Frog and Bucket to stage BBC comedy showcase

Manchester’s The Frog and Bucket comedy club are teaming up with the BBC to showcase the best of the north’s acts for a forthcoming TV show.

On Wednesday 15 April, a host of the North West’s top comics show off their skills with a view to bagging a spot on a Saturday night BBC1 show.

Regular Frog compere, Jonathan Mayor will host a lineup of acts of varying experience and style, many of whom have graced the Frog stage in the past, as well as other clubs in the region and beyond.

The acts on the bill include circuit stalwart Mick Ferry, Oldham’s Alex Boardman, comedy podcaster Dan Nightingale, guitar-playing comic Steve Shanyaski, the idiosyncratic Harriet Dyer, 2013 Frog and Bucket World Series winner Penella Mellor, musical act Jonny Awsum, and wonderfully fun and camp comic Stephen Bailey.

More acts are set to be announced shortly.

The Frog and Bucket has a long running and productive relationship with the BBC, having hosted the BBC New Comedy Award heats for many years. The competition’s 1997 final was also held at the club.

Jessica Toomey, manager of the Frog and Bucket said: “Historically the BBC has always been very supportive of new comedy in the North of England. They have been a delight to work with due to their professionalism and for us it’s a delight to see comics who start at the Frog progress with the BBC.”

BBC Showcase, Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, Oldham Street, Manchester, 8.30pm. Tickets £5 advance/conc, £6 on the door.