A number of advance shows have been announced for Belfast’s only dedicated comedy arts festival, featuring a host of established and emerging comic performers.
Belfast Comedy Festival is taking place during 2-8 October in venues across the city. Celebrating its sixth year, the festival is not limited to stand-up comedy and aims to entertain, challenge, and inspire through a diverse programme of theatre, workshops, seminars, circus, film, quizzes, competitions, and events for children.
Critically acclaimed comedians such as John Bishop, Rubberbandits, Henning Wehn, Joel Dommett, and Bec Hill, many fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, will appear in association with our major venues. Leading local performers such as Tim McGarry, Terry McHugh, Mary Flanigan and Caz Brennan will also feature in the packed programme. The festival will also include the hilarious new play Three’s a Shroud written by Stephen Large and directed by Martin Lynch. The internet sensation, Farmer Michael and Kathleen, will also make their first appearance in Belfast.
Shows that are likely to sell out soon include the award winning, US based sketch group Pajama Men, making their first appearance in Belfast. A special series of workshops for kids is being organised with Australian storyteller, Margaret Linley. Sketch comedy is well represented with local acts Those Who Can’t, the Laughing Gnomes and the Sick Sense. A special edition of the Comedian’s Comedy Podcast with Stuart Goldsmith and an exhibition of cartoons in Framewerk gallery will also take place. More acts will be added in the run up to the launch of the festival on 2 October.
Festival Director, Peter O’Neill, said the unique comedy arts festival will appeal to audiences of all ages with a programme that presents great value.
“There’s something for everyone in festival and we are pleased to release details of 25 shows in our advance programme. We aim to stretch the boundaries of comedy by presenting a diverse range of performances that are guaranteed to brighten up our autumn nights. So join us in having some fun!”
Notes
• Tickets are available at belfastcomedyfestival.com
• Belfast Comedy Festival is generously supported by Belfast City Council and ASM
• The festival aims to support and nurture local talent, both within the festival programme, and by profiling the city’s comedy clubs all year round.