The Cambridge Fringe Festival is back, with comedy acts from across the country and world performing at four city venues during the second May bank holiday weekend.
This year’s line-up features sketch, clowning, musical comedy, improv and family shows, plus several showcases for up-and-coming Cambridgeshire-based comedians, giving a platform to emerging local talent.
With shows taking place at The Portland Arms, Thirsty, The Boathouse and The Waterman (all within a two-minute walk of each other in the heart of Cambridge), the festival runs on a pay-what-you-want model. Guarantee a seat for just £6.60 for each show or, for those not sold out in advance, simply turn up and provide a donation on the way out.
All profits go straight to the acts, which include Geoff Norcott (Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo), Tiff Stevenson (Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo), Ria Lina (QI, Have I Got News for You, Live At The Apollo), Rob Auton (Taskmaster, Edinburgh Fringe shows) and Dan Tiernan (BBC New Comedy Award winner, Live at the Apollo). Below, meet three more of the acts headed our way this month!
Tasmin Sarkany
Number of years in stand-up: Five (almost).
Favourite comedian or comedy actor: I don’t have just one, but let’s say… Bob Newhart!
Favourite TV comedy moment: The Two Ronnies’ Mastermind sketch. Never gets old.
Describe your act as if you were trying to sell it door-to-door: Imagine you’re at a classical music concert but the violin can talk. I like to call it violin-triloquism, but it hasn’t caught on yet.
Date of your Cambridge Fringe show: 23 May.
Kate Cheka
Number of years in stand-up: Seven (minus the year and a half they made us stay in the house).
Favourite comedian or comedy actor: Michelle de Swarte.
Favourite TV comedy moment: Smack the Pony window washer with kitten in pants.
Describe your act as if you were trying to sell it door-to-door: Sex and politics.
Date of your Cambridge Fringe show: 23 May.
Kev Mud
Number of years in stand-up: Four.
Favourite comedian or comedy actor: Mike Reid or Paul Foot.
Favourite TV comedy moment: I don’t watch TV. The time Del Boy bought a camel? No idea.
Describe your act as if you were trying to sell it door-to-door: My act is funny to some people, concerning to others. I’m sorry I knocked on your door. This lady from this magazine told me I needed to.
Date of your Cambridge Fringe show: 24 May.
The Cambridge Fringe Festival takes place on 23 and 24 May. Find the full line-up at cambridgefringe.co.uk