Greater Manchester Comedy Festival Calling For New Comical Talent

Jayna Patel | 3rd September 2015

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Greater Manchester Comedy Festival is back for a third year and the organisers are appealing for local writers and performers to get involved.

The Comedy Festival takes place 1-10 November 2015 at Gullivers, the Hope Mill Theatre, Joshua Brooks, Taurus, Albert Square Chophouse and The Ruby Lounge in Manchester, as well as The King’s Arms in Salford.

Director Zena Barrie, who also runs Camden Fringe, said: “It is open to anybody, as long as you think it is funny to somebody. Stand-up, sketch shows, character acts, comedy plays, musical comedy acts and improvisation are all welcome.

“Registration is £30 and for that they will be listed in the printed brochure and on the website, have free publicity shots taken on our media day and be included in our press releases.

“It is the perfect opportunity for new acts to take part in their first fringe because there is a complete support system. It is an opportunity to fail, without losing everything. Anyone looking  at putting on a first show in Edinburgh would be paying thousands of pounds.

“Established acts can try out new material in front of a live audience, before going out on tour. Past performers have included Robin Ince, Phill Jupitus, James Acaster, Gein’s Family Gift Shop, Harriet Dyer, Hal Cruttenden, Joel Dommett, Fin Taylor and Joe Lycett.

“This festival is a great stepping-stone for young comedy performers, and new and emerging talent, because it is a more affordable fringe festival than others.

“Shows are normally about an hour long, however this is not set in stone and shows of different lengths can be accommodated.

“Of course your show might succeed straight away and win one of our lovely awards, which is a really good marketing tool for Edinburgh and future tours.”

During the Greater Manchester Fringe in July, there were 96 registered shows at a wide variety of venues, culminating in 239 performances and events. A total of 37 shows sold out before opening night with a further 98 selling out on the night.

Iain Scott said: “What I was impressed with this year was the amount of collaboration. Artists went to support other artists, working with other artists, watching their shows and promoting through social media.”

The deadline for applying to perform at the Greater Manchester Comedy Festival is Friday 25 September. Late applications can be accepted but may miss the print brochure deadline. For more details visit www.greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk or email gmfringe@gmail.com.

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