Liverpool Comedy Festival is once again offering comedy fans 13 days of top quality comedy shows and performers between Tuesday 23 September and Sunday 5 October.
Photo: David Munn
At the launch party guests were treated to a hilarious preview from some of the festivals up and coming comedians, as organisers encouraged fans to support new acts – as you never know, they could be the next big thing.
This year’s headline acts include Monty Python legend Michael Palin at the Echo Arena; British Comedy Award winners and BAFTA nominees Cardinal Burns at the Epstein Theatre; and Sony Gold Award winner Robin Ince and musical maverick Vikki Stone at Liverpool Royal Court.
However, organisers The Comedy Trust are encouraging audiences to give new talent a chance as they may just turn out to be the next big thing.
Throughout its illustrious history, Liverpool Comedy Festival has supported a whole host of new faces breaking onto the comedy circuit, with some perfecting their routine and playing to audiences of 50 or less.
They have since gone on to become household comedy names and, in some cases, real comedy royalty.
The Liverpool Comedy Festival roll of honour for comedians who have played to audiences of less than 50 who have then broken into the comedy big time includes Jason Byrne; Alan Carr; Jimmy Carr; Flight of the Conchords; Russell Howard; Reginald D Hunter; Jason Manford; Sarah Millican; Dara O’Briain; Andy Parsons; Mark Watson – and Liverpool’s very own John Bishop.
Sam Avery, Festival Manager and Comedian said: “Liverpool Comedy Festival is now very much established on the circuit as a key annual event to catch some of the industry’s biggest acts. But just look at the calibre of talent we’ve attracted over the years who have gone on to become household comedy names.
“These acts started in small venues but have completely honed their skills and natural talent to become the comedians we see today. It’s hard to believe that talent such as Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican and Alan Carr started by playing to audiences of 50 or less in Liverpool – but they did.
“In addition to this year’s big names, we’ve got fantastic new talent lined up. We’re urging audiences to give newcomers a chance, come and watch someone you’ve possibly never even heard of. You never know, they could be the next big thing on the comedy circuit this time next year.
“Adam Rowe is firing on all cylinders at the moment, I was watching him up in Edinburgh and I really think he could go places. Gein's Family Giftshop were nominated for Best Newcomer at the Fringe and had to put on extra shows but you can see them in the intimate 81 Renshaw St. And BBC New Comedy Award Winner Steve Bugeja is playing Hatters Hostel on Mount Pleasant.”
Don’t miss one of Liverpool’s favourite and longest-standing festivals, the Liverpool Comedy Festival from 23 September – 5 October in venues across the city. Tickets
