Comedy fest grows again in its 25h year

Leicester Comedy Festival has launched its 2018 programme,  featuring 836 events and  613 performers across 69 venues – making it 8.5 per cent bigger than this year’s festival.

A number of special events have been announced to mark the 25th anniversary of the festival – including an interview with Harry Hill, who was part of the first event in 1994, and another with I, Daniel Blake star Dave Johns.

There is also a showcase with 25 acts for £25, hosted by Lloyd Langford, and, a  thanksgiving service at Leicester Cathedral featuring Nicholas Parsons,  a charity birthday party to bring the event to an end and a half term comedy school for 13- to 18-year olds.

Other highlights of the festival, which will run from February 7 to 25, include Barry Cryer,  Sara Pascoe, Jonathan Pie, Katherine Ryan, Paul Chowdhry, Dave Spikey, John Cooper Clarke, Griff Rhys Jones, Mark Steel and Richard Herring.

Returning shows include Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Competition, UK Pun Championships and Silver Stand Up Competition.

Festival founder and director Geoff Rowe said: ‘For 25 years we have supported new and emerging comedy talent, with many of the comedians who began their careers with us now world-famous entertainers. 

‘In 2018, we will be celebrating our achievements in style, with a huge selection of acts, from those just starting out to household names, plus more unmissable events unique to the festival than ever before.’

Others taking part include John Kearns, Adam Hess, Ahir Shah, Daliso Chaponda, Gary Delaney, John Robins, Jordan Brookes, Lucy Porter, Paul Sinha, Robin Ince, Shappi Khorsandi, Stuart Goldsmith, Tom Allen and Zoe Lyons.

Published: 1 Nov 2017