LOL! MANCHESTER - for the funny in the city

underconstruction

2010-01-19T11:14:00.002Z

LOL!M's Review of the Year: That was 2009... Bring on 2010!

2009-12-31T18:41:00.001Z

This year has indeed seen a mixed bag of events take place over the last 12 months.

Jason Manford's comedy career went through the stratosphere in 2009. He recorded his first Live DVD at the Manchester Apollo which has since gone on to sell tens of thousands of copies. He also developed "Walk on the Wildside" for BBC1 alongside Steve Edge (Star Stories, The Visit & The Cup). Jason and his Wife Catherine also became parents to twin Daughters.

XS Malarkey is now into it's 13th year and still gives members & punters alike excellent shows with big name comics for bargain prices.

Frog & Bucket turned 15 and expanded right across the North West with new venues open in Preston & Wigan

The Manchester Comedy Festival featured dozens of shows, may of which were sold out.

Cat Davies wins the very first LOL! Manchester's MCF Spirit Award for her promotion, efforts and organisation of events at both Fab Cafe & Tiger Lounge.

Graham Goring's "HEX, Lives & Videogames" won the LOL! Manchester award for best Manchester Comedy show.

Mick Ferry ventured to Edinburgh to perform his Debut Show at the Fringe

Peter Kay presents the Royal Variety Performance in Blackpool and announced his return to stand up. He subsequently sold out all 83 dates (including 30 dates at the MEN Arena between 2010/11) and became the fastest selling live comedy act of all time.

Will Petra Kay, Czech Republic's Number one Peter Kay Tribute Funnyman, be making a return soon too? We can only hope so. See a clip of him here in action!

In January, we reported that Comedian & Promoter Martin Cassidy had died. Dave Turquoise, who also worked alongside him as a street lighting inspector for the Highways Agency said "Martin was a great comedian and a great man. He was so generous and helpful to other comedians"

John Warburton graduates from the BBC's College of Comedy and gets the green light for his pilot show "The Inn Mates" to be produced for BBC Three.

In a Manchester Comedy first, LOL! Manchester reviews the Beat the Frog World Series final live ...as it happened. Read that review here.

All that and more kept many interested in the comedy happenings in the City of Manchester in 2009. So, what does 2010 have in store? Well, I guess you'll have to come back to the all new LOL! Manchester website on Monday 11th January to see what joys the new year brings.

Enjoy these last few hours of 2009 and we'll see you next year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Wayne Williams
Founder & Editor
LOL! Manchester - for the funny in the city

Email: manchester@thelolnetwork.com
Web: www.lolmanchester.co.uk

LOL! MANCHESTER is part of the LOL! NETWORK
www.thelolnetwork.com - Coming 2010

John Warburton gets the laughs Inn for new BBC3 Comedy

2009-11-21T14:54:00.000Z

One of Manchester's finest Comedians and Writers has been given a green light to make a pilot for a comedy he's been developing, thanks to a initiative which encourages new comedy writers. The new pilot sitcom titled "The Inn Mates" is written by Stand Up comedian John Warburton and is to be developed by BBC Comedy North in Manchester for exposure on BBC Three. The show is the first to come through the ranks of the Comedy College, a year long initiative set up by the BBC to give help & support to new comedy writers.

The show centres around the King’s Ransom, a pub where the viewers get to witness the happenings of the Sunday lunch time crowd, some who are friends and other who are strangers. John said on hearing the news "The College of Comedy is a superlative scheme, it has been invaluable to me as a writer in terms of learning and support. I'm incredibly chuffed the BBC have decided to pilot this. Over the last 20 years I have spent a great deal of time drinking in pubs in the name of research and this means I can now claim the whole lot back against tax."

The show has been commissioned by BBC3 controller Danny Cohen and Cheryl Taylor, who is the controller of comedy commissioning at the BBC based in Manchester. Jon Mountague, who heads up BBC Comedy North, will be one of the executive producers and those of you who are familiar with Jon's work will know that he has been behind some great comedy shows including the BAFTA nominated Funland, Ideal with Johnny Vegas, the RTS nominated We Are Klang and Gavin and Stacey.

The pilot episode will be made by BBC Comedy North in Manchester. To follow the progress of John's new journey, visit his blog called Scroobler where he'll give you the low down on this and other projects he's working on

Big pay-day for Kay & CiN as Tour extends to 20 days at the M.E.N Arena

2009-11-21T14:07:00.000Z

Peter Kay has now set a record for the most amount of dates one act has performed at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

The Tour that doesn't Tour Tour, which was originally set for four dates at the venue has now been extended to a massive Twenty shows, which will no doubt make it a bumper pay for the performer as well as Children in Need. Kay announced last night on the BBC charity show that £1 from every piece of merchandise sold at his shows will go to CiN, as well as all the proceeds from the two years in the making official Children in Need single & video he was also involved in.

Here are the dates announced so far...

APRIL: 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th

MAY: 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st & 22nd.

Tickets are available on the Ticketmaster website.

Kay sets up 4 date residence at M.E.N Arena

2009-11-20T18:57:00.009Z

Peter Kay has announced that he is to perform four dates as part of a residency at the M.E.N. Arena in April next year. It's the Bolton comic's return to stand-up after a seven year absence after last playing the Arena with his final date of his "My Mum wants a Bungalow" tour in back in 2003.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Saturday 21st November) at 11am for the four shows taking place on April 27, 28, 29 and 30. If his last run of shows are anything to go by, they are almost definitely going to be snapped up in record time. It has been rumored that he might be playing as many as ten shows which would take him right through to May. Even the websites www.peterkay.co.uk and www.men-arena.com went down for a period of time today due to people wanting tickets before they were available!

It was revealed in an interview with the Manchester Evening News earlier today that these residency shows have been almost a year in the making as the idea was that of the General Manager of the M.E.N. Arena, John Knight. In the Manchester Evening News, John is quoted as saying: "This is a groundbreaking deal in the industry. I first suggested to Peter over a year ago that when he was ready to perform live again he should simply take over this Arena for a run instead of trekking round the country every night. It means that SMG, the operators of the Arena, are promoting the shows directly with Peter. We are working closely together on all aspects of the event - plus he gets to sleep in his own bed every night!"

There is no doubt that fans from all over the UK will swarm to Manchester which will also be seen as a massive economic boost for the City.

So, wanna chance of seeing the man in action? Tickets cost £35 so you'd best get yourselves to the Ticketmaster website from 11am or call the M.E.N Arena directly on 0844 847 8000. If more dates are announced, we will let you know as soon as humanly possible.

UPDATE: As predicted, he has added 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th May to his list of dates. Tickets are selling quickly on the Ticketmaster website.

Kay and Massive are the Big RTS North West award winners

2009-11-17T20:11:00.000Z

The winners of the North West Royal Television Society awards were announced at a Gala Event in the Manchester Hilton last Saturday night and, as promised, here are the winners of the categories dedicated to Comedy.

The Best Performance in a Comedy award went to
Beverly Rudd in Massive for her role as Tina (on half of HearKittyKitty) on BBC Three.

Peter Kay's
Britain’s Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soap
Star Superstar Strictly on Ice picked up the Best Comedy Programme gong for Lion Eyes Television & Channel 4.

LOL! EXCLUSIVE: Live Comedy at Tiger Tiger Manchester from December.

2009-11-12T07:43:00.000Z

Some exciting news has come our way at LOL! Towers. It has been announced that Tiger Tiger at the Printworks are launching a new comedy night in Manchester from Saturday 12th December. The Big Night Out Comedy Clubs who already have three very successful Comedy outlets in London, including the one at their venue on Leicester Square, are making their way up North to entertain the people of fair Manchester.

The new nights will be taking place on Saturday 12th December & Saturday 19th December as well as a big New Years Eve show they have planned for the 31st December. Tickets for the shows are priced at £10 and are available in advance online via the Ticketweb Service. Tickets for the New Years show will priced differently. See Ticketweb for details. Admission includes the live stand up show and then you can party on until 3am at Tiger Tiger.

No line ups have been announced just yet but it is expected that they should be released within the next week or so. We've got our finger on the pulse of this new night so as soon as we know who's playing the dates above, you will too. London's Time Out describes the Big Night Out Comedy Clubs as the best clubs in London. Lets see what Manchester makes of them.

Klang, Slaterwood, Ideal & Massive up for RTS Comedy Awards

2009-11-10T16:01:00.004Z

Getting an award is nice, isn’t it? We’ve just given out some of our own in the last few days so imagine it when the Royal Television Society rolls into Manchester to give out some of theirs for programme making in the North West. The list of those nominated this year features some of the biggest names in TV, both Locally & Nationally. The RTS has released the list of Nominees for the 2009 awards which include two categories for Comedy – Best Performance in a Comedy Series and Best Comedy Series. The awards are being presenting by Comedian John Bishop at the annual ceremony being held this Saturday 14th November at the Hilton on Deansgate.

Nominees from the 21 categories include shows like The Street, Cutting Edge, Dragons’ Den, Celebrity Mastermind and Shameless. Our comedy hopefuls are in the following two categories.

Best Performance in a Comedy

Graham Duff for Ideal - BBC Comedy North & Baby Cow Manchester for BBC Three
Lorraine Cheshire for Massive - BBC Comedy North for BBC Three
Beverly Rudd for Massive - BBC Comedy North for BBC Three
Greg Davies for We are Klang - BBC Comedy North for BBC Three

Our Prediction: Massive have two nominees and is up against the might of the Creator of Ideal himself. Our money is on the Deputy Mayor of Klangbury (a.k.a Stalybridge) himself, Greg Davies.

Best Comedy Programme

Slaterwood - Channel K Ltd for Channel 4 Comedy Lab
Ideal - BBC Comedy North & Baby Cow Manchester for BBC Three
Britain’s Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soap Star Superstar Strictly on Ice - Lion Eyes Television for ITV1
Michael MacIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow - Open Mike Productions for BBC One

Our Prediction: There are a lot of Big Guns in this category but we're backing Slaterwood all the way Baby!

All the best to those nominated. We'll report back here Monday with the prestigious winners from the night!

Who won the Best Show award at this years Manchester Comedy Festival?

2009-11-09T12:49:00.000Z

We are proud to announce that the winner of the LOL! Award for Best Show at the 2009 Manchester Comedy Festival is...

Graham Goring: HEX, Lives and Videogames

Graham won with 23% of the vote followed closely by Lady Garden & Idiots of Ants. Many congratulations to him on what was a hilarious and fully interactive show.

In another announcement, we at LOL! Manchester are also giving an award nominated by ourselves for who we thought embraced and captured the spirit of the Manchester Comedy Festival. The inaugral MCF Spirit award goes to Cats Cradle Comedy. Producer Cat Davies and her teams at both Fab Cafe & Tiger Lounge worked tirelessly to make all the shows run like clockwork and to schedule. With all the months of pre-planning and utter dedication to the festival, she can definately feel proud of the programme of shows she put together.

Congratulations to both Graham & Cat, and well done to all the other Comedians, Performers, Promoters and all the Venues & their staff for their full support during the 2009 Manchester Comedy Festival. A massive thanks goes out to Don Ward, Anna Greenwood and everyone else behind the Festival for orgainising it.

TONIGHT: Mick Sergeant presents W.A.R.T and all at the Lass O'Gowrie

2009-10-29T07:40:00.001Z

We Accept Raw Talent is back once again with one hour of the very best in local community entertainment at the Lass O'Gowrie.

Your host of the proceedings Mick Sergeant will be introducing...

Mexican maestro, The Bass Man on Guitar

Joke machine' King of the one liners

Spook chaser, Sir Arthur Conan the Barabarian (Fresh from his Manchester Comedy Festival show)

and

Up and coming pop combo, Steph and Stephanie.

City Life described the W.A.R.T Show as a "rollercoaster of side-splitting character based sketches *****

The Lass O'Gowrie is on Charles Street,
Manchester (opposite the side entrance to BBC Manchester) Starts at 8.30pm and admission is Free.

Cap't Cook steps into Admiral Hadoke's shoes at XS Tomorrow

2009-10-26T16:06:00.000Z

It would appear that Toby Hadoke is being all jet set & ting and flying off to sunnier climates with Mrs Hadoke. So who might the stand in Cap't of the good ship XS Malarkey in his absence this Tuesday? Ahoy there, it be Jason Cook and he's taking time out of his "Fear" tour to steer the show through the night. On board for the journey are Leo Gallagher and Chris Mayo, plus its a double headliner night - Arrrrh!!!*

Appearing on stage is the amazingly funny Swede in UK residence Henrik Elmer who according to the Guardian "speaks far better English than most of his British-born colleague" and Trevor Lock who you may have seen in the Channel 4's BAFTA Award winning show "Star Stories" alongside Kevin Bishop & Steve Edge.

XS Malarkey prides itself on its Non Profit making ethos which in turns give the audiences at Remedy a better show and much bigger acts! Admission on the night is £5 Non Members or £2 for Members. If you wish to take on Membership, then all it will cost you is £7 on the night but then all subsequent visits with be £2. Yahoo!

You can also buy tickets online at Ticketweb.co.uk or call them on 08700 600 100 to make a booking.

XS Malarkey @ Remedy (Next to Sainsburys), Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, Manchester

* Mundo apologies for the nautical references throughout, Jason Cook used to serve in the Merchant Navy. FACT!

...and we're off! - Vote now for your favourite Manchester Comedy Festival show

2009-10-26T10:56:00.002Z

Well, its not that time of year again just yet but we are bringing forward the award for Best Show at this year's Manchester Comedy Festival. Last year, it was won by Jason Cook for his hit show Joy. This show has now been seen by many people across the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Will the next winner of the Award have the same success?

Voting is now underway and will close at Midnight on Friday 6th November.

Please note that large scale touring shows, including the ones taking place at the MEN Arena and Manchester Apollo during the Festival are not qualified for this award. This is because they come under the category of the Best Touring show in the main awards, which will be announced in January 2010. Regular shows which exist outside of the Manchester Comedy Festival and Showcase Events are not included in these awards. Also, any act without a theme or title for their show is not included which may include some acts who do what is known as "Double Header" show.

Go to www.lolcomedyawards.co.uk and vote now for your favourite!!!

MCF09 UPDATE: ALL SHOWS AT THE TOWN HALL TAVERN SUBJECT TO 40 MINS DELAY.

2009-10-24T16:03:00.002+01:00

Just a quick update for you all. I'm with Tom Read over at the Town Hall Tavern on Tib Lane and unfortunately due to Mackenzie Taylor, the performer of the first show, being stuck in traffic all the following shows are subject to a delay of 40 minutes. There intervals between each show which will be shortened from 30 minutes so it will hopefully be back on track by the last show.

Tom and all the guys doing shows at the venue apologise for the delay but promise you its gonna be a great evenings entertainment and its all Free Entry too!

Our apologies

2009-10-23T17:59:00.001+01:00

Hello Manchester Comedy fans!

We hope you've been enjoying our coverage of this year's Manchester Comedy Festival. As you will have seen, there has been many shows taking place. We have prided ourselves of getting news and competitions to you as quick as possible but over yesterday evening and today, our ability to update LOL! Manchester has been limited.

We apologise to all of our readers and we thank you for your support!

MCF09 News: WIN Tickets for Upfont Comedy at the Green Room - Saturday

2009-10-23T13:44:00.004+01:00

LOL! Manchester have got together with the Green Room on Whitworth Street to give you the chance to see some great stand up comedy on the Penultimate night of the Manchester Comedy Festival

Upfront Comedy presents a line up of four of the very best comics that have graced our screens on MTV and the BBC, while another has flown over direct from New York City! On the Bill is...

Leo Mohammed (BBC1's The Real McCoy)

John Simmit (Radio 1's The Guest List)

Jason Patterson ("Patterson’s likeable yet authoritative stage presence is thoroughly engaging" - Chortle)

and

Lewis Schaffer ("Wickedly smarmy" - The Hollywood Reporter)

Tickets are £9 & £6 for concessions, although if you call the Green Room's Box Office and can tell them the name of the Teletubbie John Simmit plays, you can get tickets for £6! BUT WAIT!!!!

We're given you the chance to get a pair of tickets for free! All you need to do is drop us an email at manchester@thelolnetwork.com with your name & contact number and at Noon tomorrow we will pick a winner!

TONIGHT AT THE GREENROOM: The Mother's Ruin Variety night takes over the whole bar at the Greenroom with performance cabaret from the Bearded Lady and host Timberlina plus house jazz band Quatertime. Guests include...

Topping & Butch ("Fabulous" - ***** The Scotsman. "Edgily funny" - Evening Standard).

Bourgeois & Maurice ("Do whatever you have to do to get a ticket: sell your gran, your body, your soul." - Time Out)

and

Dickie Beau.

No pre-paid tickets needed as its pay on the door. Admission is £5 and £4 concessions

Tel: 0161 615 0500

Web: www.greenroomarts.org

The Friday Funny Fix - 23/10/09: Michael J Dolan

2009-10-23T13:33:00.000+01:00

Michael J Dolan - Recorded live at XS Malarkey, February 2009

Visit Michael's MySpace page

LOL! News: BBC1's Outtake TV recording at Granada Studios TONIGHT!

2009-10-21T15:15:00.004+01:00

A great opportunity has been forwarded onto us courtesy of the team over at Manchester Comedy Festival HQ. Comedian Rufus Hound is recording Outtake TV for BBC1 at Granada Studios on Quay Street today 5.00pm & 6.30pm and you could be in the audience. Watch as he presents gaffes and laughs as those Beeb Professionals fluff up lines, trip over their words and generally make utter idiots of themselves, all for the name of TV. If you can make it to Granada Studios this evening at either 5.00pm or 6.30pm, you will be in with a chance of seeing Rufus at his best, for FREE!

www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

MCF09 News: WIN tickets to Jason Cook's "Fear" show tomorrow

2009-10-20T16:26:00.008+01:00

Here we are again, giving you more free entry opportunities to see another top show at the Manchester Comedy Festival.

Tomorrow night Jason Cook will be performing his critically acclaimed show "Fear" at the Frog and Bucket on Oldham Street. He won many awards last year, including the inaugral LOL! Comedy Award for Best Show at the MCF for his show "Joy" but with the impending announcement of this year's Award on Thursday can he keep a hold of the title two years in a row?

Anyhows, the Frog and Bucket have kindly given us a pair of tickets to give away for the show, which also gets you into the "Late Night Asylum" show straight after at 10.30pm. So thats two shows for the price of Free! To win them all you have to do is tell us what the name of Jason's first solo show called? Was it...

1) My Humps
2) My Confessions
3) My Sherona

Drop your answer, your name and contact telephone number on an email to manchester@thelolnetwork.com by Noon on Wednesday 21st October (tomorrow) and you could spending a very entertaining evening in the company of the quickwitted Geordie Storyteller.

UPDATE: The winner of the Tickets tonight is Dave McKerral. Congratulations & enjoy the show!

LOL! News: Dave Spikey @ Waterstones, Trafford Centre

2009-10-20T16:06:00.005+01:00

He Took My Kidney, Then Broke My Heart

Waterstones @ the Trafford Centre

Saturday 28th November 2009 @ 1:00pm

The hilarious Dave Spikey will be at the Trafford Centre store on Saturday 28th November 2009 from 1pm signing copies of his new book "He took my kidney then broke my heart." Dont miss out on meeting Dave and getting a signed copy of his book!

Further details: 0161 749 8623

Details provided by Waterstones.co.uk

MCF09 News: Al Pitcher at the Dancehouse tonight - Tickets: £12 & £10

2009-10-20T14:13:00.001+01:00

We received a message from a reader of the site saying that Al's show has been cancelled. Well, we've been in touch with Dave at the Dancehouse and Russell at Objective Management (Al's People) and we can assure you that the show is very much still on! The man himself in fact has been on XFM Manchester & BBC Radio Manchester today plugging the show.

There aren't any online tickets available but you can contact the Box Office by emailing them your contact details at boxoffice@thedancehouse.co.uk (Their phone number 0161 237 9753 is down at the moment) and they will call you back. Tickets are priced at £12 and £10 concessions.

MCF09 News: Toby Hadoke brings on the Funny at XS

2009-10-20T07:17:00.006+01:00

The news of XS Malarkey's line up on Tuesday is deeply shocking. It would be tragic but not uninevitable if any of these young stars died pointlessly (they became stand-ups, they knew the risks, a comedian risks dying onstage like a gay risks dying of AIDS in a yard or disco dancing in the nude).

MICK FERRY, the headline act, may well be funny, but who knows whether his humour is just the rssult of a dark appetite, fractured by private vice. He may well be one of the best comedians to have sprung from the Manchester circuit in recent years, having notched up an appearance on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow (a programme aired on the BBC, so no doubt the offspring of some disgusting tryst between a lefty, a Muslim and a bisexual). He's riding high at the moment, but surely it won't be long before his dark, showbiz lifestyle leaves him bleeding dead in an alleyway after smoking crack heroin and bingeing on poppers. Just like those other comedians Chris Farley, Kenny Everett and Dustin Gee. They were comedians, now they're dead. Following that logic, all comedians will die, and the specific cause will be the fact that they are comedians no matter what some so-called coroner might say (note that coroner rhymes with foreigner and shiver at the
implications).

The supporting act is a self confessed gay man (so is George Michael, and look, he did rude things in a loo and smokes the ganja-weed, so it's common sense to assume this man does too). His name is JONATHAN PAYLOR. His experience as a comic all over the UK should be ingored in favour of dwelling on his sexuality. He was forced to come out of the closet many years ago when he decided to of his own free will.

The other acts are PETER BIRCH and RED REDMOND. I don't know anything about Red, but his name is the same as that of the colour that represents the Labour Party, so he's probably a back street abortionist who wants to make your children wear burkhas. Peter Birch is very funny indeed, and recent eyewitnesses have attested to that fact. But who needs witnesses and evidence? Based on nothing, I'll assume that he's a sleazy malcontent who'd give herpes to the Queen given half a chance.

I'd urge you all to see these acts revel in their own depravity on Tuesday at XS Malarkey. I won't be there. I couldn't bear it if I had to write about something I'd actually experienced. It's much easier to make it up.

Jan Moir, The Daily Mail, 19th Oct 2010

P.S. Just because you tell lies and make half arsed and prejudicial statements about gays doesn't mean you're homophobic.

Entry to XS Malarkey costs £2 for members, £5 for non members and £7 if you sign up for life membership.

Written by Toby Hadoke. First published on the Manchester Comedy Forum

MCF09 Special: As it happens... Beat the Frog World Series Grand Final

2009-10-19T20:05:00.013+01:00

The Grand Final of Beat the Frog's World series is now under way. Although you might not be here to feel the atmosphere of the Finale of this annual competition which only happens during the Manchester Comedy Festival, LOL! Manchester will provide you with our review of the show AS IT HAPPENS! Just refresh this page for our Micro Review throughout the show.

The compere for the night is Jason Cook, plus there is a headline set from
very special guest, Seymour Mace.

The acts who have battled through to be in the Final are...

Tim Bradbury
Starts off with cheeky laugh. Very sure of his very comical beatboxing skills and is animated all the way through his 5. Tom and Tim are neck & neck at the moment in my opinion, but the audience decide. 10.04pm

Tom Goodliffe
Ooh! Tom has just up'd the standard for the night. This tall hairy accountant turned comic goes with the Maths styled Rapping and plays it like it ain't no thang. 9.59pm

Sal Stephens
The Cheeky Londoner done good. A Man who suffers from Puppy love and regales the crowd with skits of Coils & mishaps with Henry Hoovers. Spot on delivery throughout. 9.15pm.

Raymond Bradshaw
Very funny Glaswegian comic. Had brilliant moments during his 5 including his tip on consoling his Girlfriend and his statistics on the Jacksons. Best so far in my opinion. 9.08pm

Andrew Crawford
The Lanky camp "not gay" funnyfellow tells his tales of his Dad pretenting to be his Mum & emergency procedures on trains. Very likeable and the audience seem to like him too. States that the acts on the Bill are very good. Are they better than him? 9.01pm

Adam Staunton
Easily the shortest comic & Hogwarts student on the night. Is he the funniest? A lot of the audience seem to think so. He keeps his gags mainly within the Family amusing tales they are. 10.11pm

Katie Mulgrew
This Lady, and the only female on the Bill, got funny bones. The audience really do like her, a lot! She ponders on what Angels dress as on Hen Parties and chats on the Perils on speed dating. Katie seriously can give the mainly male line up a run for the main prize. 9.51pm

Shaun Paczkowski
Arrived by Motorcycle with Sanitary Towel in Pants. Very rare is there a comic sure of his sexual prowess but not when Spotify interrupt him in action. Shaun gained good laughs during his 5. A contender for the title? 8.55pm

OK, all the acts have delivered their 5 minutes of stand up. Now, the audience decide who is the worthy act of the night to walk away with a paid weekend of gigs at the Frog & Bucket, a cash prize of £250 and the Coveted title of the Champion of the Beat the Frog World Series. With City Life Comedian of the Year not taking place this year, this is the only competition of the Festival and what a competition it is! Seymour Mace will take to the stage as the votes are counted. Keep your eyes peeled people.

3rd Place: Adam Stanton
2nd Place: Tim Bradbury

AND THE WINNER IS...

Tom Goodliffe. Definately worthy of the Title.

Feature: Michael Thornton - Kiss, Boiled, Scrambled or other?

2009-10-19T15:23:00.005+01:00

Each week, we'll be running this new feature on LOL! Manchester. For our inaugral Q&A, we posed 7 questions in the direction of LOL! New Act award nominee Michael Thornton. He's got a show on tonight at Tiger Lounge titled "Lies & Death" - Here are his words...

What made you get into stand up comedy?
I used to go to XS Malarkey every week and after a while I found myself thinking about how I would approach stand-up. So one day I was mad with my girlfriend about something trivial and decided to sign up for Beat The Frog to spite her. It went fairly well, and I'm still doing it today.

Have you ever had anything funny happen to you on the way to a gig?
No, but I standing outside a gig in Nottingham and someone told me I was about as funny as those guys who draw satirical cartoons in newspapers. Someone last week also told me I'm "a bit like David Cameron but from Levenshulme". I don't know which is worse.

What is the shittest gag you've ever heard?
"I refuse to pay cash machine prices. It's a pointless charge. I'm a hollow-cost denier." - Early Thornton out-take, there!

How do you like your eggs in the morning?
Late. I've probably been up before noon about six times this year.

Whats the best thing that's happened to you in your comedy career so far?
The first time I played XS Malarkey was very special. It's probably everyone's favourite gig, and I just love doing it.

Who would you class as your comedy heroes?
I was a big Bill Hicks fan when I was younger and thought comedy could "change the world, man", so I guess he counts. Now I like guys like Stewart Lee and Hans Teeuwen. As far as Manchester-based acts go, Toby Hadoke, Jason Cook and Phil Ellis are all brilliant.

What is your show about?
It's basically a show where I spend half my time talking about lies and hypocrisies, but then I switch it around and talk about how I'm just as big a liar as anybody. I've tried to make the show as personal as possible, but on my terms. There are at least five jokes.

Michael Thornton: Lies & Death tonight at Cats Cradle Comedy @ Tiger Lounge, Fountain Street, Manchester at 8.15pm. This is a double header with John Thorp's Rich Tapestry of Nothing. The £5 admission also gets you into see Daliso Chaponda's acclaimed show "An African Perspective – Westerner’s Calm Down!"

MCF09 News: WIN tickets to see Al Pitcher at the Dancehouse tomorrow night

2009-10-19T09:20:00.009+01:00

We're giving one lucky reader of the site the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Al Pitcher's Picture Show tomorrow night at the Dancehouse Theatre (Tuesday 19th October). This highly acclaimed show comes direct from the Edinburgh Fringe and fresh from sell-out shows in Australia and New Zealand. Al Pitcher's multi-award winning show lands in Manchester as part of an extended UK tour.

As he goes about his life Al sees a lot of ordinary things, but he never sees them in an ordinary way. His mind is a seething ball of snakes, constantly twisting, flipping, and distorting. Turning the mundane insane, nothing is ever humdrum in the head of Al Pitcher.

Now he's on a mission to show people his way of seeing the world, inviting them to escape the monotony of their everyday lives. During the day, before the show, Al will venture into Manchester, armed with a digital camera, to capture the world as he sees it. That night, Al will then weave the day's events into a truly unique and hilarious show, complete with his photographic evidence. Every day we see things we've never seen before, things that strike us as odd or beautiful. But when these become repetitive, we no longer even notice them. Al believes that if we all stopped and took a moment to take in the world around us, we could give ourselves the chance to let a little bit more joy into our lives.

Many comics will tell you that a 'funny thing happened on the way to the gig'. In The Al Pitcher Picture Show, Al has the pictures to prove it. There are no second takes, no editing - this is freewheeling, spontaneous and unmistakably live comedy at its best, from one of the freshest and most innovative voices of the stand up circuit.

Al's show has been described by Time Out London as "A truly unique and hilarious show. Don't miss your chance to catch one of the true gems of the comedy scene" and the Sydney Morning Herald said "Freewheeling genius and Midas-like ability to make the most jaundiced audiences see their world anew"

If you want a chance at winning that pair of tickets, all you need to do is drop us an email to manchester@thelolnetwork.com with "PITCHER'S PICTURE SHOW" in the subject heading, along with your name and contact telephone number. One winner will be picked at random at 6pm (our deadline) today and contacted this evening. If you're not fortunate to win the tickets, they are still available from the Dancehouse. They're priced at £12 and £10 Concessions. Call Ticketline now on 0161 832 1111.

Good luck y'all!

Ooh, whats this you hear?

2009-10-18T11:45:00.003+01:00

Coming Soon

ADVERTISMENT - COMEDYSPORTZ HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

2009-10-18T09:09:00.004+01:00

Please note: This show replaces the ComedySportz UK vs USA special at the Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks as part of the Manchester Comedy Festival

MCF09 News: Richard Herring - Hitler Moustache at the Frog & Bucket - SOLD OUT!

2009-10-18T09:08:00.005+01:00

We caught up with Lee Martin from the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club on Saturday night at Sir Arthur Conan the Barbarian's show at XS Malarkey. He told us that Richard Herring's show, Hitler Moustache at the Frog this Tuesday 20th October has sold out, in fact it was a sell out some time ago.

Bad news for comedy fans but maybe something else that night may take your fancy instead. Check out the listings for Tuesday night for more info!

MCF09 News: No Online Tickets available for Joe Lycett - The People's Choice

2009-10-16T15:55:00.003+01:00

Joe Lycett, an LOL! Comedy Award nominee and Chortle Student Comedian of the Year has been in touch to let us know that the online ticket allocation for his show "The People's Choice" have sold out. Fret not though. He has assured us that there is a number of Tickets available on the door at Tiger Lounge on Fountain Street priced at £5, which also gets you into see...

Graham Goring: HEX, Lives & Videogames

and

Duncan Oakley’s Favourite Things

It's a bargain night of great comedy i'm sure you'll agree.

The Friday Funny Fix - 16/10/09: Peter Slater

2009-10-16T09:54:00.008+01:00

Peter Slater as Christopher Walken
As seen on Channel 4's Comedy Lab show "Slaterwood". Produced by Channel K in Manchester

LOL! Manchester's MCF09 Pick of the Day:
Peter can be seen as Sir Arthur Conan the Barbarian tonight at XS Malarkey @ Remedy in Fallowfield. Tickets are £5 or £2 if you have XS Membership. The show starts at 8pm.

MCF09 News: Our recommendations for the Best of the Fest

2009-10-15T06:52:00.005+01:00

Here it is folks! The Manchester Comedy Festival officially begins today. There are dozens of shows taking place over the next 11 days, so out of them we've picked our favourites and are giving them you as our recommendations of the Festival. So why not have a read at what's on and see which shows take your fancy!

Thursday 15th October

Cat’s Cradle Comedy presents: Ten Years of Empty Arrogance – Michael J Dolan

Tiger Lounge / 8.30pm (£5 - Includes entry to 9.45pm show - Patrick Monahan – Cowboys and Iranians)

One of Manchester’s smartest new comedians brings his debut show about paranoia, social anxiety, emotional fragility and massive helpings of self-delusion. Includes entry to 9.45pm show.
‘Cathartic for him, highly amusing for the rest of us.’ citylife.co.uk
‘I actually cried laughing.’ Wakefield Express

Friday 16th October

An Evening with Sir Arthur Conan The Barbarian

XS Malarkey @ Remedy/ 8pm (£5 / £2)

Join the master of horror Sir Arthur Conan the Barbarian (Peter Slater from BBC3s ‘Ideal’) in his quest to expose evil beings before your very eyes! An evening filled with tales of terror, magic and demonic laughter! Contains strong nonsense.

Saturday 17th October

Hans Teeuwen

The Dancehouse / 8pm (£12 / £10)

Hans Teeuwen is a Dutch comedian, actor, writer, a singer and director. His work can be described as absurdist, apolitical and confrontational.

Sunday 18th October

Brendan Burns: Comedy Good Yeah Silly Side C*nt

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£9)

No subject is a no-go for Burns, though far from ambulance chasing, this comic handles such sensitive topics with intelligence and a rare sense of accountability. Burns’ confrontational delivery belies the thoughtfulness of his material. A show not to be missed.

Cat’s Cradle Comedy @ Fab Cafe, Portland Street presents:

Phil Ellis & Chris Stokes

8.45pm (FREE)

An hour shared by rising circuit stars Chris Stokes (‘Very skilful, very smart material, a gag at each step’ Chortle) and Phil Ellis ('Brings to mind Harry Hill at his most chaotic' Chortle).

Withnail and I

Cornerhouse / 12pm (£5 / £3)

It’s London in the late '60s as two 'resting' actors drown their frustrations in booze, pills and lighter fluid. When Withnail’s Uncle Monty offers his cottage, they escape the squalor of their flat for a disastrous week in the country.

Monday 19th October

Cat’s Cradle Comedy @ Tiger Lounge, Fountain Street presents:

An African Perspective – Westerner’s Calm Down! – Daliso Chaponda

9.45pm (£5 - includes entrance to 8.15pm show)

A financial crisis? Terrorism? Obesity? Stop panicking! Malawian headliner Daliso aims to calm Westerners down. This is not a crisis, ask Zimbabwe! As seen on Paramount Comedy’s The World Stands Up.
‘An exhilarating tour de force’ Adelaide Now

Tuesday 20th October

Lady Garden and Idiots of Ants - Double header sketch show special

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£18 / £6)

Lady Garden
The hot new all-female sketch group, return to the Manchester Comedy Festival with their brand new show. A fast-paced, daring and surreal hour of comedy from six slightly disturbed young women. Winners of the inaugral LOL! Manchester new act award.
“One of the funniest, clever & sexy new sketch groups around” Time Out
“Excellent comic writing and comedy acting” Chortle

Idiots of Ants
Renowned for their off-kilter take on the world around them, Idiots of Ants have taken the comedy world by storm, having amassed millions of hits online with the most viewed BBC3 comedy clip on YouTube.
‘Very, very funny’ Evening Standard
'Very slick and very funny...marvellous' Time Out

Al Pitcher’s Picture Show

The Dancehouse / 8pm (£12 / £10)

Every day we see things we’ve never seen before, things that strike us as odd or beautiful. Not Al Pitcher. His mind is constantly twisting, flipping and distorting what he sees, igniting the mundane, into a truly unique and hilarious one-off show.

Wednesday 21st October

Jason Cook: FEAR

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£6 / £4)

Last year he brought "Joy", a total festival sell out. This year Jason examines "FEAR".
“A total Triumph” – ***** Time Out
“This is a joy to behold and a pleasure to have witnessed.” ***** The List
***** The Metro.
Winner of last year's LOL! Award for Best Manchester Comedy Festival show.

Lee Martin for Gag Reflex Management presents: Jason Cook’s Late Night Asylum

The Frog and Bucket / 10.30pm (£5 / £3 or free if attending Jason Cook: Fear)

MC Jason Cook presents another night at the Asylum. Guaranteed to be the best of the fest with amazing comics doing amazing things. A string of special guests, sketches, stunts and lots more….

Thursday 22nd October

David O’Doherty: David O Doh-Party

The Greenroom / 8pm (£9 / £6)

2008 if.comedy Award Winner at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. David O'Doherty, the Ryanair James Bond, the 1990 East Leinster under 14 triple jump bronze medallist, returns to the United Kingdom for his second ever tour.
“It’s truly delightful – a glistening stream of consciousness that turns mundanity to enchantment wherever it flows” ***** Metro

Cat’s Cradle Comedy presents: ‘BraHaHa’ in aid of The Eve Appeal

Fab Cafe / 8.30pm (£6)

An unforgettable night of tease, tassels and titters with proceeds going to The Eve Appeal gynaecological cancer research fund, featuring burlesque lovelies Lola Pops, Millie Dollar, Ivy Wilde, Twinkle Starr, Kitty Cointreau and special guests. Early booking advised.

Friday 23rd October

Comedy FX

The Royal Exchange Theatre / 6pm (FREE)

A full comedy show condensed into one hour serving up early evening giggles. With Seymour Mace, Jo Dakin, Gordon Smith and Des Sharples in the mix what are you waiting for? Get tucked in and fill your belly with laughs.

Saturday 24th October

ComedySportz One Week Premature Halloween Special

The Comedy Store / 5pm (£6 / £3)

Freedom Come, Freedom Go!

Town Hall Tavern, Tib Lane / 6.30pm (FREE)

90 days detention. Police upset by insects. Man arrested for chalking “Are we free?” on pavement. Stop and search outside Liberty exhibition. ID cards. CCTV. Snooping databases. Protest illegalised. Extradition. Torture. Tom Read tackles our disappearing freedoms and fights back.

Bloody Funny

The Dancehouse / 8pm (£12 / £10)

A one night only fundraising extravaganza of top class stand up, sketch and character acts. Jam packed funniness featuring Justin Moorhouse, Mrs Barbara Nice, Seymour Mace, Joe Lycett, Lady Garden and more special guests. All profits to Haemophilia Society India.

Sunday 25th October

Justin Moorhouse & Key 103 Gala Show

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£20)

Justin Moorhouse Gala Show for Key 103’s Manchester Kids

The Thirsty Scholar Comedy Club

Thirsty Scholar / 8pm (£5 / £4)

MC Rob Riley introduces Colin Manford, Paul Kerensa and John Bishop

MCF09 Competition: Lady Garden/Idiots of Ants tickets up for grabs!

2009-10-15T06:50:00.000+01:00

We've got together with Multitude Media to offer one lucky punter a pair of tickets to see Lady Garden, LOL! Manchester's Best new act winner last year, & Idiots of Ants at their joint sketch show extravaganza taking place at the Comedy Store in Manchester on Tuesday 20th October. Both the Ladies and the Gents of the live sketch show world have had amazing success in their own right at the Edinburgh Fringe this year so don't expect to see them perform together too much as i'm sure they will be touring in futute in their own respective groups.

All you need to do to get your hands on these tickets is to drop us an email at manchester@thelolnetwork.com with "LADYGARDEN/IDIOTS GIVEAWAY" in the Subject Heading before Midday on Sunday 18th October. We will pick a winner and announce them on here at 5pm that day. It's that easy!

Lady Garden
The hot new all-female sketch group, return to the Manchester Comedy Festival with their brand new show. A fast-paced, daring and surreal hour of comedy from six slightly disturbed young women.
“One of the funniest, clever & sexy new sketch groups around” Time Out
“Excellent comic writing and comedy acting” Chortle

Idiots of Ants
Renowned for their off-kilter take on the world around them, Idiots of Ants have taken the comedy world by storm, having amassed millions of hits online with the most viewed BBC3 comedy clip on YouTube.
“Very, very funny” Evening Standard
“Very slick and very funny...marvellous” Time Out

MCF09: John Pinette @ the Dancehouse Theatre - Cancelled

2009-10-14T13:08:00.002+01:00

Word has just reached us here at LOL! Towers that John Pinette's show at the Dancehouse this Friday 16th October has been cancelled due to illness. There is no word as yet to whether John will schedule in another date in the future but we'll let you know if he does.

We wish him a speedy recovery!

MCF09 News: Manchester Comedy Festival begins Tomorrow!

2009-10-14T08:09:00.003+01:00

That's right People. 11 days of mirthmas bestows itself on the City from tomorrow (Thursday 15th October), kicking off at the Comedy Store on Deansgate Locks with Rhod Gilbert and the Cat that looks like Nicholas Lyndhurst. We believe the gig is completely sold out but tickets that are returned maybe resold.

Later today we'll be giving you our recommendations of some of the shows and other comical gems to see during the festival.

MCF09 News: Beat the Frog World Series Final @ the Frog & Bucket

2009-10-13T17:20:00.000+01:00

Well, this is it. 40 acts in total performed in front of the crowds and the judges selected by
Heat comperes Dan Nightingale & Alex Boardman. Only 8 have made it through
to the World series Final this Monday 19th October. The winner gets a weekend's paid work
at the Frog & Bucket on Oldham Street and a Cash Prize!!!

Those acts vying for the title are...

Tim Bradbury
Tom Goodliffe
Ro Campbell
Raymond Bradshaw
Andrew Crawford
Adam Staunton
Katie Mulgrew
Shaun Paczkowski

The compere for the night is Jason Cook, plus there is a headline set from
very special guest, Seymour Mace. A stalward of the Manchester circuit,
Seymour has also appeared in all the current series of Ideal alongside
Johnny Vegas. it all kicks off @ 8.15pm. Entry is free but will be offered
to those who attended the 4 heats first.

As there is no City Life Comedian of the Year for 2009, the final of the BTF
World Series should be something very special indeed and not a show to be missed!

MCF09 Film News: Withnail & I @ the Cornerhouse

2009-10-13T07:21:00.002+01:00

This Sunday 18th October, the Cornerhouse in Manchester will be screening one of the best British cult classics from the 1980's. Withnail and I (Cert 15) stars Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths & Ralph Brown.

The film tells the story of two actors: Withnail, played by Richard E. Grant in his breakout performance and "I" portrayed by Paul McGann. Both of them drown their frustrations & sorrows with alcohol and drugs but upon hearing that Withnail's Uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) has offered them his cottage, they escape there for some form of hopeful splendor. Not all is as easy as planned as constant rain and a lack of food may prove that Withnail and his trusty companion don't have what it takes to survive in the English Countryside.

Empire Magazine calls Withnail and I "Incredibly Funny - *****"

The screening takes place at Midday this Sunday. Tickets can be purchased here online or from the Cornerhouse Box Office.

MCF09 News: ComedySportz One Week Premature Halloween Special

2009-10-12T18:19:00.000+01:00

A few days ago you might remember us saying that the ComedySportz UK vs USA show as part of the Manchester Comedy Festival has been cancelled. Well they've put together another show as a Halloween special taking place the week before. They promise great improvised comedy for all the family with some spooky games thrown in for good measure.

So, just to confirm... The ComedySportz Halloween Special takes place at the Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks on Saturday 24th October. Tickets are priced at £6 or £3 Concessions from www.thecomedystore.co.uk

Gig News: More tickets available for Russell Howard @ the MEN Arena in December

2009-10-12T16:45:00.007+01:00

Extra seats have just become available for Russell Howard's show at the MEN Arena on Friday 11th December. Due to popular demand, the Mock the Week regular will be performing in front of more people than expected. Tickets are £20 (plus any booking fees) and are available from the venue's website or calling the Box Office on 0844 847 8000. Tickets will be subject to booking fee.

LOL! News: Jo Brand and Al Murray book signings at the Arndale this month

2009-10-10T11:07:00.002+01:00

Here's something we've not reported before. In the next few weeks, WH Smith in the Arndale Centre are holding some book signing sessions with Jo Brand and Al Murray.

First up on Thursday 15th October between 12.30pm and 1.30pm is Jo Brand with her book "Look Back in Hunger". She is one of Britain's funniest and best-loved comedians. With a sharp eye for the absurd and in her own unique voice she tells her story for the first time. What possessed her to become a professional comedian in the cut-throat world of stand-up comedy after ten years as a psychiatric nurse? How did she deal with late night drunken audiences? Raised in middle class comfort, she left home in her teens to live with someone entirely inappropriate. Her parents were aghast at her behaviour and attempted to rein in her excesses, finally giving up when she demonstrated that she was not headed for the life of a nun. From her early years growing up in a small south coast town with two brothers who toughened her up, to emerging on stage as 'The Sea Monster', Jo Brand tells it like it is with wit, candour and a wonderful sense that life can be ridiculous but there's always a funny side.

Next up is Al Murray sighing his book "The Pub Landlord says Think Yourself British" on Wednesday 28th October from 1pm. This latest book is a follow up from his previous best seller, "The Pub Landlord's Book of British Common Sense".

"My last book was all about helping Great Britain get back on her feet by providing an injection of Common Sense to make up for all the balls and waffle we've been subjected to in this once great nation of ours. This time it's personal – I`m offering to step out from behind the taps here and try to show you the way."

"This time I'm giving you a man to man chat, a chance for you sit yourself down and stand on your own two feet. The first principle of Helping Yourself is this: in order to take one step forward, we must first take two steps backwards. Because you will only truly know that you are moving forwards if you have first seen what it's like to go backwards."

Al Murray is performing at the Manchester Apollo that evening from 7pm. Tickets are priced at £25 (not inc Booking or Transaction Fees) and are available from SeeTickets.co.uk.

Both books are available now from the WH Smith website and are also available in store.

LOL! Video of the Week: Marcel LuCont @ the Comedy Store

2009-10-10T08:55:00.004+01:00

Marcel LuCont (Filmed @ the Comedy Store, Manchester)

You can see Marcel perform at Couture Comedy @ the Manchester Museum on Friday4th December.

ADVERTISMENT - BLOODY FUNNY

2009-10-09T21:47:00.004+01:00

MSF09: Comedy at the Manchester Science Festival

2009-10-08T21:01:00.010+01:00

Between Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, venues across the City will play host to the Manchester Science Festival. From MOSI to the Manchester Museum, over 150 shows will make up the 9 day event. Below is information on two comedy shows that feature as part of the festival's line up, accompanied by venue and ticket price details.

It is rocket science?

Helen Keen loves space rockets. She brings their story to life with a fusion of stand-up comedy and tinfoil in her highly acclaimed solo show. With Space Nazis, Satanists and Aeronautical Engineers! It is rocket science! will take you on a whistle-stop tour around the great brains who put monkeys, ladies, dogs and gentlemen into orbit. “inspired… crisp sophisticated comedy” (The Guardian)

Date & time: Wednesday 28th October @ 7pm

Venue: Islington Mill

Audience: Adults

Booking info: Free. Booking required. Book online.

Contact: http://msfrocketscience.eventbrite.com

The Beagle has landed!

Celebrate Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday with comedy as The Missing, Inc. bring to life a wildly inaccurate account of Darwin’s voyage on HMS Beagle. This is no history lesson: the show is full of audience participation, songs and all-round silliness. In the words of The Missing, Inc... "You will learn nothing. Guaranteed.”

Date & time: Friday 30th October @ 7.pm

Venue: The Manchester Museum

Audience: Adults & Teenagers

Tickets: £3. To guarantee a seat please reserve your place on the museum booking and information line. Spaces may also be available on the day

Contact: 0161 275 2648

MCF09 News: ComedySportz UK vs USA show Cancelled

2009-10-08T07:37:00.004+01:00

Bron Edge from the ComedySportz Manchester team has been in touch with us to let you know that the upcoming UK vs USA show as part of the Manchester Comedy Festival has now been cancelled. The performance which was to be held at the Comedy Store, Deansgate Locks on Saturday 24th October will not take place due to US Players not being able to get to the UK because of red tape. The other shows taking place during the festival in Sale on Saturday 17th and in Bury on Saturday 24th are not affected & will happen as advertised.

However, to make up for the cancellation the Manchester team will be putting on a Halloween Special in it's place. When we get more details on this devilishly funny bunch of improvisors, you'll be first to know.

The 2009 LOL! Manchester Comedy Award for Best MCF Show announcement.

2009-09-29T21:17:00.002+01:00

Well, its not that time of year again just yet but we're gonna be bringing forward the award for Best Show at this year's Manchester Comedy Festival. Last year, it was won by Jason Cook for his hit show Joy. This show has now been seen by many people across the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Will the next winner of the Award have the same success?

Voting will begin on Monday 26th October and will close at Midnight on Friday 6th November. More details will be announced during the Comedy Festival so keep your eyes peeled until then!

Please note that larger touring shows taking place at the MEN Arena and Manchester Apollo during the Festival are not qualified for this award. This is because they come under the category of the Best Touring show in the main awards, which will be announced in January 2010.

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 Listings & Venues

2009-09-29T16:35:00.003+01:00

In just over two weeks time, the 2009 Manchester Comedy Festival begins it run. Taking place between Thursday 15th & Sunday 25th October, it takes in dozens of shows in over 20 venues spread right across the City and LOL! Manchester will be there too! Linked below are not only the dates but all the shows taking place on them. The line up of Local, National and International acts make it one of the best festivals yet!

Alas there is no City Life Comedian of the Year in 2009 but the organisers say that it will be back with a vengeance next year. If you see any shows and want to let us know what you thought of them or if you want to tell us about you Comedy Festival experience, then please do drop up an email at festival@thelolnetwork.com. We can also pass on any of your feedback to Performers, Venues and the organisers themselves.

Enjoy your MCF09!

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - The Venues

2009-09-29T16:13:00.008+01:00

Contact Theatre

Devas Street, Off Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA
Tel: 0161 274 0600
Website

Cornerhouse

70 Oxford St, Manchester, M1 5NH
Tel: 0161 200 1500
Website

Fab Cafe

111 Portland St, Manchester, M1 6DN
Tel: 0161 212 2997
Website

Folk Bar

169 - 171 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LN
Tel: 0161 445 2912

Fuel Cafe Bar

448 Wilmslow Rd , Withington, Manchester, M20 4AN
Tel: 0161 448 9702
Website

Lass O'Gowrie

36 Charles St, Manchester, M1
Tel: 0161 273 6932
Website

Lions

91 Market St, Stalybridge, Stockport, SK15 2AA
Tel: 0161 338 6048

MEN Arena

Victoria Station, Manchester, M3 1AR
Tel: 0161 847 8000
Website

Mother Macs

33 Back Piccadilly, Manchester, M4
Tel: 0161 236 1507

Salford Arts Theatre

Kemsing Walk, Off Liverpool Road, Salford, Manchester, M5 4BS
Tel: 0161 925 0111
Website

The Ape and Apple

28 John Dalton Street, Manchester, M2 6HQ
Tel: 0161 839 9624

The Apollo

Stockport Road, Manchester, M12 6AP
Tel: 08709 913 913
Website

The Comedy Lounge @ Opus

The Printworks, Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS
Tel: 0161 834 2414
Website

The Comedy Store

Arches 3 & 4 Deansgate Locks, Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5LH
Tel: 0161 839 9595
Website

The Dancehouse

10 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 5Q1
Tel: 0161 237 9753
Website

The Frog and Bucket

102 Oldham Street, Manchester, M4 1LJ
Tel: 0161 236 9805
Email: info@frogandbucket.com
Website

The Greenroom

54 - 56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5WW
Tel: 0161 615 0500
Website

The Iguana Bar

115 - 117 Manchester Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 9PG
Tel: 0161 881 9338
Website

The Met

Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW
Tel: 0161 767 2216
Website

The Royal Exchange Theatre

St Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
Tel: 0161 833 9833
Website

The Royal George

Manchester Rd, Greenfield, Saddleworth, OL3 7HX
Tel: 07874 152338
Website

The Zoo

126 Grosvenor St, Manchester, M1 7HL
Tel: 0161 274 4743

Tiger Lounge

5 Cooper Street, Manchester, M2 2FW
Website

Town Hall Tavern

20 Tib Lane, Manchester, M2 4JA
Tel: 0161 832 3550

Trof

2A Landcross Rd, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6NA
Tel: 0161 224 0467
Website

Waterside Arts Centre

Sale Waterside, Sale, Manchester, M33 7ZF
Tel: 0161 912 5616
Website

XS Malarkey

Remedy, Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6SS
Tel: 0161 257 2403
Website

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Sunday 25th October

2009-09-29T15:48:00.009+01:00

Damion Larkin - Cuddly Loser & Phil Ellis – Why I Bathe in Ajax

Fuel / 7.15pm (£4)

Damion Larkin - Cuddly Loser
He gave up a successful career in stockbroking to talk to strangers. Be wowed as this former Runner Up Citylife Comedian of the Year regales you with upbeat tales of incompetence, loneliness and failure tinged with a huge lust for life, chocolate and girls beyond his reach.
"One of the country top new comedians" BBC

Phil Ellis –Why I Bathe in Ajax
Amazing yarns about his astonishing family will make you laugh like never before - pure fun from this unique and effervescent comedian.
"Brings to mind Harry Hill at his most chaotic" The Guardian

Justin Moorhouse & Key 103 Gala Show

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£20)

Justin Moorhouse Gala Show for Key 103’s Manchester Kids

Laughing Cows

The Frog and Bucket / 8pm (£7 / £5)

An all star line up of the finest female comedians.
MC Ava Vidal, Jo Enright, Danielle Ward, plus special guests.

Jim Jeffries – The Hits

The Royal Exchange Theatre / 8pm (£12 / £10)

The controversial Aussie returns to Manchester having now made his mark on the U.S.A with his own HBO comedy special, ‘I Swear To God’.
An all killer, no filler hour – confrontational comedy classics, coupled with snippets of new material.
'Britain's most offensive Stand-up' Q Magazine

Off The Rails Comedy Club

The Royal George / 8pm (£7 / £5)

Live stand up comedy on the last Sunday of every month in Saddleworth. This month Mick Ferry introduces Tony Burgess, Caimh McDonnell and Jonathon Hope.

Stand Up Staly Vegas!

Lions / 7.30pm (£7 / £5)

Stalybridge's very own comedy night on the last Sunday of every month. Rob Riley introduces Caimh McDonnell, Tony Burgess and 1 Like Fish

Jimmy Carr: Rapier Wit

The Apollo / 8pm (£22.50)

A ‘rapier’ is the long sword of a gentleman.
‘Rapier wit’ is defined as clever, quick, intelligent humour.
Please note, Jimmy Carr doesn’t have ‘the long sword of a gentleman’ and even if you like him, ‘clever, quick and intelligent’ is a bit of a stretch.

The Thirsty Scholar Comedy Club

Thirsty Scholar / 8pm (£5 / £4)

MC Rob Riley introduces Colin Manford, Paul Kerensa and John Bishop

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Saturday 24th October

2009-09-29T15:18:00.009+01:00

ComedySportz One Week Premature Halloween Special

The Comedy Store / 5pm (£6 / £3)

The Best in Stand Up @ The Comedy Store, Manchester

8pm (£18)

MC: John Fothergill, Micky Flanagan, Adam Bloom, Paul Tonkinson, Terry Alderton

11.30pm (£12 / £6)

MC: John Fothergill, Micky Flanagan, Adam Bloom, Paul Tonkinson, Terry Alderton

Barrel of Laughs

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£14)

MC Alex Boardman, Simon Bligh, Gordon Southern, Jo Enright

Jimmy Carr: Rapier Wit

The Apollo / 8pm (£22.50)

The Comedy Lounge

Opus, Printworks / 8pm (£12)

MC: Patrick Monahon, Jo Enright, Simon Bligh, Gordon Southern.

ComedySportz

The Met, Bury / 8.30pm (£8 / £6)

ComedySportz is a fast-paced improv comedy show where two teams battle it out for the biggest laughs. The players create sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them from the audience. "...funny, more than a little bizarre, and a good afternoon of fun for all the family” * * * * Three Weeks

MCF09 @ the Town Hall Tavern

No Straightjacket Required

3.30pm (FREE)

On May 26th 2008 Mackenzie Taylor tried to kill himself. He failed.
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you funnier. So join him as he truly laughs in the face of death, illness and obsession.

The Milky Drink Kids

5pm (FREE)

Middle-age is the new rock ’n’ roll. Three comedians with a combined age of 136: Richard Rycroft tells tales of his misspent youth. Jane Hill has a jaundiced view of life and love. Rob Coleman offers gags and one-liners.

Freedom Come, Freedom Go!

6.30pm (FREE)

Festival of Football

8pm (FREE)

Tony Cowards has two passions in life, football and comedy. He effectively combines these by being a supporter of Ipswich Town. Tony examines what it means to be a football fan in hilarious and thought-provoking fashion.

The Yo-Yo Club All Star Showcase

9pm (FREE)

A spectacular showcase of fantastic acts, hosted by the inimitable Cody Chevron, with help from Colin Brisket, Wild Will Morris, the finest burlesquery by Kittie Cointreau, comedic poetical musings from Julian Daniel, headlined by musical maestro Matt Tiller!

Upfront Comedy Presents…

The Greenroom / 8pm (£9 / £6)

John Simmit introduces an eclectic comedy bill featuring Afrocentric comedy icon Leo Muhammed (star of the BBC’s sketch show The Real McCoy) and Jewish New Yorker Lewis Schaffer, reminding us Brits how lucky we are to have the Americans in our midst!

Bloody Funny

The Dancehouse / 8pm (£12 / £10)

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Friday 23rd October

2009-09-29T15:04:00.010+01:00

The Best in Stand Up

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£16 / £8)

MC: John Fothergill, Micky Flanagan, Adam Bloom, Paul Tonkinson, Terry Alderton

Barrel Of Laughs

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£13 / £6)

MC Alex Boardman, Simon Bligh, Gordon Southern, Jo Enright

Seymour Mace

XS Malarkey / 8pm (£5 / £2)

In a world in which everything seems possible and it has all been done before, it’s time for a change. That change comes in the form of XS Malarkey and BBC Three “Ideal” favourite, Seymour Mace; it’s more than a night out!

Don't Hold Back

Salford Arts Centre / 8pm (£5)

The youngest stand-up's in England take to the stage for a hilarious night of jokes. Not for the faint hearted! Compere George Brignall introduces Sam Astley, Hannah Stevens, Josh Almond. The show is also headlined by Ed Byrne's support act, Lewis Costello.

Jimmy Carr: Rapier Wit

The Apollo / 8pm (£22.50)

Beyond a Joke – The Best of Mother Macs

Mother Macs / 9pm (FREE)

A three hour marathon of comedy featuring the best acts from the last 2 years at Mother Mac’s, Manchester's smallest comedy club! – MC: John Thorp introduces Eddie Hoo, The 1 Like Fish, Des Sharples and many more.

Comedy FX

The Royal Exchange Theatre / 6pm (FREE)

A Guide To Sexual Misery with Wolfgang Weinberge

The Dancehouse / 8pm (£12 / £10)

You, of course, have a great sex life – congratulations! Everyone else in the audience does not. Find out why, in this screamingly funny sex therapy session that has become an international phenomenon. Wolfgang Weinberger delivers a hysterically funny romp through the minefield of sexual relations.

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Thursday 22nd October

2009-09-29T14:41:00.011+01:00

Phil Nichol: A Deadpan Poet Sings Quiet Songs Quietly…

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£12 / £10)

Multi-award-winning comic and actor, Phil Nichol is about to enter the world of deadpan poetry, stupidly clever one-liners and quietly comical songs. An extremely show of laid back, sublimely performed and ludicrously pretentious comedy, for the comedy aficionado and the Phil Nichol fan alike.
‘Hovers between insanity and brilliance’ ***** The Sunday Times

Big Value Thursday

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£5 / £3)

MC Alex Boardman, Simon Bligh, Gordon Southern, Michael Thornton, Phil Ellis

Wat's so Funny?
Contact Theatre / 8pm (£8 / £5)
Wat's so Funny is back for the Manchester Comedy Festival and features James Christopher, Tim Bradbury, Kelly J Roberts, Andrew Ryan & Barbara Nice. Music from Flux Ache

David O’Doherty: David O Doh-Party

The Greenroom / 8pm (£9 / £6)

Beyond a Joke vs. Mirth on Monday – The Comedy Sound Clash

Folk Bar / 8.30pm (FREE)

Beyond a Joke’s resident MC The 1 Like Fish and Mirth on Monday’s Des Sharples mix it up on stage to clash comedy, roots and music in their own unique style.

Cat’s Cradle Comedy presents: ‘BraHaHa’ in aid of The Eve Appeal

Fab Cafe / 8.30pm (£6)

\

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Wednesday 21st October

2009-09-29T13:35:00.009+01:00

BBC Comedy Presents

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£7)

BBC Comedy Presents returns to the Comedy Store in 2009. After last year's hugely successful show, which featured Dave Spikey, Andrew Lawrence, Lady Garden, Dan Nightingale and John Bishop, BBC Comedy will once again bring you the biggest names and hottest new talent.

Jason Cook: FEAR

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£6 / £4)

Lee Martin for Gag Reflex Management presents: Jason Cook’s Late Night Asylum

The Frog and Bucket / 10.30pm (£5 / £3 or free if attending Jason Cook: Fear)

MC Jason Cook presents another night at the Asylum. Guaranteed to be the best of the fest with amazing comics doing amazing things. A string of special guests, sketches, stunts and lots more….

Michael McIntyre

MEN Arena / 8pm (£30)

Star of the fastest selling debut stand-up dvd of all time, Michael McIntyre’s brilliantly engaging delivery and effortless rapport with the audience have led to him to be hailed, as the best new stand up to emerge in a decade.
“The man is, quite simply, top-to-toe hilarious” ***** Daily Telegraph

Arthur Smith

The Met, Bury / 8pm (£15 / £12)

A playwright of extraordinary wit; a national treasure; author of one of the most readable autobiographies in showbiz - Stephen Fry is all these things. But let's shamble along quickly to Arthur Smith, whose show features jokes that have been given Ancient Monument status by the National Trust. Support from Mundo Jazz.

The Zoo presents: Slap & Giggle Rehearsed and The Heresy Project: Kill Your God

Slap & Giggle Rehearsed

8pm (£5)

Sid Wick and James Bennison explore the upsettingly limited benefits of rehearsing their increasingly desperate comedy material, delivering an entourage of word-play, musically inept song, and trademark bizarre dribble.
“Thoroughly recommended” **** Student Direct
“Surreal” BBC Radio Manchester

The Heresy Project: Kill Your God

9.30pm (£5)

“An unadulterated war on world religion….hilarious” **** ThreeWeeks
“compulsive viewing” **** Latest7
“Hardhitting, noholds- barred comedy” Edinburgh Evening News
“Makes Richard Dawkins look like the Archbishop of Canterbury.” Scotsman
“critically acclaimed and controversial….witness history in the making“ Skinny
Includes entry to Slap & Giggle show at 8pm

Comedy Balloon FM-Live!

The Ape and Apple / 8.30pm (FREE)

Join Ridgeley's biggest celebs Mark Smart and Monty Sutcliffe as they perform an all-new live version of their spoof radio show, Comedy Balloon FM. Jingles, sketches, songs and, more importantly, laughs. Not suitable for children or those with unreliable bladders. Plus support.

Seymour Mace’s Pop Quiz

Folk Bar / 8.30pm (FREE)

Seymour Mace (BBC3’s Ideal) hosts a special pop trivia quiz where the audience and celebrity guests battle it out to win a whole host of prizes and bragging rights for the next year!

Beyond a Joke V Mirth on Monday – The Comedy Sound Clash

The Iguana Bar / 9pm (£3)

Beyond a Joke’s resident MC The 1 Like Fish and Mirth on Monday’s Des Sharples mix it up on stage to clash comedy, roots and music in there own unique style.

Cat’s Cradle Comedy @ Tiger Lounge presents:

Graham Goring: HEX, Lives & Videogames & Joe Lycett: The People’s Choice

8.15pm (£5)

Graham Goring: HEX, Lives and Videogames
An audio-visually enhanced stream of rapid-fire gags which skips gleefully through the videogame infused life of an emotionally stunted man-child who relates to Pac Man better than women.

Joe Lycett: The People’s Choice
The CityLife Comedian of the Year 2008 Finalist and Bath New Act of the Year 2009 brings you charming tales of the theatre, his time as a reluctant student and his struggles having a poo.
“An accomplished storyteller” Chortle

Duncan Oakley’s Favourite Things

9.45pm

An hour in the company of Duncan Oakley, Maurice the Fender Strat, Boozey booze and other friends for an infectious mix of naughty comedy and impressive musicianship not to be missed.
“I’m still aching as I write…it was very, very funny.” BBC
Ticket includes entrance to 8pm show

An Audience With.... BBC Comedy North and Baby Cow Productions

The Comedy Store / 4pm (Attendance free by advance registration )

A great opportunity for budding tv comedy writers to get advice and meet with the writers and producers of some of the best comedy shows currently on British television. Panellists include:

Jon Mountague (Exec Producer BBC Comedy North)
Jim Poyser (Producer BBC Comedy North)
Henry Normal (Executive Producer Baby Cow)
Graham Duff (Writer & Performer Baby Cow)

Attendance free by advance registration only with Philippa.usher@bbc.co.uk before 7th October.

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Tuesday 20th October

2009-09-29T13:08:00.009+01:00

Steve Royle’s Right Royle Family Show

The Comedy Store / 2.30pm (£6 / £4 / £16 Family ticket)

Comedian, actor and formally "Mad Edgar" at Camelot Theme Park. Expect spectacular guitar juggling, amazing ping-pong ball spitting and hilarious audience participation from one of the North West's best loved fools! A great family show for kids 3 to 103!

Lady Garden and Idiots of Ants - Double header sketch show special

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£18 / £6)

Richard Herring - Hitler Moustache

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£9 / £8)

Reclaiming Chaplin’s moustache for comedy, Herring muses on iconography, whether racists are closer than Liberals to believing that all people are the same and why an innocent square inch of facial hair has taken the blame for Nazism.
Winner of the LOL! Manchester Best Touring show award
“He’ll be remembered as the best comic of his generation mastering every comedic art form” GQ

XS Malarkey Comedy Club

XS Malarkey @ Remedy / 8.30pm (£5 / £2)

MC Toby Hadoke presents: Mick Ferry, Jonathan Paylor, Martin Tapley & Red Redmond

Michael McIntyre

MEN Arena / 8pm (£30)

The Dancehouse / 8pm (£12 / £10)

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Monday 19th October

2009-09-29T12:42:00.006+01:00

Paul Tonkinson & Terry Alderton

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£12 / £8)

Paul Tonkinson
Witness Tonks doing what he does best - live stand-up. A natural comedian who has been entertaining audiences on stage, tv and radio for years. Marrying his innate talent with consummate skill and experience, he makes the art of comedy seem easy.
"Brilliant" The Independent
“Excellent” Time Out

Terry Alderton
An outstanding comic who hurtles us through an ad-libbed riot of exuberant, loose-limbed physical comedy; full of extraordinary caricatures and stunningly acute impressions. He always leaves his audience exhilarated and exhausted with laughter.
“Wonderful” The Independent

Beat the Frog World Series - Grand Final

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (FREE (tickets available from previous heats))

40 gladiators have slogged it out against the green cards of certain death to win a coveted place in the World Series Final where 8 combatants fight to win a paid weekend at the Frog and Bucket and a cash prize. Compered by Jason Cook. Headline set from Seymour Mace (BBC’s Ideal).

The Candymouth Pre-Commercialised Special

Lass O'Gowrie / 8.30pm (FREE)

Britain's ugliest seaside town gets in first with a feast of festive fun. Sketches, songs, poems, panto, nativity and short films, plus a bevy of buzzing guests.

Cat’s Cradle Comedy @ Tiger Lounge presents:

Rich Tapestry of Nothing – John Thorp/ Lies and Death - Michael Thornton

8.15pm (£5 - includes entrance to 9.45pm show)

John Thorp - Rich Tapestry of Nothing
Neurotic, charming, (too) self-aware, endearing, arrogant, original, useless, romantic, selfish, intelligent, didn’t pass GCSE maths, good at sums, unhealthy, cute, opinionated, unique, more productive, eloquent, uncertain – 21-year-old Thorp mightn’t be sure yet, but he’s very funny with it. Premiere.

Michael Thornton - Lies and Death
Sharp, subversive and challenging comedian Michael Thornton, LOL! Manchester Best Newcomer Award 2008 nominee, examines the lies in his life in an attempt to find the truth behind his decision to make you, total strangers, laugh at him. Premiere.

An African Perspective – Westerner’s Calm Down! – Daliso Chaponda

9.45pm (£5 - includes entrance to 8.15pm show)

Mirth on Monday

The Iguana Bar, Chorlton / 9pm (£3)

Tonight’s Mirth on Monday now in its 8th year will feature, Ro Campbell, Mike Sheer, Hayley Ellis and for the first time The Spokes, an all riding, dancing, wheely funny gang of girls. The action is compered by Des Sharples.

The Speed of Dating

Trof / 8pm (£5)

The laugh out loud anti-dating guide of “how not to get laid” is back!

After leaving sell out crowds “applauding and gob-smacked” it returns every Monday in October!

Sarah Emmott is back with her “side-splitting, insightful performance” as Alice in this one hour, one woman, comedy showdown that will have you reaching for the Kleenex…!

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Sunday 18th October

2009-09-29T12:22:00.009+01:00

John Byrne - Family Cartooning Workshop

The Comedy Store / 3pm (£5 / £3)

Top cartoonist and children’s author, John Byrne promises to turn us into 'instant artists' as part of this fun-packed event for all the family. Come and learn how the simplest shapes and lines can be used to create hilarious caricatures, comic strips and animation. Presented in conjunction with the Manchester Literature Festival.

The Cutting Edge

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£10 / £8)

London’s hit show of topical and current affairs hilarity with a six strong comedic team for a festival special. Starring, Justin Moorhouse, Alun Cochrane, Sarah Millican, Roger Monkhouse, Mick Ferry, Steve Gribbin.

Brendan Burns: Comedy Good Yeah Silly Side C*nt

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£9)

Cat’s Cradle Comedy @ Fab Cafe presents:

Aaron Counter & Liz Stephens – ‘Mr & Mrs’

5pm (FREE)

Stand-up comedians love adversity and controversy, but above all, they love themselves - so what if two got married? Husband and wife Aaron Counter (‘Very impressive’ The Times) and Liz Stephens (‘Charms the giggles out of her audience’ Evening Standard) star.

Matt Tiller’s Awkward Social Situations

6.15pm (FREE)

Up and coming musical comic celebrates the moments - romantic disasters, social faux pas, professional humiliations - when you wish the ground would swallow you up.
‘A very funny man’ XFM Manchester
‘Easy manner, a deal of charisma.’ Chortle

RE:Verberate Comedic Poetry Special

7.30pm (FREE)

Manchester’s much loved award-nominated literature night returns with a special show featuring Julian Daniel (‘A hilarious comic, who you can watch time and time again’ BBCi) and Marvin Cheeseman ('The Doyen of the Deadpan' Cheltenham Literature Festival), plus guests.

Phil Ellis & Chris Stokes

8.45pm (FREE)

An hour shared by rising circuit stars Chris Stokes (‘Very skilful, very smart material, a gag at each step’ Chortle) and Phil Ellis ('Brings to mind Harry Hill at his most chaotic' Chortle).

John Smith: Sick and Twisted

10pm (FREE)

Geordie comedian John Smith performs a laughter-filled hour of original, dark, sick jokes and anecdotes.
**** ThreeWeeks;
'Pick of the week...beautifully written jokes' The Guardian.

Withnail and I

Cornerhouse / 12pm (£5 / £3)

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Saturday 17th October

2009-09-29T11:55:00.012+01:00

The Best in Stand Up

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£18)

MC:Paul Thorne, Hal Cruttenden, Jeff Innocent, Justin Moorhouse, Pete Johannsson

The Comedy Store / 11.30pm (£12 / £6)

MC: Paul Thorne, Hal Cruttenden, Jeff Innocent, Justin Moorhouse, Pete Johannsson

Barrel of Laughs

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£14)

MC: Chris Ramsey, Steve Harris, Steve Shanyaski, Stu & Garry.

Robin Ince - Versus the Moral Majority

XS Malarkey / 8pm (£5 / £2)

Angry tirades, then quiet musings.
“Clever comedy by a witty man for smart people” The List.
Idiots may enjoy too.
“When someone writes a history of modern comedy, they should make room for Robin Ince” The Guardian
Contains facetiousness

The Comedy Lounge

Opus / 8pm (£12)

MC: Danny McLoughlin, Andy White, Barbara Nice, Mike Milligan.

ComedySportz

Waterside Arts Centre, Sale / 6.30pm (£5 / £3)

ComedySportz is a fast-paced improv comedy show where two teams battle it out for the biggest laughs. The players create sketches, scenes and songs from whatever suggestions are thrown at them from the audience.
"...funny, more than a little bizarre, and a good afternoon of fun for all the family” * * * * Three Weeks

Hans Teeuwen

The Dancehouse / 8pm (£12 / £10)

Hans Teeuwen is a Dutch comedian, actor, writer, a singer and director. His work can be described as absurdist, apolitical and confrontational.

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Friday 16th October

2009-09-29T11:38:00.009+01:00

The Best in Stand Up

The Comedy Store / 8pm (£16 / £8)

MC: Paul Thorne, Hal Cruttenden, Jeff Innocent, Justin Moorhouse, Pete Johannsson

Slaughterhouse-Live! T’witching Hour

The Comedy Store / 11pm (£8 / £6)

Late, spooky, hilarious, award-winning character-comedy featuring Monaco Varquez’s Banana Voodoo, Squeaky Dave’s Tales of Evil plus Britain’s Cleanest Comedian - Tommy Kittens.
“Effortlessly stunning performances…” Three Weeks
“Genius…sell everything you own to see them…” Echo
“I laughed 37 times,” Pete Maths

Barrel of Laughs

The Frog and Bucket / 8.15pm (£13 / £6)

MC Jason Cook, Steve Harris, Steve Shanyaski, Stu & Garry.

An Evening with Sir Arthur Conan The Barbarian

XS Malarkey @ Remedy/ 8pm (£5 / £2)

John Pinette - Show cancelled due to ill health

The Dancehouse / 8pm

Having toured America for over a decade, appeared in the Broadway smash Hairspray, supported Frank Sinatra and starred in the last ever episode of Seinfeld, legendary American stand up John Pinette plays his first UK shows outside of the Edinburgh festival.

All listing for the Manchester Comedy Festival on LOL! Manchester are courtesy of www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 - Thursday 15th October

2009-09-29T11:18:00.010+01:00

Rhod Gilbert and the Cat that looked like Nicholas Lyndhurst

The Comedy Store / 7pm (£15)

Following 2008’s sell-out tour and sensational performances on ‘The Royal Variety Performance’, ‘Live At The Apollo’, and ‘Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow’, the Welsh Wonder is back on the road with a brand new show.
“Comedy manna from heaven” ***** Independent

Big Value Thursday

The Frog and Bucket / 7.30pm (£5 / £3)

MC: Jason Cook (“butt clenchingly funny” – The Herald) introduces Dan Nightingale, Seann Walsh, Grainne Maguire + 1 tbc.

Eion Colfer

Contact Theatre / 8pm (£7 / £5)

Acclaimed author of the Artemis Fowl novels, Eoin Colfer launches his new novel, And Another Thing – a 30th Anniversary sequel to The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Presented in association with the Manchester Literature and Science Festivals.

To book, call Contact Theatre box office 0161 274 0600 or click on the link below

Cat’s Cradle Comedy presents: Ten Years of Empty Arrogance – Michael J Dolan

Tiger Lounge / 8.30pm (£5 (Includes entry to 9.45pm show))

Cats Cradle Comedy Presents: Patrick Monahan – Cowboys and Iranians

Tiger Lounge / 9.45pm (£5 (includes entrance to 8.30pm show))

New stand-up show from the international award-winning comedian. Regular TV appearances on Bafta-winning 'Paul O'Grady Show!’ 'The funniest show in Edinburgh 2008' (Guardian). 'Twinkle toed, mischievous ... Monahan raised the roof' (Sun). ‘Loveable stuff’ (Independent).

Champagne & Laughter at the Comedy Store in October

2009-09-26T15:32:00.010+01:00

Word has reached us here at LOL! Towers that the Comedy Store in Manchester will be doing a Champagne tasting plus comedy as part of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2009 on Friday 9th October. As well as this bubbly tasting session, you will also get to see stand up from Compere Sean Meo plus Jack Whitehall, Addy Van Der Borgh, Pierre Hollins and US comedian Dave Fulton.

There are only 30 tickets available for this (priced at £30 each inc the show) and they're already proving popular so if you're interested get in touch asap on 0161 839 9595.

ADVERTISMENT - RED LIGHT COMEDY

2009-09-18T08:21:00.005+01:00

Next meeting of the Manchester Comedy Writing Group

2009-09-18T07:52:00.004+01:00

Susan Vale has been in touch to let us know that the monthly comedy writers meetings commence once again on Sunday 27th September at the Lass O'Gowrie on Charles Street from 2pm.

Its hoped that in these future sessions that they will be inviting guest speakers. So if you want to attend these sessions please do pop along. If you are a professional writer and think that you might be able to make a guest appearance to assist aspiring comedy writers, then get in touch with Susan at susanvale@gmail.com.

The Manchester Comedy Writing Facebook group

Friday's Funny Fix: Phil Ellis at the Manchester Comedy Store

2009-09-18T06:51:00.002+01:00

Taken from his performance at the Comedy Store this time last year, this is the magnificent Phil Ellis displaying his comic prowess in one of Manchester's Premier comedy venues. Imagine now if you will that if he was this good back then, how bloody good is he now?

The good news is that you can regularly check him out at Couture Comedy @ the Manchester Museum on Oxford Road every first Friday of the Month. In the first show of the autumn/winter season on Friday 2nd October he introduces Gordon Smith, El Purnell and Headliner Barry Dodds. Admission is £3 for NUS Students and £4 for everyone else.

Click here to see more details about this night on their Facebook Group.

Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Here's Bill Bailey and the Manchester Camerata

2009-09-17T19:57:00.006+01:00

Bill Bailey may have disappeared from our TV screens on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, but that doesn’t mean he’s gone into hiding. In fact for some, Bill maybe closer than you think as tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9am for his Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra tour. Based upon a show he made for BBC2 back in May, he will, according to the BBC show “explain in his unique and hilarious way, using both contemporary and classical references, the nuances of how the orchestra works and the lesser-known influences of various classical composers.” The show has many fans including that of Stephen Fry who described it as 'wonderfully enjoyable… like driving a Rolls-Royce off-road'.

If you are no stranger to his bizarre musical antics, he’s bringing his love of the classics to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Monday 16th November for one night only. Tickets are believed to cost between £25 & £60, but we will update this piece when the actual prices are announced.

Show details on the Bridgewater Hall Website

Mightly Boosh star Fielding himself for solo show in Manchester

2009-09-11T08:52:00.003+01:00

There is no doubt that the Mighty Boosh duo, Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding have had a great deal of success together over the last few years. Radio & TV shows, a live theatre tour and even a Music Festival!

Now, Noel is going it alone for a full UK tour which includes a date at the Manchester Apollo.

Fielding has always been a first class comedian in his own right and audiences should still be amazed by immense wit and rock star like persona.

If you want to see really bizarre comedy in its rawest form, then you should buy a ticket for when he's in town next year!

You can see Noel Fielding at the Manchester Apollo, Ardwick on Thursday 11th February 2010. Tickets are priced at £22.50.

LOL! Manchester gets ready for the Manchester Comedy Festival 2009

2009-09-11T00:24:00.003+01:00

LOL! Manchester will be compiling comprehensive listings of all shows are taking place during this year's Manchester Comedy Festival. As well as our listings we will be hosting some other features which are on offer to Comics, Performers & Venues to promote themselves. They include...

Show of the Day Recommendations - These will be advertised via this site, our Facebook group and the Twitter feed which can be found at www.twitter.com/lolmanchester

Reviews - We'll be out & about reviewing shows throughout the festival. If you fancy your chances at reviewing, drop us an email to manchester@thelolnetwork.com expressing your interest. We'd love to hear from you.

Interviews - There are 2 formats for our interviews. One will be in a "10 questions for..." These questions are for people taking part in the festival and will be posted on LOL! Manchester on Sunday 20th September - Feel free to answer them & send your responses. The other interviews will be more indepth.

Ticket Giveaways & Competitions - Want to give a few freebie tickets away for your show? We can run a competition for you.

2 for 1 Offers - Bookings for your shows slower than you thought they would be and want to up the capacity on some nights? We can let our mailing list & followers know of such offers to get bums on seats.

Web Banner Exchanges for shows & venues - Help us to help you. We'll advertise your show on the site with a banner. In return, i'll give you a LOL! Banner to add to your site.

If any of these features interest you as a interest to yourself as a Comic, Performer, Venue or budding critic, please let us know at manchester@thelolnetwork.com.

www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Friday's Funny Fix: CSO: Manchester - Part One

2009-09-10T23:47:00.005+01:00

by Patrick Gallagher & Greg Cook

A proposal for a comedy drama set in the Northern town of Fieldmoor, which follows the chaotic lives, loves, and working relationships of a team of Police Community Support Officers.

Click here to see part two

Did you enjoy CSO: Manchester? If so, drop the guys a line at their Facebook group and let them know. We're sure they'll be happy to hear your comments.

The free hour of Friday evening comedy returns to the Royal Exchange - TOMORROW!

2009-09-10T23:29:00.007+01:00

Comic FX returns tomorrow at The Royal Exchange Theatre on St Anne's Square for an hour of free Stand Up Comedy, headlined by Peter Pitzburg aka Peter Slater of Channel 4's Comedy Lab show Slaterworld and the BBC2 series Ideal with Johnny Vegas..

Pitzburg, one of Peter's many comedy characters, is a Vietnam vet who claims he met Neil Diamond there who proceeded to steal all his songs. The show will also feature some newer up & coming comedy talent and as ever is compered by Des Sharples (Mirth on Monday, Chorlton).

It's advised you get there early for a seat as it's always a popular one, especially with those making their way home on a Friday night.

www.royalexchangetheatre.org.uk

Like your comedy delivered Drunk or Sober? Then this could be up your street.

2009-09-10T16:33:00.003+01:00

Rarely a night of comedy comes along that captures the imagination of punters and puts them in the passenger seat for one hell of a ride. Well, with this night that is definately guarnteed!

Drunk & Sober, which takes place tomorrow night (Friday 11th September @ 8.30pm - Free Entry) Upstairs @ the Lass O'Gowrie on Charles Street, which is near the BBC. It pits two of Manchester Comedy's most belligerent malcontents up against each other to argue over a selection of hot topics of the day and suggestions from the audience with only one rule: One drinks to excess the other remains sober. One is a former City Life comedian of the year and the other is the current holder of that title. In the Sober corner we have the outthere humour of Seymour Mace. In the drinking corner is one of the best comedians for telling it like it is: Eddie Hoo.

In a Highlander stylee there can be only one. Winner that is. Thats right, its a competition of sorts and the audience gets decide who wins the contest awarding points for persuasion and entertainment.

This show is based on a feature from Eddie's 'Not Part Of' show in July, so if you like your comedy uncompromising and full-on then this really is for you.

May the best man win - Standing or otherwise.

WKD Comedy is now Comedy Centro!

2009-09-08T23:45:00.005+01:00

From October, WKD Comedy at Vanilla will be no more. So long live Comedy Centro @ Centro on Tibs Street in the Northern Quarter.

Bethany Black, Organiser & Compere of the new night is excited by the prospect of the move to the new venue and says its going to be something a bit special. "We've got some of the best acts in the world and all originals, we're hoping to create an environment where they can come and perform their most intelligent, innovative, provocative and original material."

For their first night on Sunday 4th October, they've got a double headline event with two of her favourite acts ever - The multi award winning Robin Ince (British Comedy Award Nominee 2006) and the one & only Barbara Nice ("Imagine a hybrid between Mrs. Merton and Victoria Wood" The Times). Boosting the line up are two of Stand Up's bright young things. The winner of this year's Chortle Student Comedian Of the Year competition, Joe Lycett and a brand new & utterly brilliant comedian by the name of Jay Hampson. Bethany, who has just returned from a successful run of shows at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, will host the proceeding.

We are also informed that there will be offers and all sorts of VIP Treats for regulars, so if you've been to nights that were held at Vanilla then make yourself known to obtain some fantastic special offers.

Comedy Centro will be held on the first Sunday of every month. Admission is pay on the door only and it's £6, but £5 for students & unemployed.

All Female comedy night celebrates 5th Birthday with World Record attempt

2009-09-06T07:36:00.005+01:00

Has it been five years since Laughing Cows came to Manchester to showcase the very best in female comedic talent? Well on Sunday 29th November they are celebrating this milestone and they want to set a world record whilst their at to prove to the world just how many funny women there are out there!

Organiser Hazel O'Keefe is waiting to hear from the Guniness Book of Records peeps. The criteria will hopefully be that you are female, have done at least one stand up comedy gig before and that you perform for a least 15 seconds of material.

If you wish to register your interest whether you want to perform or just want to help organise the event then get in touch with Hazel at info@laughingcowscomedy.co.uk or come to their next meeting on Sunday 27th September at 3pm in Manchester.

We will endeavour to keep you posted on the happenings of this event as and when LOL! Manchester recieves any information.

www.myspace.com/laughingcowscomedy

Comedy to get involved in at Piccadilly Gardens this Monday!

2009-09-05T16:18:00.005+01:00

Local Comedienne Victoria Cook has been in touch with us about an event taking place this Monday and you are all invited to take part. Square Peg Workshops are offering all participants a free laughing session during your lunchbreak between Noon and 1pm. It will take place on the grassy bit of Piccadilly Gardens and will consist of a whole manner of laughterfullness to cheer up the rest of your day including...

Mass Laughter Yoga session
Comedy Workshop
Happy cake!

If your a Manager, bring your staff along as it can even benefit your business! It is proven that laughter in the workplace can...

Increase productivity
Decrease absenteeism
Reduce and manage stress
Develop efficient and unified teams
Improve employee morale
Increase trust and loyalty
Improve communication skills

This is a great offer not to be missed so why not get along to their massive free Lunchtime session. Its a great reason to like Mondays and make them that little less manic!

For more information, email Vic at jordy@squarepegworkshops.com or superjordz@hotmail

LOL! Manchester brings you a Tester of things to come.

2009-05-30T11:54:00.001+01:00

Over the next few months, LOL! Events will be road testing some new formats for comedy that haven't been seen in Manchester or ever! We'll do some pilot nights (like they do with some telly box shows) just to see how they go and find out if there are good enough to carry on with. So with that, here's two of them for your perusal...

STAND-OFF COMEDY heats will hopefully be taking place during the months of September & October 2009 in Manchester. Each of the 4 heats will feature eight acts going head-to-head with each other in a "Gag Off" to beat each other & get the bigger laugh. The best gags will need to be a-blazing in order to be the strongest to survive & make it through to the final. The Final will be held during the Manchester Comedy Festival 2009 between Thursday 15th & Monday 26th October. The final will feature eight acts (the 2 best acts surviving from each of the 4 heats) battling it out in a similar manner, except that the last 2 standing. They will each need to deliver a 5 minute set to an audience and, based on the biggest laughs, one of them will be crowned STAND-OFF COMEDY'S ACT OF 2009.

Interested in taking part in our Pilot as a performer? Email apply@standoffcomedy.co.uk for more details or to express your interest.

LOL! MANCHESTER'S SUNDAY SUPPLEMENT will be a topical news show looking at current events through Comedians eyes. To be held on a Sunday afternoon, will have a glance over the morning papers and give their views on whats going on. Mix a bit of Stand Up and a Quiz in and, hey presto, the Sunday Supplement will be delivered soon!

Comedy this weekend at the Queer Up North Festival

2009-05-22T13:20:00.006+01:00

This weekend sees the annual Queer Up North festival take place in Manchester. Many shows and special events are taking place, including a great comedy line up!

Tonight sees Craig Hill take to the stage at the Speigeltent on Spinningfields. His show starts at 6pm and tickets are £10 or £8 for Concessions.

There are 3 more comedy shows at the Speigeltent both tomorrow and Sunday 24th May. They are...

Laughing Cows
Tomorrow 6pm - 7.15pm

The LOL! Manchester award winning all-women Laughing Cows return with a stellar line-up of come of the finest female talent in the UK with Debra-Jane Appleby, Sonya Kelly and Susan Calman.

Bourgeois and Maurice
Sun 24 May 2pm - 3.15pm

Pack up your troubles in your Prada bag and join the darlings of London’s neo-cabaret scene as theypresent a whistle-stop tour through the peculiarities of a nation on the edge, and a fabulous homage to the century we live in. Their superficial smiles might just save your life.

Part cabaret, part theatre, part irreverent self-help group, this new show covers socially vital issues such as eroto-manic stalking, clandestine body mutilation and the fatal cult of celebrity.

Scott Capurro
Sun 24 May 6pm - 7.15pm

He’s made an art form out of offence, but don’t be fooled – there’s much much more to San Franciscan comedian Scott Capurro than that. His comic technique is legendary – rapid fire stand-up doesn’t come any more rapid-fire than this. Sharply observed, merciless, brilliant – and funny, funny, funny. Definitely don’t bring your gran – but if you can take your comedy straight no chaser, this is the gig for you.

If you want to buy tickets in advance, please go to the Queer Up North website for prices and more info on the rest of the festival.

The Manchester Comedy Writing Group

2009-05-21T08:41:00.001+01:00

The Manchester Comedy Writer group meets up regularly every Sunday afternoon in the City. The next on will be on Sunday 17th May Upstairs at the Lass O'Gowrie on Charles Street (near the BBC), between 2pm and 4pm.

If you are really interested in getting into writing comedy in any of of its forms (Stand Up, Sketches, Sit-Coms, Poetry, etc...), this group is well worth attending, whether its because you want an insight into writing or even if you have a few ideas you're stuck with and you want to throw around with like minded people.

For more information on the meetings and to see the people who attend, visit their Facebook group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61219840002

News: Manchester Comedy Festival 2009

2009-05-20T10:39:00.004+01:00

Hey folks!

Just got some info on this year's Manchester Comedy Festival. The 11 day event will run from Thursday 15th to Sunday 25th October. Acts performing this year include...

Michael McIntyre (Two dates at the M.E.N Arena)

Jimmy Carr (Three dates at the Manchester Apollo)

As well as these comedy big hitters, the Beat the Frog World Series and the City Life Comedian of the Year will return. Last year, Eddie Hoo won the coveted City Life title previously won by Peter Kay, Caroline Ahearne and Seymour Mace but Hoo (Who... Get it? Uh, i'll get my coat!) will win it this year? When more shows are announced, we'll post it here as soon as we know.

Should you want to take part in the MCF2009 with a show, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Anna Greenwood at the Manchester Comedy Store is one of the people who put the festival together. She states that the deadline for getting into the brochure is Wednesday 1st July. In order for you to feature, she will require the following:

Show title

Date of the show

Start time

Cost of tickets

The venue name

Venue details (including address, phone number and website)

A maximum of 40 words describing what your show is about.

Also include a High Resolution image of you or your Poster which is suitable for print. This is quite important and the image needs to be 300dpi.

Once you have all this, please send it to Anna at anna@thecomedystore.co.uk. Don't forget that date: WEDNESDAY 1st JULY! Thats it for now.

Keep a look out for more info on Manchester Comedy Festival right here on LOL!Manchester.

www.manchestercomedyfestival.co.uk

Sketch Comedy for those with a sound mind?

2009-05-20T00:32:00.002+01:00

‘The Midlife Dementia Show’ bring their radio sketch show to the stage for the first time…second time, at 9pm, Wednesday the 27th of May at Sandbar, 120-122 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL.

They aim to make the majority of you brake into that involuntary human spasm called laughter. Some of you will involuntary open your bowels as a reaction to our humour. Some of you will leave. Oh yes we are quite close to the bone and one of them will get the bone on stage.

Andy C, Andy W and Colin recreate some of their popular sketches and maybe create some new ones as the show goes live. Did the Virgin Mary really get pregnant through Immaculate Conception, or did she just have a bit on the side? Have Walker’s crisps taken leave of their senses? Is Moon Unit Zappa really Prince Charles? Did Jimi Hendrix find a brontosaurus skull in his garden? Where did they get this information, and if so, where? What’s this pain in my scrotum? Is it serious? Should they consult theiry GP? Do you care? Probably not but if you don’t want to stay at home and recreate the final episode of ‘The Prisoner’ with the people on your street and your old headmaster as number 6, you could do a lot worse than to check them out next Wednesday.

Admission is £4 on the door or £2 with a student card

Get a taste of their material by listening to audio sketches at www.themidlifedementiashow.mypodcast.com

Coming Soon: LOL! EDINBURGH - for the funny at the fringe

2009-05-19T14:17:00.000+01:00

We here at LOL! Manchester are putting together a Companion site for this year's Edinburgh Festival. www.loledinburgh.co.uk, which launches on Monday 13th July, will aim promote the majority of comedy shows heading up to the Fringe in August. Each show will have its own page which will including the show title, a description of the performance, any artwork as well as venue info and ticket prices. The acts will also have the chance to convince you to see their show with a 1 minute promo clip in the 60 Second Sell.

In addition to this, there will be two more big features, one of which is currently under wraps. The other is the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Ricky Gervais at the Edinburgh Playhouse on Tuesday 25th August. With his only Edinburgh appearance this year being a complete sold out affair. The competition will run from LOL!Edinburgh's launch date up to the closing date of midnight on Friday 21st August.

If you are a performer doing the Fringe this year and would like to feature your show on the site, submit your details now to edinburgh@thelolnetwork.com with 'Fringe Profile' in the subject field.

Win a pair of tickets to LOL!M's Gig of the Week - Vince Atta: Not Black Enough

2009-05-18T16:43:00.008+01:00

Vince Atta: Not Black Enough
@ Folk Bar, Burton Road, West Didsbury.
Thursday 21st May
Starts @ 8.30pm
Tickets: £6 / £5

Being black is hard, especially if you aren’t. Vince Atta is a massive player on the Mancunian black comedy circuit; he’s the only one! The North West’s pastiest Nubian and former City Life Comedian Of The Year explains why he, Manchester Comedy and his best shoes are "Not Black Enough!"

Vince is supported on the night by Justin Palmer & John Thorp. Your host for the evening is The 1 Like Fish

Click here for the Facebook Event.

We have a pair of tickets to give away for this show. To be in with a chance, just send an email to http://www.blogger.com/manchester@thelolnetwork.com with your name & contact telephone number. Please put LOL! Comp in the subject field.

Closing date is Thursday 21st May at 3pm. Only the winner will be notified.

Good Luck!

Don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter!

2009-05-18T14:42:00.001+01:00

Did you know that you can also keep up to date with the comedy goings on in Manchester via our Facebook group. All our news items are replicated in the discussions area. In addition, you can get our event invite to LOL!Manchester's gig of the Week and we run all our competition & giveaways on there. Just go to www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31325443716 and add us.

We also be be found on Twitter. By following us there we twitter you our daily gig recommendations you know exactly where the funny is every night! Search for lolmanchester at www.twitter.com today!

Thirsty for Comedy? This new student night will wet your appetite!

2009-05-18T13:23:00.000+01:00

A new comedy night for Students beings tonight at the Thirsty Scholar on Oxford Road under the Station Arches.

Compere Rob Riley introduces LOL! Comedy award winner Barry Dodds, co-Viz creator Simon Donald and Galaxy 102's Alex Boardman.

The show starts at 8.15pm and admission is £5 or £3 for valid N.U.S cardholders.

For more info and regular listings, you can join their Facebook group at www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=81572551820

Jason Manford stands up for Macmillan Nurses

2009-05-15T10:49:00.005+01:00

On Friday 15th May, Macmillan Cancer Support are holding a Comedy Event at Manchester's Lowry Hotel featuring Jason Manford, star of Ch4's 8 out of 10 Cats and soon to be seen on the new BBC1 panel show As Seen on TV, with Steve Jones and Fern Britton.

The night will feature a champagne reception, a three course meal prepared by the Lowry's award winning chefs, comedy from Jason followed by a raffle and disco.

Tickets are on sale now priced at £50. Contact Steph Fletcher on 01925846740 or email her at northwestevents@macmillan.org.uk to purchase them.

UPDATE: This show takes place tonight!

Line up announced for the Christies Benefit gig at the Lowry - Sunday 5th July

2009-05-15T10:16:00.006+01:00

We've received an email from Phil Buckley. He's a local Comedian and Promoter currently touring the UK with his "Stupid" World Tour (His words, not our review of it), which recently visited the Brighton Fringe . He wanted to let us know about the final line up of the Comedy 4 Christies show taking place at the Lowry Theatre on Sunday 5th July.

Key 103 DJ & star of Channel 4’s ‘Phoenix Nights’ Justin Moorhouse will be using his cheeky charm to introduce the award winning line up of...

Barbara Nice aka Holy Mary from 'Phoenix Nights' and star of the comedy circuit brings her mad energy and sense of joy to the evening.

Writer, comedian and former breakfast DJ on 96.2 The Revolution, John Warbuton (City Life Comedian Of The Year) will be bringing his guitar for musical mirth.

High energy international comic Daliso Chaponda (CBC’s "Crossing The Main") is sure to send the audience into a frenzy.

Phil himself will be giving a look into his stupid world.

Gary Morris & Andrew Willison from comedy sketch team "Slaughter House Live" will be performing some of their larger than life characters throughout the night.

PLUS! Burlesque act The Chantilly Belles are a heady mix of old school music hall and classic Hollywood movies with tongue firmly in cheek.

I'm sure you'll agree that this is a dazzling array of award winning comedy from the cream local talent & stars of the international comedy scene. Proceeds from the show are going to Christies to help them continue the amazing work they do for Cancer Therapies and Treatments.

Tickets are only £15 and are available from the Lowry Box Office. Call them on 0870 787 5790 to reserve your ticket today!

Improv Comedy workshop - Saturday 5th September @ the Comedy Store, Manchester

2009-05-15T06:40:00.003+01:00

Those peeps at ComedySportz are back with a One Day Special course for those who wish to learn the craft of improvisational comedy. It will be taking place on September 5th at the Comedy Store between 1pm & 6pm

The cost of this workshop is £60 for the day. If your are a student, the fee is only £50.

By taking part in this workshop it means £10 off the price of the full 8 week course, and free tickets to the ComedySportz show the following Saturday 12th September.

If you're interested in this please get in touch with Brainne Edge at bron@comedysportz.co.uk.

Lady Garden scoop another Award!

2009-05-14T06:43:00.003+01:00

LOL! Comedy New Act award winners Lady Garden have scooped yet another awards, this time its an Argus Angel for Outstanding Contribution to the Fringe after whipping up a storm at the Brighton Festival.

Their four shows have already been a massive success at Malborough Little Theatre, and the mixture of established new material has been acclaimed by both critics and audiences alike.

The Argus' entertainments writer Ian Ray joined the sell-out crowd for Monday nights performance and was sufficiently impress to nominate the all-female sketch act for the Argus Award, the latest accolade to be awarded to the University of Manchester graduates.

Lady Garden's stint at the Festival has been met with a wave of media attention, and the group were cited by The Guardian as one of the must-see acts last weekend.

Similarly, an interview on BBC Radio and coverage in Three Weeks and Festival Previews among others has heightened the interest in what has been dubbed by The Independent as one of the top five sketch shows in the UK.

Lady Garden debuted in August 2008 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and such was their success that they have embarked on a tour around the UK, appearing at comedy festivals in Manchester, Leicester, Brighton and Sheffield.

They have also made a big impression in London, performing at the Proud Galleries as part of the Comedy Crunch as well as the Hen & Chickens comedy nights, and their rapid ascent on the circuit saw them reach the final of the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year 2009 in March.

They are also through to the final of the Laughing Horse New Act of the Year 2009, taking place on 19th May, and they add the Argus Angel for Outstanding Contribution to the Brighton Festival Fringe award to their bow too!

Comedy is all go in Saddleworth this Summer!

2009-05-13T06:39:00.005+01:00

Off The Rails Comedy Club in Saddleworth, organised by Promoter Rob Riley, are doing a one off Saturday night show on Saturday 6th June (which just so happens to be Saddleworth's Beer Walk Day) and Rob says if the show is a success it could well be an annual thing. The headliner for the evening is Seymour Mace, who can currently be seen in Series five of the BBC show 'Ideal' on BBC Three. Rob will be compering the evening and other acts include Danny McLoughlin and Greg Cook. Greg is soon to be seen in Looking for Eric, a new film by Ken Loach which also stars Mick Ferry, Des Sharples and Key 103's Justing Moorhouse.

Admission is £10 for this event, but those of you who can book online earlier can get your tickets for only £8.80 including booking fee! Book them here at the We Got Tickets website

Their next Sunday night show is on Sunday 31st May with a truly amazing line up which consists of Roger Monkhouse, Gavin Webster and your compere Mick Ferry. Admission is £6 and £4 Concessions. Simply pay on the door.

Look out for some brilliant Edinburgh previews making their way Moors Side this Summer from Justin Moorhouse, Ivan Brackenbury's Hospital radio Raodshow, Sarah Millican and Jason Cook
Off The Rails Comedy Club is based at the Royal George, Manchester Road, Greenfield, OL3 7HX.

Funding available for Comedians in Greater Manchester

2009-05-13T06:23:00.005+01:00

We recently received a email from the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester. They are a grant-making, non-profit organisation which raises money from the private and public sectors and channels the funding down to grass-root community groups in the most disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester. Applications need to be in by this Friday (15th May) so get in quick!

Here is their appeal...

Are you an established, talented comedian or promoter? Do you face particular obstacles and need financial support in order to succeed in your creative industry? Then you may be able to apply for a grant of up to £1,000 from The Northern Residency Fund.

This is a unique initiative funded by The Community Foundation and set up in the spirit of Forever Manchester, a campaign to create a lasting legacy for the many diverse communities of Greater Manchester. The Northern Residency Fund aims to help realise creative development, which will in turn contribute to, sustain and enhance the comedy and music industries of Greater Manchester.

To be eligible, acts or promoters must:

* be a resident of Greater Manchester
* have been gigging for at least 2 years
* played outside of Greater Manchester, paid gigs for comedians

The Northern Residency Fund has already helped comedian Susan Vale with transport costs to out of town gigs. Funding can also be requested for: equipment, publicity, show costs and rehearsal space plus others.

Susan Vale comments: "I am overjoyed at having been awarded funding. I will now be able to easily get to and from as many gigs as possible and take the short notice gigs too".

Nick Massey, Chief Executive of Community Foundation comments: "This is a fantastic opportunity for talented and creative people to catch their dreams, another great first for Manchester"

If you are interested in a grant from The Northern Residency Fund, then applications need to be submitted by the deadline of Friday 15th May. Please call 0161 214 0940 for an application pack and more details.

Apologies about the Lady Garden competition

2009-04-27T07:47:00.000+01:00

Hello there! Many apologies for not announcing a winner for the Lady Garden giveaway. My Partner gave birth to our baby boy this weekend and have therefore not had time to stop to pick the winner. Hopefully, we can rerun the competition again when they return to Manchester in the near future.

WIN! A pair of tickets for Lady Garden for this Sunday night!

2009-04-24T06:28:00.001+01:00

We have a pair of tickets to giveaway to see Lady Garden this Sunday night. To be in with a chance to win them, just send us an email to lolmanchester@gmail.com with your name and contact phone number. Please put in the subject field LADY GARDEN GIVEAWAY. Deadline for entries is Midday on Sunday 26th April.

ALL THE BEST!

Win tickets to see Robin Ince TONIGHT @ the Dancehouse in Manchester!

2009-04-23T12:41:00.003+01:00

Fancy seeing Robin Ince tonight at the Dancehouse Theatre on Oxford Road but yet cannot afford to see him due to these troublesome times we live in? Well, you are indeed in luck as the Man himself has kindly given us a pair of tickets to see him perform his show later this evening.

To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is tell us the name of the show he's currently touring the UK with. Answers on an email to lolmanchester@gmail.com with ROBIN INCE TICKETS in the subject field. Entries need to be in by 4pm today. The winner's name will be posted on here at 4.30pm.

Good luck y'all!

Dancehouse Theatre, Oxford Road (opposite the BBC)
Starts at 7.30pm
Tickets: £10/£14

UPDATE: Congratulations to Alex Colcombe who is now the owner of the Prize winning tickets.

There are still some tickets available for the show so if you can still make it, do so. Robin is a fantastic comic who shouldn't be missed!

WIN! A pair of tickets to see Lady Garden this Sunday @ the Deaf Institute

2009-04-23T11:44:00.000+01:00

Well, they're back in town with more comical delights. Lady Garden, the inaugral winners of the LOL! Comedy Award for Best Newcomer, are playing the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Sunday 26th April and guess what - you and a friend could be there! Tomorrow, we are giving away a pair of tickets to see them in action in the very city they formed in. To be in with a chance, come back to LOL! Manchester after midnight tonight to find out how you can win.

Lady Garden take the myth that Women aren't funny and completely blow it out of the water so don't miss out on this first rate show!

Everybody wants to be a comedian.

2009-04-19T08:03:00.001+01:00

Some information has made it our way and it maybe of use if you're interested in getting into stand up comedy. Have a read through and see if its for you.

Getting Started in Stand-Up Comedy
Day School
Friday 24 April 2009
10am – 4.00pm
Cost: £45

Ever wanted to have a go at stand-up but don’t know where or how to start? This day school will take you through the basics of developing your stage persona, getting your material together and presenting it to an audience. Some of the skills used in stand-up may also be useful for public speaking and the giving of presentations. Topics to be covered include:

• Consideration of different kinds of stand-up acts
• Developing a stage persona and an individualistic style of comedy
• Relating to audiences and dealing with hecklers

If you’re dithering about whether to have a go at stand-up this day school is a safe non- threatening way to give it a try.

Further information:
Courses for the Public, Ellen Wilkinson Building, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL
Tel: 0161 275 3275
E-mail: cce.reception@manchester.ac.uk
Web: www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/coursespublic

LOL! Manchester Profiles... John Warburton

2009-04-16T22:10:00.013+01:00

Combining one-liners, observational comedy and the occasional song, John's routine lends itself to a wide range of clubs and audiences. John is a sure fire hit with any crowd.

John has headlined comedy shows from Doncaster to Dubai, and at lots of places in-between. A regular at all the big weekend clubs around the UK, he is also available for corporate events.

Recently seen on Coronation Street, as Barry Sidwell, John makes his big screen debut in 2009 alongside Robert Carlyle, in big budget action thriller The Tournament.

Before turning to comedy John was a tabloid journalist, although he says he wasn’t very good at it. Which is a shame because he did it for bloody ages.

These days when John’s not performing comedy he writes it, with credits across network TV and radio. If you need something funny writing – John is your man.

John has made numerous appearances in a wide range of TV shows. In the last 12 months you may have seen or heard him on: TV’s 100 Greatest Comebacks. The Top 100 Christmas Shows; TV’s greatest Wind-ups; Outrageous TV moments; amongst many, many others.

Awards and Competitions

North West Comedian of The Year Winner (2004)

BBC New Comedy Semi Finalist (2005)

Next Manchester Dates

30th Apr 2009 - Side Tracked Comedy Club: John Warburton, Chris Roche, Rob Shepherd, Phil Buckley @ The Railway, Manchester

2nd May 2009 - Hilarity In Hand: John Warburton, Okse, Katie Mulgrew, Ben Davies, Matt Seber @ The Bird I' Th' Hand, Manchester

LOL! Manchester Profiles... Alex Boardman

2009-04-16T21:40:00.007+01:00

Early in 2008, Alex Boardman was nominated in the Rising Star category at the Sony Awards for his work on the Galaxy FM breakfast show. That show achieved record figures for any show in the station’s ten year history, however a change of ownership led Alex to return full time to his first love; stand up comedy.

2007 saw Alex’s first solo stand up tour entitled “Hit The North” (after a favourite song by The Fall) at a number of arts centres around the UK. The tour was a mixture of stand up and improvisation and gained good critical reviews.

Alex has also performed at numerous comedy festivals around the UK and has performed two one hour shows, the first one entitled “Nappy Mondays” that charted his transition from “Lad to Dad”, and the second entitled “Everyone thinks he looks daft” (after another favourite song by The Wedding Present). Again both were received well critically.

And no, he is no relation to Stan Boardman

Awards

Sony Radio awards 2008 (Rising Star nominee)
Arquiva commercial radio awards 2007 (Best breakfast show nominee)
Daily Telegraph Open Mic awards 1997 (Finalist)

Live

UK Tour - Hit The North 2007
Headlines Jongleurs, The Comedy Store and other venues all over the UK

Radio

Breakfast Show presenter 2005-2008 (Galaxy FM Manchester)

Television

Comedy Network (FIVE)
The Ralf Little Show (BBC 3)
Brain Candy (BBC 3 & Baby Cow)

Writing (scripted/ studio based comedy)

BAFTA nominated Lily Live (ITV1 - Series One and Two)
National Soap Awards 2005 Paul O’Grady’s gag writer (ITV1)
Soap Fever (ITV2)
Turn Back Time (BBC 2)
Top Ten TV (Ch 4)
A Question of Sport (BBC1)
Up Late with Ralf Little (BBC Choice)
The Ralf Little show (BBC Three)
The Eleven O Clock Show (Ch 4 - Series Two to Four)

Writing (sketch comedy)

The Last Laugh Show (ITV/ Paramount comedy)

The Last Man In. (R4) The In Crowd, (R4) Rob Ellis Drivetime (Galaxy FM)

Reviews

“Very Funny, a rare mixture of wit and charm” The Guardian

“Probably the quickest I’ve ever seen, certainly the funniest.” The Big Issue

“Master of the off the cuff slap down” The Big Issue

“A woman next to me laughed so much she was sick” City Life

“Improvised witticisms from the acerbic Mancunian. A veteran of the Madchester phenomenon, his loved-up reminisces and tall tales can lead anywhere on any given night.” The Times

Lady Garden return to Manchester

2009-04-05T08:15:00.002+01:00

The hottest new act in comedy, LADY GARDEN, are set to bring their highly-acclaimed sketch show to Trof @ the Deaf Institute.

With ‘versatile actors, sharp scripts and carrying that swagger of youth’ (The Independent, March 2009), the show follows on from their impressive return to Manchester in March with an hour-long set at The Dancehouse Theatre.

Date: Sunday 26^th April 2009
Time: 20:00
Where: The Deaf Institute, 135 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HE
Tickets: £6 on the door

A few changes to LOL!M are happening in the coming weeks...

2009-03-02T10:23:00.001Z

Hello you beautiful comedy lovers! Over the next week or so, we're gonna be making some changes to the LOL!Manchester site to make it even better! Alongside this, we announced that from this month all news items will also feature on our Facebook group too. Its for those who spend more time on FB than on the rest of the internet, but its mainly for those who don't want to lose touch with local comedy news, offers and competitions. We've already given away tickets to local clubs and a show at the Lowry - so you'll never know whats coming next if you don't keep it LOL!M'd.

We can't believe we forgot to tell you about Roy Walker!

2009-02-26T09:16:00.002Z

What a bunch of idiots we are at LOL!M Towers. On Monday night at Beat the Frog, the award winning free entry Amateur night at the Frog and Bucket on Oldham Road, Comedian Roy Walker made a surprise appearance in front of hundreds of regulars to do an impromptu 10 minute set. He opened up the first section along with Local Favourite Killian Monson before the weekly competition got into full swing!

An audience member on his way out for a cig outside overheard Roy asking about the possibility of him returning to do some more. Now whether this is sooner or later, its definately worth looking out for. The Frog are known for surprising their audiences like they have in the past with appearances from Johnny Vegas and Steve Coogan, so keep your eyes peeled!

Get involved with Red Nose Day 2009 and do something funny for money!

2009-02-26T08:31:00.000Z

Has it really been two years since the last Red Nose Day? Yes, it has. This year it falls on Friday 13th March and this time Comic Relief are asking you to do something funny for money.

The previous RND held in 2007 raised over £64m, both from its regular telethon on BBC1 and from organised events. Can this year raise more than the last one? Well, thats down to you. To make a difference to lives in Africa and people right here in the UK, visit the Red Nose Day website to find out how you can play your part in Comic Relief's success!

www.rednoseday.com
www.comicrelief.com

NOTE TO PROMOTERS/COMEDY CLUBS:
Are you organising a gig or event in aid of Comic Relief this year. Maybe you're having a collection and doing your thing that way instead. If so, email us at lolmanchester@gmail.com and give us details of your fundraising efforts. We'll put it in the gig guide and pop you on LOL!M's RND2009 round up. It will also be distributed via our Facebook group and mailing list too!

Win a Pair of tickets to Totally Looped at the Salford Lowry TOMORROW NIGHT!

2009-02-25T13:35:00.004Z

Lucky Lucky, you so Lucky!

Stuck for something to do tomorrow night (Thurs 26th Feb) but want to go out? Maybe you fancy seeing some fantastic improvised comedy to film clips happen before your Eyes! If thats the case, then you're in luck. LOL!M has got together with www.target-live.co.uk to give you the chance to see Phill Jupitus and Manchester's very own Toby Hadoke in action. All you have is answer this question:

Which popular BBC2 music show is Phill Jupitus a team captain on?

Email your answer to lolmanchester@gmail.com with Totally Looped comp in the subject field. Your answer need to be recieved by midday today.

Good luck!

XS romps to Victory again to win Best Comedy Club in the North

2009-02-25T11:05:00.003Z

Congratulations are in order for Toby Hadoke and his team as they have once again won Best Comedy Club in the North, thanks to Voters in the 2009 Chortle Awards. This just days after winning the inaugral LOL! Comedy Award for Best Manchester Comedy Club. The winning announcement was made last night at the awards ceremony in London, which was hosted by Frank Skinner.

The club has won the award many times before but lost out two years ago to the Frog and Bucket, then Funny Bones Comedy Club in the North East last year. Finally, XS is back at the top of the Heap.

Well done XS - your continuing hard work still pays off, and the awards reflect that.

LOL!M's Gig of the Week: Mick Ferry's Space Cadets @ TV21

2009-02-23T18:33:00.001Z

Mick Ferry's Space Cadets
The Secret Basement, Downstairs @ TV21, Thomas Street, Northern Quarter.

Tuesday 24th February
Doors at 8pm
Starts at 8.30pm

Doors 8pm Show 8.30 prompt
Admisson: £5/£3
Every Month deep beneath a bar on Thomas Street, there is a Silo ready to launch an arsenal of 'you had to be there' moments in stand up comedy. TV21, one of Manchester's sci-fi venues, hosts this oddity of comedy gigs, steered through by Mick Ferry, easily one of the UK's best comperes. His mixture of regular stand up comedy, monthly challenges set by his audience and showcase of 3 new acts (via the Starchasers segment) has made the night something special and something of a cult following.

Tomorrow night sees Mick introduce Midland's funny lady Susan and Justin Moorhouse, one of the finest comics Manchester has given birth to, but Space Cadets wouldn't be Space Cadets without whats made the gig what it is, so it's presenting the World Premiere of 4 Minute Warning. Its a short film made by circuit regular Caimh McDonnell, which stars Mr Ferry as well as a host of Comedians. Get to see it first Tomorrow!

Des's Chorlton Comedy night notches up a Magnificent Seven years of Mirth

2009-02-22T21:12:00.005Z

The Iguana Bar based Mirth on Monday Comedy Club has reached the grand age of seven and they continue with their very birthday line up tomorrow (Monday 23rd February). The promoter & host, Des Sharples will be introducing the musical Duo Rob & Skatz, fabulous funny woman Susan Murray and Papa CJ, one of India's top international comics.

LOL!M nominated Mirth on Monday can be found at the Iguana Bar on Manchester Road in Chorlton (M21 9PG for the Sat-Nav Gen)

Show starts at 9pm and its £3 entry on the door!

Stalyvegas gets its own comedy night!

2009-02-22T12:44:00.005Z

Yes indeed! Rob Riley, one of the Manchester Circuit's most dedicated comedy Promoters, launches Stand Up Stalyvegas tonight at the Lion's Den on Market Street in Stalybridge. This new comedy night on Tameside will be a belter. The line up is stellar and includes...

MARTIN BIGPIG - "He wore us out with laughter … Irrepressible exuberance." The Scotsman.

ALEX BOARDMAN - "Funny, Funny, Funny" The Guardian

SIMON DONALD - Co Founder of the Viz comic

Rob is also your compere for the night. Admission is £7 or £5 NUS. You can also get in for £5 if you buy your ticket in advance from The Lions. The gig starts at 7.30pm.

VERY STRONG LANGUAGE. STRICTLY ADULTS ONLY.

Join their Facebook group by clicking here!