20 June at 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
We kick off the festival in style with a comedy night at the Electric Palace. (18+)
Headliner: Mark Thomas
Mark Thomas, the UK’s finest political comedian , probably best known for the political stunts as performed on his cult Channel 4 show, The Mark Thomas Comedy Product & BBC Radio 4 Manifesto shows. Mark has been performing comedy for 35 years, He has written 5 books and 4 playscripts, Curated and authored 2 art exhibitions with artist Tracey Moberly. He has won 8 awards for performing, 3 for human rights work and 1 he invented for himself. He has taken the police to court 3 times and has won twice. The third is on going and a fourth is in the pipeline. He made 6 series of the Mark Thomas Comedy Product for Channel 4. He made 3 Dispatches for Channel 4. He is not to be missed.
MC: Chris Brooker
One of comedy’s heavy hitters, Chris Brooker’s infectious energy and
enthusiasm sweeps through a room like an irresistible force. Chris’
combination of hilarious, original material and inspired improvisation
means that you will never see the same routine twice. Immensely
likeable, there’s no doubting his ability to win over any crowd and
drag them along for the ride.
“Very funny, very quick… On the spot humour.” BBC
“A fitting finale, had the audience in stitches.” StudentOnline
“The best act of the night, his quick wit silencing hecklers and
getting plenty of laughs.” Manchester Evening News
“The revelation of the night. Spot on.” Now Toronto
Opener: Andy Fox
“His gag-rich set draws on a few stereotypes, sometimes as a shortcut, and sometimes to subvert, as in his delightful description of what to do if facing an aggressive ‘chav’. With a surfeit of punchlines and a clear, authentic world view, ripe for affectionate mockery, he took the title on this close-fought night.” Steve Bennett, Chortle
“In his baseball cap and trackie bottoms and talking about growing up on a council estate he could have come across as a cousin of Simon Brodkin’s Lee Nelson but Fox’s stories had a ring of authenticity about them, well, maybe not the one about him being so small his parents could slip him and his endless siblings through the window when they lost their keys, but certainly some of his material. And Fox was clearly smart on the subject of class, aptly making the point that, of course, working class kids can be smart too. A clever and accessible set which, up against close competition, won him first prize on the night.” Bruce Dessau, Beyond the Joke
“Hugely relatable, funny, warm, and engaging! Go see him!!” Esther Manito
“One of the most exciting new comedy voices to emerge from Brighton. Smart, original gag-writing with a lot of heart and hilarious authenticity.” Jill Edwards, Promoter – Comic Boom comedy club at Komedia Brighton.
Introducing the middles acts: Alexis Roy and Chris Ali are rising stars of the comedy circuit.