Elgar Comedy Returns to the Royal Albert Hall with a Fantastic Line-up for its Autumn Series
10 August, 2011
ELGAR COMEDY RETURNS TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL WITH A FANTASTIC LINE-UP FOR ITS AUTUMN SERIES.
The Royal Albert Hall is delighted to announce the much anticipated return of Elgar Comedy this autumn. Once again, established comedians and cutting-edge comedy newcomers will entertain Elgar Room audiences with their lively banter and vivacious stand-up routines. This new season features great shows from Eric Lampaert and Joel Dommett, Nathon Caton and Tom Price, Andi Osho and Mathew Crosby & Tom Deacon and Iain Stirling.
The Elgar Room boasts a myriad of entertainment, playing host to regular jazz and classical gigs as well as dance, indie, cabaret and now, comedy events too. Throughout October and November, the comedians take to the stage in an intimate and friendly atmosphere that combines the comedy theatre experience with an underground comedy club vibe. Elgar Comedy has enjoyed two very popular first seasons which included the likes of Tim Key, Idiot of Ants, Richard Herring, Doc Brown, Alex Zane and Nina Conti as well as up and coming talent such as Naz Osmanoglu, Rob Beckett, Gareth Richards and Ahir Shah. This season’s sterling performers will be making their own distinct mark and welcoming devoted and new fans of comedy alike.
Following their sold-out success at Edinburgh 2010, Eric Lampaert and Joel Dommett will be kicking the Hall’s third Elgar Comedy season off to a cracking start with individual shows on Wednesday 5th October. Winner of the 2010 Latitude Best New Act Award, Eric invites us to join him on his erratic excursions of non-stop pacing across continents and languages; 29 homes, 7 countries, 3 continents and 1 Eric. Billed as “a manically funny act” and with comedy roles on E4’s Skins and ITV’s Teenage Kicks, Joel returns with his highly anticipated debut solo show.
On Thursday 20th October, the award-winning Nathan Caton gets behind the Elgar Room microphone; regarded as one of the hottest rising stars on the scene, he has already performed on ITV’s FHM Stand-Up Hero and BBC Radio 4. Also performing the same night is Tom Price, of Torchwood (BBC1), Swinging (C5) and Senseless (MTV) fame. Identified by Chortle as “one to watch”, Tom presents his highly-anticipated brand new show to the Elgar Room.
Wednesday 9th November will see both Andi Osho and Matthew Crosby take to the stage. Following her hit 2010 Edinburgh debut, Andi brings her second stand-up show to the Elgar Room. She has made a big splash on the comedy scene, having clocked up recent appearances on BBC2’s Mock The Week and Channel 4’s Stand Up For The Week. Best known as one third of the award-winning sketch team PAPPY’s, Matthew is also a rising star on the stand-up comic scene, having been featured on the BBC’s Culture Show and with many writing/performing credits including Mr & Mrs. Hotty Hott Hot (Channel 4), The Kevin Bishop Show (Ch4) and Ask Rhod Gilbert (BBC1).
On Thursday 24th November the Elgar Room welcomes back Radio 1 DJ Tom Deacon with his brand new show “Can I Be Honest?” One of the hottest young stand-ups on the circuit today, Tom has already performed on The Rob Brydon Show and Dave’s One Night Stand this year. Current face of CBBC and stand-up comedian Iain Stirling will also be performing on the night. Iain burst onto the comedy scene just over a year ago, placing second in both the Paramount Funniest Student final (2009) and the Chortle Student Comedian of the Year final (2009) and will round this season of Elgar Comedy off in style.
Elgar Comedy looks set to be another fine season of brilliant entertainment, showcasing the best established and rising comedy stars in a world-class venue.
Tickets are priced at £12 and are on sale now. To book, please call 020 7589 8212 or visit www.royalalberthall.com
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
FULL DATES & LINE UP
Wednesday 5th October - 8:30pm, Doors 8pm
Eric Lampaert: Where’s Eric
Joel Dommett: Neon Hero
Thursday 20th October - 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Nathan Caton: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
Tom Price: Say When
Wednesday 9th November - 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Andi Osho: All The Single Ladies
Matthew Crosby: Adventure Party
Thursday 24th November - 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Tom Deacon: Can I Be Honest?
Iain Stirling
Each comedian’s set will last for 45 minutes, apart from Tom Deacon whose set will last 1 hour. An MC will present each act on the night.
For more information please contact:
Sean Carrigan - seanc@royalalberthall.com or call 020 7959 0531
Elgar Comedy is supported by The British Comedy Guide - www.comedy.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Its breathtaking auditorium hosts over 380 shows a year by the world’s greatest artists. The magical atmosphere
combined with inspired artists creates legendary events. Opened in 1871 as part of Prince Albert’s vision for a centre for the Arts and Sciences, and a registered charity operating without public funding, it remains true to his founding ambitions within a modern context. Extending the brand with over 150 events outside the auditorium, the Hall has broadened its appeal to younger, diverse audiences whilst still
engaging its existing customers.
In 2009, the Hall renovated the Elgar Room as a state-of-the-art performance space and restaurant which now hosts performances of classical music, jazz and world music, comedy, dance and hush, a series of gigs for just signed bands throughout the year. It also works extensively with schools and young people through its Learning and Participation programme, reaching over 30,000 participants each year.
The Elgar Room
Built to support one of the Hall’s main purposes to promote the advancement of the Arts & Sciences, the West Theatre - as this room was originally known - provided space for small theatricals and meetings of a scientific or literary nature. From 1906 until 1957 it was the home of the Central School of Speech And Drama where luminaries such as Laurence Olivier, Vanessa Redgrave, Judi Dench, Virginia McKenna and Harold Pinter received their training. In 2009 the room was renovated to provide a state-of-the-art performance space and restaurant. The photographs by David Redfern that adorn the walls are images of some of the iconic performers who have graced the stage at the Royal Albert Hall. Among the regular series that are held in the room are Late Night Jazz, Classical Coffee Mornings and hush which gives a platform to rising stars on the UK music scene.