Harrogate Comedy Festival runs from 5-17 October, kicking off with a sell-out panel discussion featuring Sarah Millican, Bridget Christie, Katherine Ryan and Susan Calman.
A jam-packed programme of events spans the full 2-weeks, including stand-up from the likes of Jason Byrne, Chris Ramsey, Jimmy Carr and Rob Beckett and celebrating the diversity of comedy with sock puppets, magic, caberet, and more.
Smack-bang in the middle of the Comedy Festival is The Big Weekend, which is a very exciting addition to this year’s programme. On Sat 10 & Sun 11 October Harrogate Theatre opens it’s doors and invites everyone to come in, grab a drink and enjoy the ambience of the theatre’s stunning Circle bar. And not only that – visitors are also treated to an exhibition of vibrant artwork by Noel Fielding (Presented in partnership with RedHouse Originals), plus live music from some of the areas most talented musicians.
What’s more, the Circle Bar has undergone something of a makeover… or is it a ‘takeover’? Working with ‘youth club for grown-ups’ Major Toms and vintage retailer Space, the bar’s interiors have been revamped to create more of a cool, festival vibe in the otherwise fairly traditional theatre bar.
Media & Campaigns Manager at Harrogate Theatre, Rachel Auty, hopes The Big Weekend will encourage more people to come through the theatre doors, aside from only coming for a specific show or event.
Rachel said:
We are delighted to be working in partnership with Major Toms, Space, and RedHouse Gallery to give the Circle Bar a cool and quirky edge. What with the celebrity art exhibition, quality live music, and having the bar open throughout the afternoons, we hope people will pop in, grab a drink, play some board games, stay for a while and enjoy the wonderful spaces the theatre has to offer. The building is such a gem for the town, and we want more people to come in and enjoy its beauty.
Comedy Festival events are also programmed throughout the Big Weekend, including Hyena Lounge Kids Comedy Club (Sat 10, 2pm), The Best of Casual Violence (Sat 10, 2pm), James Hamilton (Sat 10, 9.30pm), Comedy Quiz (Sun 11, 4pm), and Kate Fox (Sun 11, 7.30pm).
Catch live local music on Saturday 10th, between 3-7pm and Sunday 11th, between 12noon-4pm. The line-up includes Andrew Cameron, Martin Rose, Rufus Beckett, and Jamie Bevan.
Andrew Cameron
Andrew is a Scottish singer-songwriter, specialising in acoustic covers of popular songs and his original pop/rock style material with a focus on hooky, catchy tunes.
Rufus Beckett
Rufus is known locally for his work with The Four45s and The Paper Waits. His solo style features intricate guitar parts, clever wordplay and catchy melodies.
Martin Rose
Martin is a Harrogate based musician who plays an eclectic mix of his own arrangements and original pieces in the contemporary style that is referred to as modern fingerstyle. Although Martin will say he just plays guitar.
Jamie Bevan
Jamie is a welsh born singer/songwriter and guitarist currently based in North Yorkshire. His music (heavily influenced by the autobiographical) encompasses a blend of acoustic melodic rhythms with rootsy indie-folk undertones.
The circle bar is open to the general public over the big weekend (10 and 11 Oct) and admission to the bar, exhibition and live music is free.*
*Please note the bar will be open to The Sunday Supplement tickeholders only between 10.45am & 12noon on Sunday 11.
Tickets for the 7th annual Harrogate Comedy Festival shows can be booked online at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk
