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1,000 acts head for Leicester
The Leicester comedy festival has announced its 2007 line-up, with headliners Russell Brand, Jimmy Carr and Paul Merton.Organisers expect the festival – the 14th - will be the biggest yet, with more than 60,000 people watching more than 1,000 acts over 230 events.
Other big names visiting Britain’s oldest comedy-only festival between February 9 to 18 include Tim Minchin, Sean Hughes, Count Arthur Strong, Shappi Khorsandi and We Are Klang.
Jimmy Carr said: ‘You get the pick of the Edinburgh Festival every year at Leicester. I'd make the trip just to see We Are Klang, but by all means turn up and see my show If You Like something offensive.’
The festival will also explore the links between disability and comedy with a series of shows over the first weekend, including the publication of a joke book featuring material about disability and impairments. The book, which will include gags from star comedians as well as people with disabilities and impairments, will be published in aid of charity.
Organiser Geoff Rowe said the festival continues to grow, with 2006 audience figures up 15,000 on the previous year.
The festival will kick off with a preview show at De Montfort Hall on January 19, hosted by Jason Byrne. The full brochure will be out on Tuesday.
Published: 30 Nov 2006
