CityLife

Manchester Comedy Festival 2009

Justin Moorhouse

EIGHTH birthday parties... we remember them well. Someone’s sick due to overindulging; someone’s younger sister wets themselves with overexcitement; and there’s a plethora of surprises – sticky and otherwise - to be had.

The Manchester Comedy Festival’s eighth celebration of all things funny is bound to hold similar delights during its 10-day run (October 15 to 25).

This year there’s plenty to titillate. For those fickle ones amongst you who only recognise comedic talent when it’s on the telly, there are the big name acts Michael McIntyre and Jimmy Carr to draw you in as their respective tours drop by this week.

Then there are plenty of acclaimed shows that have already proved themselves with a run at the Edinburgh Fringe in August. Edinburgh comedy award nominees Idiots Of Ants share the bill with the acclaimed Lady Garden and previous award winners Phil Nichol and David O’Doherty pop in.

Garnering four and five star reviews when they visited Edinburgh in the last couple of years and also performing here are Dutch absurdist Hans Teeuwen and American comedian John Pinette.

Plus there are the well-received fringe shows from the likes of Jason Cook, Richard Herring, Jim Jeffries, Al Pitcher and Daliso Chaponda.

Across the city, the regular comedy clubs are putting on extra shows too.

At the Comedy Store is the well -respected BBC Presents... show Slaughterhouse Live and a double header from Terry Alderton and Paul Tonkinson. The Frog and Bucket presents Brendon Burns as well as Herring’s show and XSMalarkey plays host to Robin Ince, Seymour Mace and Peter Slater.

There are wide line-ups from local promoters Cat’s Cradle and Boss Comedy; a face off between Mirth and Beyond A Joke; and Green Room has a series of shows. Good for the conscience, there are a couple of charity nights - one from Justin Moorhouse in aid of Cash For Kids and Brahaha in aid of women’s charity the Eve Appeal.

Up Bury way legendary broadcaster and stand up Arthur Smith joins in the fun. Then there’s a special screening of Withnail And I at Cornerhouse plus Wolfgang Weinberger reveals his Guide To Sexual Misery. Something for all the family, then…

For full listings, visit the official website (link on the right).