TV comedians in pub’s series of outdoor gigs
Top TV talent to take to the stage
A COMEDIAN from Waterlooville has joined up with his local pub to host a series of outdoor comedy nights featuring TV talent – and shows are already selling out.
James Alderson, 45, hosted the first outdoor gig featuring local comedy talent at the Farmer Inn, in Catherington Lane, on Saturday.
The comedian was ‘thrilled’ to sell out the first event with 150 people turning out – and tickets are selling fast for upcoming shows featuring comedians famous for their frequent on-screen appearances.
James said: ‘I think everyone wants to get out and have a laugh.
‘Even though it rained before the show on Saturday, I didn’t get one message asking if it was still going ahead. Being able to perform outside is a breath of fresh air – no pun intended.
‘We have lots of big names appearing, and a secret headliner who is used to filling out 1,500-seat venues.’
Tickets remain for a show featuring Mock The Week star Angela Barnes, Nathan Caton, and a secret headliner on Saturday, September 5.
Dan Skinner will be performing as Shooting Stars character Angelos Epithemiou alongside Comedy Roadshow star Zoe Lyons on September 19, with tickets still on sale.
The Farmer Inn’s pub garden has been marked with spray paint to help the crowd maintain social distancing, according to James, who is keen to bring more comedy nights to the area. He hosted daily satire nights online during lockdown.
He said: ‘I don’t know of any other big outside gigs happening in the area.
‘I feel there’s been a real surge of grassroots talent in Portsmouth in the last few years, but few people have made the jump from performing stand-up in their spare time to going full time.’
Tickets have already sold out for the gig featuring Cally Beaton and Chris McCausland, a blind comedian who has appeared on Live At The Apollo and CBeebies, with the pair performing on August 8.
Jake Lambert and Stephen Bailey, who has also appeared at Live At The Apollo, will perform a sold out show on August 22.
Tickets for the September shows cost £13 and are available at comedy-allstars.co.uk