MURDER INC.

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Murder Inc is the crafty, hilarious, improvised murder mystery that YOU help program. Tell us who we are and where we are and that's what you'll get. Previous Murder Inc shows have been set at Hogwarts, in the Marvel Universe, and in...Ikea (really anywhere someone could be murdered). Set the scene and we're off. Crack the case and win a prize. Performing to sell-out rooms for 4 years, Murder Inc is thrilled to bring the fun to Leicester. www.murderincimprov.com IMPROV, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Corrie McGuire Management present

MYRA DUBOIS: DEAD FUNNY Myra is dead; long live Myra! Realising she stands to miss out on the most attention she'll ever receive, the 'acid-tongued and funny to the bone' (Time Out) Myra brings forward her funeral to make sure people get it right! An irreverently sardonic and 'incredibly quick-witted' (The Scotsman) side-eye at death, dying and the theatrics of grief. Get ready R.I.Pee your pants! ***** Broadway Baby. ***** Edinburgh Culture Review. **** The Scotsman. www.myradubois.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 68

NAOMI PAUL: DESPITE EVERYTHING, PRICE STILL INCLUDES BISCUITS Satirical 4-star show with original songs, topical stories & Jewish humour. Poignant, funny & ultimately uplifting. With biscuits. Of course. **** 'Fine comic celebration of modern Britain' (British Theatre Guide) **** 'A sprinkling of nicely observed Victoria Wood-style songs adds to the charm' (Ludlow Fringe) 'Fabulous - sharp, cultural, witty, poignant & very VERY funny' (Birmingham Fest) **** (Edinburgh 49) 'Recommended show' (Fringe Review). www.naomipaulperformer.com THEATRE, CABARET DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 15:15 (16:15) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 70

The Rat Pack Productions Ltd present

NATHAN CASSIDY: OBSERVATIONAL Award-winning comedian Cassidy with a new show about his magical year. Nothing was happening, then he joined a gym and a big, strong man changed his life forever. You couldn't make it up. BEST SHOW NOMINEE BUXTON FRINGE 2019. 'Something special' **** Mumble 2019. 'Relentlessly laugh out loud, hilarious' Edinburgh Evening News 2018. 'Stormingly good' Kate Copstick 2018. Malcolm Hardee Award Nominee, Best Show Buxton Fringe Winner. www.nathancassidy.com/AL SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Map Ref: 68

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £6 (£5)

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

NATHAN CATON: WORK IN PROGRESS

The proliﬁc Caton prepares for his upcoming tour with an hour of new material, delivered in his usual hilarious way! 'A dab hand at mixing the personal with the political' - Squirrel Comedy. 'A comic well worth catching any chance you can' - One4review. 'Funny, clever and a pleasure to listen to' - Broadway Baby. 'A charming and convincing operator' - The List. www.nathancaton.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Casarotto Ramsay & Associates present

NATHAN D'ARCY ROBERTS: IS DENZEL WASHINGTON MY DAD? Nathan D'Arcy Roberts (BBC Introducing Radio 4 Comedy Award nominee) is bringing his exciting new show to the Leicester Comedy Festival. Raised having never met his father Nathan embarks on a journey to conﬁrm his belief that the identity of his estranged papa is none other than the Oscar-winning actor. STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 16:30 (17:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

Century Theatre present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

NATIONAL FOREST'S FUNNIEST KIDS!

This is the chance to experience the ﬁrst Coalville Funniest Kids Comedy Show. Children from around the region come to the Century Theatre to ﬂex their comic biceps and give everyone a bit of a giggle. Featuring 4 age ranges and competition winners from schools around the town, we get ready to laugh at those funny kids. Every family has one! Winners receive prize and trophy. Judges are professionals from the industry. Get nominating your child. www.centurytheatre@leics.gov.uk CHILDREN'S DATES:

Venue: Century Theatre

Time: 13:00 (15:00) Entry: £5

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Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

NEIL DELAMERE: WORK IN PROGRESS

Star of BBC's 'The Blame Game', 'Fighting Talk' and 'the Newsquiz' Neil Delamere presents this work-in-progress show. "You'll be hard pressed to ﬁnd a more gifted comic at the Fringe." ***** The Scotsman. "One lean, mean, comedy, killing machine." ***** The Herald www.neildelamere.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

NEIL O'ROURKE: MEGALAD "What he lacks in swagger - and possibly friends - he more than makes up in delightful punchlines and entertaining yarns" - Chortle, reviewing Neil. "A lad of such monumental proportions, specialising in the creation and serving of prime ribs of banter. All about boozing, shaggin' and lad-ing at every opportunity" Urban Dictionary describing a MegaLad. Basically the same thing, right? Finalist of Irish Comedian of the Year. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Buzz Website Design present

NETWORKED TO DEATH: POSSIBLY THE FUNNIEST BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT EVER!!! Networked to Death is a new business networking experience. Hosted by comedian Lawrence Laidlow (ex RAF, Biker, martial arts expert & Funeral Director) you'll be able to build your business connections over a 2-course lunch and enjoy a seriously good laugh at the same time. You might even be laughing too much to eat. All proﬁ ts from the event will be donated to Big Difference Company, which is the charity behind Leicester Comedy Festival. buzzwebsitedesign.com EVENT DATES:

Venue: Chutney Ivy

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Time: 12:00 (13:50) Entry: £21.50

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 www.comedyinleicestershire.com present

NEWTOWN LINFORD COMEDY - THE LINFORD CLUB 5 comedians from the comedy circuit at the wonderful Linford Club in Newtown Linford. It is free admission so arrive early. The show will be in the bar area and will feature new and experienced comedians in a 90- minute performance (two breaks). Cropston Fairweather hosts. Please visit www.comedyinleicester. com for full details of the line-up. www.comedyinleicester.com CABARET DATES:

Venue: The Linford Club

Time: 19:30 (21:05) Entry: FREE

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Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

NICK ELLERAY: BIG NICK ENERGY

Fresh from a successful run at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe, Nick brings the mellow thunder with a stand-up show that contains homeopathic levels of toxicity and also trash-talks the Rolling Stones' 1989 album 'Steel Wheels'. **** "Brilliantly penned gags" - The List. **** "A cracking display" - Three Weeks. **** "A fantastic Fringe experience" - Short Com. **** "A brilliant blend of jokes" - Edinburgh Festivals Magazine http://www.nickelleray.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:30 (20:20) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

NICOLA HOUGHTON: IT'S ALL GRAVY Hilarious stand-up show from comedian, Nicola Houghton. Getting to the root of class and how it makes us tick. A show about surviving in the world of an underfunded working class town, thanks to home knitted t-shirts, rafﬂe prizes and treasures found in the canal. The story of a working-class northern girl, now living in London, trying to ﬁght classism - whilst parenting three middle class children...who prefer olives to gravy. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 20:10 (21:10) Entry: £7 (£5)

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Venue: Queen of Bradgate

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

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Don't Shoot Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

NINA GILLIGAN: BROAD SHOULDERS

Adopted as a baby Nina Gilligan has been on a journey to ﬁnd her birth family. Originally taken hostage by nuns and raised in deepest darkest East Manchester. Nina Gilligan embarks on a 'DIY' search for her birth family with a roller coaster ride of results. Asking big questions about Adoption, Identity and Chicken. 'Brutal Honesty and Charming Sass' Edinburgh Deadline News '5 Stars'. 'Ever Present Wit' The Edinburgh Student '5 Stars' www.lastlaughcomedy.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING 06

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 5

APP

DAB

DATES:

SHOUT “UNION JACK RADIO”

We put this ad upside down just to mess with you. "One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 The Doorstep Comedy Club present

NINETEEN TWELVE COMEDY SPECIAL Debuting in out ﬁrst comedy show in the Leicester Comedy Festival and couldn't be more excited! We will be showcasing 4 great acts in our venue all for a great cost of £10. Find all of our full listings on "The Doorstep Comedy Club" Facebook or on www.thedoorstepcomedyclub.com www.thedoorstepcomedyclub.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Nineteen Twelve

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 57

NJAMBI MCGRATH: BLACK BLACK Since her debut in 2010, she was voted 1 of 5 top up and coming female comedians 2012 by Fabulous magazine barely 14 months later. She was shortlisted for the BBC Radio New Comedy Awards x 2 a year later. She guested shows like Saturday Live BBC Radio 4 and ½ hour proﬁle on BBC World service and has been showcased on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4Xtra, featured on STV, French TV(Business Africa/Initiative Africa) and Bloomberg Africa TV. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Avalon present

NORRIS & PARKER: THIRST TRAPS Debauched late night sketch comedy for lovers of the strange, the sordid, the musical and the dark. **** The Guardian, **** The Telegraph, **** Chortle www.norrisandparker.co.uk SKETCH, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

NOT QUITE

REGIONAL PREMIERE

A fast-paced physical comedy about the interview process and the struggle to prove one's worth. With ﬁngers crossed, strong handshakes and uncomfortable footwear, Cassie and Georgie are intent on making a good ﬁrst impression. Not Quite follows these two naïve young hopefuls as they navigate the seemingly impossible feat of cracking the job market and brave every setback to get onto the career ladder. www.thicknfast.com

THEATRE, SKETCH

DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 87

NOTFLIX: THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL Five-star, total sell out show Edinburgh Fringe 2016-2018 and Vaults Festival 2017-2019. Did we mention the cast are making it up as they go along? Did we mention it's a musical? Featuring a live band and original, improvised songs. Because everything is better as a musical! ***** "Roaringly funny and incredibly talented" Broadway Baby. **** "Effortlessly funny" The Observer. **** "Surprising, spontaneous and delightful" Fringe Biscuit MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Curve

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £12

Map Ref: 21

Unexporcupine Publishing present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

OLAF FALAFEL'S IT'S ONE GIANT LEEK FOR MANKIND

Surrealist comedian, author, illustrator and Fringe favourite Olaf Falafel presents his latest book, It's One Giant Leek For Mankind. Inspired by the 50th anniversary of the historic 1969 moon landing, this hilarious silly show is packed full of jokes, farts, drawing, moon baboons and oversized vegetables! 'Brilliantly funny!' (Tim Peake, astronaut). www.unexporcupine.com CHILDREN'S, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Firebug

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Time: 14:30 (15:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 OLAF FALAFEL: KNITTING WITH MARACAS

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Winner of the 2019 Edinburgh fringe funniest joke, Olaf Falafel is back once again like a renegade master. If you've been to any of his previous shows, you'll know exactly what to expect - inventive jokes and stupid comedic leftﬁeldery all held together with the ﬂimsiest of narrative structures. "Absurdity so wellcrafted that silly doesn't do it justice" - Evening Standard. "A wonderful hour of professional silliness" - List. www.olaffalafel.com ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

OLGA KOCH: BRIDE WORK IN PROGRESS Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominated comedian and star of Mock The Week Olga Koch comes back with her third hour! This year she tackles her identity as an immigrant, a drama queen and the biggest Vampire Weekend fan the world has ever seen. www.rocknrolga.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Berk's Nest in association with Hannah Layton Management present

OLGA KOCH: IF/THEN Olga Koch: If/Then A brand new hour by the 2018 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee 'Slick mature hour' **** Telegraph. 'Laugh-a-minute hour' **** List. 'Unashamedly whip-smart' **** Fest. Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Olga Koch is back! Following her BBC Radio 4 special, the acclaimed stand-up tells a love story through the medium of computer programming (which she studied at university, and, like, barely ever brings up). https://www.rocknrolga.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £8 (£7)

Map Ref: 68

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

ONE NIGHT OF DREAD One Night of Dread asks, "Can you survive the night?" in this collaborative storytelling adventure through the horror genre. In two teams, you will work to solve the mystery of your location and try to survive the story chosen at random by a single dice roll... Thursday performance 8.30pm / Friday and Saturday performance 10pm www.smokinggunstheatre.co.uk IMMERSIVE, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 13th 20:30 | 14th & 15th 22:00 (60min) Entry: £7.50 (£5)

Map Ref: 42

ComediHa! present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

PASCAL CAMERON: HAIRBALLS

Pascal Cameron, a Canadian stand-up comedian, is in Leicester for the ﬁrst time and is bringing with him his charming French-Canadian accent to present his solo show called Hairballs; a classic dark comedy stand-up of 60 minutes. Written in the turmoil of his lazy, ordinary life, this show purposely wants you to laugh at the difﬁculties he encountered in his past but also his present life. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Vivienne Smith Management present

PATRICK MONAHAN: STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM, NOW I'M HERE Smart and funny observations on a new-found, middle-class lifestyle with ski holidays, through the prism of poor, immigrant, living-in-a-caravan roots. As seen on BBC 'The One Show', ITV 'Fake Reaction and Celebrity Squares. 'Rip-roaringly funny... fun! Another hour would have suited everyone' ***** (One4Review.co.uk). 'Hilarious' ***** (ThreeWeeks). 'There isn't a comic quite like him' ***** (TheNewCurrent.co.uk). patrickmonahan.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Map Ref: 27

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £13 (£11)

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Kill For A Seat Comedy present

WORLD PREMIERE

PAUL 'SILKY' WHITE AND DAVID EAGLE: COMEDY/MUSIC/SEX/DEATH

David Eagle: Member of three-time BBC R2 Folk Award winning band The Young'uns and New Comedian Of The Year, Bath Comedy Festival 2019 and Nottingham 2018. "a comic tour de force" Guardian. Silky: 25 years on the international comedy circuit, singer-songwriter on the side. "Absolutely brilliant. Great improviser, wonderful stand-up, beautiful singer" BBC Radio Scotland. "far better guitar playing than is required for a comedy show" Stewart Lee davideagle.co.uk MUSICAL, MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £9 (£7)

Map Ref: 10

Kill for a Seat Comedy present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

PAUL 'SILKY' WHITE: THE SOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES

Brilliant new show from "cryingly funny" (Bath Chronicle) 2019 Musical Comedy Awards Finalist as seen on BBC1, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount, festivals from Glastonbury to Green Man. "Why is this the ﬁrst time I've seen his hour? I've been missing out for ages." **** One 4 Review (2019). "wonderful. Silky absolutely shines. A master of improvisation. Razor-sharp wit. The hour absolutely ﬂew by.. consistently one of the best" **** Scotsgay (2019) silkythecomedian.com MUSICAL, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 10

Kill For A Seat Comedy present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

PAUL 'SILKY' WHITE: ZIUQ

Family friendly-ish Backwards Pub Quiz. Stand-Up Show (BBC1), The World Stands Up (Paramount), The Comic's Lounge (AUS). Finalist: 2019 Musical Comedy Awards, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, BBC New Comedy Awards. Double Liverpool Echo Arts & Entertainment Award Nominee. Stand Comedy Club 'Good Egg Of The Year'. Glastonbury 2019: ***** Three Weeks, **** One 4 Review, **** Scotsgay, **** Herald, **** Broadway Baby silkythecomedian.com GAME SHOW, IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 10

TripleCeePee present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

PAUL CURRIE: TRUFFICLE MUSK (2020)

Genders and non-genders, come plunge your human meat gloves into this zeitgeist pavlova as you gently take each other delicately by the frontal cortex and we all ascend into the sparkling mind-satchel of comedian and immersive stand-up artist Paul Victor Currie. "SELL OUT" show of the Edinburgh Fringe. Winner Edinburgh Comedians Comedian Award 2018 www.mrpaulcurrie.com/ CLOWN DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £9

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TripleCeePee present

WORLD PREMIERE

PAUL CURRIE: VOLUME 8 WORK IN PROGRESS

Imagine Samuel Beckett and Monty Python on a 24 hour binge of buckfast and acid in a cheap motel bedroom and you're not even close to what Paul Currie's new hour of "comedy" shall deliver to his audience. A truly brave experimental new fusion of air, stand-up, mime, puppetry, yeast, theatre, painting, yoga, contemporary dance, basketball, bird watching, and an entire Victorian music hall reconstructed inside Currie's head. www.mrpaulcurrie.com/ CLOWN, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

PAUL F TAYLOR: PAUL OF FAME WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

What is this show about? Your guess is as good as mine at this point but it'll probably have some surreal, off the wall, illogical conceits and an absurd payoff. **** The Skinny "consistently hilarious ... should be required viewing for all wannabe surrealists". **** The List "Call-backs, themes and clever wordplay dizzily weave in and out". Best New Show Nominee Leicester Comedy Festival 2013, 2017 www.paulftaylor.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

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Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

WANT TICKETS?

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 PAUL JAMES: DESIGNATED DRINKER

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Paul's wife loves to drive, while Paul has a rare medical condition that prohibits him from driving and causes him to make up rare medical conditions. He became the self-appointed 'Designated Drinker'. Unselﬁshly dedicating himself to this role in the face of objections from his wife, the medical profession and the law! He is currently banned from four pubs, two hotels and one and a half countries! "Revered as a comedic demigod" Western Mail SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 41

PAUL JAMES: THE HOFF & I

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Welsh comedian Paul James tells the story of how a cracked heel lead to time travelling adventures across Wales with the Hollywood heart-throb and star of Knight Rider and Baywatch David Haselhoff. 'Revered as a comedic demi-god ... he has a gritty, down-to-earth accessibility that wins crowds over everywhere' - The Western Mail. 'Has gags huge name comics would sell their grans for' - South Wales Evening Post SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £5 (£4)

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The Comedy Agency present

PAUL KERENSA: KNEEL DOWN, STAND UP Writer for BBC1's Miranda and Not Going Out, among countless others, Paul Kerensa's the in-demand comic who plays comedy clubs and cathedrals. He's one of the few to have appeared both at London's Comedy Store and on Radio 2's Pause For Thought. A decade into his stand-up career, Paul's one-man show has played to packed-out venues over the last few years, including the Edinburgh Fringe and Montreal Comedy Festival. www.htl.church SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Holy Trinity Church

Time: 19:30 (21:20) Entry: £10 (£8)

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PAUL MCCAFFREY: LEMON As seen on Live At The Apollo. Most recently Paul has performed to over half a million people in supporting Kevin Bridges and Sean Lock on nationwide tours. Join him for this hilarious brand new show. 'Born to be a Comic' - The Scotsman, 'McCaffrey simply has funny bones' - The Shortlist, 'The relaxed, assured conﬁdence of a stadium ﬁller' - Chortle, Star of Live At The Apollo, BBC3's Impractical Jokers and Russell Howard's Good News SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £11

Map Ref: 37

PAUL MERRYCK: LOCAL BUSINESSMAN UNREPENTANT And from the darkness of the marshes and swamps of the Essex hinterland there came the light....Paul Merryck in his hilarious one man show 'Local Businessman Unrepentant' is delighted to be performing to the people of Leicester. "The Essex bloke is something of a geezer ... plenty of showbiz patter... . gag-focussed delivery... . high laugh rate... . you'd think that the spirit of Mike Reid is alive and well" Steve Bennett - Chortle July 2018 www.paulmerryck.com CHARACTER, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 93

PAUL SAVAGE: SHAME SPIRAL SPECIAL RECORDING DVD recording! Paul Savage went to Australia , where he sold out some shows, got loads of nice reviews, and got into an intense relationship with an Australian woman. But the consistent backdrop of shame lurks throughout. A show about identity, memory and fry-ups. 'Wonderful way with words' (BBC). 'Razor-sharp wit' **** (Adelaide Advertiser). Top 10 jokes of the fringe 2017 (Guardian, Mirror, Esquire, Shortlist, Week). ****½ (ABC Australia). paulsavagecomedy.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

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Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: FREE

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Red Comedy present

PAUL SINHA: HAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE Thus far, Paul has lived his life content in the understanding that stability and emotional happiness were lovely ideas but not really for him. Nonetheless, several decades of cheerfully bearing boozy witness to the narratives of others can slowly change a man. And so can a prosecco-fuelled Christmas. "One of our most thoughtful and enjoyable comedians" Times. "Hilariously funny, passionate and articulate" Chortle www.paulsinha.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £14

Map Ref: 85

Hot Water Comedy Club present

PAUL SMITH: FOLLOWING Following his ﬁrst national tour in 2018 which saw him go from circuit act to one of the biggest selling names in UK stand up in less than a year, Paul Smith returns with his second national tour show - Following. Join this crowd favourite for another night of hilarity. If you witnessed 2018's tour, which culminated in an unforgettable night at the M&S Bank Arena you're sure to return, if you didn't then make sure you don't miss out again. www.haytheatre.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Haymarket Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: £19.50

Map Ref: 33

PAUL SWEENEY: AMUSEMENTS VOL.1 ATTRACTION An hour of inﬁnitely charming comedy exploring the laws of attraction by Paul Sweeney, a comedian with a sharp, self-deprecating style that when combined with his own eclectic taste and unique sensibility are sure to make this show both entertaining and beguiling. "One of the most charming and funny comedians working today" Joe Lycett. "Intriguing and memorable" Chortle. SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 16:30 (17:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

PETER FLEMING: HOME, TIME

WORLD PREMIERE

Join retired children's TV pioneer Peter Fleming as he tries to ﬁnd his way back. He might even ﬁnd copies of his legendary BBC programmes once he gets there. Wherever there is. Winner of Best Debut Show - Leicester Comedy Festival 2018. As heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra. 'Endearing, silly and wretched... a winning and memorable character, realised with skill, fondness and detail' - Chortle. 'A vibrant hour' - The Skinny. CHARACTER, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 68

VOLUNTEER FOR US: Are you interested in going behind the scenes and experiencing the Festival in a different way? Join our team and help make 2020 truly marvellous. For more information contact us on volunteers@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

PHIL GREEN: WARRIOR PRINCESS A stand up show featuring quirky, offbeat, often surreal stories from the Warrior Princess himself Phil Green. Phil has never been quite sure if he is a millennial or whether he belongs to previous generations leading to some ridiculous and embarrassing social missteps. He ponders if his oddball parents and love/hate feelings towards Tony Blair turned him into a lover or a ﬁghter. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

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Time: 21:00 (21:45) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Off The Kerb Productions presents

REGIONAL PREMIERE

PHIL JERROD: WORK IN PROGRESS

Join the award-winning comic and ofﬁcial tour support for Romesh Ranganathan and Angela Barnes, as he works out material for his brand new stand-up show. 'Insightful, despairing wit' - The Scotsman. 'Casual brilliance' - The Guardian. www.offthekerb.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

PHIL LINDSEY: HERE COMES JOHNNY HANDSHAKES

Silly and surreal in equal measures, Phil deploys hundreds of sound effects alongside his properly bendy face to create a one-man, human-cartoon show live on stage. "Impeccably dumb" - Edfringereview.com. "A true pleasure" - ThreeWeeks. As seen on BBC 3 and heard on BBC Radio 1 (The Andy Field Experience). Twitter: @phil_lindsey CHARACTER, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

PHIL WANG: PHILLY PHILLY WANG WANG Following a sell-out 2018 tour, and fresh from a 2019 Edinburgh Fringe run that sold out in advance, Phil Wang is back on tour with his newest show. Phil has made a name for himself (that name being Phil Wang) exploring sex, romance, politics, and his mixed British-Malaysian heritage with shows that delight in his unique Wang brand of smart and silly. This one is about morality and the modern sense of self. Swell! www.ytheatre.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £15

Map Ref: 85

Avalon present

WORLD PREMIERE

PIERRE NOVELLIE: WORK IN PROGRESS

Pierre Novellie returns to Leicester to see what the ﬁne burghers think of his new stuff. Multiple award-winning/nominated, more ﬁ ve and four star reviews than you can shake a stick at and sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. It's observational comedy for people who think they hate observational comedy. Www.pierrenovellie.com SATIRE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 36

POL PENTER: THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER BAR Following her sell-out show Sertraline Queen in 2019, Pol Penter is back at the Leicester Comedy Festival with a new one-woman show, The World Is Your Oyster Bar. Do people really order from seafood bars in airports? Can everything in Australia kill you? Are there really people who think Detroit is the capital of Canada? And is everyone else in the world secretly having a lot more fun than we are? SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

Jokes On Us present

PONY TALES Join 2017 XS Manchester comedian of the year, 2019 Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition nominee and 2017 Liverpool Comedian of the Year and Paul Smith tour support for an hour of hard laughs with 2 of the biggest rising talents on the UK comedy circuit STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Map Ref: 71

"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Proper Funny Comedy present

PROPER FUNNY COMEDY'S FESTIVAL LAUNCH PARTY The "Proper Funny Launch Party" returns to kick the Leicester Comedy Festival off with a bang! As always the show includes sets from a wide-variety of acts, ranging from previous Festival Award Winners/Nominees to some of the very ﬁnest emerging acts. All of which is held together seamlessly by Leicester's own Jason Neale (MC). The show has SOLD OUT for the last 5 years running so book your tickets early to avoid disappointment! www.properfunnycomedy.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 19:45 (21:15) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

In association with TripleCeePee

PROPER FUNNY COMEDY'S SATURDAY SHOWCASE What better way to spend the final Saturday of the Festival than seeing a number of the finest Professional Acts on the UK Comedy Circuit? Proper Funny bring some of the finest comedy shows to the Midlands throughout the year. For the last 5 years they've opened the Festival with a Sold-Out Launch Party and this year they're teaming up with Firebug and CCCP to see the festival out with an absolute belter of a show! Book Early!!! www.properfunnycomedy.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £8 (£7)

Map Ref: 27

Wigston Fields News and Deli present

QUIZ AT #NOTJUSTACORNERSHOP Join us for a quiz with a comedy twist...they'll be laughs, wildcard rounds and prizes all held together by your local shopkeepers. Teams can enter on the night and refreshments will be on sale. GAME SHOW, EVENT DATES:

Venue: Wigston Deli

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: Entry fee for teams on the night

Map Ref: 91

RADU ISAC: GOOD EXCUSES FOR SOCIOPATHS Do you sometimes think about your actions? Do your actions make you feel like a sociopath? Does feeling like a sociopath hurt your self-esteem? Well this show was speciﬁcally written to make you feel better! None of the victims feelings were considered during the making of the show. 'Simultaneously sweet and dark' - Chortle 'intelligently subversive' - The Scotsman As seen and heard on BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4 and Comedy Central Extra. http://raduisac2.com/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

RAINER HERSCH: ALL CLASSICAL MUSIC EXPLAINED

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Rainer is unique - a trained conductor AND a stand-up comedian. Really!? Yes, really. And to prove it, he is conducting Leicester Symphony Orchestra at De Montfort Hall on Sunday 23rd. Here is a rare opportunity to catch him at his brilliant, stand-up best. 'ACME' tackles those difﬁcult questions: "why is organ music so boring?"; "is the triangle hard?" and "what do conductors actually do?" "A guaranteed laugh every four bars" Scotsman www.rainerhersch.com

SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £12 (£10)

Map Ref: 58

Leicester Symphony Orchestra present

RAINER MEETS THE LSO Join comedian and conductor Rainer Hersch as he does his best to direct the Leicester Symphony Orchestra! Expect the 1812 Overture, Bizet Carmen Overture, Ravel Bolero plus more fun and tricks than a conductor can wave a stick at. demontforthall.co.uk MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

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Time: 15:00 (17:00) Entry: £19 (£15)

Map Ref: 22

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 RAUL KOHLI: THE KOHLI BIBLE

WORLD PREMIERE

Raul has always wanted to believe in a higher power, but always felt admitting this would be as shameful as admitting attending regular incestual bukkake parties. Using this hour of stand up, he now seeks to explore religion, faith, belonging and identity. Come see a stoner try and conclusively prove God exists, punching way above his remit while occasionally calling Ricky Gervais a c**t. 'Inspiringly Intelligent', Paul Sinha. ****, Fest www.raulkohli.com

SATIRE, SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

RAUL KOHLI: THE KOHLI BIBLE

WORLD PREMIERE

SATIRE, SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

RAY BADRAN PERFORMS STAND UP COMEDY Hi my name is Ray and I'm a comedian from Australia who is a real good, cool dude and fantastic comedian (and I'm not being biased cause I know the guy hahahahah!), anyway come watch my stand up show. For more info please call me on 07899242142. Thanks! www.raybadran.com SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:00 (18:50) Entry: £5 or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Ride Leicester present

RED LIGHT COMEDY The 2020 edition of Red Light Comedy's 'Tour de Leicester' sees the return of Cycling Suffragette Lynn Ruth Miller alongside a peloton of festival favourites hosted at your local Leicester bike shops. All you have to do is jump on your bike and join us there! CABARET DATES:

Venue: Town Hall Bike Park

Time: 18:30 (20:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 86

Ride Leicester present

Venue: Ebike Centres

Time: 18:30 (20:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 23

Ride Leicester present

Venue: Future Cycles

Map Ref: 29

"A programme bursting with variety" daily mirror

Time: 18:30 (20:30) Entry: £5

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Ride Leicester present

Venue: Rutland Cycling Leicester

Time: 16:00 (18:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 62

Ride Leicester present

Venue: Fix My Bike

Time: 17:00 (19:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 28

REGINALD D HUNTER: FACING THE BEAST Celebrating his twentieth anniversary as a comedian living and performing in the UK, Reginald D Hunter returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival with his 2019 tour show 'Facing The Beast'. Brutally honest and often considered to be controversial, but always meticulously thought out, and he has never been afraid to face challenging issues head on even when the focus is on his own principles or beliefs. www.ytheatre.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £18

Map Ref: 85

RETRO FIT Award winning comedian Amadeus Martin goes retro. Expect tales of funeral arrangements, mass destruction of relationships, why the music scene is dead, Jiu-jitsu, Blackpool rock and more. Amadeus may occasionally be obscene, so if you're easily offended, be sure to come along. "Assured, adept, adding edge" Fringe Review. "Self-deprecating, one of my personal favourites" Buxton Review. Time Out Critic's Choice. "Comedy Pick" Evening Standard & GQ SATIRE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £6 (£5)

Map Ref: 40

RHOD GILBERT: THE BOOK OF JOHN A lot has happened to Rhod in the seven years since he last toured. Almost all of it bad. And just when he thought he'd hit rock bottom, he met a bloke...called John. This show sees Rhod as funny as ever, but like never before. 'The Book of John' is raw, personal and brutally honest; no more lies, no more nonsense. This is Rhod, but different, the same, but not. Come along and see for yourself. demontforthall.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £29

Map Ref: 22

Rhymes Improv present

RHYMES AGAINST HUMANITY: THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL Rhymes Against Humanity is the Midlands' highly acclaimed improvised musical. No scripts, no pre-prepared tunes. Just a non-stop joyride of musical hilarity that's all being created in the moment. www.rhymesimprov.com MUSICAL, IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

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Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

RICHARD PULSFORD: ROLL-UP FOR THE SMIRKING BREAK Stand-up from the master of wordplay and one-liner machine Richard Pulsford with his sixth solo show at the Leicester Comedy Festival. Leicester Comedy Festival's UK Pun Championship ﬁnalist 2014-2017 (runner up 2016). Dave's Top Ten Jokes (Edinburgh Fringe 2019). "Richard's professionalism showed through; comfortable and secure with his audience, totally on top of his act, doing what he is good at - getting laughs - lots" (Buxton Fringe 2019). www.richardpulsford.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Andrew Roach Talent present

RICHARD STOTT: RIGHT HAND MAN Critically-acclaimed show from the comedian with toes for ﬁngers. Exploring body image, mental health and disability in an image-obsessed world. As heard on BBC Radio 5 Live. Dave's Top 10 Jokes - 2019 Ed Fringe. "Unexpectedly inspiring, heart-wrenchingly moving and unquestionably funny" Evening Standard, "Deﬁnitely one to watch out for" **** Broadway Baby, "Reminiscent of Jonathan Pie...thoughtful & funny" **** ThreeWeeks. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 41

CKP present

RICHARD TODD: WORK IN PROGRESS The 80s. No internet; if Richard wanted information he went his Grandad - wise, venerable, resting in his favourite armchair - and posed his question; and his Grandpa would say, quick as a ﬂash: Who are you? What do you want? Where's my leg? This show is not about him. But it surely has some bearing. 'Painfully funny... like ﬁnding The Fall guesting on X-Factor.' The Scotsman****. 'Warm, personal, unique, very funny.' Chortle **** richardtoddcomedy.com STORYTELLING, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 18:00 (18:50) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

Avalon present

ROB AUTON: THE TIME SHOW 'The Time Show' is the latest comedy/theatre/spoken word show by writer and performer of some of what he writes Rob Auton. Following on from his critically acclaimed shows about talking, hair, sleep, water, faces, the sky and the colour yellow, "the Fringe's comedian laureate" (British Comedy Guide) now turns his attention to time. He will be asking questions such as "What time is it?" and "What is it time?" robauton.co.uk SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 27

Custard Comedy present

WORLD PREMIERE

ROB COLEMAN'S GRUMPY HOUR

Rob has achieved his life's ambition of rowing the Atlantic. But has it made him any happier? What do you think? Now a ﬁ xture of the Festival, expect moaning, whinging and whining at the state of the world, and everything and everyone in it, as Rob, Jane Hill, Chris Norton Walker and Fred Ferenczi suggest that there's more to life than smiling, sunshine, rainbows, and generally enjoying yourself. Very funny though. www.robcolemancomedy.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

Custard Comedy present

WORLD PREMIERE

ROB COLEMAN: THE 3000 MILE ROW WORK IN PROGRESS

Rob is now a world record holding ocean rower. How the hell did that happen? Join him for an hour of adventure on the high seas and discover how to spend 51 days in a rowing boat without committing murder. What does it feel like to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic? How do you survive? Why don't your arms fall off? What's the bucket for? Do jelly babies have sex? How did Kylie Minogue play a pivotal role in his success? And much, much more. www.custardcomedy.co.uk STORYTELLING, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Map Ref: 68

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Arts and Heritage at UHL present

ROB GEE AT LEICESTER CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL SCHOOL Leicester legend and international, multi award winning stand up poet Rob Gee, has been playing word games and creating funny poems with children at the Leicester Royal Inﬁrmary Children's Hospital for the last couple of months. He will share some of the highlights with patients and their families at this event. CHILDREN'S, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Leicester Royal Inﬁrmary

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: By invitation only

Map Ref: 46

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

ROB KEMP: AGENDA

A show about straight male crossdressers, as I am one of them, and we are still mostly a punchline. I saw a Mario-themed stag-do today. There were multiple Marios, Luigis and Yoshis, but of course the stag was in a Princess Peach costume. And I wonder why that was. What is meant to be inherently funny about a man dressed like a lady? It's a status thing, isn't it. Oh, and I intend this to be comedy, ok? ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Jokes On Us present

ROB MULHOLLAND: TOO BIG TO FAIL The underground sell-out show from Edinburgh 2019, a gag-packed, near-the-knuckle hour of inappropriate belly-laughs from the giant northern gobsh*te. Just dead funny from start to ﬁnish with no emotional manipulation. ***** "His material is clever, layered and acutely observed...expertly constructed and sumptuous in [it's] eloquent debauchery" Joe.co.uk. "Nasty, offensive and dangerous" National Student www.robcomedy.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 20:45 (21:45) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

ROB MULHOLLAND: WORKOUT WORK IN PROGRESS

An hour of seasoned funnyman Rob Mulholland working it out before your eyes. Ostensibly a work-in-progress of a new show, this will likely turn into a freewheeling manic good time involving ideas so hideously offensive they'll never be heard again, brand spanking new comedy gold and a good dose of crowd work and rifﬁng from the big lad. "Hilarious, fearless stand-up" Broadway Baby, "The whole show leaves a nasty taste in the mouth" Fest. www.robcomedy.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

Troika proudly present

ROBIN MORGAN: WHAT A MAN, WHAT A MAN, WHAT A MAN, WHAT A MIGHTY GOOD MAN (SAY IT AGAIN NOW) Following a sell-out 2019 Edinburgh run, the "utterly hilarious" (Broadway Baby) stand-up embarks on his second UK tour. Robin's a father to his son and a son to his father. But what makes a good male role model? Writer for The Mash Report (BBC Two) and the News Quiz (BBC R4). SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING "He must surely be on the verge of nationwide fame." (Chortle) **** Sunday Times DATES: 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Time: 17:00 (18:00)

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Troika proudly present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

ROBIN MORGAN: WORK IN PROGRESS

A work in progress from the "utterly hilarious" Welsh stand-up. As seen on Sky One, Comedy Central, BBC One and CBBC. Writer for BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz and BBC Two's The Mash Report. Warm-up for The Graham Norton Show. Tour Support for Ellie Taylor and Iain Stirling. "He must surely be on the verge of nationwide fame" (Chortle), **** Sunday Times, **** Edinburgh Festivals, **** Broadway Baby. www.robinjmorgan.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

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Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Lord Rodney and Lord Russell present

RODNEY AND RUSSELL'S HOUSE OF TWADDLE @ THE ANGEL Following a sell-out show at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019, this award nominated duo bring their unique Georgian gameshow to the Big Weekend in Harborough. If you don't know the difference between a Cackling Fart, a Flying Pasty and Bum Fodder then this engaging experience will be for you. For a cheap date on Valentine Night this can't be beaten for value. Nominated for the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019 Best Improv/Musical Show. GAME SHOW, HISTORICAL DATES:

Venue: The Angel Hotel

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 67

Lord Rodney and Lord Russell present

RODNEY AND RUSSELL'S HOUSE OF TWADDLE @ WYGSTON'S HOUSE Following a sell-out show at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019, this award nominated duo return to the festival in 2020 with a unique Georgian gameshow. If you don't know the difference between a Cackling Fart, a Flying Pasty and Bum Fodder then this engaging experience will be for you. Nominated for the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019 Best Improv/Musical Show. GAME SHOW, HISTORICAL DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

Lord Rodney and Lord Russell present

RODNEY AND RUSSELL'S HOUSE OF TWADDLE @ RIII VISITOR CENTRE Following a sell-out show at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019, this award nominated duo return to the festival in 2020 with a unique Georgian gameshow. If you don't know the difference between a Cackling Fart, a Flying Pasty and Bum Fodder then this engaging experience will be for you. Nominated for the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019 Best Improv/Musical Show. GAME SHOW, HISTORICAL DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 41

Lord Rodney and Lord Russell present

RODNEY AND RUSSELL'S HOUSE OF TWADDLE @ THE GUILDHALL Following a sell-out show at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019, this award nominated duo bring their unique Georgian gameshow to the Guildhall, specially written for the UK Kids Comedy Festival. If you don't know the difference between Bum Fodder, Fartleberries and Twiddle Poop then this fun-packed show will entertain children and adults alike. Nominated for the Leicester Comedy Festival 2019 Best Improv/Musical Show. CHILDREN'S, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Guildhall

Time: 11:00 (11:45) Entry: £3

Map Ref: 73

Jokes On Us present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

ROGER SWIFT'S MACHINE PUN

UK Pun ﬁnalist & writer of one of Dave's Best Jokes of the Fringe, Roger Swift with his whirlwind rollercoaster ride of non-stop corny jokes, puns, one-liners, wordplay, home-made props and PowerPoint slides. Expect a shameless wazzock telling silly jokes, going out of his way to be daft. Do not expect someone taking himself seriously with slick observational comedy, so groaning is encouraged. Tim Vine & Milton Jones fans will LOVE! this show :) www.rogerswift.webs.com SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

ROSIE JONES: WORK IN PROGRESS

After a second sellout run at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 'Wickedly Funny' Rosie Jones returns with a brand new show, packed with jokes, mischief and probably, a bit of beef. "A masterly performer" - One 4 Review. As seen on 'Live At The Apollo', '8 Out Of 10 Cats' and Comedy Central's 'Roast Battle'. www.rosiejonescomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Map Ref: 68

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

The National Forest (Coalville & Ashby) 5-9 February 2020

Harborough District 13-17 February 2020

Oadby & Wigston 20–23 February 2020

Events include: Lost Voice Guy Paul Sinha Dad’s Army Radio Show Tickled Pink All Star Female Comedy Night Zoe Lyons Mrs Barbara Nice & many more

TICKETS & INFORMATION

www.comedy-festival.co.uk 0116 456 6812 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

132

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

RUBY CARR'S BIRTHDAY PARTY Ruby Carr is hosting her best birthday party ever. Known for her persistent happiness, but also having the dexterity of a toddler covered in jam. Watch Ruby slip and slide through ice breakers, party games and explaining why none of her real friends could make it. Amused Moose Comedy's National New Comic 2019 Finalist, Laughing Horse New Act of the Year 2018 Semiﬁnalist and Jason Manford New Act of the Year 2019 Semiﬁnalist. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

Individual Artist Management present

SADIA AZMAT Sadia Azmat is a British Asian comedian from London tackling sex, relationships and identity in her no holds barred style. Host of BBC Sounds 'No Country For Young Women' (best new podcast 2019 nominee). Presenter BBC Radio 2 'My Single Life'. "Wonderfully subversive comedy" Steve Bennett, Chortle. "A very funny and promising new comedian" Mark Lawson, BBC Radio 4. "Hilarious and insightful" Christina Lamb, co-author 'I am Malala' SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Kick Ass Women present

WORLD PREMIERE

SAJEELA KERSHI: LITTLE MISS UNDERSTOOD WORK IN PROGRESS

BBC Radio regular & multi-award winning comedian returns to vent her spleen in new WIP show about misunderstandings & their hilarious consequences! Have you ever felt misunderstood/misheard? This show might just be for you. As seen on Comedy Central, C4, BBC. 'Smart, funny with a mischievous glint' The Times. 'Thought provoking, inspiring'***** Feminist Fringe. 'Born raconteur who always has an interesting and funny story to tell' ****One4Review https://martintwomeymedia.zenfolio.com/sajeelakershi SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

Hannah Layton Management present

SAM LAKE: CAKE WORK IN PROGRESS Join Sam Lake "A thoroughly engaging, larger-than-life personality" (Steve Bennett, Chortle) for his debut stand-up show all about his upcoming wedding. But before he says "I Do", Sam has to look back on the journey to this point and ask himself the hard questions: Where does he stand in the LGBT community as a gay man now? Did he accomplish all he set out to do before settling down? Will his Dad say "David's an odd name for a bride..."? https://www.samlakecomedy.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £5 (£3)

Map Ref: 58

SAM PAMPHILON: EVERYONE'S WAITING FOR YOU TO RUN, WHY AREN'T YOU RUNNING?

WORLD PREMIERE

Sam is 40, divorced with two children and his brief brush with TV fame is over. Naturally, substance abuse, alcoholism, illness and humiliating sexual behaviour followed. Against everyone's wishes he has decided to tell you all about it and why, maybe, everything will be ok. Not great, but ok. Maybe SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 27

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

SAM SERRANO: BOYISH Sam Serrano was born with a dad who doesn't love them, learning difﬁculties, and an inability to relate to another human being; normal wasn't really an option for Serrano. They always looked down on differences and tried to make themselves more normal. But can a new person (not a therapist) show Sam that differences make them more lovable? "Killer lines... expect to see more" Chortle. Great Yorkshire Fringe Comedian of the Year 2018 runner up. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Map Ref: 42

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 (£3)

"Leicester's mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom" the i

133

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

SAMANTHA PRESSDEE: COVERED The only thing crazier than Sammie was the welfare state supposed to be helping her! Getting your needs met in austerity Britain is a game of Russian roulette. Will she beat the system? Directed by Phil Nichol. Time To Talk Day performance following sell out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 'Excellent storytelling, very funny' * * * * One4Review. 'A socio-political and cultural butterﬂ y' * * * * Mumble Comedy. www.samanthapressdee.co.uk SATIRE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 42

SAMSON AND MABEL CHARGE AT YOU LIKE AN OX Samson and Mabel are the UK's youngest stand-up double-act! They've performed at Comedy Club 4 Kids, Latitude Festival, The Alternative Comedy Memorial Society and feature in the current series of CBBC's Horrible Histories. This show is full of hilarious stand up, comedy characters and surreal sketches but watch out for the mysterious cartoon cat animated by their Perrier/BAFTA-nominated dad Howard Read. Brilliant comedy for both adults and kids. www.howardread.com CHILDREN'S, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 13:30 (14:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

SANJEEV KUMAR: ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT Join Sanjeev on an exhilarating journey from a small village in India to the hustle-bustle of UK. How the simplicity of life in a village is contrasted with an Alexa waking you up in the morning and how speaking English in India is different from proper English. BTW what is the best way to retain our last colony - EU. SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 9th 14:00 | 22nd 21:30 (50min) Entry: 9th £8 (Kayal all-dayer) | 22nd £7

Map Ref: 40

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 22:00 (22:40) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 41

SARA MASON: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BONDAGE A funny, naughty romp through the world of BDSM. Have you seen 50 Shades of Grey? Are you fetish curious? Do you ever feel like a change from vanilla sex? Mistress Venetia (Mason) answers phone calls and books kinky sessions for her wonderfully weird clients in her dungeon. Dressed in latex, ﬁshnets & thigh boots, she cracks her whip and tells amazing stories, all true. It's cracking good fun and includes audience participation. 18+ ABGTB.com STORYTELLING, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

Hannah Layton Management present

SARAH CALLAGHAN: LOVE YOU MORE WORK IN PROGRESS Award-winning comedian Sarah Callaghan, fresh from hugely successful tours of Australia and New Zealand, returns to Leicester Comedy Festival with a brand new hour of stand up and powerful poetry about the absurdity, the ridiculousness and beauty of love. What is love, why do octopuses commit suicide, and why the fuck are any of us here? "The instant she steps on stage you know you're in the presence of someone new and special ***** The Mirror http://www.sarahcallaghan.com/ SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

134

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

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. .

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes on Us present

SARAH JOHNSON: IMPRACTICAL PARENT After last year's sell-out smash hit Mum's Going to Ibiza, Sarah returned home to her two children and noticed they were losing the art of play due to excessive tech- though they do have very powerful thumbs. 'Let Mummy show you how to make fart noises, bake a conker and play knock and run without being caught. Now get outside, I've switched off the internet!' The perfect show for anyone who feels more childish than their kids! SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

SARAH KEYWORTH: PACIFIC Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee for Best Newcomer and winner of the Herald Angel Award returns with a brand-new hour of comedy about the little things, the smallest details, the ﬁ xed and distinct aspects that make up what we deﬁnitively are, how we expressly think and who we unambiguously love https://www.sarahkeyworth.co.uk/ SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £10 (£9)

Map Ref: 68

Chambers Touring present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

SARAH KEYWORTH: WORK IN PROGRESS

A new hour of stand-up from Edinburgh Comedy Award-nominee Sarah Keyworth. As seen and heard on 'Roast Battle', 'The Stand Up Sketch Show' and 'The Now Show'. Winner: Herald Angel Award. Winner: Pleasance Theatre Best Newcomer Award. *****Herald ****Times ****Telegraph www.sarahkeyworth.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

SARAH SOUTHERN: WORK IN PROGRESS Sarah Southern presents her work in progress show on politics, the media & what happens when that Google search just won't go away. Sarah's gripping storytelling takes you from being on front pages & the lead story on the Ten O'Clock News to what happens next. Funny Women Best Show Finalist 2019, 'Whatever your political persuasion, do catch this humorous and insightful performance' **** Three Weeks. As part of the Kayal All-Dayer sarahsouthern.com STORYTELLING, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 16:40 (17:40) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

SASHA ELLEN OFFENDS THE ELDERS WORK IN PROGRESS Sasha struggles to explain her life choices to her no-BS, lived-through-the-war-and-can't-wait-for-the-next-one grandmother. It's not easy trying to explain to an elderly lady that turkey ham is not vegetarian. A storytelling, stand-up show about how the more things change, the more they stay the same. "Honest, hilarious and horrifying" - Canal-St. "Genuinely engaging show"- Broadway Baby. Material heard on BBC Radio 4. Part of Kayal all-dayer www.sashaellen.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 19:20 (20:20) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

RBM present

SASKIA PRESTON: WORK IN PROGRESS A work in progress show by Saskia Preston, writer for BBC Radio 4's The Now Show, The News Quiz. 'Funny and clever' Funny Women, 'Refreshingly original' The Wee Review www.saskiapreston.com/ STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Map Ref: 27

"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

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Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 The Doorstep Comedy Club present

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS @ THE PIED BULL Bringing our regular shows at the Pied Bull into the Leicester Comedy festival and not only that we are running every Saturday night in it too! We continually brag about our amazing line ups and looking forward to be bringing more leading names on the circuit. Each Saturday will be a different one to the last and to see our fully conﬁrmed line ups check us out on thedoorstepcomedyclub.com or ﬁnd us on Facebook. https://www.thedoorstepcomedyclub.com MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Pied Bull

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 60

The Centre for Comedy Studies Research and Big Difference Company present

SAY WHAT YOU WANT! TELEVISION COMEDY, FREE SPEECH AND CENSORSHIP This panel discussion focuses on some of the most timely and difﬁcult topics facing the comedy industry. An expert panel including comedian Joy Carter, and academics Chiara Bucaria (University of Bologna) and Louise Peacock (De Montfort University) will hotly debate the relationship between television comedy, free speech and censorship. This will be lively! Come along and have your say! DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 14:00 (15:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 70

Fluid Thinking proudly present

WORLD PREMIERE

SCOTT BENNETT: RELAX

Scott is a diagnosed stress head. He's learning to live with it, but in the chaos of the modern world, that is proving to be a challenge. A brand new show from one of comedies fastest rising performers. His last show "Leap Year" was nominated for "Best Show" at Leicester Comedy Festival. A writer for Chris Ramsey, Jason Manford and tour support for Rob Brydon and Paul Sinha, "Great material, a very funny man" Rob Brydon. www.scottbennettcomedy.co.uk SPOKEN WORD, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

Fluid Thinking proudly present

SCOTT BENNETT: WORK IN PROGRESS A work in progress hour of new ideas and stand up from one of comedies fastest rising talents. His last show "Leap Year" was nominated for "Best Show" at Leicester Comedy Festival. A writer for Chris Ramsey, Jason Manford and tour support for Rob Brydon and Paul Sinha. As heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra and Absolute Radio. "Great material, a very funny man" Rob Brydon, "Brilliantly funny, a joy to watch" Chris Ramsey. www.scottbennettcomedy.co.uk SPOKEN WORD, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

Flabby and fed up, Scott Capurro returns to Leicester for the ﬁrst time since 2019

SCOTT CAPURRO EXPLODES In Scott Capurro Explodes, the comedian wrangles with skin rashes, tantric dating, spousal silence and the miseries of home ownership. Certain that every silver lining is attached to a rather imposing cloud, he spins yarns that are meant to resolve issues but oddly seem to have the opposite effect. "Comic equation: Larry Grayson x (Lenny Bruce + Chris Rock) = Scott Capurro" The Guardian *****. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 58

Scottish Falsetto Socks Puppet Theatre present

WORLD PREMIERE

SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCKS: POP! WORK IN PROGRESS

The award-winning Socks unveil their brand new show for 2020, and Leicester gets the ﬁrst taste as always. Pop music meets pop art in a cross-cultural melange of.. we haven't written it yet. This listing was written last September, give us a chance. "Space age comedy to knock your socks off" - **** Daily Record. "Had every single audience member... laughing until they cried" ***** Edinburgh Evening News. SKETCH, PUPPETRY DATES:

Venue: Kayal

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Time: 15:20 (16:20) Entry: £8 as part of the Kayal All-Dayer

Map Ref: 40

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. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre present

SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCKS: ROLL UP! The award-winning Scottish Falsetto Socks bring their sellout Edinburgh show to Leicester. (Previewed here last year, it's totally changed since then) Earth's funniest footwear - winners of the Bath Comedy Festival Best Joke Award 2018 - are back with their brand new show of Comedy Magic Variety & a Bit On The SideShow. The roar of the greasepaint and the smell of some socks. " A miniature Morecambe and Wise" - **** Bath Echo (April 2019) SKETCH, PUPPETRY DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £9 (£8)

Map Ref: 40

Captain Colino's Comedy Playhouse present

WORLD PREMIERE

SEAN MORLEY: KÖNIGSNAHE WORK IN PROGRESS

I had a dream in which I knew I was going to die shortly and felt compelled to take stock and reckon with my life now that its totality could be seen from a single vantage point. I couldn't do it. A lifetime is too complex to comprehend. I woke sobbing and shaking, a stranger in my own skin. "Bafﬂing" (The Skinny),"Mind-bending" (Fest), "Endlessly-creative" (The List), "A cult comic hero on the rise" (Wee Review) ALTERNATIVE, INSTALLATION DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 27

SECRET COMEDY CLUB Not sure who to see? Let us choose for you! Join us at the Secret Comedy Club for a 20 minute performance from a mystery comedian specially selected for every show. Will it be a TV star, or will it be the next big thing? Who knows who might pop in!? All we know is: it's Pay What You Want, and it's going to be loads of super-secret fun! EXHIBITION, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm (20min) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

@BetweenUsImprov present

SEX, LIES, AND IMPROVISATION An improvised comedy about lying together. From the award-nominated minds behind CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation and Sturike Comedy, this is the story of a girl, a guy and a great big lie. ***** "Full of inventive wit", Shefﬁeld Review. **** "Moving and hilarious. Surpassed all expectations", Broadway Baby. ***** "Act Of The Year 2019. Oozes creativity. See it. It will not disappoint", The Phoenix Remix. IMPROV, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

SEZAR ALKASSAB: TELLING STORIES Scottish stand-up comedian Sezar Alkassab brings his storytelling comedy style to the Leicester Comedy Festival with silly stories, informed observations, and provocative punchlines. "Absolutely brilliant! Such a friendly guy, and the show was hilarious!" - The Vaults, UK. "An exceptionally talented comedian with a no doubt bright future in comedy." - The Camden Fringe Voyeur www.sezaralkassab.com SPOKEN WORD, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 20:10 (21:10) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 40

SHAPPI KHORSANDI: SKITTISH WARRIOR...CONFESSIONS OF A CLUB COMIC Due to popular demand, Shappi returns with last years show. Comedian, author, cultural icon and idiot who agreed to be tortured on 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!', Shappi Khorsandi is a woman of many parts. But live comedy is where she's in her element, and now - after her spell in the jungle - she returns to the more welcoming destination of Leicester. As heard on Radio 4, read in two warmly-received books, and seen sleeping in a hammock shappi.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Map Ref: 37

"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £13.50

137

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Hannah Layton Management present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

SHELF: STRAIGHT WORK IN PROGRESS

In 2015, Rachel and Ruby started being Shelf, a comedy double act. A lot has changed since then - namely, Ruby cut her hair and came out (not necessarily in that order). Shelf offer a "winning hybrid of sketch show and standup" (Edfringe Review) that has been said to "ﬁnd belly laughs in heavyweight topics such as gender, sexuality and mental health" (Diva Magazine). Funny Women Finalists 2019, as seen on BBC3. SKETCH DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

LWC present

WORLD PREMIERE

SHIRLEY GOES POP (AGAIN)

Following Shirley's sell out show success in 2019, she returns with a brand new, hour long extravaganza. Make stuff, sing, dance, watch and join in with Shirley as she attempts to re-create favourite music videos and routines. Dance and craft your way to a happy half term with the one and only, family favourite Shirley. With no pressure to join in but ample opprtunities if you would like to, being part of a Shirley show is something truly unique! CHILDREN'S, IMMERSIVE DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 13:00 (14:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 5

Al Jumeirah present

SHISH, THAT'S FUNNY: COMEDY AT AL JUMEIRAH SHISHA LOUNGE Head on down to Leicester's premier shisha lounge for some smoking hot comedy acts, featuring Tez Ilyas, Bilal Zafar and Carly Smallman. Just like our shisha pipe ﬂavours, we've got laughs for every taste in what promises to be an unmissable night of entertainment, all served up alongside our ﬂavoursome shisha, delicious snacks and tons of tasty desserts. See you there. www.aljumeirah.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Al Jumeirah Shisha Lounge

Time: 22:00 (23:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 1

SHORT & CURLY: EYE TO EYE WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Chortle Award Nominees Short & Curly return to Leicester bringing an hour of high energy low-ﬁ silliness. Take a seat and hang up your preconceptions as they pull the pants down on your sense of humour and milk your laughter glands. 'Masters of silly' ***** Voice Mag. "A laugh out loud fun fest" **** BroadwayBaby. 'Raw silliness at its best' **** Deadline. www.shortandcurlycomedy.co.uk SKETCH, CHARACTER

DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 12:30 (13:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

SIAN DAVIES: ABOUT TIME

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Growing up is hard, but most people manage it. Sian Davies (Funny Women Runner Up, Hilarity Bites Winner 2018) waited until she was 27 to grow up. Everyone agreed, it was about time. Sian shares her tale of an austerity sponsored gap year and her journey as a working class traveller in an unfamiliar world. From the Taj Mahal to the local Tesco, this overgrown kid has seen it all. She's been there, done that and got the T shirt to prove it. http://siandaviescomedian.co.uk/ SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £5 (£3.50)

Map Ref: 70

SIKISA: I'M A 7 WORK IN PROGRESS Sikisa (BBC New Comedy Awards Finalist 2017) known for her fearless and vivacious personality presents her anticipated debut show about being a work in progress. Being seen as a real life superhero by the people around her, Sikisa explores the brutal but funny truth about her life and herself in which she justiﬁes calling herself a seven! The real question is, are you also a seven? SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

138

Time: 18:00 (19:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

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. .

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Market Harborough Library present

SILLY WRIGGLY READERS Get ready for silly stories, ridiculous rhymes and fantastic fun for your little ones! We love to make you laugh and share our funniest tales and songs with you. Come along and have a giggle with us, all welcome! http://www.harboroughmuseum.org.uk/ CHILDREN'S, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Market Harborough Library & Museum

Time: 10:30 (11:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 50

Big Difference Company present

SILVER STAND UP FINAL HOSTED BY MRS BARBARA NICE This unique evening showcases the selected ﬁnalists aged 55+ vying for the Silver Stand Up of the Year award. "Anything that provides an antidote to all the young upstarts taking over the comedy scene has to be a good thing" Alexei Sayle. If you would like to enter the competition please call us on 0116 261 6812 MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 18:30 (20:00) Entry: £7.50

Map Ref: 58

Show and Tell present

SIMON MUNNERY: ALAN PARKER URBAN WARRIOR FAREWELL TOUR Multi award-winning comedian Simon Munnery reprises his notorious alter ego, the bedsit anarchist Alan Parker Urban Warrior. Once the most radical, now the only radical. The bedsit anarchist returns with the old gold, the old truths and some new truths (based on the old truths). 'Gloriously inept radical anorak' (Times). 'Marx, Engels and Sid Vicious would all have died laughing!' (Guardian). 'A stand-up comedian of brilliance' (Scotsman). simonmunnery.com/ SOLO SHOW, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £12

Map Ref: 27

Focus Charity present

SOME LIKE IT LIT! Focus returns! Keeping it PG we're bringing you the highs, the 'awks', the sickkkk and the salty from the eyes of young people! A night with a mixed bill of stand up, sketches and a chance to witness the up and coming talent Leicester has to offer! focus-charity.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 20:00 (21:30) Entry: £2

Map Ref: 88

SOME-ANTICS LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL SPECIAL Join us for a special Some-Antics showcasing some of The Midlands' ﬁnest stand-up and improv comedy acts!

MIXED BILL, IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Bean Gaming Cafe

Time: 19:00 (21:30) Entry: £3

Map Ref: 6

SOME-ANTICS SPOKEN WORD & COMEDY Some-Antics is a monthly spoken word event which features open mic, a poetry slam, DJ and featured act. Join us for a great night of spoken word and comedy at Bean Gaming Cafe! SPOKEN WORD, IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Bean Gaming Cafe

Map Ref: 6

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 19:00 (23:00) Entry: £3

139

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 SOPHIE DUKER: WORK IN PROGRESS The Dave's Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer Nominee is gearing up for a second bite at the comedy apple. Expect a tale of old hags, sexy stepmothers, deadly sins and her magic pussy... maybe. It's a work-in-progress. Laugh-out loud funny **** The Telegraph.**** The Scotsman. **** The Sunday Times SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

SPENCER JONES: WORK IN PROGRESS Apparently the deﬁnition of madness is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result each time. Or something like that. Anyway, I'm doing a work in progress show, that will be very 'early days' in terms of quality. I cant stress that enough VERY EARLY DAYS.

ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

ST MARTINS COMEDY CLUB Join us for a great night of comedy, in the beautiful venue of St Martins House. Conﬁrmed acts include Alasdair Beckett-King (Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2017), Alex Hylton ("an undoubted talent" Chortle) and Bilal Zafar (Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee; "delivers big laughs" The Guardian). Full line up conﬁrmed on www.comedy-festival.co.uk https://comedy-festival.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: St Martins House

Time: 19:30 (21:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 64

Three Way Comedy present

STAND UP COMEDY NIGHT Join us at Lutterworth Golf Club as Three Way Comedy presents three of the ﬁnest acts on the UK Comedy Scene, all seamlessly held together by MC Jason Neale. Book early to avoid disappointment, its sure to sell out! EVENT, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Swift Bar Lutterworth Golf Club

Time: 19:30 (22:00) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 66

STEFFAN EVANS: IF I DIE RIGHT NOW Life is hard, beautiful and short. If your life ended right now, would you be happy with what you had achieved? "If I Die Right Now... is one man's quest to ﬁnd his place in the world. From a sheltered life in West Wales through a midlife crisis that has hit way too early!" SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 (£5)

Map Ref: 41

A Stellar Production

REGIONAL PREMIERE

STELLA GRAHAM: SNEAKY LITTLE BITCH?

It's a race against time, people. Can Coventry born Stella Graham get this new show ready in time, or will she do her awesome, hilarious Edinburgh Fringe show, Sneaky Little Bitch...? (That would be sneaky... ) Find out! This is a free show and the last one was wicked, so we're gonna have a great time either way. "If you're a TV executive, drop what you're doing and go see her now" The Skinny. 'Fun and original' - Broadway Baby www.stellagraham.com SOLO SHOW, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

140

Time: 12:30 (13:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

WANT TICKETS?

. .

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Discerning Nights present

WORLD PREMIERE

STEPH AND LOUISA: FLIP FLOP WORK IN PROGRESS

Steph and Louisa have never been very good at making decisions, except for the big ones like quitting drugs and leaving organised religion. Flip-flop sees the duo spend an hour flip flopping between dance and comedy to investigate how they choose to live now. Steph is a comedian and Louisa is a dancer, they've spent the last few months teaching each other their respective skills, and now ready to show you what they've got. DANCE, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 5

DONATE: Less than 5% of our income comes from public funding. You can support the festival by making a donation via our website www.comedy-festival.co.uk or when booking your tickets.

STEPHANIE LAING: BUTTERFINGERS

WORLD PREMIERE

A show about falling down and getting back up, and then falling down again, and trying to get up, but noticing a bit of biscuit you must have dropped earlier, having a little snack while you're down there, and then getting up again and stubbing your toe on a table. stephanielaing.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Phil McIntyre Entertainments present

STEPHEN BAILEY: CAN'T BE BOTHERED You're very favourite best mate is waking up to the world around him and he thinks that it has gone bloody mad. This show is bit of storytelling, some inappropriate anecdotes and more sincerity than he's ever dared have before! What more do you want? He's basically Holly Willoughby. Host of Channel 5's Celebs on the Farm and off of shows such as ITV's Coronation Street, ITV2's The Stand Up Sketch Show and more SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £14.50 (£11)

Map Ref: 37

STEVE VERTIGO: MURMURATION; WORD ON THE TWEET In a confused and data-drenched world, how do we see the truth of anything, or hold on to what's important? A daft, sharp romp through quantum theory, alternate realities, future humans, scientiﬁc discoveries, big data, AI, friendship, love and a murmuration. stevevertigo.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 9th 14:00 | 16th 20:00 (60min) Entry: £8 (£5)

Map Ref: 68

STEVIE GRAY: ARCTIC MONKEYS' MIDLIFE CRISIS Fresh from a successful Edinburgh Fringe, Stevie smashes out a show of songs, stories and silliness whilst answering that all important question, what should the middle-aged Arctic Monkeys be singing about? **** 'Performance of the Year' (NottsComedyReview.wordpress.com). www.steviegray.co.uk SOLO SHOW, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Map Ref: 49

"A programme bursting with variety" daily mirror

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: FREE

141

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 David Johnson and John Mackay in association with Debi Allen and Curtis Brown present

STEWART LEE: SNOWFLAKE/TORNADO Double-bill of two new 60 minute sets, back to back with Stewart Lee. Tornado questions Stew's position in the comedy marketplace after Netﬂix mistakenly lists his show as reports of sharks falling from the skies are on the rise again. Nobody on the Eastern Seaboard is safe. Snowﬂake questions Stew's worth in a society demolishing the liberal values he has been keen to espouse in a fairy-tale landscape of winter wonder. demontforthall.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Time: 20:00 (22:00) Entry: £26

Map Ref: 22

Chambers Touring present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

STUART GOLDSMITH: THE ACCIDENT WORK IN PROGRESS

Not a show, but the undercoat, base coat or petticoat of what may one day be a show. Stu ties his hair back like Moana and gets to it. Open-hearted, honest and *guaranteed* potentially funny. Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show Winner 2017 As seen on Dave 'As Yet Untitled' and Comedy Central 'Russell Howard's Stand Up'. ***** (Independent) **** The Times **** Chortle 'Truly a comedy masterclass... Endlessly inventive' **** (List) www.comedianscomedian.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

Plosive Productions present

STUART LAWS IS ALL IN Acclaimed gilet-wearing stand-up, ﬁlmmaker, goalkeeper and viral Twitter star Stuart Laws recently risked everything in a Vegas poker tournament. Now he's going All In and the stakes couldn't be higher. Stuart has featured on Radio 4, is regular tour support for James Acaster and can be seen on stand-up streaming service NextUp Comedy. 'Like a one-man episode of Arrested Development' **** Fest www.stuartlaws.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £9 (£7)

Map Ref: 27

HD Management present

STUART MITCHELL: IS IT JUST ME? WORK IN PROGRESS Join the longest running panellist on BBC Scotland's Breaking the News as he runs through new material for his next tour. Endorsed by Hollywood superstar Will Ferrell! 'Work of genius' (Daily Record). Stuart recently followed in the footsteps of Dara O Briain, Paul Merton and Craig Ferguson by being handpicked to perform in the Best of the Edinburgh Fest showcase at the Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne Comedy Festivals. www.stuartmitchellcomedy.com SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

Foxy Comedy present

SUCK SEED: A STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW Two women with thirty minutes each to tell their "success" stories. Porn sells better than princesses... is a lesson Gaelle learnt early. Her dad's a pornographer. He's great at selling porn but even better at accumulating debt. Her mum asks for a divorce. Gaelle decides that she's going to do better. Did she? Meanwhile, Jo envies crows. You start thinking stuff like this when you have heartache. But this year she's conquered all that, right? https://suckseedcomedyshow.com ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 18:00 (18:55) & 20:30 (21:25) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

Ride Leicester present

SUE TOWNSEND MOLE RIDES Discover Sue Townsend's Leicester! Adrian Mole Rides Again with an interactive story-telling tour of the city. A 90 minute guided ride of locations from the books of Mole, dodgy impersonations and book-reading. Rickshaws & adapted bikes are available for people who need extra help - email cycle-city@leicester. gov.uk for details. INTERACTIVE, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Town Hall Bike Park

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Time: 13:00 (15:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 86

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. .

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Ship of Fools Comedy Club present

SUNDAY NIGHT WITH SHIP OF FOOLS Ship of Fools returns to Leicester for two nights only. Two nights of brilliant mixed bills including some of the best-up-and-coming acts, featuring JOSH PUGH on Feb 9 plus Rob Coleman, Hannah East and Lovell Smith, then MATT BRAGG on Feb 16th plus support tbc and compere ALAN SEAMAN. All in a very cosy space, two of the friendliest and most intimate gigs you can imagine. A great way to ﬁnish the weekend. MIXED BILL, EVENT DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 20:30 (22:00) Entry: £6 (£5)

Map Ref: 93

Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

SUNIL PATEL: WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE of me pottering about on stage with some new jokes. Word on the street is that I'm "quietly conﬁdent" and "genuinely funny". Cannot remember who gave me that review but I'm quietly conﬁdent it was ur mum lol. As seen on Dave's Beat the Internet, BBC2's Big Asian Stand-up, and an advert for a bank that is absolutely doing people's heads in right now. www.sunilpatelcomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Comedy Kerfufﬂe present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

SUNJAI ARIF: WHICH PRINCESS ARE YOU?

Sunjai Arif can show you the world as he shares his memories of nostalgic pop culture all while attempting not to be sued by Disney. Sunjai (Bath Comedy Festival New Act of the Year Winner, 2017) has struggled with his unreasonable expectations for a fairy tale life and can't understand why people don't break out into song all the time. Come and enjoy some absurdist comedy that follows its heart. ***** "A tour de force" - Bunbury Magazine https://www.sunjaiarif.com/which-princess-are-you SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 18:00 (18:50) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 41

Red Imp Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

SUSAN MURRAY: HOW NOT TO DIE IN A PLANE CRASH!

Fasten your seat belts for a darkly hilarious and deliciously bumpy ride. How Not to Die in a Plane Crash is the antidote to boring, life-afﬁrming, feel-good motivational comedy. Come and listen to Susan's sweet dark soul as she makes you laugh and cry at the same time with her useful death defying survival tips, all wrapped up in fantastic jokes. "thoroughly entertaining and scarily informative from take off to landing" Beyond The Joke **** www.susan-murray.co.uk SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Kayal

Time: 20:10 (21:10) Entry: £10 (£7)

Map Ref: 40

Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

SUSIE MCCABE: BORN BELIEVER

In her 40th year, Susie is trying to embrace a more positive attitude to life in a brand-new stand-up show that encompasses her signature raconteur style and razor-sharp punchlines. Selling out to audiences up and down the UK, McCabe is fast becoming one of the hottest tickets in the UK. 'Highly recommended' Kevin Bridges. 'Delivers plenty of chuckles' - The Scotsman. www.susiemccabecomedy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

SUZANNE TUCK: TUCK INTO POETRY, A LITE BITE OF CHEESE AND PUNS Suzanne Tuck, a lively and engaging performance poet is looking forward to bringing her Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, Tuck into Poetry, to Leicester this year. This one-woman show takes a lighthearted look at life's trials and tribulations from troublesome teenagers and dieting dilemmas to confusion in a coffee shop. A fun show at a great venue, sounds like the perfect recipe - so why not tuck in and start your evening with a smile! SPOKEN WORD, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Map Ref: 41

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 17:30 (18:25) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

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EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

TALES OF WHATEVER Comedians telling true stories. Up to ﬁ ve acts join hosts Mark and Lee to share tales of funny, weird, glorious or memorable incidents and encounters. 'Conversational, funny and inclusive' The Guardian talesofwhatever.com STORYTELLING, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 42

A Rush Of Laughter present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

TANYALEE DAVIS: WORK IN PROGRESS

Tanyalee Davis ('Live At The Apollo', 'The Last Leg', 'The John Bishop Show', 'The One Show') brings you an hour of stand up as she road tests her material for her latest solo show (as yet to be given a name). www.tanyaleedavis.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 10

Cate Kelly present

TED HILL: ALL THE PRESIDENTS MAN Comedian and silly boy Ted Hill's debut stand-up show is about every single U.S. President. A story of one man's journey through depression via a stint in a mental hospital, told through ridiculous jokes & his frankly daft fondness for American commanders in chief. Absolutely no prior knowledge of U.S. history is required for this comedic juggernaut of high-energy, multimedia mischief. SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 14:00 (15:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 68

UTC Artist Management present

TEZ ILYAS: ROUGH DRAFT Tez Ilyas is back! As silly, smart and subversive as ever, join him for this brand-new hour of hilarious stand-up. Star of The Tez O'Clock Show (C4), TEZ Talks (BBC Radio 4) and Man Like Mobeen (BBC Three). **** 'Radiantly entertaining' The Times. **** 'Blackburn's Chris Rock' The Guardian. **** 'Tez Ilyas's political stand-up is candyﬂoss with a razorblade inside: sweet and familiar at ﬁrst, then shockingly, painfully sharp' The Telegraph https://tezilyas.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 58

Hannah Layton Management present

THANYIA MOORE: BULLY WORK IN PROGRESS Thanyia Moore (Funny Women Winner 2018) brings her much anticipated debut solo show to Leicester. This hotly tipped and exciting new voice tells her honest and hilarious story. Expect candid tales from the girl that grew up in the ghetto. Sometimes, brutal, sometimes surprising but always blisteringly funny. "Thanyia's comedy is so funny it's a blur" (Dane Baptiste). As seen/heard on BBC Radio 4, CBBC, Channel 4. https://www.thanyiamoore.co.uk/ SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 58

The Miller Partnership and Glynis Wright & Co present

THE BIG CHILL/I: NO WOMAN NO LAUGHS WITH OLGA KOCH FEATURING MRS BARBARA NICE Soft Touch Arts in association with The Miller Partnership and Glynis Wright & Co give you The Big Chill/i: No Woman No Laughs. The Community Award winning show returns to Chutney Ivy. It's Curry! It's Comedy! It's Olga Koch, and it's all woman! Come, convivialise and chill/i. Tickets are £49 per person (Discounted to £45 per person if 10 + tickets are purchased). www.soft-touch.org.uk EVENT DATES:

Venue: Chutney Ivy

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Time: 18:30 (22:00) Entry: £49

Map Ref: 14

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Giggles at the Gate present

THE BLACK HORSE QUIZ COMEDY HIJACK Giggles at the Gate and quiz host with the most Sarah Johnson hijack the regular Black Horse quiz with chaotic even confusing consequences. Come on down! Teams of 4 with a suggested donation of £5 per team going to local charity Braunstone Gate and West End Community Association. EVENT, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:30 (22:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 10

Ian and Niamh Hall present

WORLD PREMIERE

THE BOOK OF DAFT - 3D! (FAMILY SHOW)

Daft father-and-daughter double act Ian and Niamh Hall (age 11) follow up two sell out shows with their latest jam-packed jamboree of daft fun for the whole family. Dress up, dance and sing along (if you'd like) to help bring a new chapter of 'The Book of Daft' to life - this time in 3D! Twice Best Kids Show nominees at Leicester Comedy Fest. "Brilliantly daft. Get caught up in the infectious, participatory bubble" Leicester Mercury CHILDREN'S, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 11:00 (12:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 5

Austin Talent present

THE DARK ROOM FOR KIDS You and your family are stuck inside a live-action video game! How will you escape?! Pick options off the screen in this fun, fear-ﬁlled interactive adventure. Will you: A) Find light switch? B) Scream? C) Kick a Pokemon? If you win, there are terrible prizes! But if you lose, The Dark Room keeps whichever of your parents you like less. With over 4M YouTube hits and sell-out shows worldwide, can you escape the Dark Room? www.thejohnrobertson.com/thedarkroom/ CHILDREN'S, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 17:00 (18:00) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 27

Austin Talent present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

THE DARK ROOM: BOSS LEVEL

YOU AWAKE TO FIND YOURSELF IN A DARK ROOM! You, the audience, are trapped in an interactive, retro gaming nightmare; choose an option, ﬁnd the way out, and escape The Dark Room! So will you: A) Find the Light Switch? B) Go North? C) Abandon Hope? The Dark Room BOSS LEVEL features brand new options & new ways to die - It's 2 hours of gamer stand-up, ungraded into a colossal, balls-to-the-wall party game only for Leicester Comedy Festival 2020! www.thejohnrobertson.com/thedarkroom/ GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Sue Townsend Theatre

Time: 20:00 (21:40) Entry: £15

Map Ref: 65

The Galton Agency present

THE DEATH HILARIOUS IN CONGRESS OF FEARFUL EYES: A SKETCH COMEDY SHOW

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Sketch and character The Death Hilarious is running out of options. Facing emotional and ﬁnancial debt, he presents a motley crew of characters old and slightly less old, all bleak, all pathetic, all exempt from UK tax law. Chortle Best Newcomer Nominee. "A bold and unique new voice in comedy" - Steve Bennett, Chortle ****. "A superb comic actor, with an appeal that's equal parts poetic, menacing and vulnerable" - The Scotsman **** SKETCH, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £6 (£5)

Map Ref: 70

Furthest From The Sea Music, Comedy and Arts CIC present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

THE EDI JOHNSTON BIT PRESENTS NITPICK

There are many holes in our modern day lives that we can pick at, and many issues to address; Why is Donald Trump's hair like that? Which series should I watch next on Netﬂix? Is a Jaffa Cake actually a Biscuit? How does a Ninja ﬁnd romance at work? These thoughts and more crucial lifelong questions are addressed by Edi Johnston, a Ginger, Ukulele playing, Hiphop loving, tea drinking, sport following, comfortable shoe wearing musical comedian. www.edijohnstonbit.com MUSICAL, CHILDREN'S DATES:

Venue: Knight & Garter

Map Ref: 42

"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5

145

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Oh So Funny Comedy present

THE EXTRAORDINARY TIME-TRAVELLING ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN Amazing tales elegantly told. Top award-winning comedians and improvisors tell extravagant stories all based on the Adventures of Baron Munchausen. There will be swords, and duels, and elephants and castles built of cheese, and all of it is completely and irrefutably true. "Best Children's Show of the Fringe" WINNER, Greater Manchester Fringe. "All of the show was brilliant!" Festmag. "Excellent!" BBC Radio Leicester. www.timetravellingbaron.com CHILDREN'S, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Attenborough Arts Centre

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £8 (£5)

Map Ref: 5

Stags & Hogg present

WORLD PREMIERE

THE FURTHER RAVINGS OF ELECTRIC FROG

Come along and experience a total brain blow-out improv extravaganza! During a live chat show, Dadaist director Electric Frog ﬂashbacks his way through his somewhat dubious career joined by his exotic improv assistants. Come with an open mind; leave with a broken one. www.dadarts.co.uk/electricfrog.html IMPROV, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £5 or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

New Horizons in British Islam and the St Philip's Centre present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

THE GREAT BRITISH FAITH OFF

Faith leaders from across different religions and from across the city have taken part in a one day improvised comedy workshop... and now they're about to perform live in front of you! The show aims to highlight how even though we're each a bit different, we all have a lot more in common. What better way to show this than laughing together! This is a 'pay what you want/can' show so bring some cash and give generously on the night. IMPROV, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 58

Well-Bred Productions and Leicester Comedy Festival present

THE HINCKLEY CHUCKLE A variety show featuring your hostess Mrs Barbara Nice "Barbara like Streisand, Nice like the biscuit" (Britain's Got Talent, Phoenix Nights), Jack Gleadow (Leicester Mercury Comedian Of The Year), former BBC Radio Leicester presenter, Monica Winﬁeld (2nd in last year's LCF "Stand-Up Challenge"!) and more... The city centre has been roaring with laughter for 25 years - and now the punchlines are heading up the A47 - yes it's your turn, Hinckley! www.concordiatheatre.co.uk/01455 615005 (ofﬁce hours) MIXED BILL, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Concordia Theatre

Time: 19:00 (21:30) Entry: £18

Map Ref: 19

THE IMPROLECTUALS The Improlectuals are an improv "super-group" made up of some of the ﬁnest improvisers from around the Midlands. They create completely new comedy sketches on the spot, based entirely on audience suggestions. Performances always feature Richard Baldwin (Wow Impro, Abbey Players) and Robert Lane (Foghorn Unscripted, Birmingham Rep, The Old Joint Stock Theatre) plus a rotating cast of talented improvisers. https://improlectuals.wordpress.com IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

146

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 93

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. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Cut out this coupon and present it at your nearest WHSmith for a free Hobnob. APP

DAB

SHOUT “UNION JACK RADIO”

PETER Pizzeria present

THE LATE NIGHT COMEDY CLUB Fancy some late night laughs in the festival's quirkiest venue? Of course you do... Each Saturday we present a selection of handpicked festival acts guaranteed to make you giggle. Guests include Eshaan Akbar, Mark Dolan, Lauren Pattison, Jack Gleadow, Olga Koch, Mitch Benn, Laura Davis, Alasdair Beckett-King, Helen Bauer, Pascal Cameron, Josh Pugh and more to be announced. https://comedy-festival.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 58

Lucky Dog Theatre Productions present

THE LAUREL & HARDY CABARET Lucky Dog are the award-winning team behind the internationally-renowned and award-winning HATS OFF TO LAUREL AND HARDY. This spin-off cabaret is a bumper package of routines, sketches, songs and dances from The Boys' lengthy career which you won't ﬁnd in the biopic. Including all their Music Hall scripts from their UK Tours between 1947-1954 and a lot of other rare material, it's the closest you will get to seeing the original pair in action. www.luckydogtheatreproductions.com SKETCH, CABARET DATES:

Venue: The Guildhall

Time: 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £8 (£7)

Map Ref: 73

THE LOL WORD Love comedy? Love queers? Then you'll love this mixed bill of award-winning LGBTQ+ women and non-binary comedians! Described by Soﬁe Hagen as "my favourite comedy club in London", The LOL Word is taking the UK by storm with their hilarious, inclusive nights. BBC New Comedy Semi-Finalists, Funny Women Finalists, as seen at Latitude, Bestival, and Soho Theatre. "Hilarious, slick and smart... The LOL Word is transforming comedy" - Guardian MIXED BILL, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 68

Jokes On Us present

THE MOON, THE BITCH AND THE WHOREDROBE Like a poor man's Narnia, but with better boobs. Three generations of funny women share their wildly different perspectives on modern life through painfully embarrassing stories, angry rants, one-liners, and a song about STIs thrown in for good measure. No subject is off the cards, from fake boobs and dead pets to cancer scares, sausage rolls and dating mishaps. STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

Jon Pearson present

THE NOELS ARMS - ALL DAYER Its back! It's The Noels Arms Comedy All Dayer! Shows start at 13:40 and ﬁnish at 18:40! 4 Shows from some of the top comedians on the circuit! Pay What You Want! MIXED BILL, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Noels Arms

Map Ref: 79

"A programme bursting with variety" daily mirror

Time: 13:40 (18:40) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

147

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

NOMINEE BEST PROMOTER

The Fridge is back for a sixth year of delicious, nutritious, locally-sourced comedy! Leicester is absolutely bursting with comic flavours and our mission is to make sure you know about them all. So come along to our 3 taster events to find out which acts please your comedy palette, then go and see their full festival shows for your main course! Look out for the LITTLE RED FRIDGE ICON in your brochure listings, for dozens more fab, locally-produced shows...

FRIDGE PREVIEW SHOW SATURDAY 18TH JAN at FIREBUG (8pm)

See loads of acts performing short teasers for their festival shows, for only £8! It’s the best way to discover great new acts to see at the festival, whilst supporting your local comedy scene. £8 advance - tickets available from comedy-festival.co.uk

NAKED COMEDY

proceeds go to

FRIDAY 7TH FEB at MANHATTAN34 (11:59pm) Always a memorable sell-out show, winner of the 2017 Liberty Award for embodying the spirit of the festival. Male & female comics face their biggest fear and perform totally starkers for charity! £8 advance tickets only, available from comedy-festival.co.uk - STRICTLY NO DOOR SALES

LEICESTER FRIDGE PRESENTS... FRIDAY 21ST FEB at MANHATTAN34 (7:45pm)

Treat yourself to our mixed bill of the finest hand-picked acts from the city and county. You’ll have a great evening, discover some new comedy heroes and support your local scene at the same time! Pay What You Want - reserve your seat at comedy-festival.co.uk

For ticket info, line-up announcements and information about our other events, visit our website and follow us on social media:

LeicesterFridge

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www.leicesterfridge.co.uk WANT TICKETS?

@LeicesterFridge

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 A Rush Of Laughter present

THE NOTORIOUS G.A.Y Amused Moose comedian ﬁnalist 2019, Russell Arathoon returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival with his second solo hour. Expect more "tongue in cheek smut & belly chuckles" from the Manchester born comic. Energetic stand up from a promising stand up who Chortle describe as a 'Guilty pleasure' who makes an "instant connection with his audience" SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Chuckle Busters @ Queen of Bradgate

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 15

THE OXFORD IMPS The Oxford Imps are back at Leicester Comedy Festival 2020, with two performances of their 5-star rated, fast-paced improvised comedy show. Featuring songs, puns, scenes and raps - all made up entirely on the spot - this is a hilarious hour of fun for all the family. Shout out your wildest suggestions and see what some of the nation's top improvisers come up with... every show is different! https://www.oxfordimps.com/ IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 36

The two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees present

WORLD PREMIERE

THE SAME FACES: [SPECIALIST SUBJECT] - THE MUSICAL

Every musical is based on something; Les Misérables adapted Victor Hugo's novel, Miss Saigon updated Madama Butterﬂ y, and Mamma Mia gave a narrative to the songs of Abba. The Same Faces believe that anything can be the subject of a musical, including our own hobbies & passions! In this world premiere, one of our members will deliver a lecture on their specialist subject, before the cast turn it into a brand new musical before your eyes. http://www.thesamefaces.co.uk IMPROV, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 22:00 (23:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 41

The two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees present

WORLD PREMIERE

THE SAME FACES: DIFFERENT VOICES

Here at The Same Faces, we don't believe in resting on our laurels. We like to keep growing, we like to keep trying new things, and then we like to show them to you! Different Voices is where we do just that! We'll be bringing you some of the new show formats that we've been working on in the last year, introducing some of our new players to the festival, and as always, bringing you the very best improvised comedy possible! http://www.thesamefaces.co.uk IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

The two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees present

THE SAME FACES: IMPROV SMACKDOWN 2020 The Same Faces are proud to present Improv Smackdown 2020, returning to Leicester for a ﬁ fth year. Refereed by The Same Faces' own, Tom Young, 8 of the country's best improvisers go head-to-head, in order to be declared the Smackdown Champion of 2020. But here's the twist: it's an improv show, so they have to work together! Reigning champion Charlie Gascoyne will be back to defend her crown, but can she retain it for a third consecutive year? http://www.thesamefaces.co.uk IMPROV, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (22:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

The two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees present

THE SAME FACES: IMPROVISED COMEDY Leicester's own improv group, The Same Faces return for their seventh year at Leicester Comedy Festival, with another round of improvised silliness. This short-form show will feature scenes, games, songs, and one liners, all completely made up on the spot. Regulars Tom Young, Allan Smith, and Dave Gotheridge will be joined by some of their talented friends, in order to bring you some of the best improvisation in the midlands, if not the country! http://www.thesamefaces.co.uk IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Map Ref: 87

"Three weeks of laughs in Leicester" the mail on sunday

Time: 21:00 (23:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

149

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 The two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees present

THE SAME FACES: IMPROVISED COMEDY @ HARBOROUGH The Same Faces, twice Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees and one of the Midland's leading improv groups, bring improvised silliness to Market Harborough for the ﬁrst time. The local group's ﬂagship short-form show features games, scenes, songs and one-liners, all made up on the spot (based on your suggestions) and similar in style to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" "Short-form improv done the way it SHOULD be done" - Improv London. IMPROV DATES:

Venue: Market Harborough Rugby Club

Time: 20:00 (22:30) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 52

The two-time Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees present

THE SAME FACES: UNCLE ARMANDO Uncle Armando's monthly visit to The Western continues into the festival. The Same Faces will be joined by a top circuit headliner, who will improvise monologues - based on your suggestions - in order to inspire the premises of the players' fantastic, fully improvised sketches. Previous headliners include Naz Osmanoglu, Mrs Barbara Nice, Jim Smallman, Diane Spencer, Jack Campbell, Adele Cliff and festival legend, Rob Kemp. http://www.thesamefaces.co.uk IMPROV, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £8 (£6)

Map Ref: 87

Big Difference Company present

THE SECRET TOUR Fancy a comedy adventure? See a selection of festival shows in 1 night, with just one catch - we won't tell you which shows you'll be seeing in advance! A complete sell out in past years, meet at a secret location and trust your guide to lead you through the streets of Leicester. Take a chance, you won't regret it. Tickets are only available in advance. Exciting huh?! EVENT DATES:

Venue: Ssshhhh it's a secret!!

Time: 17:30 (22:30) Entry: £30

AEH Artist Management present

THE TAMING OF THE DREW The Taming of the Drew, is the debut solo hour from Welsh comic, Drew Taylor. Bringing with him razor sharp, observational stand up and hilarious story telling, Drew, described as "a rising star of the Welsh stand up scene..." (standupforcomedy.co.uk) gives his takes on modern life, marriage and why 33 doesn't have a catchy bingo call... As heard on the Rhod Gilbert Show. "A hilarious roar!" - Craig Campbell http://www.anitaelizabethholmes.com/artists/drew-taylor/ ALTERNATIVE, SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 41

THE TURVILLE MILITANT PACIFISTS: RETURN TO TURVILLE Can they become Pacifist of the United Kingdom Unite champions?! What will happen when the glory fades?! Join the Turville Militant Pacifists and be witness to their rise and fall in the high stakes game of Pacifism! (Your ticket will give you entry to parts 1 and 2 of this double bill however you can contact the venue for single part ticket information) https://haylouthorn89.wixsite.com/actresswriter

THEATRE

DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Time: 19:30 (21:20) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 85

Big Difference Company & De Montfort Hall present

THE UK PUN CHAMPIONSHIPS A total sell out for the past 6 years, The UK Pun Championships returns to De Montfort Hall as the culmination of #UKPunDay. A celebration of the great British pun featuring contestants from across the UK. "a pantomime atmosphere" www.chortle.co.uk http://www.ukpunchampionship.co.uk/ MIXED BILL, EVENT DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

150

Time: 19:30 (22:00) Entry: £10-£20

Map Ref: 22

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 THE VILLAGE HUB COMEDY CLUB

A mixed bill of some of the best comedians around arrive at one of Leicester's newest comedy clubs. The Village Hub Comedy Club takes over the University of Leicester, giving students the chance to enjoy some of the best comedy at the festival. Conﬁrmed acts include Chortle Best Newcomer Nominee 2018 Micky Overman ("a redoubtable talent" The Scotsman), and Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Olga Koch ('Unashamedly whip-smart' **** Fest). https://comedy-festival.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: The Village Hub

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: Tickets from University of Leicester

Map Ref: 84

The Doorstep Comedy Club present

THURSDAY NIGHT LIVE Pied Bull Thursday's are about to get funny, and we are treating you to some ﬁne acts to perform for you guys! Each Thursday we are bringing you different acts including, Kazeem Edwards (6th), Rudi Lickwood (13th) and Good Kids (20th). Each will be bringing bags of laughs to bring funny to your Thursday nights! https://www.thedoorstepcomedyclub.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Pied Bull

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 60

Tickled Pink Comedy Leicester present

TICKLED PINK COMEDY NIGHT Tickled Pink Comedy Leicester invites you to celebrate talented women in comedy with an all female line up. You will feel empowered and inspired. This is a supportive night and good fun. Be the change you want to see. Bring your friends, mothers, daughters, sisters, and men folk. Women in comedy talk about all sorts and give a different perspective on the world. MIXED BILL, EVENT DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 27

Tickled Pink Comedy Leicester present

Venue: Kayal

Time: 15th 21:30 | 16th 14:00 (60min) Entry: 15th £5/PWYW | 16th £8 (All-Dayer)

Map Ref: 40

Tickled Pink Comedy Leicester present

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 36

TINY STORIES: B.Y.O.B

WORLD PREMIERE

'Bring Your Own Book' is the debut comedy festival show from Leicester's newest improvised comedy group. Specialists in storytelling, Tiny Stories will treat you to a night of tales made up on the ﬂ y, fables pulled from thin air, and if you bring your favourite book, they'll retell it in a way you couldn't possibly forget. Nominated for Improv Group of the Year by Phoenix Remix. "I'm exhausted with mirth." "A weird, funny and delightful show". IMPROV, SKETCH DATES:

Venue: The Y Theatre

Map Ref: 85

"The festival offers big names... and innovative curios" the times

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £8 (£6)

151

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Funhouse Comedy present

TOM BINNS Following sell out shows Tom Binns, creator and star of BBC One's 'Hospital People' and '8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown' favourite, returns to Leicester Comedy Festival's Big Weekend at Ashby with his alter egos to include Ivan Brackenbury and spoof psychic act Chris Thomas. Tom is a multi-award winning and nominated international character comic. His shows have been described as 'comedy genius' by The Times, Telegraph. Scotsman and Time Out.' https://funhousecomedy.co.uk/venues/ashby-comedy-club/ EVENT, SPOKEN WORD DATES:

Venue: The Lyric Rooms

Time: 20:15 (22:45) Entry: £11

Map Ref: 78

Headway Entertainment present

TOM DEACON: CONKERED If you like jokes organically grown without chemicals or tinkering going on, then listen up. If you like it full of ﬂavour and home grown this is the one. Did I mention there'll be jokes? Just checking. Back from the New Zealand festival with his critically acclaimed show, get ready for more funnies. Did I mention he still has a website with his CV for anyone wondering about credentials? SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £7

Map Ref: 68

Jokes On Us present

TOM GLOVER: A GLOVER NOT A FIGHTER Lactose intolerance. Bike rides. Urinals. Tom Glover is a comedian not afraid to tackle the big issues. This is the hugely successful debut show from the snowﬂake son of an alpha male trying to do right in a world that is wrong. Performed for the ﬁrst time at last year's festival this show was taken to the Edinburgh Festival and was toured in Autumn 2019. Leicester Comedy Festival Best New Show Nominee 2019. www.tomglovercomedy.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 49

TOM GLOVER: BECAUSE THE NIGHT BELONGS TO GLOVER

WORLD PREMIERE

Tom used to wear a suit to work and comedy was his escape. Now comedy is his job, he's living the dream but he's over 30, has a house full of kids and he's not sure he's done the right thing. The second show from comedian Tom Glover who's last show was nominated as the Best New Show at Leicester Comedy Festival in 2019. www.tomglovercomedy.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 30

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS: You can book tickets for all of our Festival shows from our Festival box office. Visit our website www.comedy-festival.co.uk or give our friendly team a call on 0116 456 6812.

TOM LITTLE GETS GOOD REVIEWS SO PREPARE TO BE IMPRESSED

WORLD PREMIERE

Tom Little won Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition 2015 and never stopped going on about it. He was nominated for Amused Moose Comedy Award 2018 and mentions that a lot too. Apparently he's 'the real deal; an instinctive comedian' (The Spectator) with 'excellent joke writing' (The Scotsman) who 'can't remain a hidden treasure for long' (Chortle). 'Truthfully, an hour with Tom Little almost isn't enough' (Fringe Review). So there. https://thisistomlittle.wordpress.com/ SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

152

Time: 16:45 (17:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Off The Kerb Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

TOM LUCY: WORK IN PROGRESS

After winning the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition award in 2016, Tom has gone on to perform two complete sell out shows at the Edinburgh Festival in 2017 and 2018. Join Tom as he tries out material for his brand new show. Star of Comedy Central and ITV. www.tomlucy.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Jokes On Us present

TOM MAYHEW: GET RICH OR DIE WORK IN PROGRESS Tom Mayhew (Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition Nominee 2017) brings a work in progress of a new show to Leicester! There will be jokes about his working-class existence, politics, and probably something about rap music in there. "Authentic material we can relate to: funny, sharp, intelligent, meaningful and pleasing. Mayhew is a voice that needs to be heard." - Chortle www.tommayhew.co.uk SOLO SHOW, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

TOM STADE: YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET Following his last smash-hit UK tour and direct from this year's Edinburgh festival Tom is back on the road with a brand-new show. The kids have moved out and it's the dawn of a new era! Tom's embracing change with his usual spirit and irrepressible sense of mischief; what's coming is way better than what has gone! "SO COOL HE COULD WELL BE THE ANSWER TO GLOBAL WARMING. GLORIOUSLY FUNNY" Scotsman www.tomstade.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at Hansom Hall

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £16.50

Map Ref: 37

Casarotto Ramsay & Associates Ltd present

TOM TAYLOR: WILL BE PLAYED BY THE UNDERSTUDY WORK IN PROGRESS

WORLD PREMIERE

Dogs. Charity football. Peter Rabbit. It's already quite some set list from award-winning comedian Tom Taylor. Come and see what else he writes on his hand and then says aloud. As heard on BBC Radio 4. Musical Comedy Awards Audience Favourite winner. English Comedian of the Year ﬁnalist. "Wave after wave of funny ... a genuine joy" (The Scotsman). "Excellent ... beautifully daft" (Sunday Times). "An absolute delight" (The Skinny). www.tomedy.co.uk SOLO SHOW, MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

Hannah Layton Management present

TOM WARD: RETURN OF THE LOVE MACHINE WORK IN PROGRESS Tom Ward (Comedy Central's Roast Battle, Stand Up Central & Live From The Comedy Store) is back! Join the Chortle Award Winner as he ruminates on gender, love, loss, living alone, the thorny issue of climate change and animals...of course. "A Star in the making" (Timeout) "Inspired whimsy" **** (The List) http://www.tomwardvoice.com/comedy/ SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 68

Momentum Artist Management present

WORLD PREMIERE

TONY COWARDS' EWOK CIRCUS

Join award winning one-liner comedian, Tony Cowards, as he introduces a mixed bill of comedians, poets, singers, lion tamers, plate spinners and character acts in a madcap variety show. Thrills! Spills! Laughter! Tears! From their mouths directly to your brains, a performance for the ages. Guaranteed laughs. PLEASE NOTE - NO EWOKS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS SHOW. ***** - A band from the '80s, **** - Unleaded petrol, *** - Orions belt. MIXED BILL, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Map Ref: 30

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

153

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Momentum Artist Management present

WORLD PREMIERE

TONY COWARDS: IT'S A PUNDERFUL LIFE

"My motto in life is always give 100%. Which makes blood donation quite tricky." Award winning one-liner comedian, Tony Cowards, returns to the Leicester Comedy Festival with his new show packed with puns, jammed with jokes and full to the gills with gags. Pound for pound, Tony provides the most laughs per minute of any act on the UK comedy circuit. "The best joke writer around" - GQ Magazine SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Grays@LCB Depot

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 30

Ebdon Management present

TONY LAW: IDENTIFIES Homo Sapiens, Neanderthal, Indo-European horse tribesman, an Englishman, a Canadian, a norn iron man and a Trinidadian and a Tobagonian. A dog, a dog owner, owned by a dog, a surrealist, an absurdist and an artist who is comedy of person. A parent a thrower a catcher a reader and a farmer. 'Wild, utterly absurd and magnetic.' **** Broadway World. His 16th show is turning out to be his best yet. For connoisseurs of comedy who have seen it. www.mrtonylaw.com SOLO SHOW, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 18:30 (19:30) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 68

TONY SLATTERY IS UNREHEARSABLE Former has-been Tony Slattery is back from the Edinburgh Fringe (and the dead). Fresh from a bestselling run at The Stand Comedy Club, Unrehearsable offers a special insight into Tony's life, career and the demons that continue to dog his footsteps. Expect the unexpected from the man whom AA Gill once described as "the most dysfunctional personality of the twentieth century" - eat your heart out, Stalin! "A legend." - Jay Richardson, Chortle. IMPROV DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 58

A Rush Of Laughter & CanCan Productions present

TONY WRIGHT: THE UNTICKABLE BOX WORK IN PROGRESS Tony Wright is an Asian looking English Born Semi-African, yeah... he ticks a lot of boxes. That should be a good thing right? Does he tick too many though? Will this hold him back? He asks himself in the 3rd person. All he wants is to ﬁ t into society, is that possible? Or what if none of us ﬁ t and that's the whole point? Join Tony as he explores the world of Identity. SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 18:15 (19:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Travis Jay Entertainment present

TRAVIS JAY: WORK IN PROGRESS Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition Nominee, Travis Jay returns to the festival with a brand new work in progress show. After a successful 2019 Edinburgh Fringe debut, Travis has begun work on a new project. This show promises to be an exciting follow up to his solid debut. 'Travis Jay shows he is a polished performer with the wit and charm to say important things to the masses without them even noticing' ... Joe.co.uk www.travisjay.co.uk SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 36

TROY HAWKE!: 'TILES OF THE UNEXPECTED!' Troy Hawke brings his Edinburgh sellout show 'Tiles of the Unexpected!' to Leicester...the perfect show for anyone who has ever frowned in an IKEA...Perth FRINGE WORLD Best Comedy Show Nominee 2019, Perth FRINGE WORLD Best Comedy Weekly Award Winner 2019, Total sell out run Edinburgh 2019, Top 40 Best reviewed comedy shows 2019 'Elaborately concocted, funny and brilliantly bonkers' **** BEYOND THE JOKE 2019 'Comedy phenomenon' **** MUMBLE 2019 www.milomccabe.co.uk

CHARACTER, SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

154

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 10

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Your Dad's Mum present

TUES NIGHT @ SOCIAL CLUB Kevin Dewsbury (Kev's Komedy Kitchen) and Bexie Archer (Chortle Student Comedy Award winner & BBC writers room) are comedy duo 'Your Dad's Mum'. They invite you to a typical Tuesday at the Chufﬁngton Social Club hosted by 'local comedian and legend' Pat Bashford and everyone's favourite barmaid Cheri-Anne. Quizzes! Rafﬂe! Prizes! And more bonkers games! 'A masterpiece of Comedy' Notts Comedy Review. 'Bexie has funny bones!' Chortle. www.yourdadsmumisontheinternet.wordpress.com IMMERSIVE, GAME SHOW DATES:

Venue: Black Horse

Time: 20:00 (21:00) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 10

Your Dad's Mum present

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 19:00 (20:00) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 93

Stags & Hogg present

WORLD PREMIERE

TWO WOLVES, ONE CUP: SECRETS OF MOTIVATION

Finding motivation is hard, fraught with pitfalls. Stags takes us on his journey from hoarding disorder to walking to the End of the World. With pitfalls and pratfalls, brushes with death and saying hello to dogs, cold baths, generalised anxiety, hiking over a thousand miles & many, many more challenges... in the end, the secret of it all may well be two wolves, one cup. (Show time includes a half hour Q&A after the main show.) www.dadarts.co.uk/motivation.html SOLO SHOW, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 20:30 (23:00) Entry: £5 (£4)

Map Ref: 93

UCL Comedy Club present

UCLMAO How convenient is it that some of the UK's hottest comedy prospects all go to the same university together? Come and see them hit Leicester before they hit your TV screens. Includes the So You Think You're Funny 2019 Winner, club regulars, competition ﬁnalists and local talent. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

Big Difference Company present

UK COMEDY FESTIVALS SEMINAR Are you interested in performing at other comedy festivals across the UK? Come and meet representatives from Hull, Bath, Hastings Comedy Festivals and Women in Comedy festival to discuss how their festivals work and how you can get a slot. DISCUSSION DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 14:00 (15:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 58

George Hinchcliffe's

UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITIAN Who is to blame for the worldwide phenomena of ukulele orchestras and ukulelemania? The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain! Tap your toes with the royalty of the ukulele scene, the independent rock-stars of the bonsai guitar, who have plucked and sung, joked and whistled with Clean Bandit, Robbie Williams, Madness, Cat Stevens, The Ministry of Sound and Blue Peter. demontforthall.co.uk MUSICAL DATES:

Venue: De Montfort Hall

Map Ref: 22

"One of the big events on the UK comedy calendar" the guardian

Time: 19:30 (21:30) Entry: £27 (£25)

155

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

UNBREAKABLE

Three exciting new acts come together for their ﬁrst appearance at the Leicester Comedy Festival for what will undoubtedly be a sell-out night. Drawing on three generations of haplessness, Kevin Daniel, Hannah East and Keith Oliver are proof that Leicester just can't stop producing fantastic new comedic talent. Although each has their own unique style, they share a common passion for well structured storytelling comedy. You'd be mad to miss this MIXED BILL, STORYTELLING DATES:

Venue: The Exchange Bar

Time: 21:15 (22:15) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 71

Big Difference Company & Union JACK Radio present

UNION JACK RADIO'S CIRCUIT BREAKERS THE chance within the festival to see the stars of the future from the best of emerging UK comedians. We have carefully selected those acts who have been gigging for a while but have yet to break into the big time. Trust us; you'll be seeing these acts in arenas soon so come and see them so you can tell your friends you saw them before they were famous... Hosted by the brilliant Mark Dolan. MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 14th 20:30 | 15th 19:00 (90min) Entry: £7.50 (£6.50)

Map Ref: 58

Al Jumeirah present

UP IN SMOKE - COMEDY AT AL JUMEIRAH SHISHA LOUNGE Joining us tonight will be Lauren Pattison (one of the brightest young talents on the comedy circuit) & Tez Ilyas (Mock The Week & The Last Leg). There'll be loads of surprises on the night all served up alongside our ﬂavoursome shisha, delicious snacks and tons of tasty desserts. See you there. aljumeirah.co.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Al Jumeirah Shisha Lounge

Time: 22:00 (23:45) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 1

TLCP present

WORLD PREMIERE

WALKING SCHTICK

A "comedy" show where someone with an identity exploits their identity for an hour. It's about eugenics however I will also be making libelous (yet true!) claims about some fairly high profile industry figures. My friend Jon Newell came up with the title outside the BP garage in Hyde Park in Leeds in 2013, so I'm not copying John Kearns. This will be my first and final Fringe appearance. "A rising star" - The Daily Telegraph SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Future Cycles

Time: 17:30 (18:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 29

WARS OF THE ROSES ABRIDGED

REGIONAL PREMIERE

A right Royal romp through one of the bloodiest periods of English history. Join Richard as he looks at the key characters and battles, making them relevant to the present day. Why is Richard Duke of York similar to singer Jane Macdonald? What do you do on your wedding day if you're just 5 years old? And has England really got over the 15th century when the English left Europe in a hurry? Suitable for ages 7 to 107! HISTORICAL, SATIRE DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 13:00 (14:00) & 15:00 (16:00) Entry: £5 (£3)

Map Ref: 41

Room 5064 Productions present

WE APOLOGISE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE It's 1984 and the author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams has been locked away in a London hotel by his publisher to finish his new book, already months late. But with a whole universe of distractions - including a talking plastic duck who seems to know a worrying amount about him, finishing the book seems infinitely improbable... "What fun!", Simon Jones 'Arthur Dent'. Set the Tape 5*. Broadway Baby 4*. Broadway World 4* room5064.co.uk THEATRE DATES:

Venue: Upstairs At The Western

156

Time: 21:00 (22:00) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 87

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Headway Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland present

WELL... TICKLE MY AMYGDALA! Join us for an uproarious evening of entertainment and a two course meal at the elegant St Martins House and help us kick off the celebrations as we celebrate our 30th Anniversary. Supporting this event will raise vital funds in aid of Headway Leicester and will enable us to continue to provide specialist support and rehabilitation for people suffering with brain injuries. Tickets are £40 pp (Discounted to £35 pp if 10+ tickets are purchased) www.headwayleicester.org.uk MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: St Martins House

Time: 18:00 (22:30) Entry: £40

Map Ref: 64

Sandra Cross and William English present

WHAT DID YOU EAT TODAY? 'What Did You Eat Today?' how much do we reveal ourselves when asked about food. A tragic-comic, theatre of the absurd in which writer Sandra Cross and ﬁlmmaker William English screen three ﬁlms featuring inventor Hugh de la Cruz, artist Bill Burns and Captain Maurice Seddon. www.sandracross.org EVENT, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: FREE

Map Ref: 93

WHATTON LAUGHS An evening of fun and laughter with your favourite comedians in Long Whatton Community Centre. Hosted by the lovely Carly Smallman ("Smutty outspoken jollity" - The Sun.). Featuring Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2018 Jack Gleadow ("star potential the sky's the limit'' Beyond The Joke, Bruce Dessau) and Jarlath Regan (as seen on 'The Apprentice You're Fired', 'Live At The Palladium' & 'Russell Howard's Good News'). https://comedy-festival.co.uk/ MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: Long Whatton Community Centre

Time: 20:00 (21:30) Entry: £10 (£8)

Map Ref: 48

WIFI WARS WiFi Wars is the World Record-Breaking live comedy game show where the entire audience play along. Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, quizzes and challenges to win the show, and prizes! Hosted by comedian and regular video-games commentator Steve McNeil (Team Captain on hit TV show Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit), the show was ﬁrst developed at the prestigious Royal Institution. wiﬁ wars.co.uk INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 16:30 (17:30) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 27

WIFI WARS: PUB QUIZ From the team behind the hit TV show "Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit" comes a brand new live show, making the most of their world record-breaking "WiFi Wars" tech! Bring a charged smartphone, and compete on questions beamed to your phones in a series of quiz rounds. Hosted by comedian and regular video-games commentator Steve McNeil (Team Captain on hit TV show Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit). wiﬁ wars.co.uk GAME SHOW, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: Firebug

Time: 19:45 (20:45) Entry: £8

Map Ref: 27

WIL HODGSON: WAFFLE Chippenham's award winning cult storytelling stand up, as seen on Russell Howard's Good News and heard on Radio 4, returns after what seems like bloody ages to LCF to ramble on about bar snacks, Yacht Rock, car boot sales, the laws of 1940s cartoons and how a swimming pool that closed in the late 1980s is somehow partly responsible for the state of the nation. "Genius" - Russell Howard. "This is Punk Rock" - Mark Thomas STORYTELLING, ALTERNATIVE DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at BrewDog

Map Ref: 36

"One of the highlights of the comedy calendar" the independent on sunday

Time: 21:30 (22:30) Entry: £5

157

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Jokes On Us present

WORLD PREMIERE

WILL MARS: MIDLANDER

Midlander. Star of Fox's Showtime at the Apollo. Finalist on NBC Comcast's Trial by Laughter. Top 10 rated performer at America's largest touring comedy festival, The Seattle International Comedy Competition. Selected to perform at Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, Atlanta and Big Sky Comedy Festival, Montana. 'A remarkable talent ... a comic tour-de-force' **** (EdFringe Review). Still a midlander. www.willmars.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: Manhattan 34

Time: 20:45 (21:45) Entry: FREE or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 49

StraightUp Productions present

REGIONAL PREMIERE

WILL PENSWICK: WORKS OF ARTS IN PROGRESS

The Artist Formally Known As William Penswick presents his 'finest' poetry, prose and performance in a final attempt to get the critical and financial backing he now so desperately needs. Despite multiple sponsorship deals, a wealthy family and previous, if made-up, success, Penswick is struggling to be the artist he wants to be. "Hard not to love...brilliant" **** Radio Ha-Ha. "You will be in for a comic treat" **** PlaysToSee. **** BroadwayBaby www.straightupproductions.com ALTERNATIVE, CHARACTER DATES:

Venue: Just the Tonic at The Shed

Time: 19:30 (20:30) Entry: £5 advance or Pay What You Want

Map Ref: 39

WILL PRESTON CAN'T FACE REALITY

WORLD PREMIERE

Reality is overrated. Why bother with work, relationships, and mental health concerns when escapism is king? Will Preston, self-confessed geek and gaming addict, explores his love of geek culture, as well as his normal life that he tries to escape from. Will he keep his face against the screen, or will he ﬁnally face reality? "Slick, surprising, and acutely aware" - Objectively Funny. "Energetic and lovable" - Joey Page. www.willpreston.co.uk

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: King Richard III Visitor Centre

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 41

BPCCH present

WILL ROWLAND: BUTTERFLY As I write this blurb, I don't know what this show will be about. So far I've written 'let's just have fun this year' on a piece of paper and stuck it on my bedroom wall. Prepare yourself for a sad show about money being taken from my rental deposit for blu tack stains. Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year (ﬁnalist). "Very clever, very wry, very well performed" - Beyond the Joke. "Twisted the conventions of comedy" - Chortle. www.willrowland.com SOLO SHOW DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 15:15 (16:15) Entry: £5

Map Ref: 70

Willis & Vere present

WORLD PREMIERE

WILLIS & VERE: MORE PRETENTIOUS WANK

From the multi-award-winning, ﬁ ve-star comedy duo Willis & Vere (The Starship Osiris, A Serious Play About World War II) comes the story of a controversial artist's rise to fame and subsequent downfall, created entirely from audience suggestions. Featuring videos, audience participation and guaranteed laughter*. ***** (The Wee Review), ***** (Broadway Baby), **** (Steve Bennett, Chortle), **** (The Stage). (*Laughter not guaranteed.) www.willisandvere.com IMPROV, INTERACTIVE DATES:

Venue: The Cookie

Time: 15:30 (16:30) Entry: £6

Map Ref: 68

WORD! present

WORLD PREMIERE

WORD! COMEDY SPECIAL - WITH ROB GEE AND LYDIA TOWSEY

WORD! - a spoken word and poetry organisation presenting one of the longest running spoken word nights in the UK - presents an evening of high jinx and hilarity. Featuring - Guardian, Kew Gardens and Royal Albert Hall commissioned, Lydia Towsey - and Rob Gee "Seriously funny" - the Mirror... "The kind of performer you pray you'll discover." - Orlando Sentinel. With an open mic of the region's ﬁnest, funny ha ha, funny strange - and free sweets! www.wordpoetry.co.uk SPOKEN WORD, CABARET DATES:

Venue: Wygston's House

158

Time: 20:30 (22:15) Entry: £7 (£4)

Map Ref: 93

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

EVENTS

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 Hopwood Productions UK Ltd present

YANKS IN THE UK: A STAND-UP CULTURE CLASH Featuring three American comics who have all been thrust into living in the UK and are now dealing with the laughable aftermath: Fresh off his UK stand-up tour with "The Yank is a Manc", Californian ﬁlmmaker/comic Hopwood DePree; Award-winning New York comedian Spring Day, and comedian Will Franken who studied 18th Century British Literature before he ﬂed his native Missouri. www.HopwoodXIV.com/comedy-tour MIXED BILL DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 20:30 (21:30) Entry: £7 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

Culture On The Offensive present

"YOU CAN'T SAY THAT!" THE 'ART OF THINKING' ABOUT OFFENSIVE COMEDY A provocative fun talk and discussion by Greg Scorzo . "It is a peculiarity of our time that policymakers and law enforcers apparently lack the basic nous to identify an attempt at humour when they see it" - ANDREW DOYLE. "A stupid, puerile pathetic so-called joke. Broadcasting the material raised serious questions" - DUP MP GREGORY CAMPBELL. "The only acceptable censorship of free speech is your right not to listen." - RICKY GERVAIS www.cultureontheoffensive.com DISCUSSION, EVENT DATES:

Venue: The Cosy Club

Time: 12:00 (13:30) Entry: £5 (£3)

Map Ref: 70

YOU NEED HELP Have you ever felt lost, broken and like you don't belong? Well, that's because you are, and you don't. But never fear, self-styled self-help gurus Harry & Jessie will guide you through this hellscape we call 'modern life'. In the seminar you never knew you wanted; the pair try to answer life's biggest questions. They may fail miserably, but they will look fabulous throughout, so who cares?! Only one thing is clear, you need help. www.youneedhelp.co.uk SKETCH, THEATRE DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

Time: 16:00 (17:00) Entry: £6 (£5)

Map Ref: 58

ZENJIRO KAMIKAZE STAND UP COMEDY

WORLD PREMIERE

Zenjiro is an award-winning multilingual comedian and actor, who performs in English, Japanese and Korean. He was also featured in TV shows such as 'Just for Laughs' and 'Japanorama' (presented by Jonathan Ross) on BBC. Zenjiro has performed at various comedy festivals around the world, including Just for Laughs Festivals in Montreal and Rotterdam Comedy Festival. In Japan he won the ABC Manzai Competition and other prestigious prizes. https://www.facebook.com/zenzenjiro

SOLO SHOW

DATES:

Venue: PETER Pizzeria

5-23

FEBRUARY 2020

Time: 19th 20:30 | 21st 17:30 (60min) Entry: £10

Map Ref: 58

19 DAYS TO FIND YOUR FUNNY BONE

"Second only to Edinburgh as a showcase for comedy talent" the guardian

159

ADVERTISEMENT EVENTS

160

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

WANT TICKETS?

. .

visit www comedy festival co uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

INFORMATION

A pretty broad grin Comedy comes in many forms and Leicester Comedy Festival has always tried to reflect that in the events programmed and the people who are involved in creating each festival. This approach has existed since the event began in 1994 and has resulted in numerous projects and partnerships with organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. We’re proud of the work we do with others, as we try and ensure the festival remains “a pretty broad grin” (The Guardian) for as many people as possible.

ACCESS GUIDE

For the 2020 festival we will once again be producing an Access Guide to the festival, which can be downloaded from the website www.comedy-festival.co.uk or by calling the Festival office on 0116 261 6812. The guide will give information about physical access to the majority of our venues. For 2020, we are also working with partners (including LAMP, The Samaritans and De Montfort University) to include information about how you can visit the festival and remain happy and healthy throughout the 19 days. We have received some funding from Time To Change, who have generously supported our programme of events and initiatives designed to make sure everyone has a good time whilst at the festival. For 2020 there will be a series of events and initiatives designed to improve the mental health and well-being of comedians, performers, venue staff, promoters and you, our audience. If you have any have any comments about how we can continue to make the festival more accessible, please get in touch info@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland

Giving a voice to all people whose lives are affected by mental health since 1989. Providing local advocacy, help and support to access mental health services to those with mental health issues and their carers. If you would like to access our services, or would like to be involved locally, please contact Lamp on 0116 255 6286. Registered Charity Number: 702057

“Leicester’s mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom” i

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INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

VENUE INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING DETAILS ARE PROVIDED FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR VENUE INFORMATION (PARKING, FOOD, BAR DETAILS). FOR INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO BUY TICKETS, PLEASE CALL THE FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE ON 0116 456 6812. 1 Title: AL JUMEIRAH SHISHA LOUNGE Address: 203 Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3HT Info: 0116 429 9232

MAP 2

2 Title: ALDWINCKLES COFFEE HOUSE Address: 8c Church Street, Market Harborough LE16 7AA E-mail: info@aldwincklescoffeehouse.co.uk

MAP 4

3 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

ANCHOR INN

4 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

ASHBY LIBRARY

5 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

ATTENBOROUGH ARTS CENTRE

MAP 1 - D3

6 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

BEAN GAMING CAFE

MAP 1 - A2

MAP 2 Anchor Inn, 74 Loughborough Road, Hathern LE12 5JB 01509 646 688 info@anchorinnhathern.co.uk www.anchorinnhathern.co.uk

MAP 5 North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1HU 01163055817 portia.trainor@leics.gov.uk www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/ find-a-library/ashby-de-la-zouch-library Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA 0116 252 2455 arts-centre@le.ac.uk www.attenborougharts.com 22 Silver Street, Leicester LE1 5ET 0116 367 4263 enquiries@bean-gaming.co.uk www.bean-gaming.co.uk

7 Title: BEER PHARMACIE Address: 3 High Street, Syston LE7 1GP E-mail: adam.doorstepcomedyclub@gmail.com 8 Title: Address: Info: Web:

BEERHOUSE

9 Title: Address: Info: Web:

BLACK DOG

10 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

BLACK HORSE

23 London Road, Oadby LE2 5DL 0116 210 2479 www.everards.co.uk/our-pubs/black-dog-oadby 65 Narrow Lane, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NA 0116 283 7225 blackhorseaylestone@yahoo.co.uk www.blackhorseaylestone.co.uk

11 Title: BROCKS HILL COUNTRY PARK Address: Washbrook Lane, Oadby LE2 5JJ 12 Title: Address: Info: E-mail:

162

BUDDIES

55, Leicester Road, Wigston LE18 1DJ 0116 288 4950 Buddiesgrove@outlook.com

CENTURY THEATRE

14 Title: Address: Info: Web:

CHUTNEY IVY

Ashby Road, Coalville LE67 3LN 01530 278 444 centurytheatre@leics.gov.uk centurytheatre.co.uk 41 Halford Street, Leicester LE1 1TR 0116 251 1889 www.chutneyivy.com

15 Title: CLARENCE HOUSE Address: 46 Humberstone Gate, Leicester LE1 3PJ Info: 0116 222 0555 16 Title: Address: Info: E-mail:

CO-OP SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB

17 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

COALVILLE LIBRARY

Birstall Road, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4DE 0116 267 4059 adam.doorstepcomedyclub@gmail.com

MAP 5

MAP 1 - A3

MAP 2

MAP 5 High Street, Coalville, LE67 3EA 0116 305 3565 coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries/ find-a-library/coalville-library

MAP 2 18 Title: COGNITO Address: Loughborough Student Union, Ashby Road, Loughborough LE11 3TT Info: 01455 615005 19 Title: CONCORDIA THEATRE

MAP 2

CONKERS

MAP 5

MAP 3

20 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

CURVE

MAP 1 - A3

MAP 2

21 Title: Address: Info: Web:

DE MONTFORT HALL

MAP 1 - D4

MAP 3

22 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web: 23 Title: Address: Info: Web:

EBIKE CENTRES

MAP 1 - B3

24 Title: Address: E-mail: Web:

ELBOW ROOM

MAP 2

76 St. Marys Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DX 01858 465 317 www.facebook.com/beerhouseuk

13 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

MAP 4

MAP 3

Address: Stockwell Head, Hinckley, LE10 1RE Info: 01455 615005 Web: www.concordiatheatre.co.uk

WANT TICKETS?

Rawdon Road, Ashby DE12 6GA 01283 216 633 info@visitconkers.com www.visitconkers.com Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB 0116 242 3595 www.curveonline.co.uk

Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RU 0116 233 3111 dmh-office@leicester.gov.uk demontforthall.co.uk 102 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DL 0116 254 0888 www.ebike-centres.co.uk

26 Station Road, Hinckley LE10 1AW comedyinleicester@gmail.com www.comedyinleicester.com

MAP 2

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 33

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MAP 1 CITY CENTRE

MAP 5

29 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

FUTURE CYCLES

MAP 1 - B2

ESQUIRES COFFEE MAP 1 - B2 26 Title: Address: The Circle, 5 New Walk Place, Leicester LE1 6RU

30 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

GRAYS@LCB DEPOT

MAP 1 - A3

31 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

HARBOROUGH MARKET HALL

MAP 4

32 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

HARBOROUGH THEATRE

MAP 4

25 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

ELITE GAMING LOUNGE

30 High Street, Coalville LE67 3ED 01530 481820 harry@elitegaminglounge.co.uk www.elitegaminglounge.co.uk

27 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

FIREBUG

28 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

FIX MY BIKE

1 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN 0116 255 1228 info@firebugbar.co.uk www.firebugbar.co.uk

210 Saffron Lane, Leicester LE2 7NF 0116 244 0086 sales@fmbcycles.co.uk www.fmbcycles.co.uk

MAP 1 - B2

MAP 2

“The festival offers big names… and innovative curios” the times

21 Market Street, Leicester LE1 6DN 0116 242 5959 tim@futurecycles.org.uk www.futurecycles.org.uk 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE 0116 261 6827 grays@lcbdepot.co.uk www.facebook.com/grayslcb

Northampton Road, Market Harborough LE16 9HB 01858 465 206 s.butt@harborough.gov.uk www.harboroughmarket.co.uk Church Square, Market Harborough LE16 7NB 01858 463 673 boxoffice@harboroughtheatre.com www.harboroughtheatre.com

163

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 16

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A60 30

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ANSTEY

MAP 2 LEICESTER/LEICESTERSHIRE

1 90 75

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A47

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GLEN PARVA

WIGSTON

33 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

HAYMARKET THEATRE

MAP 1 - A2

40 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

KAYAL

MAP 1 - B4

34 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

MAP 1 - C3

41 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE

MAP 1 - A2

35 Title: Address: E-mail: Web:

INTERNATIONAL ARTS CENTRE

MAP 1 - A2

42 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

KNIGHT & GARTER

MAP 1 - A2

36 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

JUST THE TONIC AT BREWDOG

MAP 1 - B2

37 Title: Address: Info: Web:

1 Garrick Walk, Leicester LE1 3AF 0116 296 1236 callie.barter@haymarketconsortium.co.uk www.haytheatre.com

2 Upper King Street, Leicester LE1 6XE 0116 254 8981 office@htl.church www.htl.church Garden Street, Leicester LE1 3UA info@internationalartscentre.co.uk internationalartscentre.co.uk 8 Friar Lane, Leicester LE1 5RA 0116 262 3566 leicester.bookings@brewdog.com www.facebook.com/topdogleics

JUST THE TONIC AT HANSOM HALL Belvior Street, Leicester LE1 6QL 0330 220 1212 www.justthetonic.com

38 Title: JUST THE TONIC AT

THE FUNCTION ROOMS

MAP 1 - B2

MAP 1 - C2

Address: De Montfort Students’ Union, Campus Centre Building Mill Lane, Leicester LE2 7DR Info: 0330 220 1212 E-mail: martin@justthetonic.com Web: www.justthetonic.com 39 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

164

JUST THE TONIC AT THE SHED 5 Yeoman Street, Leicester LE1 1UT 0116 262 5782 elisabeth@getintheshed.co.uk www.getintheshed.co.uk

MAP 1 - A3

153 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6FE 0116 255 4667 info@kayalrestaurant.com www.kayalrestaurant.com 4A St Martins, Leicester LE1 5DB 0300 300 0900 emma.lay@kriii.com www.kriii.com

Knight & Garter, Hotel Street, Leicester LE1 5AW 0116 303 3310 contact@knightandgarter.co.uk www.knightandgarter.co.uk/gallery-venue

43 Title: LEICESTER CASTLE BUSINESS SCHOOL MAP 1 - B1 Address: 7 Castle View, Leicester LE1 5WH 44 Title: Address: Info: Web:

LEICESTER CATHEDRAL

MAP 1 - A2

45 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

LEICESTER LGBT CENTRE

MAP 1 - B2

Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PZ 0116 261 5200 leicestercathedral.org 15 Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HH 0116 254 7412 events@leicesterlgbtcentre.org leicesterlgbtcentre.org

46 Title: LEICESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY Address: Infirmary Square, Leicester LE1 5WW

MAP 1 - C2

47 Title: LILY’S LIVE LOUNGE Address: 31 - 33 New Bond Street, Leicester LE1 4RQ Info: 0116 285 6000

MAP 1 - A2

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020 48 Title: LONG WHATTON COMMUNITY CENTRE Address: Main Street, The Green, Long Whatton, Loughborough LE12 5DB E-mail: silke.walker@btconnect.com Web: www.longwhattonvillage.co.uk 49 Title: Address: Info: Web:

MAP 2

MANHATTAN 34

MAP 1 - A3 34 Rutland Street, The Cultural Quarter, Leicester LE1 1RD 0116 262 8855 www.manhattan34.com

50 Title: MARKET HARBOROUGH LIBRARY & MUSEUM MAP 4 Address: Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough LE16 7LT Info: 0116 305 3627 E-mail: marketharboroughlibrary@leics.gov.uk Web: www.harboroughmuseum.org.uk 51 Title: MARKET HARBOROUGH METHODIST CHURCH MAP 4 Address: Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HE Info: 01858 463834 E-mail: info@babygigs.co.uk Web: www.babygigs.co.uk MAP 4 52 Title: MARKET HARBOROUGH RUGBY CLUB Address: The Rugby Ground, Northampton Road, Market Harborough LE16 9HF Info: 01858 464210 E-mail: improvharborough@gmail.com 53 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

MEGAZONE LEICESTER

3 Gower Street, Leicester LE1 3LH 0116 253 1153 reshma.p@megazoneleicester.co.uk www.megazoneleicester.co.uk

54 Title: MERCURE LEICESTER

THE GRAND HOTEL

MAP 1 - A3

MAP 1 - B3

55 Title: Address: E-mail: Web:

MOUNTSORREL MEMORIAL CENTRE

56 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

NEW WALK MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY MAP 1 - C3

58 Title: Address: Info: Web:

PETER PIZZERIA

59 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

PHOENIX

9 Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZH 0116 254 5333 www.peterpizzeria.co.uk 4 Midlands Street, Leicester LE1 1TG 0116 242 2800 hello@phoenix.org.uk www.phoenix.org.uk

60 Title: PIED BULL Address: 49 Belton Street, Shepshed LE12 9AA E-mail: adam.doorstepcomedyclub@gmail.com 61 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

MAP 2

53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA 0116 225 4900 Bookings-newwalkmuseum@leicester.gov.uk leicester.gov.uk

57 Title: NINETEEN TWELVE Address: 26 Cossington Road, Sileby LE12 7RS E-mail: adam.doorstepcomedyclub@gmail.com

QUEEN OF BRADGATE

93-97 High Street, Leicester LE1 4JB 0116 262 3990 Info@queenofbradgate.co.uk www.queenofbradgate.co.uk

“A programme bursting with variety” daily mirror

RUTLAND CYCLING LEICESTER

MAP 2 Everards Meadows, Soar Valley Way, Leicester LE19 2BX 0116 344 0200 www.rutlandcycling.com/pages/rutland-cycling-leicester

63 Title: SCHOOL OF MUSEUM

STUDIES BUILDING

MAP 2

MAP 1 - A3

64 Title: ST MARTINS HOUSE Address: 7 Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PZ Info: 0116 261 5200

MAP 1 - A2

MAP 1 - B2 65 Title: SUE TOWNSEND THEATRE Address: Sue Townsend Theatre, 16 Upper Brown Street, Leicester LE1 5TE E-mail: jlawrence@leicestercollege.ac.uk Web: www.leicestercollege.ac.uk/suetownsendtheatre Title: 66 Address: E-mail: Web:

SWIFT BAR LUTTERWORTH GOLF CLUB

MAP 4

67 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE ANGEL HOTEL

MAP 4

Rugby Road, Lutterworth LE17 4HN mandyjane@ttcountryevents.co.uk www.lutterworthgc.co.uk/ad_-_swift_bar

37 High Street, Market Harborough LE16 7AF 01858 462 702 theangel@theangel-hotel.co.uk www.theangel-hotel.co.uk

69 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE COPLOW CENTRE

70 Title: Address: Info: Web:

THE COSY CLUB

71 Title: Address: Info: Web:

THE EXCHANGE BAR

72 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE FENNEL STREET CLUB

73 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE GUILDHALL

Uppingham Road, Billesdon LE7 9FL 0116 259 6995 comedyinleicester@gmail.com www.thecoplowcentre.com 68 Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4NN 0116 408 0008 www.cosyclub.co.uk

75 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

MAP 1 - A2 MAP 3

MAP 1 - A1

MAP 1 - A3 The Exchange Bar, Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RD 0116 251 3434 www.exchangeleicester.com

20 Fennel Street, Loughborough, LE11 1UQ 0759 118 6744 Fennel-st-club@hotmail.co.uk www.fennel-street-club.com Guildhall Lane, Leicester LE1 5FQ 0116 253 2569 anita.harrison@leicester.gov.uk visitleicester.info/museums

74 Title: THE HEATHCOTE ARMS Address: Hill Street, Croft, Leicester LE9 3EG Info: 01455 699107 MAP 2

MAP 1 - C4

Address: School of Museum Studies, 19 University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH E-mail: studentservices@leicester.ac.uk Web: le.ac.uk/museum-studies

68 Title: THE COOKIE Address: 68 High Street, Leicester LE1 5YP

Address: Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6ES Info: 0116 214 9257 Web: www.mercureleicester.co.uk 105 Leicester Road, Mountsorrel LE12 7DB reception@mountsorrelmemorialcentre.co.uk www.mountsorrelmemorialcentre.co.uk

62 Title: Address: Info: Web:

THE LANCASTER ARMS

Station Road, Desford LE9 9FP 01455 824265 info@thelancasterarms.co.uk thelancasterarms.co.uk

MAP 2

MAP 1 - A2

MAP 2

165

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

The Leicestershire Golf Club

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Harborough Town Football Club

52 Market Harborough Rugby Union FC

Brocks Hill Country Park

76 Title: Address: E-mail: Web:

THE LINFORD CLUB

77 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE LITTLE THEATRE

78 Title: Address: Info: E-mail:

THE LYRIC ROOMS

66 Main Street, Newtown Linford, Markfield LE6 0AD comedyinleicester@gmail.com www.comedyinleicester.com

MAP 2

MAP 1 - B3

Dover Street, Leicester LE1 6PW 0116 255 1302 admin@lds-mail.net www.thelittletheatre.net

Lower Church Street, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1AB 01530 415039 finecuisine@btinternet.com

79 Title: THE NOELS ARMS Address: 31 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1AE Web: www.thenoelsarmsmeltonmowbray.co.uk

MAP 5

MAP 2

80 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL

81 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE REAL ALE CLASSROOM, LEICESTER

82 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE REAL ALE CLASSROOM, LUTTERWORTH MAP 4

166

40 The Square, Market Harborough LE16 7PA 01858 419128 jedwards@mhbcharity.co.uk www.mhbcharity.co.uk 22 Allandale Road, Leicester LE2 2DA 0116 319 6998 comedyinleicester@gmail.com www.comedyinleicester.com

MAP 4

MAP 2

The Classroom, 4 Station Road, Lutterworth LE17 4AP 01455 203225 therealaleclassroom@gmail.com www.comedyinleicestershire.com

83 Title: Address: Info: Web:

THE ROSE AND CROWN

MAP 3

45 Main Street, Thurnby LE7 9PJ 0116 241 9075 www.roseandcrownthurnby.co.uk

MAP 3 84 Title: THE VILLAGE HUB Address: 33 Stoughton Drive South, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2RJ 85 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

THE Y THEATRE

86 Title: Address: Info: E-mail:

THYTHORN HILL COMMUNITY CENTRE

7 East Street, Leicester LE1 6EY 0116 255 7066 theatre@leicesterymca.co.uk www.ytheatre.co.uk

MAP 1 - B4

MAP 3

Horsewell Lane, Wigston LE18 2HR 0116 261 6812 fern@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

87 Title: TOWN HALL BIKE PARK Address: Town Hall Square, Leicester LE19BG Info: 0116 299 1234

MAP 1 - B2

88 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN

89 Title: Address: E-mail: Web:

WALTHAM ON THE WOLDS VILLAGE HALL

MAP 2

90 Title: Address: E-mail: Web:

WARNING ZONE

MAP 2

WANT TICKETS?

70 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GA 0116 254 5287 programming@upstairsatthewestern.com www.upstairsatthewestern.com

Goadby Road, Waltham on the Wolds LE14 4AG wvh.bookingclerk@gmail.com www.walthamvillagehall.co.uk 30 Frog Island, Leicester LE3 5AG enquiries@warningzone.org.uk warningzone.org.uk

MAP 1 - C1

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

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2 A4

A sh by R o ad As

COALVILLE

13 Leices te

A51 1 hby 17 Rd

WE WANT YOU!

91 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

WHITE LION

White Lion, 38 Main Street, Whissendine LE15 7ET 01664 474 233 info@whitelioninn.com www.whitelioninn.com

MAP 2

92 Title: WIGSTON DELI Address: 29 Carlton Drive, Wigston Info: 0116 288 4592

MAP 3

93 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

WINSTANLEY HOUSE

MAP 2

94 Title: Address: Info: E-mail: Web:

WYGSTON’S HOUSE

MAP 1 - A2

Hinckley Road, Leicester LE3 1HX 0116 3665642 info@winstanleyhouse.co.uk www.winstanleyhouse.co.uk Applegate, Leicester LE1 5LD 0116 296 4301 foxycomedy@gmail.com www.wygstonshouse.co.uk

IF YOU BUY TICKETS DIRECT FROM THE VENUE, BOOKING FEES AND ARRANGEMENTS MAY APPLY. ASK BEFORE YOU MAKE A PURCHASE

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GOING BEHIND THE SCENES AND EXPERIENCING THE FESTIVAL IN A DIFFERENT WAY?

JOIN OUR TEAM AND HELP MAKE 2020 TRULY MARVELLOUS! WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN US AS: ARTIST LIAISON | STAGE MANAGERS EVENT ASSISTANTS FESTIVAL DRIVER & MORE! For more information contact us on volunteers@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

“Leicester’s mammoth annual bash lands like an avenging angel amid the late-winter gloom” i

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INFORMATION

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

CONTACT Big Difference Company, LCB Depot, 31 Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1RE Registered charity 1135167

Tel: 0116 261 6812 Email: info@bigdifferencecompany.co.uk Website: www.bigdifferencecompany.co.uk

PEOPLE FESTIVAL PATRONS:

TONY SLATTERY, THE LATE SEAN HUGHES, THE LATE SUE TOWNSEND & THE LATE SIR NORMAN WISDOM OBE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Martyn Allison (Chair), Asgoo Pirbhai, Max Schurer, David Boydon, Andrew Brown, Steph Osborn, Emma Anderson, Jonathan Kerry

STAFF:

Festival Director Festival Producer Partnership Manager Finance Manager Office Manager Festival Assistant Producer Marketing Manager Special Events Assistant Production Manager Finance Assistant THANKS TO JOHN SYMONDS PR Manager Print design and production Print Distribution Legal Support Media Production

BIG THANKS TO:

Geoff Rowe Charlotte Laidet Katherine West Nicola Hazell Jen Pethick Fern Beard Oli Page Alex Johnson Charley Smith Edward Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Souza Anna Arthur PR Reach Marketing SLB Distribution Freeths Crosscut Media

anna@annaarthurpr.com www.reachmarketing.co.uk www.slb-leaflet-distribution.co.uk www.freeths.co.uk www.crosscut-media.co.uk

BIG thanks to MARK DOLAN, CHARLOTTE SMITH thanks to Will Sarson, Barry Ferns, Sarah Thomson, Laughter Loft, Dave Hancock, Theo Crew, Samantha Beard

THANKS TO Sir Peter Soulsby, Piara Singh Clair, Sarah Russell, Adam Clarke, Andy Keeling, Mike Dalzell, Joanna Jones, Maggie Shutt, Sarah Harrison, Brian Lisowy, Andy Salkeld and everyone at Leicester City Council, Sarah Thomson, Mark Charlton, Callum Corley, Laura Hailstone, Jeremy Clay, Tony Graves, Richard Fletcher and everyone at De Montfort University, Donnach, Ian, Giles & everyone at Union Jack Radio, John Rance, Jake Harvey and everyone at Phoenix Square, Julie Smith, Peter Leone, Antony Flint, Pete Mitchell & everyone at De Montfort Hall, Simon Winfield and everyone at Red Monkey, Steve Bennett, Chris, Nikolai, Tom, Fran, Claire & everyone at Curve, Martin Jinks and Marcus Dockerty, Anna Arthur, James, Paul, Sue, David & everyone at LCB Depot, Colin Bowles & everyone at The Little Theatre, Matt & everyone at Firebug, Tim Cook, The Baring Foundation, Nicola Ward, Michael & everyone at The Y, George Oliver and everyone at Leicester Mercury, everyone at The Belmont Hotel, team at Ramada Encore Hotel, staff at Mercure Grand Hotel Leicester, everyone at St Martins Lodge, Louise Grainger, Pete & Tracey Miller, Asgoo, Gary, Owain, Lucy, Tara, Chris & everyone at Reach, Simon Jenner & BID Leicester, Jed, Callie & everyone at Haymarket Theatre, Michaela Butter & Attenborough Arts, Lis & Ken, Leicester Fridge, Sophie Shardlow, Kamlesh Purohit, Pete Wardman & everyone at BBC Leicester, East Midlands Railways, Chris Perkin, Sharon Lockyer, Alex Hylton, NCF Comedy, Darrell Martin, Martin & everyone at Just The Tonic, Chris Sturgess, Nichola Moore & everyone at Sturgess, everyone at PETER Pizzeria, Glenda and everyone at The Cosy Club, Lindsey, Fee, Martin & everyone at Fringe Box Office, Claire Cannell, Erika Hardy & Everards, Flo Howard, Lily Morris, Steve Garland, Brid Kirby, Corrie McGuire, Kate Lennon, Jo Herdman, Daniel Nicholas, Lee Ridley, Milton Jones, Tony Slattery, Arthur Smith, Mark Dolan, Janice Connolly, Kevin Russell, and all promoters, volunteers, venue staff and performers!

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WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

FEATURE

LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL celebrating British comedy since 1994

“Three weeks of laughs in Leicester” the mail on sunday

169

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

Ride Leicester is all about promoting and encouraging cycling in and around Leicester. Whether this is a switch from car to bike to be more sustainable, learning to ride for the first time or riding for the health benefits, we can help! Throughout the year we host and support numerous events providing thousands of people with the opportunity to cycle to push Leicester towards being one of the most cycle friendly cities in the UK. We work with several partners and volunteers helping to increase the number of people riding bikes and build a cycling & people-friendly city.

Join us on your bikes in 2020 for the Leicester Comedy Festival, Open Streets, Bike Fest, Ride Leicester Festival and more.

Leicester Co

Joe Orton Rid

Sunday 9th,

medy Festiva

16th and 23rd

Sue Townse

Saturday 8th,

l 2020 events

February 13:0

0 and 15:00

nd Mole Ride

15th and 22nd

Red Light Co

February 13:0

medy

0 and 15:00

Town Hall Bik e Park Saturd ay 8th Februa Rutland Cycli ry 18:30-20:3 ng Sunday 9th 0 February 16:0 E-bikes Centr 018:00 e Saturday 15 th February 18 Fix My Bike :30-20:30 Sunday 16th February 17:0 Future Cycle 0-19:00 s Saturday 22 nd February

18:30-20:30

For full details and tickets visit

www.comedy-festival.co.uk 170

WANT TICKETS?

visit www.comedy-festival.co.uk or call 0116 456 6812

Leicester Comedy Festival 2020

BRINGING YOU THE ABSOLUTE BEST OF COMEDY THIS FEBRUARY 6 - 7 FEB • 7.45PM

SAT 8 FEB • 7.45PM

MARK STEEL

EVERY LITTLE THING’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT

17 – 21 FEB

WED 19 FEB • 7.45PM

ADVERTISEMENT WED 5 FEB • 7PM

SUN 9 FEB • 2PM

I SAY - THE ANNUAL COMEDY CONVERSATION FEATURING LOST VOICE GUY

FRI 21 FEB • 7.45PM

SHCA

GRIFF RHYS JONES

MORNING & A ERNOON CLASSES AVFT AILABLE

SAT 22 FEB • 7PM

ALL OVER THE PLACE

SAT 22 FEB • 8PM

FIONA CLIFT HOW TO BE ALONE

SUN 23 FEB • 7PM

COMEDY HEAVEN * All artists and performances are subject to change

“Three weeks of laughs in Leicester” the mail on sunday

COMING UP AT DE MONTFORT HALL

LEICESTER COMEDY FESTIVAL GALA PREVIEW SHOW Friday 10 January

THE UK PUN CHAMPIONSHIPS Punday 10 February

ED BYRNE

Wednesday 5 February

EXTRA DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS

COUNT ARTHUR STRONG

JACK DEE

DAVID BADDIEL

Saturday 15 February

Friday 17 April

Thursday 20 February

Friday 24 April

CHRIS RAMSEY

Friday 27 March

ROSS NOBLE

Wednesday 29 April

A PARODY MUSICAL ABOUT FRIENDS

FRIENDSICAL

Friday 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday 10 May

ROB BECKETT

Friday 15 May

0116 233 3111

JIMMY CARR

Wednesday 30 September

demontforthall.co.uk