Documentary to hit screens around the UK

A documentary about the Iceman – the cult figure from the alternative comedy circuit of the 1980s and 1990s – is to be shown in cinemas and comedy clubs this summer.

The film follows Anthony Irvine, whose act consisted of bringing a large block of ice on stage and attempting to melt it in various ways such as breathing on it or using salt or a blowtorch.

He attracted a following that included Mike Myers, Stewart Lee and Bill Bailey before disappearing from the comedy world around the turn of the millennium.

When writer Robert Wringham tried to find Irvine while researching a book on that era, he could not locate him – until he eventually discovered he was working as a visual artist under the name Aim.

The film is directed by Mark Cartwright and executive produced by Michael Cumming, whose previous credits include Brass Eye and Toast of London. 

It features contributions from Lee, Jo Brand, Mark Thomas, Robin Ince, Ronni Ancona, Simon Munnery, Neil Mullarkey and artist Stuart Semple.

Each screening will be followed by a Q&A with Cartwright and Wringham.

The first is on July 12 at the DCA in Dundee, followed by Glasgow Film Theatre (July 13), the Showroom in Sheffield (July 15), Hot Water Comedy Club in Liverpool (July 16), Chapter Arts in Cardiff (July 17), the MAC in Birmingham (July 18), Kino Teatr in St Leonards on Sea (July 19), the Bill Murray in north London (August 23) and Brewery Arts in Kendal (September 19). 

Published: 8 Jun 2026