Events in London, Norfolk and Newcastle announced

Two comedy festivals have been announced for London today – a new one in Shepherds Bush and the return of the Balham Comedy Festival, both running at the same time.

And they come in a busy comedy week for the capital – as they run at the same time as the Ealing Comedy Festival, less than five miles from the Shepherds Bush one.

Acts including Simon Amstell, Sara Pascoe (pictured), Sophie Duker and Catherine Cohen will be performing in W12 between July 17 and 20.

Gigs – many of which are works in progress for the Edinburgh Fringe - will take place in Bush Hall, the studio space of Bush Theatre and Next Door Record Store. Listings are here. 

The Bush Comedy Festival has been put together by promoters Berk’s Nest, whose managing director Owen Donovan said: ‘I’m thrilled to be bringing some of the most exciting comedy shows of the year to some of my favourite venues in London. 

‘With the backing of Hammersmith & Fulham council, this festival will be a real staple in the summer calendar for West London.’

Meanwhile, in South London, the long-running Banana Cabaret club has announced the details of the 12th Balham Comedy Festival at its usual home, The Bedford pub.

Running from July 12 to 20, the event will feature the likes of Harry Hill, Kerry Godliman and Mark Thomas.

Festival promoter  Dave Vickers said: ‘It continues to be just brilliant to watch incredible comic talent perform on our stage. Balham Comedy Festival celebrates that.’

Listings are here. 

Elsewhere, 50 comedians will perform 30 shows across 11 venues as part of the new Normal For Norfolk festival, running from July 15 to 27.

Terry Alderton, Joe Rooney, Sam See and Spring Day are among those performing at the festival, which is centred on Norwich but also features some shows in Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Therford and Dereham.

Martin Westgate, who runs event organisers Hooma Comedy, said: There’s been a growing comedy scene in Norwich for a few years, with live comedy every week on Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays. Now felt like a great time to bring some of the UK’s best comic talent to East Anglia.

‘I’m very excited to bring some of the most exciting comics in the UK to my hometown. We’re bringing you a mix of local talent, who have recently graduated from Hooma’s own comedy course, to some of the biggest names on the stand up circuit, and we’re making all the shows affordable so everyone can enjoy them.’

 The festival website is here.

And the Newcastle Fringe – which runs from July 16 to 27 – has announced its line-up, with comics including Lost Voice Guy, Lauren Pattison, Benny Shakes, Marjolein Robertson, Alex Kealy, Diane Spencer and Susie McCabe, Website. 

Published: 5 Jun 2024