Added on March 25, 2015 Andrew Dipper

Al Murray to open the first Great Yorkshire Fringe

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Al Murray is to help open the Great Yorkshire Fringe – a 10-day festival coming to York’s city centre this summer.

Murray will bring The Pub Landlord’s Saloon show to York’s Parliament Square on Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July in the White Rose Rotunda.

Martin Witts, The Great Yorkshire Fringe founder, said: “I am delighted to announce Al Murray as the first headline act – he will launch The Great Yorkshire Fringe and get the fun and festivities off to a wonderful start.

“Al’s a comedy legend who has performed sold-out shows to tens of thousands a night across the UK at major arenas including the O2. He is sure to be a hot ticket and sell out fast in our intimate 400-seat venue.

“We have several other big names in the wings who will be added to the line-up as we get closer to the event so sign up to our newsletter or find us on social media to ensure you are first to get the news and tickets!”

The Great Yorkshire Fringe will feature a host of comedy talent in the very heart of the city centre.

Parliament Street will be transformed into a vibrant performance space, with purpose built venues with seating from 60 – 400 people, including The White Rose Rotunda, The Turn Pot and The Tea Pot.

The festival is set to become a key event for York and the surrounding area and the city’s venues are being encouraged to become an accredited venue of The Great Yorkshire Fringe.

Other additions to the line-up are:

Glenn Wool – 2 August, The Turn Pot

The Canadian stand-up will give Yorkshire fans a preview of his eagerly expected 2015 Edinburgh Fringe show, Glenn Wool: Creator, I Am But A Pawn. Glenn began his comedy career in his hometown of Vancouver in 1995. He moved to London and quickly became one of the rising stars of the UK and international circuit. He was nominated Best Headliner at the Chortle Awards and Best International Stand Up at The New Zealand Comedy Awards.

Rob Beckett – 2 August, The Turn Pot

Rob’s cheeky chappy persona won him four major comedy contests in his very first year as a stand-up, including Leicester Square Theatre’s New Comedian of the Year. He soon established himself on the circuit and he’s now a regular performer on BBC1’s Live At The Apollo, Would I Lie To You, Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats, BBC2’s Mock The Week, ITV2’s Celebrity Juice as well as his role as resident comedian in the jungle each year on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now! Rob is also compering the Yorkshire Comedian of the Year Final, also on 2 August, in the White Rose Rotunda.

Slightly Fat Features in Variety Soup – 25 July – 2 August, The Turn Pot

A variety gang show for the 21st century, hailed by The Times as Best Comedy Show at the Edinburgh Fringe, and suitable for all the family. Smash hit variety troupe Slightly Fat Features will cavort into York with their astonishing physical skills and orchestrated mayhem. As seen and heard on the BBC – come see why this leading ensemble have been described as part Monty Python part Cirque du Soleil. An edge of your seat experience!

Jim Higo and Miki Higgins: Never Mind The Pollocks – 25 July, The Tea Pot

Jim Higo and Miki Higgins’ brand new genre busting comedy show takes a satirical look at culture and the arts and explains why everything is rubbish (apart from their show). The show answers age-old artistic questions like “Is there more to comedy than falling over?”, “How can we take ballet to the masses?”, “Who’s to blame for Mrs Brown’s Boys?”, “Can we save the World through contemporary dance?” and many more.

The Room: The Musical – 31 July, The Teapot

You may have heard of The Room. It is routinely cited as the best bad film of all time: the ultimate of the “best of the worst” genre. For the first time ever (at least as far as we can tell), this cult phenomenon has now been made into an amazing parody musical. Adapted by Ed Greenwood, The Room: The Musical retells the classic love story between man and woman, best friend and unofficially adopted son. The candles, the music, the sexy dress – this musical provides a new take on this classic black comedy, embracing the memorable moments of the original film whilst attempting to find new meaning in places where perhaps there is no meaning at all. Whether you’re new to the world of The Room or a die-hard spoon-wielding maniac, this show is guaranteed to make you laugh until you spurt Scotchka all over your badly-fitting tuxedo.

The Kagools – 1 August, The Tea Pot

The Kagools are the creations of comedy duo Nicola Wilkinson and Claire Ford. They started life as recurring characters in their hilarious sketch shows. Nicola says: “We kept bringing them back as audiences said they wanted to see more of them. Now they have their very own show!”The Kagools transport the audience to a weird and weatherproofed world of interactive nonsense and audience participation, making this a wordless adventure through space and time suitable for all ages.

These fantastic new shows join acts already announced and selling fast, including:

Stick Man – 24 July -2 August, The White Rose Rotunda

A touching, funny and utterly original live action adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular children’s book, aimed at children aged over three-years-old.

Henning Wehn – 24 & 25 July, The White Rose Rotunda

Henning, who will be performing his Eins, Zwei, DIY show. Henning is German Comedy Ambassador to The United Kingdom and as well as winning the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year, he regularly appears on TV on 8 Out of 10 Cats and QI.

Tony Law – 24 July, The Turn Pot

Join multi award-winning nonsense-maker Tony Law for a preview of his new show. Winner of the Chortle Best Live Show award 2013, he has recently guested on Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and 8 out of 10 cats.

Simon Munnery – 25 July, The Turn Pot

Be among the very first people to experience serial innovator Simon Munnery’s brand new show. In his 27- year career he has won a Sony Radio and Chortle award and has been recently seen/heard on the Alternative Comedy Experience, The News Quiz and Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle.

The Supreme Fabulettes: The World Tour – 30 July, The White Rose Rotunda

The Supreme Fabulettes are a sensational all singing male girl group combining slick choreography with amazing vocal harmonies, stunning couture outfits. They perform signature Glee-style song mash-ups of classic 1960s hits and contemporary songs by the likes of The Supremes, The Andrews Sisters, and Adele, among many others.