Merthyr Comedy Festival Brochure · WEST SIDE STORIES TICKETS: £3 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT/ PAY...

TWO DAYS, SEVEN VENUES,

FOR T Y COMEDIANS, 1000'S OF LAUGHS

MERTHYR COMEDY FESTIVAL 13 & 14 APRIL 2018

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA BY USING THE FOLLOWING HASTAGS: #MERTHYRCOMEDYFESTIVAL #MERTHYRMAZIN

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WELOVEMERTHYR.CO.UK

FR I DAY 1 3 APR I L ˚ 8 PM VENUE PAGEMike Wilmot, Bec Hill & Mike Bubbins: Big Opening Night Show

Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club 5

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 1 2 . 30PM VENUE PAGESteffan Alun: Romantic Comedy The Brunswick 6

Bec Hill, Phil Cooper & Paul Duncan McGarritty: Family Friendly Stand-Up Comedy

Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club 8

Bumpkins : Work In Progress Redhouse, Penydarren 11

Robin Morgan: Honeymoon The Crown Inn 7

Karen Sherrard: A Fête Worse Than Death Redhouse, Treharris 11

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 2 . 00PM VENUE PAGESam Lloyd: Piñata Redhouse, Penydarren 12

Ben Thurston & Tim Goodings: The Trying Game Canolfan Soar 9

Barrie Heap & Kath Marvelley: The Holistic Hour Redhouse, Bro Merthyr 11

Simon Donald: Barry Twyford Isn’t Meant Redhouse, Treharris 12

Dylan Jones: I Will Always Love You Woodfired 10

Danny Posthill: That Bloke Who Does Voices Redhouse, Plymouth Courtyard 12

Coral Halliwell: Little Red Writing Crude Redhouse, Bedlinog 11

Andy Quirk: Andy Quirk’s Got First World Problems The Brunswick 6

President Obonjo The Crown Inn 7

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 3 . 30PM VENUE PAGERichard Jay, Maggy Whitehouse, David Hoare& Dorian Wainwright: West Side Stories

The Crown Inn 7

Katie Pritchard: Tsketchywetchywetchy Redhouse, Penydarren 13

Noel James: Universal Man Canolfan Soar 9

Sarah Bridgeman: Sarah's World Redhouse, Treharris 13

Zahra Barri: Warrior Not Princess Woodfired 10

Steffan Evans: If I Die Right Now Redhouse, Bedlinog 12

Bec Hill & Paul McGarrity: Works In Progress Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club 8

Adele Cliff & Aaron Simmonds: The AA Team Redhouse, Dowlais Theatre 13

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 3 . 30PM VENUE PAGE

Andy Onions: Powerpointless The Brunswick 6

Alf & Richard Lindesay: Propped Up & Richard Lies Here Redhouse, Bro Merthyr 12

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 5 . 00PM VENUE PAGEPaul Allen & Katie Pritchard: The Blade Of Barrington Redhouse, Bedlinog 13

Sally Firth & Sean Patrick: Two Lives Half Lived Redhouse, Penydarren 14

Aaron Simmonds: Work In Progress Woodfired 10

Phil Evans & Friends: Comedy & Cwtches Redhouse, Dowlais Theatre 14

Barbara Nice: Raffle Canolfan Soar 9

Daniel Triscott & Graham Wilkes: Double Presentation Redhouse, Bro Merthyr 13

Andrew White: Coming Of Age The Crown Inn 7

Dan Thomas: Embarrassing Neck Tattoo The Brunswick 6

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 6 . 30PM VENUE PAGECharmian Hughes: Bra Trek Canolfan Soar 9

Ryan McDonnell: Born Idle Redhouse, Plymouth Courtyard 15

Leroy Brito: Three Dads Redhouse, Bro Merthyr 14

Frank Foucault: Shoes Redhouse, Penydarren 15

Col Howarth: Id Ego Superego Redhouse, Treharris 15

Adele Cliff: Sheep (Work In Progress) Woodfired 10

Chris Chopping: Work In Progress The Crown Inn 7

Calum Stewart, Alex Perkes & Sarah Breese: Fails From Wales

Redhouse,Bedlinog 14

Paul James: Designated Drinker Redhouse, Dowlais Theatre 15

Nathan Webb, Sam Beard & Gareth Thomas: Who’s Round? The Brunswick 6

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 8 . 00PM VENUE PAGEPhil Cooper, Noel James A Ffrindiau Canolfan Soar 9

S ATURDAY 1 4 APR I L ˚ 9 . 00PM VENUE PAGENorman Lovett, Simon Donald & Barbara Nice: Big Closing Night Show

Scala Venue 5

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@COMEDYMERTHYR /MERTHYRCOMEDYFESTIVAL

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ENJOY THE FEST IVALWe hope you’ll have a great time at our festival and you can help us make it special by being a great audience member! How do you do this? It's easy. All you need to do is arrive on time for the show, laugh at the funny bits, join in when asked, relax and enjoy yourself. Easy!

And no need to bring your own jokes or heckles, the comedians will do all the hard work for you! Enjoy!

A VERY WARM WELCOME TO OUR F IR ST MERTHYR COMEDY F E ST IVAL . OUR PROGRAMME SHOWCASE S A HUGE RANGE O F TALENT W ITH COMEDY C IRCU IT STARS L I KE M IKE W I LMOT , NORMAN LOVETT AND BEC H I LL , A S WELL A S R I S I NG STARS FROM AROUND THE UK . WE A IM TO PROV IDE SOMETH ING FOR EVERYONE — CH I LDREN ’ S SHOWS , F AM ILY SHOWS AND SHOWS THAT ARE A L ITTLE MORE ADULT I N NATURE .

We hope you will join us for our star-studded opening and closing nights

but also take the opportunity to spend the Saturday afternoon and evening

with us here in Merthyr Tydfil, try out our many venues and enjoy some great

stand-up comedy.

Finally, a big thank you to local comedian Drew Taylor who has worked

tirelessly to put this festival progamme together and without whom we could

not present you with such a magnificent two days of first-rate comedy.

CARL MASONChair, The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil

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B IG OPEN ING N IGHT SHOW Friday 13 April, doors open 7pm for 8pm show Merthyr Labour Club

TICKETS: £10 IN ADVANCE, £15 ON THE DOOR BOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM OR IN PERSON FROM MERTHYR LABOUR CLUB

FEATUR ING MIKE W ILMOT , BEC H ILL & MIKE BUBB INS .

Merthyr Comedy Festival opens with critically acclaimed Time Out Comedy Award winner Mike Wilmot of Live At The Apollo, Never Mind the Buzzcocks and It’s All Gone Pete Tong fame. He has achieved rave reviews throughout the UK for his unique stand-up, at times raucous, but always very, very funny.

He’s joined by Bec Hill of Go 8 Bit and CBBC’s The Dog Ate My Homework and by Mike Bubbins, one of Wales’s finest comedians and raconteurs. Paul James will be your host for this mirth-filled night of laugh out loud comedy.

B IG CLO S I NG N IGHT SHOW Saturday 14 April, doors open 8pm for 9pm show

Scala Venue

TICKETS: £10 IN ADVANCE, £15 ON THE DOORBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM OR IN PERSON FROM WOODFIRED

FEATUR ING NORMAN LOVETT , S IMON DONALD & BARBARA N ICE .

Stand-up comedian and star of Red Dwarf, Norman Lovett headlines the festival’s closing night show. A natural born comic, his deadpan delivery and exquisite comic timing makes him a true original.

He’s joined by Simon Donald, co-creator of Viz Comics and regular at the Edinburgh Fringe, and Barbara Nice from Phoenix Nights, plus our host and festival co-organiser, Drew Taylor.


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1 2 : 30pm STEF FAN ALUN : ROMANT IC COMEDY

TICKETS: £5 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT/ PAY WHAT YOU WANT ON THE DAYBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

A love story from one of Wales’ finest comedians. Steffan weaves a marvellous tale full of jokes, uplifting and powerfully funny, without going for the easy laughs of shock humour.

2 : 00pm ANDY QUIRK: ANDY QUIRK’S GOT FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS

TICKETS: £5 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT/ PAY WHAT YOU WANT ON THE DAYBOX OFFICE: WEGOTTICKETS.COM

East London’s premier rapper of first-world problems, Andy Quirk, and his backup dancer Anna J, bring fist-pumping therapy for modern living to the masses. Join their crew in railing against the inconsequential irks of modern living!

3 : 30pm ANDY ON ION S : POWERPO INTLE S S

TICKETS: £5 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT/ PAY WHAT YOU WANT ON THE DAYBOX OFFICE: EVENTBRITE.CO.UK

High-octane, stand-up comedy from Andy Onions as he takes you on a nonsensical multimedia journey. Come and see a grown man in a Hawaiian shirt lose it for an hour. It’ll be the most lovable break down you’ll ever see.

“Go to this show. It will make you grin stupidly.” – B U N B U RY M AG A Z I N E .

5 : 00pm DAN THOMAS: EMBARRASSING NECK TATTOO

TICKETS: £4BOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

S4C and BBC Radio Wales star Dan Thomas provides all the answers to life. What is the meaning of life? Is free will an illusion? What have I just put my hand in? Oh god it’s still warm! Yes, you’ll laugh, but mainly you’ll be like, F (****) me that was P (profound).

6 : 30pm NATHAN WEBB, SAM BEARD & GARETH THOMAS: WHO’S ROUND?


Three men. Two pies. One mic. Who’s Round isn’t a stand-up comedy show about beer or pies but instead touches on the life stories of these three unrelated but completely relatable chubby men. Three slices of the pie of life, if you like - funny, moving, downright warm and fuzzy.

The Brunswick, Church Street, CF47 0BW

Laugh out loud Saturday

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1 2 : 30pm ROB IN MORGAN : HONEYMOON


The second hour show from Robin Morgan, writer for Have I Got News For You and The News Quiz, warm-up for the Graham Norton Show and tour support for Ellie Taylor.

“A phenomenal comic. Utterly hilarious.” – B ROA D WAY BA BY

2 : 00pm PRESIDENT OBONJO


In the age of Trump, populism and Brexit, the world doesn’t need another bloated ego pretending to give easy solutions. No, what we need is a comedy character who skewers them with precision and hilarity.

3 : 30pm R ICHARD JAY , MAGGY WH ITEHOU SE , DAV I D HOARE & DOR IAN WA INWR IGHT : WE ST S I D E STOR I E S


Variety is all, and there’s plenty in this hour of fun featuring no fewer than four talents from the West Country, each with their own story to tell.

5 : 00pm ANDREW WHITE: COMING OF AGE

TICKETS: ADVANCE DISCOUNT 2 FOR £8 / NORMAL PRICE £5BOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

Coming of Age explores what it means to be an adult through the eyes of 18 year old Andrew White. He looks at learning to drive, partying, keeping fit, bigotry and the strange political environment we are in. Through stand-up, poetry, rap, and even experimental mime, this will be an entirely unique hour.

6 : 30pm CHRIS CHOPPING: WORK IN PROGRESS


A work in progress for Chris Chopping’s second show, following his five star reviewed debut, Premature Emasculation. With a working title of Chris Chopping’s Lonely Heart Club Band, can it be as bad as it sounds? Admit it, you’re curious.

Laugh out loud Saturday The New Crown Inn,

28 High Street, CF47 8DP

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Merthyr Tydfil Labour Club, Court Street, CF47 8DU


1 2 : 30pm FAM ILY FR I ENDLY STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW

TICKETS: £5 IN ADVANCE /£8 ON THE DOORBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

FAMILY FR IENDLY STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW FEATUR ING BEC H ILL , PH IL COOPER & PAUL DUNCAN MCGARR ITTY .

Big stand-up for little ears! Join Bec Hill (CBBC’S The Dog Ate My Homework), Phil Cooper (S4C) and Paul Duncan McGarrity (Ask An Archaeologist and The Big Dig) as they perform stand-up for a younger audience.

Bring your own children, or steal someone else’s, as this show will keep you laughing well into the following week.

Children must be accompanied by an adult and families are kindly requested to sit together during the performance.

3 : 30pm BEC HILL & PAUL MCGARRITY: WORKS IN PROGRESS

TICKETS: £3 IN ADVANCE /£6 ON THE DOORBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

A combined hour of new and gold stand-up from Bec Hill and Paul Duncan McGarritty. Expect flipcharts, archaeology and, of course, jokes.

"Bec Hill is silly, fun and a seemingly bottomless well of enjoyment." – B ROA D WAY BA BY

“Paul; like a very tall, funny, excited child.” – T H E SCOTS M A N

Canolfan Soar, High Street, Pontmorlais, CF47 8UB

2 : 00pm BEN THURSTON &TIM GOODINGS : THE TRYING GAME


Ben Thurston is 44, single, rudderless and self-absorbed. Think Bridget Jones with a beard.

“Sleep deprived good humour.” – B R I G H TO N E V E N I N G A RG O S

Sometimes it's harder to give up than to keep doing the bare minimum. As a person, Tim Goodings is a work in progress, and progress is slow.

“Tim Goodings is funny. Very funny. Nuff said.” – C H E LT E N H A M CO M E DY F EST I VA L

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6 : 30pm CHARM IAN HUGHE S : BRA TREK


What would happen if every fairytale you had ever heard turned out to be a lie?

“Class above other stand-ups... A great entertainer not to be missed.” – D O M I N I O N PO ST

8 : 00pm PHIL COOPER, NOEL JAMES A FFRINDIAU

TICKETS: £8/£6 CONCESSIONSBOX OFFICE: THEATRSOAR.CO.UK

Noson ddifyr gyda seren Gwerthu Allan (S4C), Phil Cooper o Borth. Wedi dychwelyd o Vietnam mae Phil yn byrlymu o straeon swreal. Hefyd Lorna Prichard, newyddiadurwraig sydd am gyfnewid ei phenawdau am jocs. Arweinydd y noson: Noel James, y digrifwr, sy byth yn digio, o Gwmtawe.

A cracking night with star of S4C's Selling Out (Gwerthu Allan), Phil Cooper, from Porth. Fresh back from Vietnam Phil is king of the surreal story. Also featuring Lorna Prichard, a news reporter who swaps headlines for punchlines. MC is Noel James, the minstrel of understatement.

Laugh out loud Saturday 3 : 30pm

NOEL JAMES : UN IVERSAL MAN

TICKETS: £7/£5 CONCESSIONSBOX OFFICE: THEATRSOAR.CO.UK

The continuing story of a Welsh comedy pundit. Noel’s new show is largely improvised, demonstrating that side of his personality more akin to buffaloes than stand-up.

His love of Merthyr is endemic, and while some people think that Valleys is slang for all of Wales, Noel explains that’s just how the fascists pronounce it.

“Oh Lord, here is iniquity!” – D I C P E N D E RY N .

5 : 00pm BARBARA N ICE : RAF FLE !

TICKETS: £8.50 / £6.50 CONCESSIONBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

Critically acclaimed tip-top character comedy as Phoenix Nights actress Janice Connolly hits the stage with everyone’s favourite housewife for an hour of laughter.

A playful life-affirming show for all the family including the chance to win a prize off Barbara’s table. With her enviable track record of garnering five star reviews and sell-out shows, Barbara will put a smile on your face and a spring in your step with this new show about chance and luck.


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Woodfired, 62 High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8DE

Laugh out loud Saturday 5 : 00pm

AARON SIMMONDS: WORK IN PROGRESS

TICKETS: PAY WHAT YOU WANT ON THE DAY

Aaron Simmonds, BBC New Comedian of the Year finalist and Jewish Comedian of the Year, brings a work in progress show to Merthyr Tydfil.

6 : 30pm ADELE CLIFF: SHEEP (WORK IN PROGRESS)


Adele talks friends, fitting in and following the crowd in this work in progress show of her much anticipated debut, Sheep. Come and see brand new jokes and make a brand new friend!

“Consistently intelligent, witty and most importantly, very funny.” – F U N N Y W O M E N

2 : 00pm DYLAN JONE S : I W I LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

TICKETS: £3 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT / PAY WHAT YOU WANT ON THE DAYBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

Comedian Dylan Jones was perfectly happy being raised in a cult. Well, apart from being second best to Jesus… Third if you include his mum’s obsession with dressing up teddy bears ‘for charity,’ Jones was surrounded by love, joy and modern hymns. A comedian once said it’s easy to write jokes about sex, but harder to write jokes about love. Jones accepts the challenge with a heart-warming tale of a virgin birth, early onset dementia and ghosts.

3 : 30pm ZAHRA BARR I : WARR IOR NOT PR INCE S S


Zahra has never stood in front of a mirror and taken a selfie. She’s more likely to stand in front of the mirror and ask herself to make a change. From Kim Kardashian’s career to Kim Jong-un’s Korea, the world is a constant mix of war and priss, and Zahra really wants to be a warrior, not a princess. As heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra, Radio 2 and Radio Asian Network.

“Terrific!” – V E N U E M AG A Z I N E

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Laugh out loud Saturday Redhouse,

High Street, CF47 8AE


12.30pm

PENYDARREN BUMPKINS: WORK IN PROGRESS


Three bumpkins with delusions of grandeur unite for a show about wild ambition, the daily grind and living your best life. Join Eleri, Fiona and Ruth “Each a force of nature and a full throttled idiot” (Logan Murray) for an energetic triple bill mixing storytelling, social commentary and silliness.

TREHARRIS KAREN SHERRARD: A FÊTE WORSE THAN DEATH

TICKETS: £5 / £4 CONCESSIONSBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

Welcome to the village fête in Llanfairchwaraesboncen. Join 76 year old Eirys Evans in this fun-filled romp complete with competitions, slide shows and audience participation. Also featuring Esme de Flange, a lascivious TV gardener providing advice on sowing seed, trimming your shrubbery and producing a prize marrow.

Can you contain yourself for the grand finale? The RAFFLE! This one-woman show comes fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe.

2.00pm

BEDLINOG CORAL HALLIWELL: LITTLE RED WRITING CRUDE


Armed with courageous tales and one-liners, Coral hits you with fierce razor-sharp wit, bringing you the right level of cheeky, rude, straight-talking humour. From her sex life and relationships to health issues and motherhood, you'll be drawn into her natural storytelling.

BRO MERTHYR BARRIE HEAP & KATH MARVELLEY: THE HOLISTIC HOUR


Laughter is the best medicine in this healthy comedy combining mind, body and spirit. Health professionals by day, comedians by night, let Barrie convince you to take care of your mind in 'Therapy' while Kath gets physical in 'Health and Safety'. There's no better show to keep the doctor away!

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Laugh out loud Saturday 2.00pm

PENYDARREN SAM LLOYD: PINATA


Samuel Lloyd is a Welsh 20-something man who doesn’t like birthdays. What? There’s got to be something wrong with him. After 25 consecutive years of birthdays, he investigates why blowing out candles never blew his mind.

“Top quality, inventive material.” – Q U E N C H M AG A Z I N E

PLYMOUTH COURTYARD DANNY POSTHILL: THAT BLOKE WHO DOES VOICES

TICKETS: £8 BOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

Danny Posthill never gets tired of people shouting at him on the street, “Aren’t you that bloke that does voices?” A finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, Danny takes you on a journey meeting well known celebrities: There’s Donald Trump, a better rapper than Eminem; Bear Grylls acting wild in the bedroom; and Nigel Farage, frustrated by people getting his name wrong; and many more.

“A top act, world-class impressionist.” – B O B BY DAV RO

TREHARRIS SIMON DONALD: BARRY TWYFORD ISN'T MEANT


It’s a normal day at work when suddenly, due to an administrative error, you’ve got to entertain a paying crowd of people for an hour.

3.30pm

BEDLINOG STEFFAN EVANS: IF I DIE RIGHT NOW


Life is hard, beautiful and short. If your life ended right now, would you be happy with what you’ve achieved? What regrets would you have? What did you love? What would you change? If I Die Right Now is one man’s quest to find his place in the world. Think of it as the autobiography of an underachiever.

BRO MERTHYR ALF: PROPPED UP & RICHARD LINDESAY: RICHARD LIES HERE


Propped Up is the new show from So You Think You’re Funny semi-finalist Alf. With songs and puns aplenty, at times absurd but never more than moments from a punchline, don’t expect any hint of plot.

Richard Lies Here from Kiwi comedian Richard Lindesay explores the subject of lying, including the pros and cons, and how to improve your lying skills. Will make you laugh and think, the thinking being that you probably shouldn’t take his advice.

What are you going to do? This is exactly what happens to Donald’s character, hapless Geordie market researcher Barry Twyford, in this remarkable one-man show.

A panic-stricken Barry spends a desperate hour clawing at ways to entertain the crowd. He makes a number of eventful video calls to various characters, all played by Donald. Can anyone help Barry out of his living nightmare?

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3.30pm

DOWLAIS THEATRE ADELE CLIFF & AARON SIMMONDS: THE AA TEAM


Adele and Aaron are stand-up comedians from London who perform all over the UK. What to say about them?

“I find Adele really annoying to watch, as I’m constantly kicking myself for not thinking of those gags first.” – G A RY D E L A N E Y ( M O C K T H E W E E K , L I V E AT T H E A PO L LO )

“Aaron has the best opening joke we’ve ever seen!” – B R I STO L U N D E RG RO U N D CO M E DY

PENYDARREN KATIE PRITCHARD: TSKETCHYWETCHYWETCHY

TICKETS: £6 ADULTS / £4 CHILDRENBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

A fabulous show for everyone that likes music and comedy and fun and coolness and the word snazzy. Suitable for ages 5-105!

TREHARRIS SARAH BRIDGEMAN: SARAH’S WORLD


Sarah hasn’t got a clue really. But she does know that life would be that little bit better if she just lost weight. She’s not bothered about blokes but feels like that is something she should get. But she hates internet dating and it looks like she’s too old for discos!

“Godmother of Welsh comedy." – A L I SO N L E N I H A N

5.00pm BEDLINOG

PAUL ALLEN & KATIE PRITCHARD: THE BLADE OF BARRINGTON

TICKETS: £3 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT / PAY WHAT YOU WANT ON THE DAY BOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

A mad cap mixture of theatre, storytelling and stand-up set in 17th century Newport. A radio serial is being recorded but only two of the cast turn up. They attempt to record it, playing numerous parts themselves.

The show tells the tale of Sir Arthur Barrington and his trusted sidekick Badger Boy as they dice with death in an action packed yarn featuring dragons and asthmatic donkeys.

BRO MERTHYR DANIEL TRISCOTT & GRAHAM WILKES: DOUBLE PRESENTATION


Dan and Graham have known each other since the beginning of their comedy careers, sharing the same sense of humour yet developing their own distinctive styles. From Graham’s tales of mishaps and woes to Dan’s forensic and logical construction of off-kilter gags, this show has all bases covered with serious charm and superb wit.

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Laugh out loud Saturday 5.00pm

DOWLAIS THEATRE PHIL EVANS & FRIENDS: COMEDY & CWTCHES


Phil Evans is true showbiz royalty – not only the Clown Prince of Comedy but also the King of the Cwtsh.

“Phil isn’t so much a comic but more like a force of nature. Warm, cheeky, and with an incredible gift for working an audience; the first time you see Phil Evans, you’ll never forget him. The second time you see him… Run!” – G A RY S L AYM A K E R

PENYDARREN SALLY FIRTH & SEAN PATRICK: TWO LIVES, HALF LIVED


Sean Patrick is leaving behind the world of accountancy to become a high-octane entertainer. He’ll make it as a stand-up or die trying. Sally Firth’s son is a comedian who pulls out of his gig at the last minute. She steps in. Will she deliver his dodgy material or something else? Unexpected observations and dry wit from two London-based stand-ups.

6.30pm

BEDLINOG CALUM STEWART, SARAH BREESE & ALEX PERKES: FAILS FROM WALES


Three of South Wales’ newest rising stars! Calum Stewart, as heard on BBC Wales’ The Rhod Gilbert Show, is social awkwardness personified as he redefines lad culture whilst never maintaining eye contact.

Sarah Breese is a mischievous ball of comedy nonsense. Funny and engaging, her comedy is a combination of sharp observations, skewed logic and boundless enthusiasm.

Alex Perkes? What is he like?

BRO MERTHYR LEROY BRITO: THREE DADS

TICKETS: £5 / £3 CONCESSIONSBOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

Three Dads is Leroy’s personal look at fatherhood as he recalls his experience of the three different men – aged 18, 24 and 34 – who he was when his children were born.

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6.30pm

DOWLAIS THEATRE PAUL JAMES: DESIGNATED DRINKER


Paul James's wife loves wife loves to drive while Paul has a rare medical condition that prohibits him and causes him to make up rare medical conditions. So he became the self-appointed ‘Designated Drinker’. He dedicates himself to this role in the face of objections from his wife, the medical profession and occasionally the law!

"Revered as a comedic demi-god." – WA L ES O N L I N E

PENYDARREN FRANK FOUCAULT: SHOES


Frank was told it was a good idea to do a themed show, so he’s doing it about shoes. I imagine he’s beginning to regret this decision.

“Stupidly funny!” – C H O RT L E

“A tiny work of comic genius!” – T H E SCOTS M A N

6.30pm

PLYMOUTH COURTYARD RYAN MCDONNELL: BORN IDLE


Have you heard the one about an Irishman who walks into a bar, repeatedly, instead of doing anything that he’s supposed to be doing with his life? Is procrastination just a fancy way of not admitting that you’re a lazy bastard? Ryan was attempting to write a one hour show about something else, but ended up doing this instead. He’s an award winning comedian from Northern Ireland who performs across the UK and internationally.

“Apollo quality!” – T H R E E W E E K S

TREHARRIS COL HOWARTH: ID SUPER EGO

TICKETS: £3 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT / PAY WHAT YOU WANT ON THE DAY BOX OFFICE: CONNECT.JOKEPIT.COM

Col Howarth is a Cardiff-based stand-up and 2017 Welsh Unsigned Stand-Up Awards Finalist. Id Super Ego is his second show, following his successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe last year.

“One of my go-to guys. A quality act that will make a night go well. Witty, clever and charming.” – C LW B CO M E DY

• Enjoy the many cafés, eateries and pubs around the town centre and make a day of it!

• The shows on Saturday afternoon and early evening are an hour long. There is only 30 minutes between shows so please try to arrive 15 minutes before it begins so that we can make a prompt start.

VENUES

MERTHYR COMEDY FESTIVAL IS SPREAD ACROSS SEVEN VENUES ALL WITHIN HALF A MILE OF EACH OTHER. ALL CAN BE ACCESSED EAS ILY FROM MERTHYR TYDFIL BUS AND TRAIN STATIONS WHILST CAR PARKING IN THE PAY AND DISPLAY CAR PARKS IS ONLY £1 ALL DAY ON SATURDAYS.

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05

4

PE

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PONTMORLAIS W

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ABERM O

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AIS

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AD

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A4

102

CA

E’R

WE

RN

ABERDARE RD.

CA

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A4

102

A470

QUARRY ROW

BETHESDA ST.

LLW

YN

BE

RR

Y

PE

NL

AN

VIE

W

LLYWYNCELYN

SWAN STREET

CASTLE STREET

PENDERYN

SQUARE

JOSEPH PARRY’S COTTAGE

MERTHYR TYDFIL

LEISURE VILLAGE

LLYS JANICE

ROWLANDS

BETHESDA ST.

MAP

• If you buy tickets in advance on the internet, please ensure that you bring the details with you. You will need these to hand at the venue entrance when you arrive for a show.

• If you have bought tickets in advance from one of the venues, again please ensure that you bring these with you as you will need them at the venue entrance.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE FEST IVAL

7. MERTHYR TYDFIL LABOUR CLUB

1. CANOLFAN SOAR 2. REDHOUSE

4. SCALA VENUE3. THE BRUNSWICK

5. WOODFIRED 6. THE NEW CROWN INN

Merthyr Comedy Festival Brochure · WEST SIDE STORIES TICKETS: £3 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT/ PAY...

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Transcript of Merthyr Comedy Festival Brochure · WEST SIDE STORIES TICKETS: £3 IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SEAT/ PAY...