Comedy / Bristol Comedy Festival
Bristol Comedy Festival returns in May for a day crammed with hour-long previews
Founded by comedians Andrew White and Burt Williamson, Bristol Comedy Festival launched in 2022, after a pandemic-enforced delay, and in its inaugural year, it brought a clutch of stand-ups to Old Market for the day, performing previews of their hour-long shows at multiple venues in the area.
For 2023, BCF is back, with Martin England as principal organiser. This time it’s in central Bristol – at The Folkhouse and two separate spaces in Basement 45.
From morning until night on May 14, there will be a chance to see work in progress from TV names, circuit regulars and fast-rising local and new acts.
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Sara Barron – photo: Karla Gowlett
Programme highlights include Sara Barron, Stevie Martin, Ignacio Lopez and Janine Harouni.
Local favourite and award-nominated Louise Leigh brings her show Amused to the festival, which she describes as “a celebration of motherhood, menopause and farts”.
Louise Leigh, Amused – photo: photo: Jonathan Bowcott
Incredible clowning will be provided by John-Luke Roberts, and Spencer Jones (The Mind of Herbert Clunkerdunk) who will be trying out very new materials in “an hour of stupid songs, weird props I’ve made and me talking to you like you’re my therapist”.
Alexis Dubis brings his own show, as well as a family offering from his deadpan alter ego Marcel Lucont, Les Enfants Terribles – A Gameshow For Awful Children.
Alexis Dubis as Marcel Lucont – photo: Jason Read
And Stuart Goldsmith will be performing Spoilers, which recently won him Best Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2023.
All tickets are priced at £7 in advance, or £9 on the door, representing a bargain price to see exhilarating live comedy in an intimate space.
“We’re so excited to see Bristol Comedy Festival continue to thrive,” says Williamson, who remains close to the event. “Andrew and I set up the festival almost on a bet that a day of top level comedy at bargain prices in the heart of Bristol would be something Bristolians would come out and support.
“After last year’s success, we’re feeling very vindicated and just looking to put on more of the same!”
Bristol Comedy Festival takes place on May 14, at The Folkhouse, and both the small room and the main room at Basement 45. All shows are 1 hour long, running between 11.30am-10.30pm. For details, times and individual ticket links, visit www.ticketsource.co.uk.
All photos: courtesy of Bristol Comedy Festival
Read more: Inaugural Bristol Comedy Festival promises to fill Old Market with laughter
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