Comedy: Brighton Comedy Festival

As our city fills to the brim with even more comedic types than usual, we ask some of why it is that they love Brighton so…

James Acaster

“If I had to choose one thing I love about Brighton it would be the tunnel near the station that leads down to York Place. The acoustics are tremendous and every now and then there is a busker playing the saxophone in the tunnel. He was once playing ‘Careless Whisper’ – perfect. Hearing those melancholy tones reverberating off the tunnel walls was the perfect welcome to this quaint coastal town. I got so caught up in the moment I forgot to give the chap any money. If you see him please pass on my compliments, he’s a very good saxophonist.”

James Acaster: Lawnmower, Studio Bar, Komedia, Thursday 17 October, 7pm, £12/10

Vikki Stone

“I love the Brighton Comedy Festival because the audiences in Brighton are always up for a proper laugh and know how to have a good time! I’m really looking forward to playing a bigger venue this year, as last year’s festival show totally sold out – which is always nice!
“The best bit about performing in Brighton is, after the show, I’ll treat myself by playing on those 2p machines you get on the seafront. Oh, the rush you get when a keyring you’ll immediately throw in the bin when you get home, falls off with a pile of coppers. Unbeatable.”

Vikki Stone: Definitely, Studio, Brighton Dome, Saturday 12 October, 7.45pm, £12/10

Glenn Wool of the Lumberjacks

“When I used to come to play the Komedia there was an elderly couple named Bill and Agnes that would take comics into their house as billets. I was a long way away from Canada and this was before Skype. They acted as surrogate grandparents to me on more than one occasion, steering me gently towards correct choices without being authoritarian. The house got too big for them and they moved away to be closer to their children in middle England but I’ll always remember it as a little oasis in a hectic time for me and it’s not only one of my best memories of Brighton but it’s one of my favourite parts of my life.”

Stewart Francis, Craig Campbell and Glenn Wool are The Lumberjacks, Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, Saturday 12 October, 7.30pm, £16

Richard Vranch of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums

“Paul Merton’s Impro Chums are back at the Brighton Dome on Friday 18 October. The Dome
is one of the nicest rooms to perform or watch comedy in the UK. Improvised comedy relies on audience suggestions and the Brighton crowd always keeps us on our toes. Brighton has an impressive live comedy tradition, from Max Miller to Cliffhanger to Count Arthur Strong. Playing near the seafront gives you a sniff of what it must have been like doing a full summer season. These days just one night of Brighton’s famous hospitality is about all I can manage. Luckily we have a Magic Bus to whisk us away before it gets too messy…”

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, Friday 18 October, 8pm, £21/19

Jimeoin

“I’ve only been to Brighton a few times. I’ve got a mate there and I normally catch up with him. I like the sand on the beaches. The grains of sand are really big. Stones really. I feel like I’ve shrunk when I’m on the beach. Wish I was there when the mods and rockers were there. That looked like fun. Went to a big party once as well. I mean a big party that went all night. Suffered for a week afterwards. Yes, now that I think of it Brighton is great. But then again I say that about every town I go to on tour…..”

Jimeoin – What?!, Corn Exchange, Brighton Dome, Friday 18 October, 7.30pm, £16.50

Brighton Comedy Festival,
01273 709709, www.brightoncomedyfestival.com