Get yer giggle on
Did you have a hand in starting the festival?
Yes. The festival was started by myself and my friend, Rachel Greensmith, in 2009. At the time, both of us were graduates and realised there was nothing in Nottingham to celebrate the comedy scene that was building in the city. We were very passionate about comedy so decided to do something ourselves.
Why is Nottingham the right place to hold a comedy festival of this size?
Nottingham is a fantastic city with lots going for it. There’s a great cultural and creative scene here; anyone can have the opportunity to showcase their talent. It’s also right in the centre of the country, so it’s accessible to the majority of places.
We see a lot of festivals set up in Notts, but not all of them last longer than the first couple of years. What do you think gives the Comedy Festival its staying power?
The determination and passion of the organisers. We have worked incredibly hard over the past few years to ensure the festival takes place no matter what. Each year, we look back at the previous festivals to work out what worked and what didn’t, and then we use that information to improve the future events. Comedy is a hugely popular form of entertainment as everybody likes to laugh, so having a comedy festival gives people an opportunity to explore the genre.
The festival began back in 2009. How has it grown since then?
The festival has doubled in size and has a much wider choice of comedy. We have more local comedians performing this year. We try to bring something different to the festival every year, and this year one of those things are the unique venues, such as The Blundabus.
Tell us about this year’s festival. Who can we expect to see?
There are over 100 shows this year including: Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, Frankie Boyle, Hal Cruttenden, Justin Moorhouse, James Acaster, Rob Beckett and many others. There are also many local acts, including: Matt Forde, Scott Bennett and Patrick Draper.
Will specific venues hold specific types of comedy, or will you be able to catch a bit of everything, everywhere?
Each venue is different and has a wide variety of comedy, including stand-up, improvisation, sketch, film and children’s shows. Rough Trade is solely a free-festival venue, so all shows there will be free entry. We will be asking for donations on exit, though.
Who are you most looking forward to seeing?
If I could, I would go and see everyone. One of the shows I’m looking forward to is The Noise Next Door. They were at the festival last year and sold out, so it’s great to see them back again. I’m also looking forward to seeing Sofie Hagen who won the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. Imran Yusuf is another act I can’t wait to see. I saw him in Edinburgh in 2014 and he had a fantastic way of telling stories. His show became one of my favourites that year, so I can’t wait to see what he has to say.
How can people get tickets?
Advance Tickets for shows are available from our website.
This year, you’re supporting The National Autistic Society charity. Can you tell us a bit about them?
The National Autistic Society helps over 2.7 million people a year. They are the leading charity for people with Autism (including Asperger Syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support and pioneering service, and campaign for a better world for people with Autism. We’re supporting this charity this year as one of our team members, Elliott, has recently been diagnosed with having Asperger Syndrome. The NAS support not only Elliott, but his family, friends and colleagues. We feel it is important to help spread the word about Autism and help others like Elliott.
Who has been your favourite act to perform over the years?
There’s been so many. Some of my favourites are those that came to the festival when they were unknown names, and have gone on to become well known. It’s great to see acts do so well. Two of these were Romesh Ranganathan and Nathan Caton, who both performed at the festival a couple of years ago.
What’s the worst joke you’ve ever heard?
I’ve heard so many bad jokes over the years it’s hard to remember them. Normally, they come from the brand new acts, but you have to start somewhere.
Anything else you’d like to add?
The comedy festival is a great opportunity for people to get together and have a laugh. Go and see your favourite acts, but take some gambles on others you may not have heard of.
The festival launches with the Blundabus arrival at Bolero Square at the Capital FM Arena, on Friday 6 November from 12.30pm. There will be a small performance on board the bus starting at 1pm.
The Nottingham Comedy Festival runs between 6 and 14 November, 2015.
The Nottingham Comedy Festival website
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