Laugh along at big names set to appear at Rotherham comedy festival

The Advertiser can exclusively reveal details of the five-day laugh bonanza, including the line-up headed by Edinburgh fringe veteran and TV favourite Joe Lycett, a regular on 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown.

Patrick Monahan, winner of Winner of ITV1 series Show me the Funny, Have I Got News for You writer Kate Smurthwaite and Rob Mulholland, Hilarity Bites Comedian of the Year, are also on the bumper bill, alongside stand-ups from Rotherham including Joe Bromehead, Steff Todd and The Glummer Twins.

The intriguingly named Lost Voice Guy and Prince Abdi will also be vying to put bums on seats and smiles on faces.

The Civic Theatre, The Trades and pubs The Cutler’s Arms, Bridge Inn, Bluecoat and New York Tavern will all put acts on during the festival, which runs from Wednesday, March 29 to Sunday, April 2.

The week’s events also include a £1 comedy night at The Trades, a funny book week at Riverside Library and a display of jokes around the town centre.

Promoter Ged Jenkins-Omar said: “Along with hosting award winning comedians, some of whom have appeared on television, there will also be a selection of daytime events for people to see or get involved with. 

“These include an exhibition of comedians and jokes at the Coterie Gallery, street performers in the town centre, activities at Riverside Library promoting funny books for adults and children and businesses showing jokes in their windows throughout the duration of the festival.”

The long list of names lined up to perform, many of whom will be trying out material ahead of a summer stint in Edinburgh, include Tom Lawrinson, Anthony J Brown, Tom Little, Scottish Falsetto Socks, Sean Morely, Kate Smurthwaite, Zahra Bayes, Jim Bayes and Jack Shanik.

Details of who is appearing where and how to book tickets can be found at www.rotherhamcomedyfestival.co.uk.