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Running from Friday 4th to Sunday 13th October 2024, the Birmingham Comedy Festival is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! With over 150 hilarious acts lined up, including household names like Sarah Millican, The Mash Report’s Rachel Parris, and the ever-charming Maisie Adam, you’re in for ten days of non-stop laughter.
What to Expect at the Birmingham Comedy Festival 2024
Joining the comedy elite, we’ve got the pun master himself Milton Jones (6 Oct, Town Hall), the riotous Jason Byrne (11 Oct, Town Hall), and the Instagram sensation George Lewis (13 Oct, The Glee Club). And, if you’re a fan of soaps, you’ll be thrilled to know that Richard Blackwood (Hollyoaks and EastEnders fame) is hitting the stage with his comedy partner Slim to celebrate 30 years of making people chuckle (13 Oct, The Glee Club).
You’ll also get to enjoy the lovely Laura Lexx (10 Oct, Old Joint Stock), laugh out loud with South Africa’s very own Schalk Bezuidenhout (6 Oct, The Glee Club), and catch Pierre Novellie, co-host of Frank Skinner’s radio show (9 Oct, The Glee Club).
A Nod to Comedy Legends
For those who love a bit of nostalgia, the festival honours comedy greats too. Laurel and Hardy fans will be treated to a triple film screening on 11 October at the West Midlands Police Museum, and “Howerd’s End” (3-5 Oct, Old Joint Stock) takes a closer look at the life of the iconic Frankie Howerd. Not to mention “Hancock’s Half Hour: The Lost TV Episodes” on 4 October at The Crescent Theatre, bringing back some forgotten gems from the ’50s.
Local Talent Takes the Stage
The festival’s local comedy scene is just as exciting! Jo Enright takes the mic on 7 October at Hockley Social Club, Black Country’s very own Jonny Cole performs on 10 October at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, and the hilarious Shazia Mirza lights up the stage on 11 October at Birmingham Hippodrome. Plus, you won’t want to miss rising stars like Hasan Al-Habib (winner of the 2024 Breaking Talent Award), Richard Dadd, and Rachel Baker, as they bring their A-game to the festival.
Free Laughs? Yes, Please!
Back by popular demand, the Birmingham Comedy Festival Free Half-Dayers are happening again on 6 and 13 October at The Victoria and Cherry Reds. With back-to-back comedy at two venues, you’ll get to see talents like Eric Rushton (Channel 4’s Sean Lock Comedy Award winner), Kwame Asante (doctor by day, comedian by night), and many more.
And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more spontaneous, the Comedy Junction Big Improv Night (6 Oct) is ready to make you laugh till you cry with quick-thinking comedians and improv masters like Box Of Frogs and Jumprov!.
Where’s It All Happening?
The festival takes over more than 20 venues across Birmingham, from cosy pubs to grand halls. With support from The Arcadian and What’s On Magazine, the city will be buzzing with comedy at every corner.
When’s It On?
Mark your calendars – the Birmingham Comedy Festival runs from 4 to 13 October 2024.
Want More Info?
For the full line-up and to grab your tickets, head over to bhamcomfest.co.uk.
Main image: Rachel Parris – Credit Karla Gowlett.
