Comedy: Fest, Fringe… and the Rest

The Brighton Comedy Festival and Brighton Comedy Fringe aren’t the only laughs in town

October is always a fun-packed month in Brighton, as the Brighton Comedy Festival and the Brighton Comedy Fringe take over. Shows from such luminaries as Dara O’Briain, Nina Conti, Ed Byrne and Bridget Christie come to the big rooms, and award-nominated treats from the likes of Tom Parry, Beasts, Matthew Crosby and Tom Neenan arrive at the Basement venue to tantalise and entertain us all. But that’s not all there is. In amongst the melee of marvellousness that are these two comedy celebrations, there are also some very interesting comedy evenings that aren’t affiliated with either of them. And it’s worth making a note of them.
Gittins To Know You is a monthly comedy night hosted by anti-comedy hero Brian Gittins. Over at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, it’s got the low ceiling and intimacy of a great comedy gig, coupled with incredible headliners that in the past have included Al Murray, Tim Key and Stewart Lee. Plus support acts provided by the local Brighton comedy community (handpicked of course). This month’s headliners are sketch duo Cardinal Burns, as seen on TV in two series of their own self-named Channel 4 sketch show.

Another great monthly night that can be relied upon to have a top quality headline act supported by those about to break through is Comic Boom. Previous headliners have included Sarah Millican, Hal Cruttenden, and Seann Walsh, with support slots on their way up from Nick Helm, Nish Kumar and James Acaster. It’s a real chance to see the stars of the future alongside someone already regularly on TV and touring their own shows. This month’s top name is Matt Rees – a real treat.
If you’re after something with quality names breaking through, already established on the circuit, and new acts coming up then check out the return of Podium Comedy in its new home of The Greys Pub. Laughs come from Laura Lexx, alongside Dave Thompson, and local stars Julie Jepson, James McDonnell and Gatis Kandis, hosted by Dan Fardell. All free.

So when booking your festival and fringe tickets, don’t forget the hidden extras. They’re worth it.
Gittins To Know You, Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, 15 October 2015, £8, 8pm, www.drinkinbrighton.co.uk
Comic Boom, Komedia, Thursday 29 October 2015, £9/7, 8pm, komediabrighton.ticketsolve.com
Podium Comedy, The Greys Pub, Wednesday 21 October 2015, 7.30pm, free
Brighton Comedy Festival listings are at brightoncomedyfestival.com
Brighton Comedy Fringe listings are at www.brightoncomedyfringe.co.uk