Shropshire Star

Joanna Lumley, James Acaster, Rich Hall and more: Top acts at Birmingham Comedy Festival

The Birmingham Comedy Festival is back with an outstanding line-up, including stars such as Joanna Lumley.

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Joanna Lumley

Taking off with the EG Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award 2018, this festival of laughs will feature award-winning local and international comedians in venues across the city from October 5 to 14.

From stand up shows to theatre shows and burlesque performances, here are the top acts that are essential viewing at this year's event:

All You Need is LSD - The REP

October 4 to 13

The premiere of this enticing but odd play by Leo Butler depicts his participation in the first LSD medicinal trials since the 1960s.

Reminiscent of Being John Malkovich and Alice in Wonderland, its an interesting look at the drugs debate that won't go away and examines the freedom we have to make our own choices in life, and death.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Gary Powndland - The Glee Club

Gary Powndland

October 7

The Wolverhampton-based, internet sensation is performing at the Glee Club as part of this year's comedy festival.

In his first full-length show in Birmingham, Gary will bring his unique perspective on life and has asked a couple of his mates along too, including award-winning comedians Count Evil and Andrew McBurney.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Joanna Lumley - Symphony Hall

Joanna Lumley

October 9

Headlining the event is the Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley.

Part of her first ever live tour, Joanna will recount hilarious tales and stories of her adventures joined on stage by friend and producer Clive Tulloh.

The event will be conducted in a conversational style where Chris will ask Joanna questions from the audience about things they've always wanted to to know about the 72-year-old actress, former model, author and activist.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Rich Hall's Hoedown - Birmingham Town Hall

Rich Hall

October 11

The entertaining American comedian and writer is bringing his toe-tapping hoedown to the Midlands for this year's comedy festival.

The 64-year-old comedian is known for his appearances on QI, Mock The Week, 8 out of 10 Cats, Have I Got News For You and many more.

He has created and starred in several series for the BBC, including comedies with Mike Wilmot, and documentaries often concerning cinema of the United States.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

James Acaster - Sutton ColdfieldTown Hall

James Acaster

October 12

Quirky comedian James Acaster is set to appear at Sutton Town Hall as part of the comedy festivities.

James has become a well known face on TV having appeared on shows such as Have I Got News for You and Mock the Week as well as a Netflix stand-up show titled, James Acaster: Repertoire.

At his Sutton Coldfield show, James will be supported by Archie Kelly, Rob Deering, and Wayne Beese.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Jimeoin - Birmingham Town Hall

Jimeoin

October 12

The Australia-based comic of Northern-Irish descent and originally born in Leamington Spa, Jimeoin is bringing his brilliantly observed, ever-evolving and hilarious comedy to Birmingham.

The comic has been internationally acclaimed as one of live comedy’s masters and made appearances on Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 Cats and is definitely one to see this year.

For more information and t buy tickets, click here

Barbara Nice's Raffle - Birmingham Hippodrome

Barbara Nice

October 13

A comedy festival in Birmingham wouldn't be complete without the middle aged housewife and mother of five from Kings Heath, Barbara Nice.

The uplifting and award-winning comedy from the Queen of Fun as well as star of her own self-titled Radio 2 sitcom, will be bringing her unique, interactive comedy to this year's line up.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Dana Alexander - The Glee Club

Dana Alexander

October 13

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Dana Alexander will be performing with three other equally outstanding comedians, Maff Brown, Carey Maz and Bobby Mair.

Her refreshing brand of humour draws on her diverse lifestyle, gay friends and her crazy Jamaican family providing for a night that should not be missed.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

The Gilded Merkin - The Glee Club

The Gilded Merkin

October 14

Nottingham's biggest and funniest burlesque show is crossing over to the West Midlands.

The big budget extravaganza is a show that can't be missed, featuring the finest acts all picked by the one and only The Merkin, otherwise known as Scarlett Daggers, one of the original remaining performers of the UK Burlesque revival.

With an impressive and loyal following, The Gilded Merkin will provide all with an unforgettable night.

For more information and to buy tickets, click here.

Rob Kemp's Wheel Of Shows - The Victoria

Rob Kemp

October 14

The award-winning The Elvis Dead creator Rob Kemp is taking part in the free Half-Dayers part of the festival with his new stand-up Wheel Of Shows.

Providing a loose prequel to his first show, it focusses entirely on his attempts to write a follow-up to his hugely successful The Elvis Dead debut.

By Eleanor Forrest