JOSIE LONG: LONG SHORTS
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At least 8 comedians, writers and performers have been challenged by Josie Long to write a story with the same title for this silly literary show. Different genres, different styles- which one will the audience favour and crown the champion??
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BOOKBAG
What kind of bookshop is Bookbag? A social space. We want Bookbag to feel welcoming, warm and accessible. Books – a global range of fiction and no-fiction writing. Lots of independent presses, writers of colour, lgbtq+ stories, art, music, environmental & nature writing. A smattering of vinyl – we like to pair our books with music. Events for the community.
Talking hedges; a book talk with celebrated writer, conservationist and hedge layer Richard Negus
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Talking hedges; a book talk with celebrated writer, conservationist and hedge layer Richard Negus.
We at Exeter Comedy Festival are always keen to branch out (no pun intended) into other fields (well that one probably was), so this year we’re crossing boundaries (oh forget it) and doing our first book talk!
To coincide with the publication of ‘words from the hedge ‘Richard Negus (also known as the force behind popular rural affairs podcast 'Countryslide') will -for one night only- be talking, enthusing and answering questions (some from festival organiser Will Adamsdale) on all things HEDGE, revealing - in his own words - how
"These ribbons of Thorn, Hazel, Spindle and Dogwood are so much more than mere decoration or boundary markers…
They are as old as civilisation and as emblematic of the English countryside as chalk streams, hay meadows and oak trees…
And yet they remain on the periphery of public consciousness, often going unnoticed, always unappreciated….
Hedges are a testament to generations of human skill and labour …
And are essential for much needed wildlife recovery ….”
As pacy and humorous as his book (signed copies available afterwards!), this talk will give you a new take on something you thought you knew and have you clamouring to protect these precious and intriguing ecosystems (and their inhabitants!). Who knows you may even become part of a new generation of hedge-layers!
N.B. This actually is a proper talk by a proper writer and not a spoof (although there are sure to be some comedic off shoots and tendrils!)
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Adam Jones & Jess Lo: Daddy Issues
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Rising stars of the Bristol comedy scene, Adam and Jess present an hour of sharp and entertaining stand-up about their lives and their (very different) dads.
Adam Jones: "How am I going to top that?" - Josh Elton
Jess Lo: "Endearing presence" - Chortle
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Mel Owen: Melodrama
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‘One to watch’ (The Scotsman) and ‘Obviously multi-talented’ (Ed Fringe Review), Mel Owen brings her new show, Melodrama, to Exeter Comedy Festival.
As turning 30 looms, Mel did not expect to revert to her teenage ways. Dating somebody just because he drives a van (not in a murdery way), turning to her mum for advice that she will wholly ignore then cry when it all goes wrong? How very Melodramatic (Mel-O-dramatic…like Mel Owen…never mind).
Mel has spent the last year touring as support for Welsh comedy stars Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Elis James, as well as performing sell-out shows in Machynlleth, Aberystwyth, Bristol and Edinburgh.
In May 2024 Mel performed at the Netflix Is A Joke comedy festival in Los Angeles.
Mel is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4’s comedy features and is a regular panellist on BBC Wales’ satirical panel show What Just Happened. She has writing credits on Channel 4, BBC One, Radio 4 and recently Netflix.
Other reviews:
‘Bags of easy charm’ – Chortle
‘Unapologetically cheek’ – The Live Review -