Avalon is to launch a bill of award-winning comics, including two Perrier Award winners and five if.comedy/Perrier Award nominees, as it returns for its 22nd Festival Fringe this August.
The full line-up features:
CHRIS ADDISON - Chris Addison
DAN ANTOPOLSKI - Turn Of The Century
SIMON BRODKIN - Lee Nelson's Well Good Edinburgh Show
ROISIN CONATY - Hero, Warrior, Fireman, Liar
GREG DAVIES - Firing Cheeseballs At A Dog
ROB DEERING - Rob Deering’s Beat This
SADIE HASLER - Lady Bones
RICHARD HERRING - Christ on a Bike: The Second Coming
ALEX HORNE - Odds
ALEX HORNE - Taskmaster (One-off show 27th Aug)
RUSSELL KANE - Smokescreens & Castles
NAT LUURTSEMA - In My Head I’m A Hero
JIMMY McGHIE - The All-Powerful Warrior Who With His Endurance And Inflexible Will To Win Goes From Conquest To Conquest Leaving Fire In His Wake
AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD - Compete For The Meat
CHRIS RAMSEY - Aggrophobic
GARETH RICHARDS - Stand Up Between Songs
LAURA SOLON - The Owl of Steven
ROSIE WILKINSON, HELEN O’BRIEN & GENEVIEVE SWALLOW - Domestic Goddi Wonderland
IVO GRAHAM, NAZ OSMANOGLU, DAVEY SEE & JOSH WIDDICOMBE - The Comedy Zone
A preview festival showcasing these shows as works-in-progress will be hosted at Kings Place, Kings Cross between 16th July and 1st August (except 18th July).
For further information, interview requests or pictures please contact: Ben Nolan, Fran Cherry, Bea Gwynn, Jo Cross or Dan Lloyd at Avalon. Tel: + 44 (0) 207 598 7222
E-mail: benn@avalonuk.com, franc@avalonuk.com, beag@avalonuk.com, joc@avalonuk.com or danl@avalonuk.com
CHRIS ADDISON - Chris Addison
At last! Mr. CHRIS ADDISON off BAFTA Award-winning comedy The Thick of It, In The Loop, Skins and Lab Rats is back in Edinburgh with a nice big slab of critically acclaimed stand-up.
Daftness! Whimsy! Jokes! Lies! Smartarsery! Flapping about! All present and correct.
“One of the most accomplished live acts you are likely to see this year.”
Stephanie Merritt, Observer **
**DAN ANTOPOLSKI - Turn Of The Century
Who’s the comic with an ear for dialogue and a bod for sin? Triple Perrier Award nominee, veteran Fringe sell-out and winner of the 2009 Dave Award for Funniest Joke of the Fringe DAN ANTOPOLSKI presents his seventh solo stand-up show.
Jokes? Yes sir. Raps? Almost certainly. Fun? You bet your mum it will be fun.
“Spectacular displays of verbal pyrotechnics… confident, splendidly silly and sometimes dazzling.”
Stephanie Merritt, The Observer
SIMON BRODKIN - Lee Nelson's Well Good Edinburgh Show
The legend behind Lee Nelson's Well Good Show (BBC THREE) brings some funnies to the good people of Scotiland who don't have TVs. Locals don’t worry - he may take your life but he'll never take your freedom. Best enjoyed after three pints or two shots. Qualit-eeey!
SIMON BRODKIN is one of the country's most exciting comedians, with a huge talent for creating and portraying an array of instantly recognisable and hilarious characters.
“Great comic inventions played with a real star quality.”
Dominic Maxwell, The Times
ROISIN CONATY - Hero, Warrior, Fireman, Liar
ROISIN received an invite to give a talk to the new graduates at her convent school. After checking there was no mistake, she poured herself a large Ribena and got to pondering. What pearls of wisdom did she have? What happened to her dreams, WTF happened to Nashville? Love, death and magpies will all be mentioned.
Get ready for the hotly anticipated debut solo stand-up show from this very funny newcomer.
“A seriously talented young lady.”
Time Out
GREG DAVIES - Firing Cheeseballs At A Dog
The hotly anticipated solo stand-up show from GREG DAVIES.
As the psychotic Head of Sixth Form, Mr Gilbert in The Inbetweeners and the most out of shape member of We are Klang, GREG has been an increasingly familiar face on TV screens - regularly appearing on shows such as Mock the Week, 8 Out of 10 Cats and Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
His first solo show promises to address every single issue that is important to the human race. But it lies; it won’t address any of them. Come though, it’ll be funny.
“Ultra-dry, wonderfully honed live set.”
James Kettle, The Guardian
ROB DEERING - Rob Deering’s Beat This
Don’t miss your chance to see - and play along with - this great new music-based game show from ROB DEERING. Each night four different comedians and one audience member battle and banter it out about the highs and lows of rock and pop. Boasting top-notch guests - previous shows have featured acts like GREG DAVIES, LUCY PORTER, PIPPA EVANS and TV ledge ED HALL to name but a few - this show gives fans the opportunity to see critically-acclaimed comic ROB in action.
“Massively engaging intelligent comic offering a cracking mix of songs and silliness.”
The Guardian
SADIE HASLER - Lady Bones
A rising star of character comedy, SADIE HASLER (Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder, ITV1) makes her solo debut at this year’s Fringe. Fresh from appearing on a national tour of RUSSELL KANE’s Fakespeare: The Tragickal Saveings of King Nigel, and performing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, SADIE presents her bastardised biographies of ladies who lived, and some who did not.
“A keen ear for the well-turned comic phrase… quirky, laugh-out-loud lines.”
Steve Bennett, Chortle
RICHARD HERRING - Christ on a Bike: The Second Coming
“Jesus was cool, but all the people who follow him are idiots. Just like the Fonz!” The Hitler Moustache star and avowed atheist resurrects and revamps his first and favourite solo show, exploring his strange obsession and affinity with the Messiah. (“I’m not saying I am Jesus… that is for other people to say.”)
Asking all the great theological questions like “Why did Jesus always call Simon ‘Peter’? Is it like the way Trigger always calls Rodney ‘Dave’?”
“Top-notch… produces a steady stream of brilliant comedy nuggets.”
Chortle
ALEX HORNE - Odds
Comedian ALEX HORNE discusses numbers, the universe, gambling, regrets and quantum physics. He'll also try to distract you with his majestic PowerPoint skills as featured on BBC FOUR’s We Need Answers.
“The future of British comedy.”
Shortlist
ALEX HORNE - Taskmaster (One-off show)
For one year he set them monthly challenges including ‘Who Can Gain The Most Weight In A Year?’ and ‘Find Me A Hedgehog’. Competition between the comedians was fierce and, often, underhand. But now, at last, in a one-off specactular, ALEX HORNE will tell the story, reveal the results and declare either DAN ATKINSON, TOM BASDEN, JARRED CHRISTMAS, JAMES DOWDESWELL, RICK EDWARDS, TIM FITZHIGHAM, STUART GOLDSMITH, STEVE HALL, TIM KEY, LLOYD LANGFORD, JOSIE LONG, GUY MORGAN, AL PITCHER, MARK OLVER, MARK WATSON, HENNING WEHN, JOE WILKINSON, LLOYD WOOLF, MIKE WOZNIAK or TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, the inaugural ‘Taskmaster’, 2010.
“As quick-witted and engaging as they come.”
Nicholas Barber, The Independent **
**RUSSELL KANE - Smokescreens & Castles
In his new show, the triple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee explores self, family, and the consequences of his dad buying their council house. Sociological silliness and high energy contortions guaranteed.
“One of the most intellectually invigorating hours on the Fringe... There’s no doubting Kane’s originality or comic verve.”
Dominic Cavendish, The Daily Telegraph
NAT LUURTSEMA - In My Head I'm A Hero
NAT struggles with the basics of life but is magnificent in crisis situations. Amidst disaster she blooms, like a fatalistic weed. She is resplendent with useful skills like strong arms, a Masonic upbringing and steadfast pessimism. NAT (Chortle Best Newcomer nominee and star of Channel 4's Girl Friday, the Comedy Zone, and 2009’s sell-out hit Superclump) brings her first solo show to the Fringe.
“Nat Luurtsema is definitely an original thinker. Her inventive, witty routines demonstrate a wonderfully warped logic, taken to the limits of imagination.”
Steve Bennett, Chortle
JIMMY McGHIE - The All-Powerful Warrior Who With His Endurance And Inflexible Will To Win Goes From Conquest To Conquest Leaving Fire In His Wake
JIMMY McGHIE returns to the Festival with his second solo show after his acclaimed debut, The Northern Meeting. This year he explores his lack of drive with stories of trips to Berlin, Africa and Tesco Metro - in a show about potential and how to unrealise it.
“’One to watch’ practically stamped on his forehead.”
The Scotsman
AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD - Compete For The Meat
AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Compete For The Meat - the ultimate lunchtime pub quiz. Pub quiz questions, Pub Landlord Rules!
Test your general knowledge and win a frozen chicken! Sausages for the runners-up! Shame for the losers!
No mobile phones, no work clothes, no boots. No huge venue, no rip-off ticket price. Prizes to be won!
Compete For the Meat: Accept no substitutes!
“The most consistently exciting live comedian in the land for years.”
Dominic Maxwell, The Times
CHRIS RAMSEY - Aggrophobic
Rising stand-up star CHRIS RAMSEY embarks on his debut hour, with a show about avoiding confrontation and seeing the funny side of terrifying social encounters.
CHRIS, star of last year’s Comedy Zone, Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2009 nominee and a finalist in the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year Awards 2008, has this year appeared on Russell Howard’s Good News, and supported AL MURRAY, LEE MACK and RUSSELL KANE on national and international tour dates. In addition to this he has realised that he will do anything to get out of a fight, whatever the consequences.
“Effervescent as potassium and brighter.”
Owen Amos, Northern Echo
GARETH RICHARDS - Stand Up Between Songs
GARETH RICHARDS, regular on Frank Skinner’s Absolute Radio Show and star of the Comedy Zone in 2009, brings his debut solo show to the Edinburgh Festival. Performing stand-up between some funny, poignant and genre-defying songs, his set list will include such future smash-hits as the enigmatic ‘Dave the Fridge’, and the revolutionary ‘Third World Girl’. He will provide his own accompaniment on The Incredible Omnichord; an instrument he has rescued from the 1980s. Gareth will be standing-up between songs but you don’t have to.
“An effortlessly assured act… Mainstream in the best sense of the word: universally accessible without compromising the quality of his writing nor slipping into obvious trains of thought.”
Steve Bennett, Chortle
LAURA SOLON - The Owl of Steven
Steven is an island. Perrier Award winner LAURA SOLON returns with a brilliant new character comedy story about it. Contains owl.
“An adventurous and hilarious masterclass.”
Stephen Armstrong, Sunday Times
ROSIE WILIKINSON, HELEN O’BRIEN & GENEVIEVE SWALLOW - Domestic Goddi Wonderland
DOMESTIC GODDI - writers and performers ROSIE WILKINSON and HELEN O’BRIEN, and co-star GENEVIEVE SWALLOW - bring their Wonderland to the Edinburgh Fringe following their 2008 and 2009 sell-out runs. In this brand new sketch show, Yummy Mummy ROSIE weens her baby on sashimi and udon noodles while running over pensioners with her 4x4 buggy; clinically single HELEN reminisces about assassinated presidents and guerilla sales shopping; whilst borderline homeowner GENEVIEVE studies for a PhD in game show formats with good bacteria. Weak, limp, lifeless? Domestic Goddi Wonderland will restore your healthy shine.
“Stupidly talented... seamlessly funny sketches.”
Claire Sawers, The List
IVO GRAHAM, NAZ OSMANOGLU, DAVEY SEE & JOSH WIDDICOMBE - The Comedy Zone
The most prestigious stand-up showcase at the Fringe returns with the hottest new comedy talent around: DAVEY SEE (BBC Radio Scotland), IVO GRAHAM (So You Think You’re Funny 2009 Award winner), JOSH WIDDICOMBE (Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2010), and NAZ OSMANOGLU (Amused Moose Laugh-Off 2009 Award winner).
“The fringe’s leading stand-up showcase.”
The Times
SHOW DETAILS
CHRIS ADDISON - Chris Addison [16th- 30th Aug only]
Assembly Ballroom: 20:25
DAN ANTOPOLSKI - Turn Of The Century
Pleasance Ace Dome: 20:00
SIMON BRODKIN - Lee Nelson’s Well Good Edinburgh Show
Pleasance Above: 22:20
ROISIN CONATY - Hero, Warrior, Fireman, Liar
Pleasance Joker Dome: 18:15
GREG DAVIES - Firing Cheeseballs At A Dog
Pleasance Upstairs: 21:45
ROB DEERING - Rob Deering’s Beat This [19th-21st and 26th-28th Aug]
Pleasance Joker Dome: 23:30
SADIE HASLER - Lady Bones
Pleasance Cellar: 15:30
RICHARD HERRING - Christ on a Bike: The Second Coming
Assembly Ballroom: 21:45
ALEX HORNE - Odds [not 23rd Aug]
Pleasance Upstairs: 20:30
ALEX HORNE - Taskmaster [27th Aug only]
Pleasance Queen Dome: 00:20
RUSSELL KANE - Smokescreens & Castles [not 11th & 18th Aug]
Pleasance Beyond: 21:10
NAT LUURTSEMA - In My Head I’m A Hero [not 28th Aug]
Pleasance Joker Dome: 15:45
JIMMY McGHIE - The All-Powerful Warrior Who With His Endurance and Inflexible Will To Win Goes From Conquest To Conquest Leaving Fire In His Wake
Pleasance Below: 21:45
AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD - Compete For The Meat [16th - 28th Aug only]
Pleasance Ace Dome: 12:30
CHRIS RAMSEY - Aggrophobic
Pleasance Hut: 20:30
GARETH RICHARDS - Stand Up Between Songs
Pleasance Cellar: 18:00
LAURA SOLON - The Owl of Steven [not 30th Aug]
Pleasance Above: 17:00
ROSIE WILIKNSON, HELEN O’BRIEN & GENEVIEVE SWALLOW - Domestic Goddi Wonderland
Pleasance Beside - 14:45
IVO GRAHAM, NAZ OSMANOGLU, DAVEY SEE & JOSH WIDDICOMBE - The Comedy Zone Pleasance Cabaret Bar - 22:45
AVALON PROMOTIONS
Avalon Promotions Limited is one of the leading promoters of live comedy in the UK. Productions include: NEWMAN & BADDIEL in the first comedy show ever to be staged at Wembley Arena; FRANK SKINNER’s record-breaking performance to an audience of 6,000 at the Battersea Power Station; Jerry Springer - The Opera at the National Theatre, at the Cambridge Theatre in London’s West End, on national tour and at New York’s Carnegie Hall; HARRY HILL at the Palace and Dominion Theatres in London; and Dave Gorman’s Googlewhack Adventure at the Sydney Opera House, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, on national tour and at the Village Theatre, New York (nominated for Drama Desk Award 2004).
The last 12 months has seen Avalon Promotions: present multi-award winning comics CHRIS ADDISON, SIMON BIRD, JENNY ECLAIR, DAVE GORMAN, RICHARD HERRING, RUSSELL HOWARD, LEE MACK, and FRANK SKINNER on sell-out runs; produce AL MURRAY, THE PUB LANDLORD live at the O2 and RUSSELL HOWARD at Wembley Stadium; introduce some of the fastest-rising stars in comedy such as KRISTEN SCHAAL & KURT BRAUNOHLER and ISY SUTTIE; produce stage shows, such as Frank Skinner’s Credit Crunch Cabaret and Grumpy Old Women Live, which has toured the UK three times and performed highly successful runs in Australia and London’s West End; and present 20 acts at the Edinburgh Festival, where it has promoted a total of five Perrier Award winners and 18 Perrier Award/Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees in just 21 years.
ALSO PERFORMING AT THE FESTIVAL FRINGE
ALUN COCHRANE - Jokes. Life. And Jokes About Life (21:30, Stand 3, 6 - 29th Aug)
ALEX HORNE - Jazz and Comedy Show (00:15, Pleasance Queen Dome, 9th - 12th Aug and 23rd - 26th Aug)
NAZ OSMANOGLU - Comedy Baby (13:30, Whistlebinkies) & Wittank (18.15, Just The Tonic At The Caves)
DANIELLE WARD - Project Ace (23:00, Assembly Rooms)
JOE WILKINSON - Two Episodes of Mash (16:20, Pleasance Ten Dome)
KATY WIX - Project Ace (23:00, Assembly Rooms)
ANDY ZALTZMAN - Swears to Tell the Truth, Half the Truth And Everything But The Truth (16:20, Stand 3, 6th - 29th Aug (except 16th)
