One of the highlights of the circuit this year was undoubtedly the Newport FESTIVAL OF COMEDY. Sitting in the fantastic surroundings of Tredegar Park, enjoying some of the finest performers with food, drink, family and friends was the perfect way to spend a Sunday evening. And that’s exactly what thousands of us did back in July
After that tremendous and packed-out show in the summer sunshine, the Giggling Goat is returning to Newport at the ICC Wales this evening (Saturday, 18th November) with a star-studded line up that includes headliner OMID DJALILI, SEANN WALSH, JAMALL MADDIX, LOU SANDERS, MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, HAL CRUTTEDEN and ANDREW MAXWELL who is MC for the evening.
Festival of Comedy Director Mark Hopkins told us…..
“We are thrilled to bringing some of the biggest and funniest names to Newport once again for the Festival of Comedy. This is an exceptional lineup of comedians and alongside our Giggling Goat House Band, this is going to be one of the highlights in Wales’ comedy calendar.”
So, let’s give you the lowdown on the line up……
Omid is Britain’s funniest Iranian standup comedian and actor. After great success at the Edinburgh Festival in 1995, Omid has become a Festival Fringe favourite with a string of sellout shows. Omid’s international appeal is vast, having performed in recent years in all over the world. He is also widely recognized for his roles in feature films such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Casanova. The ingeniously witty and hilarious comedian has performed on multiple platforms such as BBC1, ITV1, and Lopez Tonight. Djalili has also lent his voice to roles in animated films Shaun The Sheep Movie and Over the Hedge.
You can watch our recent interview with Omid HERE.
Seann who has been described as ‘the best observational comedian of his generation’ (The Guardian), this Edinburgh Award nominee’s last UK tour show After This One, I’m Going Home ended with standing ovations around the country. His distinctively shambolic, intense and energetic trademark style has seen Seann starring in Netflix’s Flinch, Live at the Apollo, Tonight at the London Palladium, Celebrity Juice, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Virtually Famous, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Chatty Man and Stand Up Central.
Jamali is a critically acclaimed comedian and host of Vice’s ‘Hate Thy Neighbour’ and C4’s ‘Adventures in Futureland’. Jamali’s completely unique voice and style make him one of the most sought-after comedians working today. With an assured stage presence and considered material that comes from a sharp perspective, he already has the aura of a comic well beyond his years. His last tour sold out shows across the globe, playing the UK, Europe, Aisa, Australia, and North America. He is a regular on the series of Nevermind the Buzzcocks for Sky and was one of the anarchic Taskmaster contestants the show has ever seen.
Lou is one of Britain’s most original comedians. The internationally-acclaimed stand-up comedian has toured her live shows to packed houses across the world and regularly receives rave reviews. She has also been named a top comedian to see by publications including The Guardian, The Scotsman, The List, The Mirror and the Evening Standard. She’s also familiar to audiences for her recent television appearances which include The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS), Live at the Apollo (BBC) and QI (BBC2).
Marcus had his talent was noted early on in his career in 1996 when he won the BBC New Comedian Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He is now regarded as a major comedy, writing, and acting talent, performing stand-up nationally to sell-out audiences on tour. BBC Radio 4 has become somewhat of a second home to Marcus with regular appearances on I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, The Now Show and Just a Minute; he has written and recorded five series of his hit show Giles Wemmbley-Hogg Goes Off.
Former Perrier award nominee Hal is one of the top touring stand-up comedians working in the UK and Ireland today, as well as being a highly accomplished writer, presenter and actor. He’s hosted The Rugby’s On on BT Sport with Ugo Monye. He has also made several appearances on ‘Live at the Apollo’ (BBC1 & 2), ‘Have I Got News For You’ (BBC1) and ‘The Apprentice: You’re Fired’ (BBC2). Hal has toured extensively in the UK and Ireland over the last 10 years, he has also taken shows to the Montreal, Melbourne, and New Zealand comedy festivals.
Winner of a Chortle Comics’ Comic Award, Bank of Scotland Herald Angel Award for Comedy, and Best Irish Comedian Award from Entertainment.ie, Andrew has also collected a range of nominations for his performances. Now one of the most sought-after comedians in the UK, he’s recently expanded into presenting and hosting while taking on guest roles on shows including Dara Ó Briain’s The Panel, RI:SE, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Mock The Week, Comedy Central’s Drunk History, BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, and will be known to a host of fans as the voice of MTV’s Ex on the Beach.
As the Festival of Comedy unfolds, you’ll also be treated to the dynamic sounds of the Giggling Goat Live Band, adding a musical dimension that will elevate the entertainment to new heights. From hilarious anecdotes to rhythmic melodies, the event promises a multi-sensory experience that transcends the ordinary comedy gala.
The Festival of Comedy will take place at ICC Wales, Newport is tonight, Saturday 18th November. Full details, and the last remaining tickets – HERE.
