The full programme for the internationally acclaimed Aberdeen Comedy Festival has now been released. Over 50 shows will take place at 25 venues across the city between October 4-13 this year, including standout headliners, fringe favourites, comedy legends, magic, musical comedy, movies and family shows; from the best local, national and international comedians. The festival programme can be found here.
Now in its third year the comedy festival has gone from strength to strength and is attracting even more top-name comedians to make the trip up north. Featuring festival headliners including Reginald D Hunter, alongside Irish musical comedian David O’Doherty, ex-Never Mind the Buzzcocks team captain Phill Jupitus and the always sharply-dressed Tom Allen. Also on this year’s line-up is Scottish rising star Larry Dean, whose new show Bampot was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show at this year’s Fringe.
Comedy legend Phill Jupitus comes back to the city with his solo show, Juplicity after a 20 year break and yesterday he recalled his last eventful trip to the Granite City, he said “I haven’t played a solo show in Aberdeen for over 20 years, when I had a very fun night at The Lemon Tree, which included a lift back to the hotel from the local police (true story). I’m very much looking forward to coming back to Granite City after far too long.” Fans can see Phill at The Aberdeen Douglas Hotel on Monday, October 8 at 8pm.
The festival has also secured the continued support of main sponsor The McGinty's Group. Operations Director of The McGinty’s Group, Alan Aitken, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Aberdeen Comedy Festival once again following another successful event last year.
“We hosted a number of top comedians last year which our customers loved and we found it had a really positive impact on the atmosphere, and generally created a great buzz in the city centre. As a local business we are proud that we can play our part in helping to host cultural events and we’re very excited to see what 2018 will bring.”
One of the acts comedy fans can catch at McGinty’s Meal an’ Ale is master impressionist Cal Halbert, who rose to fame as one half of The Mimic Men from Britain's Got Talent 2016. Cal brings his one-man variety show ‘No Biz Like Showbiz’ to the city on Saturday, October 13.
New to the festival is SESKA, described by Johnathon Ross as ‘quite simply, one of the best family comedy magicians’. SESKA promises to entertain the mums and dads as well as the little ones. He performs two shows at The Lemon Tree also on Saturday, October 13.
Another exciting addition to this year’s festival is Lubna Kerr who describes herself as an ‘Asian Ellen DeGeneres’. Lubna is a Scottish Pakastani female actor and writer who pays homage to the American comedian, TV presenter, writer and actor Ellen DeGeneres through her character comedy. Lubna performs on Monday 8th October, 7pm at Grosvenor Casino and joins and impressive collection of funny ladies taking to the stage at this year’s festival including, the New York born comedic force that is Desiree Burch, Tiff Stevenson with her critically acclaimed stand-up show Bombshell and the fabulous TV actor, singer and impressionist Christina Bianco who sings with her fans, and continues to solidify her reputation as 'The Life of the Party. Described as a comic firecracker with a pyrotechnic voice who drives the audience wild Bianco's work is something to see.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Local, national and international comedians will take part in the third Aberdeen Comedy Festival, one of the nation’s biggest events of its kind. It continues to capture the imagination and last year people turned out in strength for shows across the city centre, which had a positive knock-on effect for businesses in the area.
“I am delighted to announce there has already been a notable increase in ticket sales this year, which is an indication that the festival is attracting the very best comedians from the UK and beyond. There’s no doubt that Aberdeen Comedy Festival has helped to build the city’s reputation for cultural events and the festival has quickly established itself as a firm favourite in region’s cultural calendar.
“Our aim is to provide the very best comedy for both residents and visitors to Aberdeen to enjoy. We have some fantastic comedians confirmed for the festival and we expect tickets to sell fast, in fact one show, Tom Allen has already sold out!
“We hope the public will take the opportunity to enjoy this wide range of national and international comedy acts, which will be performed on their doorstep. Over the piece, there will be plenty of shows to enjoy in the city centre and for many the opportunity to dine and stay in our many fine city centre eateries and hotels.”