One of the many, many things to love about Brighton is that whatever kind of culture vulture you are, this lovely seaside town is almost guaranteed to have a festival to satisfy your intellectual needs.
So, if you love discovering the latest big thing in comedy, or if you just fancy checking out your all-time favourite comic on their latest billion-date world tour, then October is your month, as the Paramount Comedy Festival is rolling into the Brighton Dome, with all different types of hilarity to tickle your funny bone.
The line-up hosts an impressive number of Britain’s biggest names, including musical comedians Bill Bailey performing his ‘Remarkable Guide To The Orchestra’ with the BBC Concert Orchestra, and American Rich Hall, who is back to resurrect his much-loved alter ego Otis Lee Crenshaw, delighting audiences with songs about the life of a hard-drinking redneck in Tennessee. Other bright stars performing throughout include the master of dead-pan one liners Jimmy Carr, Irish funny man Ed Byrne and Perrier Award winner, creator of Channel 4’s ‘Black Books’ and all round grump Dylan Moran’s new show ‘What It Is’.
If you like your comedy a little more ladylike, then there’s plenty of both established and lesser known comediennes on the bill to show the blokes who’s boss. From Edinburgh Fringe favourite Lucy Porter (see our exclusive interview), to Zoe Lyons revelling in the confusion of modern times in her ‘Mangled Mantra of the Messed up Modern Mind’, to the ‘Funny Women’ tour hosted by Suzy Bennett, they’re all out to prove that women are funny.
As well as giving the already well established stars of comedy yet another stage on which to prove their worth, the Dome is set to play host to a plethora of rising talent. For fans of story telling comedy, radio star Terry Saunders is a star on the rise, and has been given the coveted ‘next big thing’ accolade on several occasions, whilst Perrier nominee Alex Horne’s mission to smuggle a brand new word into the dictionary is a must-see for those on the hunt for something a bit different.
Straight forward stand-up not for you? Not bothered by big names? If you’re up for something a wee bit different to kick off your festival experience, head to Voodoo Vaudeville’s Opening Night Party, where you’re guaranteed to be entertained by a unique blend of dance, comedy, cabaret and interactive animation.
If you’re still stuck for ideas, close your eyes, hover your finger over the program and pick something at random- your inner culture vulture will thank you!
