River gig with the punters on... well, punts

We’ve become used to live-streamed comedy during lockdown… but how about live comedy on a stream?

Oxford-based Jericho Comedy is staging a stand-up night on the River Cherwell later this month, with a floating stage and punters in, well, punts.

‘This is maybe the most summery and incredibly Oxford way to enjoy an evening of open-air comedy,’ said organiser Harry Househam. ‘But it has been heavily suggested we should get hecklers to walk the plank.’

Like many promoters, he has previously organised drive-ins and open-air gigs during lockdown, and says: ‘We can’t wait to perform from a river. It has been a joy to get comedians working safely and in front of audiences in much need of a laugh in these uncertain times.

The gig takes place at the  Cherwell boathouse on August 20, with tickets priced £20. Up to four people from two households can share a punt, while there are also tables on dry land ‘for any landlubbers without their sea legs’.

Tickets are available here, priced £20. Househam has not responded to request to say which comedians are taking part.

Published: 9 Aug 2020