Writers, performers and producers named for Cardiff event

The BBC  has confirmed the dates of its Cardiff comedy festival as well as the names of some of those taking part.

Some of the names confirmed to speak at the festival – which will run from May 24 to 26 – will include Succession and Peep Show writer Jesse Armstrong, comedy mastermind Sharon Horgan (pictured) and writer-performers including Guz Khan, Jamie Demetriou, Rob Brydon and Diane Morgan

The three days will feature a series of talent-led talks, panels, screenings, a short film night, live comedy shows, BBC Sounds recordings and an exclusive screening and Q&A for BBC Three comedy Man Like Mobeen.

On Thursday the sessions will be largely industry focused, and Friday will be more geared towards those wishing to break into the industry.

Others taking part include Borat writer Peter Baynham, We Are Lady Parts write, Nida Manzoor, In My Skin creator Kayleigh Llewellyn and comics Bisha K Ali, Tom Basden,  Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Mawaan Rizwan, Holly Walsh and Katy Wix.

There will also be a host of established comedy producers taking part in the sessions such as Kenton Allen (Big Talk), Ash Atalla (RoughcutTV), Phil Clarke (Various Artists Ltd) and Nerys Evans (Expectation).

The BBC Comedy Festival is described a ‘a chance for producers, both established and new, and those taking their first steps in the TV industry, to come and reflect, celebrate, and explore comedy in the UK.

A selection of the festival’s panels and events will be opened up for the public to attend, and the free tickets will be made available later.

John Petrie, the BBC’s director of comedy says: ‘Following on from the success of the BBC Comedy Festival last year, we are looking forward to bringing the UK’s finest comedy minds to Cardiff, in May, to inspire, celebrate and talk seriously about comedy – a crucial part of British culture.’

Published: 12 Apr 2023