This installment of Reside5 was chosen by Reside’s own comedy connoisseur, Toby Martin.
Toby’s a big fan of the Bath Comedy Festival, which is kicking off it’s 5th year this Friday 29 March – Saturday 13 April 2013.
Founded by true comedy fanatics, this festival’s particularly great because it’s particularly diverse. Showcasing acts from all different backgrounds – whether it’s a local performer, a rising star or a well-known name – there’s even a competition for new acts. The Bath Comedy Festival is also known for its careful curation of its events, focusing on intelligent and witty comedy rather than simply laddish, rude one-liners.
What’s more, with so many types of comedic performance represented – from traditional stand-up and caricature – to theatre and street performance, there really is something on offer for everyone. This year there are more acts at more venues than ever before (120 to be exact). So, we thought we’d lend a helping hand by sharing a few of our favourites this time around.
We hope you enjoy them! Do let us know via Twitter or Facebook which comedic act received your loudest laugh this year?
1. Gary Delaney
Thurs 4 April
Burdall’s Yard, 8pm
Twitter: @GaryDelaney
(photo credit: garydelaney.com)
If you could throw Milton Jones, Tim Vine and Jimmy Carr into a metaphorical blender in your mind, what you’d get would very much resemble Gary Delaney. Widely regarded as one of the best writers of one-liners in the UK, its no wonder he’s had so many successful appearances on Mock The Week.
A star on the ascent, Gary Delaney looks set to become one of the better known names in comedy in the near future. Catch him now, while you can…
2. Henning Wehn
Thurs 4 April
Bath Rugby Clubhouse, 8pm
Twitter: @henningwehn
(photo credit: henningwehn.de)
Germany’s ‘Comedy Ambassador’ is certainly one of a kind. A big fan of Bath, we are equally happy to have him gracing our stages once again. His recent claim that pub jokes in Germany and Blighty are virtually identical in their satirical value, might be why he’s built such a substantial following here in the UK.
We think his unique twists on everything from politics to headlines are hilarious and we aren’t the only ones. His Wednesday show has already sold-out, but a Thursday date was recently added. Better book quickly though!
3. Tiffany Stevenson
Sun 7 April
Chapel Arts Centre, 7.30pm
Twitter: @tiffstevenson
(photo credit: tiffanystevenson.co.uk)
We’re really chuffed that Tiffany Stevenson is coming to town. Curator of Old Rope, one of the finest stand-up nights in London, Stevenson and is also a favourite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Performing as part of the ‘Show Me The Funny’ reunion show, she’s one of three finalists from ITV’s Comedy X Factor show on the bill. A night not to be missed, we thinks.
4. Pete Firman
Thurs 4 April
Komedia, 8pm
Twitter: @petefirman
(photo credit: petefirman.co.uk)
If you are lucky enough to catch Pete Firman’s show this year, don’t be deceived by his seemingly charming, laid-back banter. You can bet that just around the corner lurks a genuinely jaw-dropping illusion! Most of the audience is sure to be left scratching their heads for days afterwards, as how he pulls off his tricks is nothing sort of amazing.
He’s one of the best in the business, that’s one thing (at least) we are sure of.
5. Bizarre Bath
Daily: Fri 29 March – Sun 9 April
Meet outside The Huntsman, 8pm
(photo credit: bizarrebath.co.uk)
Looking for an original and hilarious way to get to know Bath a bit better? Then be sure to reserve one evening in the diary for Bizarre Bath. Created by Noel Britten, who has himself supported the likes of Tim Vine with his own stand-up show, you’ll laugh yourself silly on this stroll around town.
Mysteries, thrills, and surprises abound…it all sounds good to us!
Well folks, we hope you’ll be able to make it to the Bath Comedy Festival this year. And if none of our picks tickle your fancy, then take a look at the full comedy line-up for 2013.
If you are out of town or have no hope of making the festival at all this year for whatever reason, all is not lost. Remember, the Bath Fringe is also just around the corner, taking place 24 May – 9 June.
Have fun! Do Tweet or Facebook us & let us know which comedic act got the most laughs from you this year…!
