Dave’s Brighton Comedy Festival is back with more acts

Comedy heaven

The Brighton Comedy Festival returns on Friday with a new partner, Dave TV. It’s three jolly weeks when Brightonians walk around with aching ribs from all the laughter. The opening night Gala at Brighton Dome is in aid of The Sussex Beacon and is hosted by Alan Carr, who will be accompanied by Jo Brand, Abandoman, Paul Chowdhry, Romesh Ranganathan, plus local boys Seann Walsh and Simon Evans.

The festival, which attracts around 30,000 visitors during its 16 day run, will spread into Hove and beyond this year with events in the Brighton Dome, Pavilion Theatre, Corn Exchange, The Old Market and Komedia. The first ever comedy new talent competition called The Squawkers festival has also been launched this year, which had roaringly successful heats through September. The winner will take home a cash prize and bag a slot at the Best of The Fest show on Saturday 20 October.

Andi Osho, Chris Ramsey, Dara O’Briain, Frisky & Mannish, Greg Davies, Jack Dee, Jenny Eclair, Jon Richardson, Josh Widdicombe, Kevin Bridges, Marcus Brigstocke, Mark Thomas, Mark Watson, Richard Herring, Rob Rouse, Robin Ince, Ross Noble, Russell Kane, Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi, Simon Evans, Stephen K. Amos, and Tim Key will all perform this year. Here are five must-sees:

Abandoman
Last year, they re-invented hip-hop. This year, Abandoman are writing a hit single for the radio – and you’re providing the lyrics! Fresh from touring with Ed Sheeran, award-winning Irish one man hip-hop band, Abandoman (Rob Broderick), is looking to score his own chart topper – and as always, audience participation is essential. Come to the show, drop your suggestions in the ring and watch as Rob makes musical magic, creating hilarious raps and musical sketches at lightning speed. No two shows will be the same.

Abandoman were multi-platinum artist Ed Sheeran’s main support act on his sell-out UK tour that culminated in two nights at London’s Brixton Academy in 2011; in February, Rob performed in Australia for the first time, where the show was nominated for two awards at the Adelaide Fringe.

Rob also featured in The Wrestling at the Edinburgh Fringe 2011, which went on to win the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Awards Panel Prize.

Steve Hughes
One of the most exciting and distinctive comedians on the UK circuit, Steve has been invited to perform at every major comedy festival in the world and throughout 2010 and 2011 he joined Reginald D. Hunter as a special guest on his mammoth nationwide tour – taking in over 80 venues playing to tens of thousands of people. Television appearances include storming sets on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Stand Up For The Week and Dave’s One Night Stand.

There are some issues that are just too big to be swept under the carpet. Expect intelligent, thought-provoking, straight-talking social commentary from one of the finest and most original performers to grace the UK circuit. A former heavy metal drummer (Mortal Sin, Nazxul), Steve quickly made a name for himself on the comedy circuit as an erudite, philosophical, highly opinionated and provocative performer – a paradoxical blend of laid-back charm and acute caustic anti-establishment humour.

Tom Stade
Raw, bold stand-up at its best, Tom Stade has a magnetic stage presence, irrepressible charm and offers up first-class storytelling.

Tom’s incredible 2011 started with his debut tour selling out, then receiving amazing reviews in Edinburgh for his show What Year Was That?

He has headlined everywhere from New York to Johannesburg, performing at comedy festivals around the world and entertained the troops in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Falklands. Tipped as the next big comedy name, Tom offers a trip to his inimitable, offbeat world for a truly unforgettable hour of gags, anecdotes and spot-on observations.

Late Night Gimp Fight
A heady mix of technical prowess, drum-tight writing and slick choreography in an all out Gimp-tacular. Incorporating projection and television screens the Gimps are developing a new kind of interactive multimedia sketch comedy, wherein the technical wizardry is integral to the comedy as much as it is framing it. Enjoy more of their famed musical set pieces, as well as typically unique takes on American footballer dads, contemporary dance and that scene from When Harry Met Sally.

The 2012 incarnation of Late Night Gimp Fight is David Moon, Lee Griffiths, Matt Ralph and Paul Biggin. They are Soho Theatre’s associate company and directed by its artistic director, Steve Marmion.

James Acaster
Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award 2012 nominee James began his comedy career in 2008 and has since developed into an engaging and exciting comedian, performing all over the UK and firmly establishing himself as one of the most sought-after new acts on the circuit. His hotly anticipated debut show Amongst Other Things expertly blended whimsical narratives with dynamic audience interaction and played to packed houses for the whole month in Edinburgh heralding a raft of five star reviews. He also performed as part of BBC’s Stand Up In The Street during the Edinburgh Fringe. He rounded off 2010 supporting Josie Long, before joining Milton Jones for pretty much the whole of 2011. Most recently James appeared on Russell Howard’s Good News, Dave’s One Night Stand, Chris Addison’s Show and Tell and Live at the Comedy Store. His latest show Prompt is peppered with observations on bread, ducks and football chants.