Although April Fools’ Day falls on the calendar within the duration of the event, Bath Comedy Festival is no laughing matter with greats such as Henning Wehn and Simon Evans gracing the stage at this chuckle-fest.
Boasting shows such as Scottish Falsetto Socks- In Space and Funny Women – Sex, Lies and Lots of Cake, the festival has a diverse program of events jam-packed with laughs.
Geraint Evans is the new kid on the block and his show Are You Ready boasts observational comedy that has been described as a cross between Eddie Izzard and Ricky Gervais. Manos Kanellos guides us through the Greek crisis with a side of laughter in his show Greekonomics. The Real MacGuffins give you a glimpse of their new show for Edinburgh Fringe and shows by comedy veterans such as The Mysterious World of Clovis van Darkhelm (written and performed by Mike Hayley) are well-worth booking tickets for early.
If you’re looking for music and mirth then New King Arts presents – Three Bonzos and a Piano is the night for you. Monkey Poet’s Murder Mystery will make you nostalgic for a game of Cluedo, and there’s a three course dinner aboard the Penny Lane river cruiser followed by an hour show from Danny Buckler if you’re searching for a little luxury. The Sitcom Trials is the place to get your TV fix and the pseudo historical show What the Dickens? is your one-stop journey to pure, joyous entertainment.
These and many other events make up this year’s Bath Comedy Festival. With a range of venues including St James Wine Vaults, The Assembly Inn, The Huntsman, Bath Cricket Club, Bath Rugby Clubhouse, Chapel Arts Centre and Bath Cricket Club to name a few, there is something and somewhere to suit every sense of humour.
If you want to watch something fresh and you’re a fan of undiscovered talent then The New Act Competition is for you. Showcasing 35 of the best up-and-coming comics in the UK, there are five heats throughout the festival, all held at The Comedy Cavern, which is located in Victoria Pub and Kitchen.
This is a great chance either for your turn in the spotlight or to enjoy local comedic talent. The final of the New Act competition will be held at Bath Cricket Club on Saturday 6th April, and will be hosted by Tom Craine.
Bizarre Bath, a 90 minute tour that takes place all year round, has extra prominence during the festival. Leaving from the Huntsman Inn, North Parade Passage, every evening at 8pm, you’re not a true Bath-dweller until you’ve been part of this hysterical tour.
Bath Comedy Festival was founded in 2008 by Alex Timms and Nick Steel has been Director since 2010. Previous highlights of past-years include Barry Cryer & Ronnie Golden, Jeremy Hardy and Arthur Smith. If all this leaves you wanting more, then Mitch Benn’s show Reduced Circumstances falls just after the festival on Thursday 11th April at the Rondo Theatre, the cherry on top of this custard pie.
Friday 29th March – Sunday 7th April 2013 – http://www.bathcomedy.com/
For more information about events at the festival as well as how to buy tickets check out the website http://www.bathcomedy.com/whats-on
Our thanks to Jessica Cook for this Comedy Fest preview.
