Darlington Comedy Festival 2014: and there’s more…
More top names lined up for July’s Tees Valley showcase, including Pete Firman and Jason Cook.
With Jimmy Cricket already confirmed for the Darlington Comedy Festival’s annual gathering in July, Festival Director Neil Jollie could justifiably borrow the legendary Irish comedian’s catchphrase as he adds a raft of star names to the programme today.
Among the latest confirmations are comedy magician Pete Firman (The Magicians & Sarah Millican Television Programme) and musical comedian Dan Clark (How Not To Live Your Life & The Mighty Boosh), who will both be appearing at Inside Out on July 13.
While Jason Cook (Hebburn) and Pete Johansson (Russell Howard’s Good News) will headline at The Forum on 16 July.
The programme also includes a number of free shows, thanks to the festival’s partnership with Creative Darlington.
Rising Welsh comedian Kiri Pritchard-McLean and sketch group Gein’s Family Giftshop – of which Pritchard-McLean is a member – will be appearing at the Old English Gentleman on 15 July, and stand-ups Ian Smith and Tom Toal will be at Seen on 17 July.
Festival Director Neil Jollie said: “We’re really pleased to welcome back festival favourite Pete Firman to our original venue of Inside Out, and to pair him up with Dan Clark is going to lead to an amazing night of comedy.
“Jason Cook and Pete Johansson is another great double-header show, whilst we’re also pleased to be able to deliver some exceptional free shows with the best of new talent thanks to support from Darlington Creative.”
Now in its third year, the Darlington Comedy Festival kicks off with the curtain raiser Hilarity Bites show at The Forum on 5 July.
Show Me The Funny winner Patrick Monahan hosts the official opening gala at Darlington Civic Theatre on 8 July, where the star roster includes Seymour Mace, Rob Rouse and Rob Deering.
With shows throughout July, the festival menu offers something for every comedy taste. There’s stand-ups galore, a sprinkling of sketch groups and shows aimed specifically at families and children.
The festival’s headline sponsors are Planet Leisure of Newton Aycliffe. Media partners include Giggle Beats, The Northern Echo and TFM.
For information on all shows currently announced, visit darlingtoncomedyfestival.co.uk.
