Elgar Comedy returns to the Royal Albert Hall with a fantastic line-up for its summer series
3 April, 2012
ELGAR COMEDY RETURNS TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL WITH A FANTASTIC LINE-UP FOR ITS SUMMER SERIES.
Tuesday 3 April 2012
The Royal Albert Hall is delighted to announce the much anticipated return of Elgar Comedy this summer. 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.
Throughout May and June, Elgar Comedy gigs will see two acts take to the stage.
On Wednesday 2 May, rising stars Jigsaw (Dan Antopolski, Tom Craine and Nat Luurtsema) bring their “full-pelt sketch comedy” to the Elgar Room. Also performing the same night is the dark, brooding persona of Daniel Simonsen, winner of So You Think You’re Funny 2008 and The Guardian’s One to Watch.
Wednesday 23 May will see both Totally Tom and Sean McLoughlin take to the stage. Totally Tom’s successful YouTube creation High Renaissance Man, coupled with a heap of 4* and 5* reviews paved the way for a sell-out debut Fringe run in 2011. Sean has been on the circuit since 2007 and has entertained crowds across the country with his original material, immaculate sense of timing and confident delivery.
On Wednesday 6 June postmodern sketch trio Sheeps get behind the mic. Comprised of Daran Johnson, Alastair Roberts and Liam Williams the trio perform everything from skits to sketches, from jokes to gags – there is something here for all fans of contemporary fringe sketch-comedy. Hayley Ellis will also perform, having gone from strength to strength since she began performing in April 2009. Hayley is a regular contributor to XFM’s Breakfast Show and has been described by Chortle as an act with the capacity to write ‘scenes that could easily wind up in sitcoms’.
To conclude this eclectic season of Elgar Comedy, the Elgar Room welcomes back Radio 1 DJ Tom Deacon on Wednesday 27 June. One of the hottest young stand-ups on the circuit today, as of March 2010 he has been the host of his own Radio 1 show and can also be seen performing stand up on The Rob Brydon Show. He is joined by James Acaster who comes to the Elgar Room as part of his first national tour, having wowed audiences at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. James has made several TV appearances, including guest spots on Russell Howard’s Good News, Dave’s One Night Stand and E4’s Show and Tell.
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
Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
FULL DATES & LINE UP
Wednesday 2nd May- 8:30pm, Doors 8pm
Jigsaw
Daniel Simonsen
Wednesday 23rd May- 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Totally Tom
Sean McLoughlin
Wednesday 6th June- 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Sheeps
Hayley Ellis
Wednesday 27th June- 8.30pm, Doors 8pm
Tom Deacon
James Acaster
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.