Elgar Comedy returns to the Royal Albert Hall in 2012
19 December, 2011
ELGAR COMEDY RETURNS TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL IN 2012
Following a successful launch in 2011, the Royal Albert Hall is delighted to announce the return of Elgar Comedy in 2012. Once again, established comedians and cutting-edge comedy newcomers will entertain Elgar Room audiences with their lively banter and vivacious stand-up routines.
The Elgar Room boasts a myriad of entertainment, playing host to regular jazz and classical gigs as well as dance, indie and cabaret events. 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 enjoyed a very successful first year in 2011 with three seasons of comedy which included the likes of Doc Brown, Alex Zane, Nina Conti, Andi Osho, Rich Herring, Tim Key and Idiot of Ants as well as up and coming talent such as Naz Osmanoglu, Rob Beckett, Ahir Shah and Nathan Caton. This season’s sterling performers will be making their own distinct mark and welcoming devoted and new fans of comedy alike.
Kicking the season off to a flying start, Ray Peacock and Ed Gamble step forward with Emergency Broadcast on Thursday 23 February. Nominated for Chortle Comedy Awards in 2011 the duo bring to the Elgar Room their ramshackle, emergency comedy night. Support comes from Paul McCaffrey.
On Thursday 1 March compere Tom Craine is joined by gifted stand-up and character comic Roisin Conaty, winner of Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Award 2010 for Best Newcomer and in much demand all over the country; and the inventive Nat Luurtsema, whose wonderfully warped routines have earned her a number of prestigious awards as well as being named as one of the ’30 under 30 talents to watch’.
Star of Mock the Week and Dave's One Night Stand, Carl Donnelly, who has quickly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting young comedians, is joined by Helen Keen's mixture of stand-up, science and homemade props on Thursday 22 March. Support comes from accomplished writer, comedian and actor Fergus Craig who is a regular on the UK comedy circuit and is supporting Russell Kane on his national tour.
Concluding this eclectic season of Elgar Comedy on Thursday 19 April is Wit Tank featuring big characters, inventive sketches and fast-paced fun for those who enjoy a riot but would rather sit in a theatre and laugh. Hotly tipped as ones to watch for the future, it features three men who take silly very seriously and have been described as 'a formidable sketch troupe'.
Elgar Comedy looks set to be another fine season of brilliant comedy, showcasing the best established and rising comedy stars in a world-class venue.
Tickets are priced at £10 and are on sale now. To book, please call 020 7589 8212 or visit www.royalalberthall.com. Elgar Comedy has cabaret style unreserved seating. In association with Avalon Promotions.
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
FULL DATES & LINE UP
Thursday 23rd February- 8:30pm, Doors 8pm
Peacock and Gamble: Emergency Broadcast
Thursday 1st March- 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Roisin Conaty and Nat Luurtsema
Thursday 22nd March- 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Carl Donnelly, Helen Keen and Fergus Craig
Thursday 19th April- 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
WitTank
For more information please contact:
Sean Carrigan - seanc@royalalberthall.com or call 020 7959 0531
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.