To play Michael Ball and Alfie Boe

They are darlings of alternative comedy, but Adam Riches and John Kearns are to adopt the personas of mainstream musical entertainers Michael Ball and Alfie Boe for a new festive show.

The Cult Comics – both Edinburgh Comedy Award winners – are adopting the crooners' alter-egos for a 14-night run at London’s Soho Theatre this December. 

Details of what exactly the show comprises are being kept under wraps, even down to which comedian portrays which singer.

However, producers promise it will be ‘stupid, silly, and full of heart’ and add that the comedians will be playing ‘music's most bangable duo, for a once in a lifetime yuletide extravaganza guaranteed to have you double-checking exactly what list Santa put you on for this to happen.’

Riches joked: ‘When Soho Theatre called to offer me the role of Adam Riches in their Christmas production of Adam Riches & John Kearns ARE Ball & Boe - For Fourteen Nights Only, I had one question and one question only. Who have you got to play John Kearns? When they said "John Kearns", I knew I was in.’

The real Ball and Boe  have been working together for over a decade with their first joint album the bestselling LP of 2016, shifting over 600,000 copies in the UK. They will be touring together in 2025

Riches and Kearns' show runs at Soho Theatre from December 10 to January 4 at 7.30pm.

Published: 11 Oct 2024