THANK YOU EVERYONE, WE HOPE YOU ENOYED THE FESTIVAL!
5th-8th June Exeter Comedy Festival 2025
Bridget Christie, Reginald D Hunter, TIM KEY, Mark Watson, CHLOE PETTS, DAVID O’DOHERTY, Josie Long, Jordan Brookes, Sikisa, Phil Nichol, MARJOLEIN ROBERTSON, Spencer Jones, Rosalie MinnitT, Marcel Lucont, Lou Wall, Tony Law, KATIE NORRIS, Simon Munnery, Dee Allum, John Hegley, Bec Hill, Amy Matthews, Leila Navabi, Emma Hughes / Omari Douglas, Kate Cheka, JoANNA NEARY/HEDLUV+PASSMAN, Caroline Mcevoy, Amy Mason, Jess Lo / Adam Jones, Suzy Bennett / Anna Keirle, Will Adamsdale, Ben Moor, Ed Gaughan, May Thompson, Kev Mud, Wil Hodgson, Andrew White, Lulu Popplewell, Andrew Frost, Alex Kitson, Mimi/ Larry, Greg Winfield, Jack Campbell, JoJo Maberly, Burt Williamson, Paul Hilleard, GavIN Osborn, Mel Owen, Darryl Carrington, Hasan AL-HABIB, Shalaka Kurup, Maggy Whitehouse, Ed Tripp, Ben Treloar/Ollie YOUNG, Corpsing, John Hegley’s workshop, JO NEARY KNITTING WORKSHOP, RICHARD NEGUS, Comedy Club 4 Kids, Worst Poet Wins, Shelf FOR KIDS, OLAF FALAFEL,The Joke Clinic, 2 Muslim 2 Furious, TASTE-TEST THE FEST AND One Talent Show PLEASE.
Show info below (including show durations)!
Please check age restrictions and content warnings with ticket link before purchase.
NEW SHOWS ADDED!
Katie Norris: Go West, Old Maid WIP
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Cursed with the voice, face and arse of an angel, critically-acclaimed comedian Katie Norris embarks on a personal odyssey into the untamed realms of her imagination.
Tour support for Tatty Mcleod, Ania Magliano, Abi Clarke & Ed Night
“Tremendous…Wonderfully batty and apologetic” **** Guardian
“Norris cannot put a foot wrong.” **** The List
**** Chortle **** Scotsman
Next Big Thing Nominee 2025
Winner of Leicester Comedy Festival Best Show 2025
Winner of the Musical Comedy Awards 2023
Next Up Biggest Award in Comedy Nominee 2024
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Bridget christie: SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
With five awards, fourteen hit solo comedy shows, and her critically acclaimed Channel 4 sitcom The Change recently receiving a BAFTA nomination and longlisted for the TV Choice Awards, Bridget Christie is a renowned comedian, actor and writer.
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Guess Who’s Bec, Bec Again? Bec Hill’s Bec! (Tell a Friend.) WIP
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Bec Hill (the one with the flipcharts) returns to Exeter Comedy Festival having fallen in love with it (and you) last year. And this time, she’s bringing her bed.
As seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and heard on A Problem Squared, No Such Thing As a Fish, and Tom Scott’s Lateral Podcast.
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2 MUSLIM 2 FURIOUS
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After their 2024 sell-out run, featuring on STV News and BBC R4, and raising over £4000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians, the double-act nicknamed "Antwar and Dec-ina" are back with a NEW show!
Saturday Night Takeaway has gone HALAL. Expect more crowd work, Arab-Kazakh double-act BANTER and Sharia-complaint stand-up. Remember, EDL is welcome! (extremely deafening laughter).
25% of proceeds to MAP.
"stereotype-crushing material" (Rolling Stone)
“Deliciously funny” (Guardian)
"edgy and silly in exactly the right balance" (Sara Pascoe)
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TALKING HEDGES: RICHARD NEGUS IN CONVERSATION WITH comedian WILL ADAMSDALE (who may or may not be dressed as a hedge)
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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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Leila Navabi: Relay (work in progress)
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Writer and multi-disciplinary rebel Leila Navabi returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with her sophomore show, 'Relay' following a sell-out debut hour, 'Composition'. With sharp wit and tender sincerity, she dives into the wild ride of making a baby at home with her partner, a best mate as the sperm donor, and, naturally, his boyfriend cheering from the sidelines. Navabi unpacks love, ambition, and the chaos of building a family on her own terms. Equal parts absurd and profound, 'Relay' is proof that family is not just what you make it, but how. Leila has also provided tour support for Laura Smyth, Jessica Fostekew, and Nish Kumar.
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WORST POET WINS
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Join us for another night of brilliant comedy & truly terrible poetry.
Spork! Poetry & Edward Tripp are teaming up to present another Worst Poet Wins; a poetry slam competition where only the very worst will win.
Prepare to be amused, revolted and bored, as eight comedians and poets perform their most stupid, cringe-worthy & pretentious poems, in a bid to find the crappest poet of all time. Featuring some special guests (TBA!) and a headline set from surreal stand-up poet and judge, Edward Tripp. Hosted as ever by the pathologically perplexed Chris White
Edward Tripp is an award-winning stand-up poet, with a penchant for all things dark and surreal. A frequent performer on comedy and poetry stages alike, he’s taken his work around the UK from The Edinburgh Fringe to the Museum of Comedy. Whether screaming about spatulas or soliloquising about Uncle Connor “who isn’t in the IRA,” Ed’s an always hilarious, prop-heavy and provocative performer.
"I’m not sure John Hegley cracked a smile" - the PRSD on last year's WPW.
Tickets: £8.00
This show will last for 2 hours including a break, and take place at No.1 Guinea Street (the snooker place in town near Namaste, EX1 1BS)
This is an adult orientated show containing stunts, c*nts and poetry, so 18+
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JoJo Maberly: Angst & Angstability- SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT
Award-winning musical comedian JoJo Maberly (BBC One, BBC Radio 4, BBC Three) grew up in the sticks. So she became obsessed with sticks, and then, naturally, she became obsessed with Ewan McGregor.
In this innocently unhinged show, JoJo takes us through the multiple obsessions she has conquered and surrendered to during her embarrassingly angsty teenage years in rural England. With 'witty and unexpected' (Chortle) songs on her guitar, and what can only be described as tortured wails through her loop pedal, JoJo crafts crude jokes 'while somehow maintaining an endearing innocence' showing 'likeability and talent in equal measure' (FunnyWomen.com), and 'impressive musical chops' (BeyondTheJoke).
JoJo is the winner of the inaugural Bristol Comedy Competition 2025 and the Best Newcomer prize at the Musical Comedy Awards 2023. She has written for BBC Radio 4, and her standup has been featured as part of the BBC New Comedy Awards on BBC Three. JoJo's first ever comedy gigs were with Locally Sourced, so she is extremely excited to be performing at the Exeter Comedy Festival this year.
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Ed Gaughan: 'The Emperor' (Work In Progress)
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A brand new work in progress from Award Winning Idiot!
Last year Ed did his first solo show for 19 years and he really enjoyed it so he’s going again...
Things this WIP may contain..jokes (2) History (some, probably fairly inaccurate) Science
(made up) stories, characters, sketches, music, some stuff about Napoleon ( NOT the boring
Ridley Scott snoozefest starring that pound shop Marlon Brando BUT the real story of the
chippy little Corsican fella) Lions.
Things this WIP will almost certainly not contain... Lions.
Keep your expectations low and nobody gets hurt.
Over many years Ed has written, directed and performed work for and with many of the UK’s
most loved acts- including Milton Jones, Josie Long,Will Adamsdale, Barry Cryer, Pappy’s
and Spymonkey. He’s also the voice of Baron Greenback in Dangermouse, Gideon in Sky
TV’s Brassic and the Co-creator, co-writer and star of the BAFTA nominated movie
‘Skeletons’ which won the ‘Michael Powell Award For Cinema’ at The Edinburgh Festival.
Ed is a ‘Peter Sellers Award For Comedy’ nominee
As a musician Ed has performed numerous gigs including Glastonbury, London Jazz and
Porto Jazz Festivals and as a composer for stage, screen and audio. (Most recently scoring
‘Hamlet’ for Shakespeare’s Globe)
“Original and intelligent, if Ed Gaughan doesn’t already have a cult fan base they should
really set one up” **** Metro
“Eccentric, heartfelt and very funny” ****Guardian
“A surreal disorientating hybrid of theatre, stand up comedy and jazz concert incorporating a
talent for accents and impressions with hysterical physical comedy” **** Independent
Cast & Creative Team
Writer/Performer/ Composer ED GAUGHAN
Director TOM PARRY
Dramaturg DR WES WILLIAMS
Producer PETER SMITH
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Caroline McEvoy: Train Man
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Weddings. Witches. Weeping in the girls bathroom. Caroline is going on an emotional journey and you're invited in her debut stand-up show.
Caroline McEvoy is a Northern Irish comedian based in London.
She's founder and resident MC of 2x Chortle award- winning night Comedy Bandits.
'She's a star' Alison Spittle
Nominated for Pleasance Reserve 2024 | Komedia New Act Semi-Finalist | So You Think You're Funny? Semi-Finalist | 3x Funny Women Stage Awards Shortlist
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Spencer Jones: Work In Progress- SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT
Hello, this will be a mishmash of ideas, bits and pieces, characters, music, and anything else I can get my hands on to experiment with in front of the brilliant city of Exeter crowd.
I’ll be reading bits out of the book probably, making notes as I go. Some of this will be seen for the first and last time some of it will go on and live in a full show.
Come watch me work stuff out. It won’t be Rubbish, but I will certainly let you see my cracks.
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Dee Allum: Work In Progress
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Award-winning comedian Dee Allum presents an hour of new material.
Dee brought her debut hour, ‘Dee Allum: Deadname’, to the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe to wide critical acclaim: “A story of gender identity told with panache, charm, self-deprecation and copious wit … an inventive, casually ironic storytelling skill … a true stand-up.”★★★★ The Times.
Dee has also been nominated for Best Newcomer at the Chortle Awards, placed as runner up in the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year award 2021, won the 2Northdown New Act Competition 2021 and was a finalist in the 2022 BBC New Comedy Award competition.
As seen on ITV’s Stand Up Sketch Show. As heard on BBC Radio 4’s One Person Found This Helpful.
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Amy Mason: No Thanks (WIP)
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When Amy Mason got hacked she lost her number and social media accounts. And then the hackers started sending her gifts…
As heard on Radio One, Radio Five and Radio 4.
Top 10 funniest Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe – Guardian
“A wonderful example of belated, begrudging self-acceptance channelled into a flourishing personality and consistently very funny performance” ★★★★ The Scotsman
“a delightfully deadpan exploration of her queer identity… a misfit among a new generation” ★★★★ The Skinny
“Mason’s oddball charm & poignant message of resilience makes this show sing… an uncut diamond” ★★★★ Fringebiscuit -
Andrew White: Rhinestone Comedian (WIP)
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Treat yourself to a deliciously witty and hilarious night out as comedian Andrew White works up latest his star-spangled stand-up show ahead of a national tour in November.
Praised by Joe Lycett as “very exciting and very funny”, Andrew has grown a reputation for his strong writing and charming onstage persona, tackling big topics with irreverent swipes, and deep diving into nonsense with over-analytical obsession. From the politics of all-you-can-eat buffets to the technological shortcomings of racists, this show is exactly the sparkly-heeled, high-fashioned, raucously funny, no-holds-barred night out you’ve been looking for!
★★★★ ‘A plethora of memorable gags… a relevant and witty comedian’ (Chortle)
★★★★ ‘Rampantly engaging’ (The List)
‘Charisma to burn and an eye for sharp punchlines’ (British Comedy Guide)
‘Go see him, he’s sublime’ (Maisie Adam) -
JOSIE LONG’S 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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Phil Nichol: Trying His Best (WIP)
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Phil has been getting better at comedy since March 1987. One of these days he may get it right. Until then Phil just keeps trying. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try your best.
This is a tour warm-up to figure out Phil’s best bits. Help Phil get better!
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Phil is doing 2 shows:
Time: 05/06/25 @20:45-21:45- Venue: 1 Guinea Street
Time: 06/06/25 @19:20-20:20- The Fat Pig
Chloe Petts: Work In Progress
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Following three sell-out shows, catch Petts (Live at the Apollo, HIGNFY) previewing her new show.
She's delving where she's never delved before: this is a show about sex. The problem is that she blushes every time she says that word. From Page 3, to the time she was cast as a sex offender, to the not-niche-at-all phenomena of vagina dentata, join 'one of the most accomplished stand-ups working in the UK today' (Scotsman) for her most titillating hour yet.
'When it comes to comedy, Petts is very much Premier League' (Evening Standard).
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Jordan Brookes: Unobservable Space
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The Elvis of comedy is back, with something not finished. I’m trying stuff out for a potential new show. I don’t know what it is yet. It might never be finished. I’ll do what I want quite honestly and it’s on you if the wheels come off. And they will come off. I intend to make them come off. You just watch those wheels come off.
‘profound and disgusting’ ★★★★The Skinny
‘majestic and challenging.’ ★★★★★ List
‘demolishes the conventions of comedy’ ★★★★ The Guardian -
Amy Matthews: Work In Progress
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Following a 5 star tour of her show that is now a full special on ITVX, and launching her subsequent show as a comedy vinyl in 2025, Amy Matthews is scratching about in the dirt for new jokes and new ideas. Come and help find them with her. This will be BRAND new stuff. How exciting! Thrilling. Daunting! Exclusive, oooooo. Playful! Whimsical! Funny.
As seen on tour with Ed Byrne, Tom Allen, Sarah Keyworth, Tom Davis and Suzi Ruffell, as well as on Comedy Central.
“A must-see […] a searing wit, she makes the deeply personal feel like a universal truth “ - Rolling Stone. -
The Joke Clinic [LIVE]
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Charlie Bowers and Walter Jack are The Joke Clinic, bringing the success of their critically-acclaimed YouTube series to the stage. Each night the clinicians host guest comedians – transforming tired material into comedy gold!
Fans exiting their shows have used words like "ridiculous" and "speechless" and YouTube comments fawn over their "unusual" talent.
Here is what some of their clients have had to say:
"My material is completely unrecognisable" - Jordan Brookes
"Made my audience question themselves" - Spencer Jones
"What's this for?" - Paul Hilleard, BBC New Comedian Of The Year 2025Come along and bear witness to two of the most experienced comedy consultants in the business working their magic before a live audience.
"Pointless meta-comedy" - Chortle
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Greg Winfield: Whatever You Say (WIP)
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Get ready for an unpredictable, unflinching and unrepeatable night of comedy with Greg Winfield in Whatever You Say. This show is a masterclass of improvised moments of “genius” (Matt Lucas), found on the roadside of a comedy journey heading somewhere no one else will take you.
As you’ll see from his viral clips online - Greg is genuinely not able to take things seriously, especially very serious things. Discover the impact this has on his life, his relationships, and his penile trauma and find yourself laughing at things you tried really hard not to. -
Wil Hodgson's Waffle House
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The People’s Republic of Chippenham’s cult-favourite comedian, barber, barstool philosopher and award winning punk storyteller with a brand new work in progress show.
As seen on Russell Howard’s Netflix special and heard on Radio 4 and you can watch their own most recent special Barbicidal Tendencies on YouTube.
“Genius” - Russell Howard
“Superb” - Stewart Lee
“This is punk rock” - Mark Thomas
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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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John Hegley: The Adventures of Monsieur Robinet
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Tales about a Frenchman with some unusual [but clean] habits, which include burying his dog’s kennel and his own luggage pieces.
The stories appear alongside other new works, which include an address to aliens on the subject of transport a poem about a non-talking parrot and some animal impersonations with the aid of a handkerchief.
Suitable for most people over seven.
The audience are invited to sing along. But not to dance. Much.Hegley is known as a poet and singer with a common and comedic touch, hence the quotation from The Observer, 'Awesomely mundane'; The poet Adrian Mitchell said of him: 'Just because he is one of the funniest men alive, do not
underestimate his dedicated gentleness.' And The Luton News said that his lyrics, '...quite often make little sense'"Typically brilliant songs and stories about a Gallic small-town hero with a dog called Chirac" The Guardian
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Time: 06/06/25 @17:45-18:45
Venue: The Hall
Andrew Frost: The Greatest Card Magician In The World
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Andrew's recent success has led to him being described as the "Greatest Card Magician in the world. It's a lot of pressure to live up to. Come and find out if it is true.
"A brilliant magician" (Derren Brown).
"A phenomenon" (David Blaine). -
Ed Tripp: Truth Pimp
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“Ed Tripp: Truth Pimp” is a surreal, genre-bending, standup poetry show, performed by award-winning Northern Irish comedian, multiple poetry-slam winner and former Bard of Exeter, Ed Tripp.
In 2022, Ed won the South West anti-slam - a special competition to find the worst performance poet in the UK. Not only did Ed win that competition, but he is the only City Bard to simultaneously hold the title of ‘best and worst’ poet at the same time.
Featuring model villages, Pandas, time travel and one unforgettable tribute to Nicole Kidman, “Ed Tripp: Truth Pimp” promises to plumb the depths of performance poetry, comedy and moral decency.
If you enjoy spoken-word poetry, this is the show for you. If you dislike spoken-word poetry, this is probably the show for you too. Expect the unexpected...and hold on tight.
‘Seek Edward out like buried treasure’ - Spencer Jones, Comedian and Actor
‘Utterly unexpectable and very moreish’ - Kate Copstick, The Scotsman
‘Absurd and Hysterical, he had the audience in stitches’ - Razz Magazine
‘A roaring fire of absurd wit’ - Corr Blimey
‘Speaking as a zookeeper - that was the most accurate impression of a turtle eating lettuce I have ever seen’ - Jenna Crawford, audience member (and Zookeeper).
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Time: 06/06/25 @19:00-20:00
Venue: 1 Guinea Street
Hasan Al-Habib: Death To The West Midlands (Work In Progress)
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Arab. Muslim. Brummy. Hasan Al-Habib was born to Iraqis that moved to Birmingham after deciding Baghdad wasn’t dangerous enough.
The Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award Winner 2023 does an hour of work-in-progress material about his love for both cities, despite their undeserved reputations (ok, maybe a little deserved).
50% of proceeds goes to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
“Deliciously funny and challenging in the way he engages with race, class and privilege” – The Guardian
“A man of a thousand voices” – Rob Beckett
“he’s so likeable, super talented, a great performer” – Mae Martin
“He’ll make a million doing this” – Jamali Maddix
“Glorious and funny” – Sofie Hagen
“F***ing brilliant” – Limmy
“Very enjoyable” – Daniel Kitson
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Time: 06/06/25 @ 18:00-19:00
Venue: The Coffee Cellar
TICKETS
Mark Watson: Before It Overtakes Us– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
The Bristolian Taskmaster runner-up and No More Jockeys luminary, back from a two-month tour of Australia, performs his new show for only the second time in the UK.
The show is about the future of mankind, and a woman called Phoebe. Some other stuff in between.
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Time: 06/06/25 @ 19:15-20:15
Venue: The Hall
Rev Maggy Whitehouse: The God Whisperer
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Let’s face it, nobody really likes God. With right-wing Christianity in the ascendent, that’s not going to change soon.
Enter the God Whisperer... Holy mischief-maker Reverend Maggy Whitehouse, the heretic’s heretic, an expert on Biblical abominations and a vicar who only uses those terrifying words, ‘have you found Jesus?’ to get herself a seat on an overbooked train.
Maggy Whitehouse is a Independent Catholic Priest and comedian. No, she’s not fluffy and no, she will not be trying to convert you. Think Father Ted in a slightly better cardigan.
Maggy extracts the Archangel Michael out of religion and its stupidities from inside the box and reinterprets the Bible in a kick-ass kind of way. She talks about God, to God, envies atheists, supports the spiritual and makes the whole darned ridiculousness of religion topical, relevant and very, very funny.'Funny, warm and strangely inspirational.' Paul Tonkinson.
'One of the most unique, distinctive & brilliantly subversive acts I've seen in years. Oh and funny. Very funny' Chris Brooker, Bigmouth Comedy.
'What do you call a vicar who has you crying with laugher? Maggy Whitehouse.' West Magazine. -
Gavin Osborn
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Gavin Osborn is a 47yr-old singer-songwriter with six solo albums under his belt, having spent nearly
20 years touring the UK, Europe and Australia.Familiar to listeners of BBC 6Music and Radio 4, Gavin’s tours and shows include support slots with the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Frank Turner and loads of festivals. Mostly, he has been onstage whilst audiences waited for the main act. And if he wasn’t, it’s hard to imagine other acts would’ve had such acclaim, riches and success.
His last album, Scrolling Home, totally sold out. Turns out he didn’t order enough and now they are
fully available (in CD form) at his live shows, where younger listeners assume they are coasters. Gavin co-wrote a trilogy of storytelling shows with comedian Daniel Kitson and during lockdown, his
viral hit ‘Born In The NHS’ was featured on Russell Howard’s Home Time on Sky One.“Processes his anger into a kind of likeably grumpy bewilderment and uses it to unite his audience. A comfort blanket for post-Brexit alienation.
One of the year’s most relatable releases” – The Observer
“Poignant, warm, storytelling that’s not afraid to be both very funny and very sad, and is at its best
when it’s both” – Drowned In Sound “a brilliantly accomplished singer-songwriter with touchingly quirky lyrics” – Chortle Having loved his last gig at Exeter Comedy Festival, in a music shop in 2024, Gavin really should've been honing his craft and writing furious folk songs about the terrible state of the world.However, he has been concentrating on charity work because he's a genuinely great guy making a real tangible difference to people's lives. Not that he likes to mention it. That would be crass. Let's just say that this year's show is likely to be VERY similar.
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Egg, Legg, Bee, Knee and Gratitude - John Hegley Workshop
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For an hour, we make little folded booklets with thanks, rhymes, horse drawings and a small amount of French.
Suitable for anyone who can have a go at spelling 'wheelbarrow' (in English). Children not to be left. Singing and sharing optional.
Some biscuits available.
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Will Adamsdale: AI, AI, OH– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT. You can see Will’s other show Melanjolly.
Will Adamsdale : AI, AI, Oh... (Or how I wrote a hit sitcom with ChatGBT but we’re not talking now)
(Work-in-progress).Once upon a time a washed up London comedian/technophobe went off grid in a confused lockdown relocation... But the grass ain’t always greener. The blank page stretched out like the endless fields. His only hope? His greatest enemy - technology. A story of bots, block and getting away from it all.
Perrier/Fringe first winner Will Adamsdale WIPs a new show about tech, creativity and escape.
“So skilled an actor, so nuanced a writer that it’s hard to tell where the line between stand-up and character comedy lies “ Scotsman ****
“Pops up every few years with a show that bears no resemblance to the last. Without exception they are an utter delight” the Guardian ****
“ A master of the transcendentally absurd” New York Times
Produced by Will Adamsdale and Fuel
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Darryl Carrington: Out of the Box
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Come see Darryl J Carrington’s award-winning comedy show—this time, in a pub!
Usually seen by massive crowds at outdoor arts festivals around the world, Out of the Box is a chaotic, hilarious ride created by a world-class circus performer. So naturally… we thought it’d be a laugh to cram it into a cosy little pub in Exeter.
What’s the show like?
Imagine if Mr Bean could do circus tricks, or if Vic and Bob ran away with the big top. It’s physical comedy, absurd surprises, and sheer skill—all packed into one unforgettable hour.
Oh, and Darryl comes highly recommended by Exeter’s favourite, Spencer Jones. Enough said. -
Jack Campbell: Alcohol & Cigarettes (WIP)
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In February 2022, Jack stopped drinking. July ‘22, he packed in cigarettes. August 2023 he gave up meat all together. October ‘23 he moved to Bristol. Cravings are still there as he continues his quest to become painfully dull.
Award winning comedian, Jack Campbell, is working on a new show about giving up whilst giving in.
Tour Support for Larry Dean, Daliso Chaponda, Rhys James and Luisa Omielan
English Comedian of the Year (2014) -
Shalaka Kurup: Worse In Progress
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Shalaka has a mental disorder, but which one? A work-in-progress for her debut hour, this is a show about a comedian in therapy. Revolutionary!
Join Shalaka in her journey to convince her therapist that she needs a diagnosis (any will do) so that she can be content. Or better yet, interesting!
About Shalaka: A doctor by education and a comedian by choice, Shalaka has shot onto the UK circuit receiving numerous awards, winning West End New Act of the Year, runner up Brighton Komedia New Act of the year and second runner up Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year.
As seen on BBC One, Comedy Central Live and Channel 4 Digital.
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Daylight sessions
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Daylight Sessions: COMEDY with Josie Long and Harriet Dyer.
Grown up comedy, where children are welcome too.
Do you miss out on comedy as it’s always in the evening?
Are you too knackered to have evening dates?
Do your kids have a better social life than you?
Daylight Sessions have you covered!
Join LIZZY HUMBER and ANGIE BELCHER for a daytime comedy club, designed
for anyone who would enjoy a night out in the day.
We have a fantastic double bill:
JOSIE LONG is a 3-time Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominated Comedian, and very
good comedian, writer and mother. Josie cares a lot about politics and social justice,
and makes shows that are friendly and silly
HARRIET DYER, as seen on Live at The Apollo, Comedy Central Live, The Russell
Howard Hour, Rosie Jones’s Disability Comedy Extravaganza and winner of the
Channel 4 Sean Lock Award. Harriet is a fizzy brained blancmange of whimsy. “A
must-see and a masterclass of originality“ ★★★★★ Neurodiverse Review
Compered by ANGIE BELCHER, an award-winning comedian and mother
(Glastonbury Festival Cabaret Tent, Aftermirth Daytime Comedy Club).
REFRESHMENTS:
The bar will be open too for a strong brew, beer or G&T, with time to meet new
people or catch up with friends.
KIDS WELCOME:
Babies and children are welcome too! The material is adult centred and may be a bit
rude or sweary. We find little ears tend not to notice, but it’s always your call.
You are welcome without children too, whether they are at school, fully grown, or a
daytime gig might suits you better, this is open to all adults who don’t mind cute kids
living their best lives.
The lights will be dimmed room so no one will notice those red eyes from sleepless
and the sound reduced amplification for little ears.
Please feel empowered to chest, breast, bottle or Haribo feed kids.
Kids are free to play, move about. You can walk about or shake Mittens the special
kitten and no one will moan or mutter if your little one heckles.
There will a baby changing stations.
Venue Access:
The Hall is accessible via a cobbled street and it on a hill. Please see here for further
information: https://thehallexeter.org/accessibility
This venue has very limited space for buggies, so please bring a sling where
possible, or leave time to walk with little legs from the bus or carpark.
Cost:
If cost is a barrier please get in touch here. Mothers Union are supporting us to offer
a limited amount of free or pay what you can tickets at Daylight Sessions
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Produced by Lizzy Humber for The Daylight Collective, in partnership with Aftermirth
and Exeter Comedy Festival The Daylight Collective is supported by Arts Council
England.
#DaylightSessions #gigswithkids #parentsarepeopletoo #comedyforparents
#comedy #exeter
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Marjolein Robertson: Lein (Work in Progress)
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Marjolein Robertson: Lein (Work in Progress)
Her last two sold-out, award-nominated Edinburgh Fringe shows explored the mind and body - and then Marjolein died. Now she’s back, and exploring the soul. Shetlander Marjolein was a finalist in Channel 4’s Sean Lock Comedy Award and BBC’s New Comedy Awards, and expertly weaves stand-up and folklore to share her own personal stories.
‘Phenomenal’ ***** (List)
‘Spellbinding’ ***** (One4Review)
‘A fine mix of surreal storytelling whimsy, winsome silliness and scatological filth’ ***** (ThreeWeeks)
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Emma Hughes + Omari Douglas: Happy To Be Here
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Happy To Be Here
A split bill WIP from Omari Douglas and Emma Hughes, Bristol's finest oddballs.
Omari and Emma are never really sure how they end up anywhere but they’re usually pretty happy to be there.
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Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer
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Sam Nicoresti returns with a glorious new hour of stand-up about losing your mind, finding it again, and the hunt for the perfect skirt suit.
Baby Doomer is the follow-up hour to their 2024 comedy special Wokeflake, “One of the definitive documents of the trans experience in stand-up” Chortle.
Sam Nicoresti won Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian in 2021, has had two shows transfer to London’s Soho Theatre, and was nominated for Best Compere at the Chortle Awards 2024.
“A must for lovers of comedy that is daft but also deft” Evening Standard
“Nicoresti is an auteur” Fest.
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Time: 06/06/25 @19:00-20:00
Venue: The Music Depot
Kate Cheka: A Messiah Comes
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BIGHEAD Comedy presents the reigning Funny Women Award winner and Chortle Best Newcomer nominee’s debut hour where she tries to save the world.
Where does this messiah complex come from? Is it the second coming or has she just inherited her mother's psychological disorder? If you're anxious about the state of the world (or just your own mental state), join this 'impressive, frank and relatable' (Chortle.co.uk) BBC New Comedy Awards semi-finalist as she becomes the first woman to wonder what many men have wondered before her: am I actually God?
WINNER - 2023 Funny Women Stage Award
NOMINEE - NextUp's Biggest Award In Comedy Best Newcomer
NOMINEE - 2024 Chortle Awards Best Newcomer
“Charismatic, eloquent, frank and witty...an impressive debut for a bright comic.”Chortle
“Witty and charming...the audience are quickly drawn into Kate's world” The List
“She's unstoppable. Her enthusiastic delivery cracks along at such a pace that you wonder whether she's remembering to breathe.” The Skinny -
Time: 06/06/25 @19:15-20:15
Venue: The Bootlegger
Corpsing
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The hit murder mystery comedy night returns to Exeter! One comedian dies and the rest are suspects! Can the audience find the clues and catch the killer?
“This is such a great concept for a comedy night and you should totally go” - Glenn Moore
“Corpsing might be the best idea for a comedy night ever. It's unlike anything else on the comedy scene.” - Luke Rollason
“A wonderfully stupid idea for a comedy night” - John Luke Roberts -
Time: 06/06/25 @20:30-22:30
Venue: 1 Guinea St
one talent show please
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Muttonbird and Pigeon Present: ONE TALENTSHOW PLEASE
Muttonbird and Pigeon (Bristol's PREMIUM entertainment dream team) are coming to Exeter with the world's greatest TALENTSHOW.
Six hopeful individuals will battle it out for a coveted MB&P trophy in this chaotic old school talentshow. There will be voting, prizes, SOB STORIES, dreams crushed, and all time good vibes. Get amongst it.
Muttonbird and Pigeon are Emma Hughes and Daisy Williams. They make scrappy, groovy, entertainment stuff and are from Bristol.
Featuring:
Spencer Jones
Edward Tripp
Jojo Maberly
Joe Riley
May Thompson
Vicki Helyer -
Time: 06/06/25 @22:15-23:45
Venue: The Bootlegger
Ben Treloar and Ollie Young Need To Shift 30 Tickets
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With a combined age of less than one Michael McIntyre, here’s an hour of great jokes from two of the South West’s finest up-and-coming comedians.
Ben Treloar:
Winning Cornish Comedian of the Year 2023 and shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Awards, Ben is one to watch. With self-deprecating punchlines and quick crowd-work, it’s easy to see why he’s getting booked across the UK and providing tour support for TV names.“Bloody funny” – Jessica Fostekew
Ollie Young:
A comic from Bath who’s already impressed the scene with his dry wit and writing skills, he's a Standup for Cider Finalist, a Chortle Student Comedy Semi-Finalist and truly personifies the phrase, 'first the worst second the best'."Turns out a lot funnier than that sounds" - Bath Echo.
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Time: 07/06/25 @13:30-14:30
Venue: The Fat Pig
Josie Long: Now Is the Time of Monsters (WIP)– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT. Josie is also doing Josie Long’s Long Shorts and The Joke Clinic.
“In these troubled times, in this wicked world, it can feel like apocalypse is everywhere but did you know 11,000 years ago there were some really big armadillos? I’m talking about as big as a car. Really big. And they were vegetarian so don’t even worry about them.
Also my daughter has a hamster and I’m not saying distract yourself from everything, but I’m saying he’s also part of everything.”
Josie is back with a new show about discovery, wonder, extinction and how to walk through a landscape of monstrous disaster. There is also a good tip about silt, guaranteed.
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Time: 07/06/25 @17:45-18:45
Venue: The Hall
Marcel Lucont's Whine List– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
The multi-award-deserving deadpan Frenchman serves up a unique Whine List of the audience’s past gripes, moans and misdemeanours, while also dishing out some of his premier erotic poetry. The show has played to packed audiences all around the world. Expect louche musings, dry wit and Gallic superiority.
Winner: Best Comedy Show – Fringe World Awards
As seen on Live At The Comedy Store (Comedy Central), Set List (Sky Atlantic), The John Bishop Show (BBC1) and Live At The Electric (BBC3).
“Fresh, accessible and hilarious” The Guardian
“Exceptionally dry… superb” The Times
“His elegant, sardonic turns of phrase are an utter joy… superb stuff” Time Out
“Witty, intelligent and pitch-perfect” ★★★★ The List
“A masterpiece of timing and improvisation… certainly one of the highlights of this Fringe” ★★★★ EdFringe Review
“Hilarious… Comedy doesn’t get much better than this” ★★★★★ AdelaideNow, Adelaide Fringe
“Who can resist Marcel Lucont?… Pulling clever punchlines out of every interaction with his audience… Sometimes arrogance is bliss" ★★★★ The Scotsman, Edinburgh Fringe -
Time: 07/06/25 @19:15-20:45
Venue: The Hall
DANIEL KITSON: NOT MORE THAN £5 (FOR OBVIOUS REASONS)- SOLD OUT!
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Not a show, just some bits and bobs of this and that and hopefully cohering into a satisfying story by mid to late August.
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May Thompson: What Do You Want From Me Tonight?
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May Thompson is both trans and Cornish. In 2023, both parts of her were tested. This is a story about clowns, about coping, and about Kernow, with extreme deviations to talk about literally anything else.
The debut hour from one of the South West's most "disruptive" acts is due to ask the big questions. Are you scared? Are you nervous? What do you want from me tonight?
Writer for What Just Happened, BBC One Wales
Cornish Comedian of the Year Finalist, 2024
As seen at Aberystwyth and Machynlleth Comedy Festivals
As heard on Little Wander Radio, BBC Radio Cornwall, The Justin Timberthon podcast -
Time: 06/06/25 @19:15-20:15
Venue: The Roots Foundation
Lou Wall: Work in Progress
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Winner Best of the Fest Award 2024 Sydney Comedy Festival.
Nominee 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Award for Most Outstanding Show.
A new show by Lou Wall about lying, mental-breakdowns and the internet. Featuring Lou's signature meme-fuelled power points and pop musical comedy, Breaking the 5th Wall is a forensic and frankly ludicrous deep dive into the space where performance and reality collide. Nothing and everything is as it seems.
'One-of-a-kind masterwork.' ★★★★★ Time Out
'One of the most glorious Australian comedy hours in years.' ★★★★★ The Sydney Morning HeraldDirected by Zoë Coombs Marr
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Time: 06/06/25 @20:45-21:45
Venue: The Bootlegger
Ted Milligan: United (WIP)
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Crubchester United Football Club have fallen to their lowest point, they sit outside the football league. However, after being purchased by a 6 year old billionaire, can they turn their fate around?
Join award-winning character comedian Ted Milligan for this live mockumentary following Crubchester’s loyal fans, uninspired players, corrupt owners and an Iguana.
WINNER Leicester Square Sketch Off 2024
WINNER Late Stage Comedy @LCF Best Performance 2024
30 Comedians you should be watching LMAONAISE
Telegraph’s Top Jokes of Edinburgh Fringe 2023
“So funny… The sheer brio of his performance had the audience hooked” - Chortle
“Hilarious, properly effortlessly hilarious” - EdFringe Review
“Exceptionally well-written” - Inter:Mission
“Peppered with superior zingers” - Beyond the Joke -
Time: 07/06/25 @16:30-17:30
Venue: The Bootlegger
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People's Pop-Up Radio Roadshow Presents: Joanna Neary / Hedluv + Passman
Comedy chat show with live music and an interpretive dance about ecology. Hosted by a dolphin.
'Superb character comedy from the deathless art weirdo. Unique and special' Stewart Lee
You may laugh, but Hedluv + Passman are very serious musicians.
'This inventive duo are rather wonderful’ - The Times -
Time: 07/06/25 @18:00-19:00
Venue: The Coffee Cellar
Joanna Neary& Hedluv + Passman
Lulu Popplewell: Love Love (WIP)
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Returning from her sell-out debut show, Lulu brings you a new hour of jokes about love, obsession and raccoons, as she tries to answer the question ‘is love just a form of mental illness?’
This stand up show also includes a piano, some songs and a dog (if you needed any extra convincing).
‘Highly recommended’ - Stephen Fry
‘Hilarious’ - The List
‘Biting wit and playful punchlines’ - British Comedy Guide -
Time: 07/06/25 @19:30-20:30
Venue: The Fat Pig
Jo Neary: MAKE YOUR ZINE WORKSHOP-SHOW
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MAKE YOUR ZINE WORKSHOP-SHOW
(Limited to 10 places)
Make your own unique zine along with woolly stories on crafty projects, DIY, families and trying, in this relaxing and gentle workshop-show experiment. ALL ART MATERIALS AND PRINTING THINGS PROVIDED. With Jo Neary.
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Time: 07/06/25 @11:00-12:00
Venue: Bunyip Craft (Fore st)NOT INCLUDED IN 5 SHOW DEAL (because it’s only £5)
David O’Doherty: SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
The dishevelled prince of £10 eBay keyboards, David O’Doherty presents an hour of new material. He will provide laughter, song, and occasionally getting up from a chair.
As seen on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Live at The Apollo, The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024, and Along For the Ride with David O’Doherty.
David has also written several books, two plays and released four comedy albums. His most recent book for children, ‘The Summer I Robbed a Bank’, won Irish Children’s Book of the Year and has been adapted for the stage by his brother Mark.
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SIKISA: WIP
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Sikisa brings her new work in progress show with brand new jokes about living your best life. Life is still a party... right. Expect about wrestling, why kids suck, and the truth about immigration. As seen and heard on Live at the Apollo (BBC), Jonathan Ross' Comedy Club (ITV) and the Off-Menu podcast. Three-time Leicester Comedy Festival nominee and tour support for Judi Love, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Ed Gamble and Catherine Cohen. 'Uproariously hilarious' ***** (Broadway World). **** (The List). **** The Scotsman) **** (Beyond the Joke).
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Rosalie MINNITT: Clementine 3 The Rebellion On Ice Part 6
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Miss Lady Clementine is BACK (due to unpopular demand!)
She's off to The Big City to find the best version of herself. But soft—revolution’s in the air. Will our fearless heroine keep her wits or lose her head entirely?
Guardian's Top Ten Comedy of 2023
Absolutely barnstorming performance’ – ★★★★ (Telegraph)
‘Remarkable’ – ★★★★ (The Guardian)
‘Delirious, demented stuff’ – ★★★★ (Chortle)
Telegraph’s Funniest Shows at the Fringe and one of the British Comedy Guide’s Top Reviewed Shows
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Will Adamsdale: Melanjolly
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MELANJOLLY
A show of just songs.
Here ye! Hear ye! Yonder comes yon Perrier winner from ages ago with another questionable
career swerve!Tonight only hear the entire MUSICAL OEUVRE (10 songs, 3 nearly finished)! Gather round for the ballad of a man at odds with the modern age (though enjoying heated car seats), for tales of CD hoarding, failed citizen’s arrests and a film career playing murdered school teachers, medieval lookouts and Nigel Havers’ son.
3 chords. 45 audience members. One middle aged man whose wife recently told him, ‘you don’t
know how to chill out’.WINNER Perrier Award, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2004
“Pops up every few years with a show that bears no resemblance to the last. Without exception
they are an utter delight.” Guardian ****“A beautifully nuanced slice of absurdity” Evening Standard ****
“a polyphony of music, mimicry, and some strikingly memorable writing....a talent too
original to be confined to stand-up” Guardian**** -
Kev Mud: Homeless Sex Biscuit– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
Homeless Sex Biscuit is award winning comedian, Kev Mud's sell out, award nominated, debut hour.
Stories of times on the street, taking billions of multinational companies, hiding in a caravan in Cornwall, suicide, addiction and also funny things to do with tits and willies etc.
"An intoxicating mix of surreal stand up and social justice. Self deprecating... leftfield... absurdist! A breakthrough success!" - THE GUARDIAN
"He's a dead cert this guy. Future star!” - BBC
"Genuinely very good!” - THE STAND
"You clever, clever man!" - SPENCER JONES
"Honest, Charming, Humorous. A crowd pleaser.” - BRITISH COMEDY GUIDE
"You're a funny f*ck.” - ARI SHAFFIR
"Kev is not only a solid and hilarious jokesmith, but is also able to provide a necessary perspective which is severely under-represented in comedy. His ability to discuss homelessness, addiction, and mental health in a way which feels accessible, informative, AND funny is a skill to be encouraged and praised.” - BEC HILL -
Tony Law: Work In Progress
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Tony Law is in the middle of his 20 year never ending tour. It’s always a work in progress. Currently has a lot about cats and Marie Antoinette (too soon?). Also Jupiter the Planet. And Much Else. Now look below at some things someone somewhere wrote too.
Multi award-winning super loon Tony Law returns to with a new show of nonsense and absurdity. Some weird history and ghosts, and cats and dogs and wars and ducks and Britophilia. The older man with a childish mind and a naughty streak is always entertaining and original and naturally funny but not afraid to do simple shouty silly voices. A whirlwind of surreal farm boy hardcore whimsy.
**** (Telegraph)
**** (OnTheMic.co.uk)
**** (One4Review.co.uk)
"Takes post-modern stand-up to a dangerously funny new level&" (Guardian).
"The King of post-modern nonsense" (Telegraph).
As seen/heard on… Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Alternative ComedyExperience (Comedy Central), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Celebrity Mastermind (BBC One), Celebrity Squares (ITV) Never Mind The Buzzcocks (BBC Two), Heading Out (BBC Two), The Culture Show (BBC Two), Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe (BBC Two), Edinburgh Nights (BBC Two), Tony Law’s Surreal Guide To Surreal Comedy(Radio 4 Extra), Loose Ends and Infinite Monkey Cage(Radio 4) -
Ben Moor: A Three Thing Day (WIP)– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
“I have always found that arriving somewhere early allows more time to daydream.”
Ben has three things to do today.
A show is opening later, but first he has a family meeting, and before that there’s a funeral.
A single day can encompass the past, present, and future; friends, family, and strangers; the ridiculous, the moving, and the inspirational.
Like life.
Surreal and melancomic, Ben Moor’s new show is crammed with hilarious one-liners and observations, alongside moments both beautiful and poetic.
Subjects covered include time and memory, hope and gullibility, and snacks and dolphin infestations.
Ben Moor has been producing oddball storytelling shows for over 30 years, winning a Herald Angel Award for Coelacanth in 2005. He is the creator of Elastic Planet and Undone for BBC Radio, and has appeared in Knowing Me, Knowing You, The IT Crowd, and The Queen’s Gambit.
“A natural storyteller who blurs the boundaries between comedy, theatre and performance art.” STEWART LEE
“Ben Moor is an English Wes Anderson. His dulcet tones are a paintbrush filling his world with a bright pastel colour palette.” BROADWAY WORLD
“Funny, acutely observed and ultimately compassionate.” ****THREE WEEKS
“Electric, elegant, sublime, timeless.” ****FRINGE BISCUIT“Spellbinding.” ****THE STAGE
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Simon Munnery: On Tour
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Simon Munnery – ‘one of the all-time great British stand-ups’ (Stewart Lee) – is back on tour in 2025.
Expect all your classic Munnery one-liners, sketches and anecdotes from the British Comedy Award nominee, serial innovator and ‘Perennial fringe maverick’ (Guardian).
Simon Munnery isn’t short on accolades: he’s an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and Chortle Award winner, was the star of Comedy Central’s Alternative Comedy Experience and has been seen on BBC2’s Culture Show and heard on Radio 4’s News Quiz, amongst others.
When every room you're in
faintly reeks of urine
it is time
to wash your trousers.
'There’s something utterly refreshing about Munnery’s shows. You come out feeling like you’ve had a bath, an afternoon nap or a walk in the woods' ★★★★★ The Scotsman
‘One of the finest gag-writers in the business’ ★★★★★ The List
‘A genuine innovator in the land of the samey, and an annual must-see for any comedy connoisseur’ The Guardian -
Anna Keirle and Suzy Bennett: the Westcountry Pincer Movement
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Bringing their hit sell out new show to Exeter for the first time - Anna Keirle and Suzy Bennett are:
‘The Westcountry Pincer Movement!’
The Comedy Queen of Cornwall and the 'Janner Diana' put the jam/cream debate aside for a night of jokes, jingles and jiggly bits in their hilarious debut double-act show.
Expect silliness, songs, stories, stand-up and showing off as these Award Winning comedians share their life experiences and comical takes on the culture of living in the counties straddling the Tamar.
Anna will be paying £2.60* bridge toll to get over to Devon so let's give her a warm welcome.
*price correct at time of writing this
Anna Keirle - Star and writer of 'Wasson Cornwall' BBC Radio 4
'Daffy Cornish Bumpkin Anna has funny in her veins' - Chortle
Suzy Bennett - Winner of the Funny Women Award
'The physical presence and panache of a young Dawn French' - Chortle -
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 -
Alex Kitson: This is Water
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Two young fish are swimming along. An older fish swims by and says, "Morning, boys! How's the water?" The two young fish look at each other, and keep swimming. After a while, one says to the other, "What the hell is water?"
The ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards Newcomer Nominee and local boy (Tiverton) Alex Kitson follows up last year’s multi-award-nominated, five-star cult hit with a new hour of fast paced, critically-acclaimed stand-up. Let’s work out what we’re all swimming in.
Tour Support for Fin Taylor, Tom Ward and Vittorio Angelone.
***** Phoenix Remix
**** Wee Review
**** Entertainment Now
**** Mumble Comedy
**** EdFringe Review
ISH Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2024 Best Newcomer Nominee
Dave’s 3rd Funniest Joke of the Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Best Jokes of Fringe 2024 (The Times, The Telegraph, Sunday Express and Edinburgh Evening News)
Best of Brighton Fringe Comedy Award Nominee 2023
Best Joke Winner – Bath Comedy Festival 2021
“The audience laughter is non-stop” - The Phoenix Remix
“He has proper funny bones… He’s going to be a huge star.” - On the Mic
“A set that makes you laugh louder than all the laughter around. He never misses a beat... Laugh a lot, laugh loud and laugh happily with Alex Kitson. " - EdFringe Review
“a natural comic... The energy is almost Robin Williams level” - Chortle
“One of Devon and Bristol’s finest comedians” - Broadway Baby
"Kitson makes you fall in love with him" - Entertainment Now
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Reginald D Hunter: Work In Progress- SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
“REGINALD D HUNTER JOINS THE TOP RANK OF STAND-UP COMEDIANS WORKING TODAY … A
COMEDIAN GOING FOR BROKE, FLYING IN THE FACE OF RECEIVED OPINION IN A WAY THAT IS
SIMPLY EXHILARATING … THIS IS COMEDY OF A RARE SCOPE” Times
“COMPELLING ONSTAGE CHARISMA. HE REMAINS A TOWERING PRESENCE IN ABSOLUTE
CONTROL.” Evening Standard.Since his arrival in the UK Reginald’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV have
garnered him a cross-generational fan base. His TV appearances have included Have I Got News For
You?, and two series of the BBC2’s hugely popular Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South & amp; Songs of The Border, documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song.Reginald has been performing comedy in the UK for over 20 years. During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects. His work can be brutally honest and is often considered to be controversial but it is always meticulously thought out and he has never been afraid to face challenging issues head on even when the focus is on his own principles or beliefs.
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Time: 05/06/25 AND 06/06/25 @20:45-21:45
Venue: The Hall
Paul Hilleard: I've Got Views (WIP)– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
BBC New Comedian of the year 2024 Paul Hilleard figures out his first hour. Expect daft & dry, oddball observations as he tackles all of the days big issues including: bus drivers, yoga and hot stews.
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Time: 07/06/25 @21:00-22:00
Venue: The Fat Pig
Burt Williamson: Sure I'm Not Infallible But At Least I'm Hung (WIP)
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Sure I’m Not Infallible But At Least I’m Hung is comedian Burt Williamson’s third hour of stand-up comedy and promises to be his best yet. Mixing his trademark aplomb with a goofy punchlines and densely worded stand-up, this is a promising hour form a an original comedic voice make waves in the British stand-up comedy scene.
“His beautifully crafted set is clever in unguessable ways, unexpectedly hilarious at every turn and a great joy wrapped up in a big laugh, sprinkled with adorable.” - ★★★★ The Scotsman
“the funniest, most unlikely, rudest yet sweetest” ★★★★ Entertainment Now -
Time: 07/06/25 @19:40-20:40
Venue: The Custom House
Larry Pears & Mimi: Bonsense! (WIP)- SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT
Bonsense!..is comedy nonsense from our Bonces.
What to expect…
“Mimi is the charming high-energy queen of musical satire and Larry merges hysterical observational comedy with high drama. This show is going to be giddy and possibly a bit unhinged, like an episode of ‘Blue Peter’, written and directed by Guy Ritchie.” Ed Tripp
If you fancy a good laugh come along or if your feeling a little masochistic and want to see a man shoved into a cardboard box with 50 sharpened spears shot through him… that’s in it too!
Mimi won Cornwall Comedian of the Year 2022 on just her third gig. She discovered she loves making people smile, so she kept going. With her ukulele, she mixes her ditties with stand-up, sharing sharp but playful observations. Expect charm, chuckles, and possibly a singalong you weren’t prepared for.Larry Pears
Cornwall Comedian of the year 2024
Expect strong comedy and silly voices …then lower your expectations and settle for silly voices to avoid disappoint. A regular fixture in the comedy scene, performing with renowned groups such as Mischief
Theatre in The Play That Goes Wrong.
"The man will make you skitter and shake with laughter like you wouldn't believe" - CAMBRIDGE NEWS -
Time: 07/06/25 @15:00-16:00
Venue: The Fat Pig
Tim Key: L.A. Baby! – Book Tour– SOLD OUT!
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SOLD OUT.
Plosive Live in association with PBJ Management presents...
Tim Key: L.A. Baby! – Book Tour
TIM KEY embarks on a low-grade book tour to celebrate the publication of his latest
anthology of poems: L.A. Baby! He’ll “be in conversation” about the book with whoever
agrees to interview him (John Kearns usually crops up, Jess Knappett), he will, inevitably,
read some poems out. The book will be there to buy, he’ll sign whatever etc.
L.A. Baby! is published around the UK by utterandpress.co.uk on July 4th. But it will be all
present and correct at these events, too.
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Charles Quarterman: An Evening With Charles Quarterman For One Hour
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Hello, I am Charles Quarterman. Please consider this an invite, I hope you will be there. I will be there.
There will be stories from the mind, poems from the heart and sounds from the larynx, poured bountifully into your lives.
Some of the stories will contain dogs.
- Nominee: Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality - Edinburgh Fringe.
"Master of... words" (Arts Leanings, CA).
"This generation's Homerton Bawdry" (Boston Spool).
"Scrupulously honest, ridiculously funny” (The Scotsman)
“A spoken word fever dream, there’s a richness that is utterly unique... beautiful” ★★★★ (Entertainment Now)
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AN EXETER COMEDY CABARET BONANZA BASH!
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Exeter's favourite comedy nights— Locally Sourced, Giggle Fest and Maggie Irving— join forces to showcase all that Exeter comedians have to offer in a raucous end to the Saturday night of the festival. THIS. IS. WHAT. IT'S. ALL. ABOUT.
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TASTE-TEST THE FEST
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Locally Sourced: Taste-Test the Fest
at Herbies Vegetarian Restaurant
A night of stand-up and veggie food, giving you a little glimpse of what Locally Sourced has in store for the festival.
Headliner Brendan Common (“A genuine antidote to mainstream stand-up. Firing viciously sharp gags with a disarmingly likeable persona”-Ignacio Lopez) joins some of our favourite regulars, including JoJo Maberly and Kev Mud, with exciting others to be announced!
Tickets include food from Herbies, and a lineup full of good stuff. Come hungry.
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Kids’ Shows
The Spencer Jones Experimental Kids Show
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The Spencer Jones Experimental Kids Show
Spencer Jones usually does comedy for adults, but for the Exeter Comedy festival he will try and entertain kids for the very first time. Bring your guinea pigs, sorry I mean guinea kids and let’s see what they make of it. Some of it will be music, some of it will be weird, some of it will be visual and some of it will be unplanned. He made the BAFTA nominated show BBC show Big Babies and is currently the voice of a wisecracking Mushroom called Trevor in the TV show Super Happy Magic Forest. He should be fine shouldn’t he? -
Time: 08/06/25 @16:00-17:00
Venue: Theatre Alibi
Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants Terribles - A Gameshow For Awful Children
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Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants Terribles - A Gameshow For Awful Children
- Winner: Best Kids Show 2022 - UK Kids Comedy Festival / Leicester Comedy Festival
- Top 10 Kids Shows - Edinburgh Fringe - Time Out / The Scotsman / Broadway World
Acclaimed French comedian Marcel Lucont presents a wild family gameshow, in which kids get to be pests, politicians and pétomanes to be crowned the most awful child.
See what happens when international insouciance meets infantile exuberance.
A big hit at Edinburgh Fringe and many other festivals, the multi-award-winning comic channels his acerbic humour and quickfire wit into a series of tasks for the younger generation, which is every bit as entertaining for adults as it is for children.
“An absolute gem... If you don’t have kids, borrow someone else’s... a treat from beginning to end”
★★★★★
Edinburgh Festivals magazine
‘Pitched perfectly... incredibly witty and dry, ensuring adults are kept completely entertained... hilarious”
★★★★★
Edinburgh Festivals For Kids
“An hour with something for everyone... the kids aren’t the only ones having a ball.... I can’t recommend this show more to kids and parents... insanely funny"
★★★★
The Scotsman
“An unforgettable experience... interactive and uproarious... appeals to both young and old... A must-see”
Edinburgh With Kids
“A real highlight of Edinburgh Fringe for the entire Horne family. Très funny”
Alex Horne, Taskmaster -
Comedy Club 4 Kids (lots of silly comedians in one show!)
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Line-up includes: Bec Hill, Esyllt Sears, Shelf, Darryl Carrington
Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups, sketch acts and cabaret stars from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits!
Twenty years later, the company has expanded from one London residency to being countrywide, running shows and workshops all over the UK from Peebles to Portsmouth, even producing a book on how to write and perform stand-up, and hosting our own Radio Nonsense podcast to bring the sillies to families all over the world. The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it's just like a normal comedy club, but it's on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of the entire audience claiming to be called Bob.
Suitable for ages 6+.
Adults to sit with children in their party (and help explain anything they get stuck on).Group bookings to contain at least one adult for every three kids."A highlight for children in recent years, giving them a taste of some of the biggest names in comedy... with the fun, rowdy feel of a real comedy club" - The Guardian
"Absolutely hilarious." - The Yorkshire Times
"The perfect way to entertain the whole family." - Three Weeks
"All in all this show was great." - The Scotsman
"Comedy Club 4 Kids has stand-up sets from grown-up, high-quality acts who perform their usual sets, just without the swearing or rude bits." - The Independent
"...plenty of full on laughs and tears of enjoyment from parents" - Families Edinburgh -
Time: 07/06/25 @14:00-15:00
Venue: Theatre Alibi
OLAF FALAFEL’S STUPIDEST SUPER STUPID SHOW SO FAR
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OLAF FALAFEL’S STUPIDEST SUPER STUPID SHOW SO FAR
Winner of the Best Kids’ Show at the 2024 Leicester Comedy Festival
After a sell out run at last year’s Fringe, comedian and children's author Olaf Falafel is dishing up another frying pan full of family-friendly comedy.
The comedy show comedians take their kids to is back and even funnier! Join Olaf Falafel (if that is his real name) for an hour of kid's comedy which will be the stupidest he has ever let trickle from his brain. Expect sausage birds, radioactive bogies and truth-telling cheese. There will definitely be a time-travelling portal to the future, some farts and a live drawalong.
Be there or be a dodecahedron!Time Out Top 10 Kids' Shows 2024
The Times Edinburgh Festival Family Highlights 2024
"Olaf is a very funny plonker and I fully recommend taking your family to see this plonker so they can learn that being a plonker is one of the most fun things in the world" Alex Horne
“Olaf Falafel is a perfectly ridiculous festival must see” Shaparak Khorsandi
“Olaf strikes that brilliant comic balance of producing a show that can be enjoyed throughout by kids and grown ups. Me and me son loved it!” Chris Ramsey
“My son’s favourite comedian at the fringe, which is upsetting given my profession.” Geoff Norcott
“Very very very silly” Josie Long
"Superbly idiotic, and idiotically superb" Stuart Goldsmith
“Finely-crafted idiocy” Mark Watson
"A sprawling bungalow of blissful belly laughs.” ★★★★★ Get Your Coats On
“Go see this show. Especially if you are with children!” ★★★★★ Phoenix Remix
“This show is disruptive, daft and downright brilliant. Take your kids. Twice.”★★★★ Everything Theatre -
Shelf: The Kids Show
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Join best friends Rachel and Ruby for a kids’ comedy show that’s fun for all the family!
Full of sketches, songs, pranks and silliness, Rachel and Ruby use physical comedy and silly characters to bring sketch comedy to children of all ages – a fun way to explore emotions, friendship and shyness.
Winner: Best Kid’s Show at 2023 Leicester Comedy Festival. Over one million views on BBC Three.
"Sketch comedy for kids … Shelf pull it off with brio."
**** The Guardian
"This pair are instantly likeable; their confident and hilarious routines are brilliantly delivered and super entertaining for adults as well as kids."
**** The List -
Time: 07/06/25 @16:00-17:00
Venue: Theatre Alibi
Mark Watson Tries To Impress Kids, For Some Reason
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Well-known comedian Mark Watson, from Taskmaster, has never attempted a kids' show before. Somehow he's taken it into his head to try and do it in Exeter. This could be the only time it happens in his career.
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Time: 07/06/25 @11-12am
Venue: Theatre Alibi
OTHER EXCITING SHOWS IN THE CITY:
SPY MOVIE: THE PLAY!
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Agent Blonde has 24 hours to save the world. The only things standing in her way are dastardly villains, an outrageous plot, and… a lack of funding.
When Hollywood rejects her script, a frustrated screenwriter invites you, an audience of producers, to a one-night-only presentation of The Greatest Spy Movie (n)Ever Made! From two of the minds behind The New Musketeers (Trinity Theatre) and stars of The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Spy Movie: The Play! is a new hilarious homage to Bond movies and fringe theatre suitable for the whole family.
★★★★★
“Rollickingly fun and funny… our faces were aching with how much we were smiling”
Starburst★★★★★
“Masterfully crafted silliness”
West End Best Friend★★★★★
“Family-friendly…a must-see”
Adventures In Theatreland★★★★★
“Funny, silly, and entertaining”
Love The Fringe -
BRITS ABROAD: BANNED
WHAT IF…? A CELEBRATION OF CHILDREN’S STORIES
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From May 24th to May 31st, join us at Alibi for a magical celebration of children’s stories in all their forms. Each day of half term, we’ll dive into a different form of storytelling through a diverse line up of creative workshops and events.
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DATE: May 24th to May 31st
Venue: Theatre Alibi
FAIRYTALES, FABLES & OTHER ASSORTED NONSENSE:
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FAIRYTALES, FABLES & OTHER ASSORTED NONSENSE
Fairytales across the land live in fear. Fear for their lives, fear for their freedom and, most importantly, fear for their turnips. Why you ask? Because Little Red Riding Hood has taken control. The once sweet and innocent girl now rules The Fairy tale Woods with an iron fist and a mob of incompetent wolves. The woods need someone brave, someone bold, and someone daring to free them from this oppression. Unfortunately, they’ve only got Susan. Faced with tax collecting big bad wolves, radical talking pigs, and smorgasbords of poisoned fruit, Susan must try desperately to find a way to help the forest. If she starts a revolution along the way, well that can’t hurt anyone can it?
Susan must team up with familiar favourites from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Three Little Pigs, Cinderella and more to keep the literal wolves from the door. Ridiculous mishaps, outlandish love stories and a barnyard full of animals that won’t stop talking await in this riotous, rebellious comedy from Assembleth Theatre.
Fairytales, Fables & Other Assorted Nonsense is supported by Art Council England and Barbican Theatre Plymouth.
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DATE: May 29th
Venue: The Phoenix
STUART GOLDSMITH
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STUART GOLDSMITH
A BRAND NEW HOUR OF CLIMATE COMEDY
Internationally award-winning stand-up Stuart Goldsmith presents a brand-new hour of climate comedy.
As seen on Live At the Apollo (BBC), Conan (TBS) and As Yet Untitled (Dave) and Russell Howard’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). This hilarious show will take you through the biggest eco confessions, what has to happen next, and how to cope when the next unprecedented weather event starts to actually feel quite… precedented.
Part of Green Phoenix Festival
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DATE: JULY 6th
Venue: The Phoenix
AN ATTEMPT TO LOSE TIME
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Time is everywhere. We’re surrounded by it. We can’t escape it. Or can we…?
After five years of fast-paced burnt-out always-on city life, Miranda thought about time all the time – so she gave it up.
Musing on climate change, capitalism, human extinction and the ever-present threat that crabs might take over the world, this is the story of how Miranda left the city, took to the canals, travelled to a remote Scottish island and formed questionable relationships with moorhens in her quest to escape time.
In an offbeat mashup of storytelling, movement, existential angst and one outrageous musical number, Miranda will attempt to deconstruct and rebuild her own perception of time (and yours!) – all while wearing sparkly antlers.
An Attempt to Lose Time is a playful, surreal and surprising meditation on time blending the personal and the collective, a questioning of the status quo and an invitation to see time differently.
WINNER: Best Theatre, Adelaide Fringe Weekly Awards 2024
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DATE: May 30th
Venue: The Phoenix
TREVOR LOCK: HOW TO DRINK A GLASS OF WATER
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Trevor Lock brings his Edinburgh show How to Drink a Glass of Water to Exeter Phoenix.
UK comic Trevor Lock tours the world with his genre defying live comedy happenings.
Before that Trevor starred in all three seasons of BAFTA nominated and British Comedy Award winning Star Stories , both seasons of BBCs TMWRNJ with Lee and Herring and the Steve Coogan produced Brain Candy.
As a stand up he has toured with with Stewart Lee, Russell Brand and Paul Foot. He has also let his spare room to James Acaster, Josh Widdecombe and has addressed The Oxford Union on The Meaning of Life.
Trevor runs an ongoing mental health and creativity workshop called Reality Games and a coaching program for comedians of all levels called Joke Hospital.
The Scotsman has described his work as ‘Funny, moving and clever.’ TimeOut, simply as ‘hilarious’ and culture website Spoonfed thought he could ‘probably win an award for the most laughs in a minute.’
London Is Funny wrote “He has a totally unique wellspring of material. In a different class really.” The Sunday Times wrote of the ‘superbly comic writing’ of his plays on the Edinburgh Fringe. Kate Moss simply said “He walks like Dudley Moore and he talks like Peter Cook.”
Most of his recent shows are now free form improvised “events” or happenings such as Community Circle “the most fun you can have without taking your clothes off.”
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DATE: July 9th @6:30pm
Venue: The Phoenix
THE CEREMONY (PREVIEW)
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Welcome. Welcome to The Ceremony. Thank you. You’re welcome.
Playfully exploring ritual and tradition in the modern world, The Ceremony is an improvised, interactive ritual – part sermon, part group therapy, part comedy show. Not a cult.
Crafted afresh from audience responses, the show changes every single time it’s performed. We rummage through our collective pasts/presents/futures/other to see what kind of ceremony emerges. Or is that the ceremony? Who are we? What are we doing? Does this mean anything? What does meaning mean? Hmm.
Come in. Take a seat. Contemplate your life. Contemplate my life. Join me. And let The Ceremony begin…
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DATE: July 15th
Venue: The Phoenix