Top comics gig to save historic London building

Dara O Briain Tom Allen and Joel Dommett are among the comics announced to play a new festival raising funds to save  the historic Chiswick House And Gardens in West London.

The Chiswick Festival will run from August 21 to September 9 with a programme that also include music and ‘audience with… events’.

Also taking part are Russell Kane, Simon Brodkin, Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine and Queen and Britpop tribute bands.

Bosses at the 18th Century villa say they have been ‘annihilated financially by Covid’ as their usual programme of event has been axed.

Thorfinn Armstrong, Founder of The Chiswick Festival said: ‘We are delighted to have assembled such a star-studded line up of comedians who each genuinely cares about the future of Chiswick House."

‘I grew up on the park’s doorstep and spent most of my childhood there, so when I discovered the depth of the financial impact of the pandemic, I started thinking up a way to help. 

‘Everyone in the area is desperate for something to do, and meanwhile there are acts and performers with no outlet for their talent. So when the guidelines changed to allow outdoor events, we had a perfect combination that I felt could solve a lot of problems. 

‘We will of course be going overboard when it comes to safety and reducing risk of transmission – many of my family and friends will be there so it’s absolutely the number 1 priority. ‘

Click here for the comedy listings, and here for the official website.

Chiswick House is not the only London landmark to be hosting  socially-distanced outdoor comedy. 

Tonight - despite forecast thunderstorms – Alexandra Palace begins a series of Comedy on The Terrace gigs with the likes of Ed Gamble, Lou Sanders, Andrew Maxwell and Milton Jones taking part against a panoramic backdrop view of  the capital.

The full line-up, with ticket links, is here.

Published: 13 Aug 2020