Edinburgh? Schmedinburgh. For the latest material from comedy’s biggest superstars, stay right where you are!
In July, on their way up to Edinburgh, the cream of the UK’s comedy crop stop off in Cambridge, giving us a glimpse of their new shows before everyone else. Now in its ninth year, Cambridge Comedy Festival takes place at The Junction, promising a variety of laughter-inducing fodder, plus events for kids.
Cambridge Edition are proud media partners of the event, which takes place 15-20 July. Look out for our July issue for a full run-down, but before that, here’s a quick look at who’s on when.
What’s on at Cambridge Comedy Festival:
Pete Firman, 14 July, 7.30pm
After sell-out performances in 2014, ‘the UK’s leading comedy magician’ (Time Out) is back with a bafflingly brilliant new show. Expect plenty of crowd-pleasing comedy and jaw-dropping magic from the star of BBC One’s The Magicians.
Rob Beckett, 15 July, 7.30pm
If you’re looking for a show about important issues like KitKats and flatbreads, this one’s for you! (Pictured).
Paul Chowdhry, 15 July, 9pm
Chowdhry takes inspiration from comedians such as the late Richard Prior and George Carlin, and his highly charged, observational humour taps into the multicultural diversity of modern Britain.
Richard Herring, 16 July, 7.30pm
Herring’s latest musings on middle age, happiness and responsibility in Happy Now.
Suzi Ruffle, 16 July, 7.30pm
Fresh from supporting some of the UK’s top comedians (Alan Carr, Josh Widdicombe, Kevin Bridges), the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year brings her acclaimed show, Social Chameleon, to Cambridge.
Mark Watson, 16 July, 9pm
King of the 24-hour show and whose last tour, Flaws, gained excellent comments from the critics, Watson earned a First from Cambridge and is apparently planning a visit back to his old student room at Queens’ when he visits – Read our interview with Mark Watson here.
The Steve Frost Improv All Stars, 17 July, 7.30pm
A night of rapid-fire improvised comedy, for fans of the cult show Whose Line Is It Anyway? Every show is unique, with improvised unscripted sketches and routines based on audience suggestions. Includes original Whose Line cast members Steve Frost and Steve Steen
Ed Byrne, 19 July, 9pm
One of the most popular comedians working today, Ed Byrne is sure to be one of the hottest tickets this festival. Catch a one-hour potted version of his brand new show before it goes on tour – we’re expecting more irate observations on family life and navigating the minefield of middle age.
Tickets are around the £11 mark for individual shows, with discounts if you book two together.
www.cambridgecomedyfestival.com
