Date fixed for comedy festival

The Festival (SICFest), which this year provided 15 shows over several venues in town, will take place from July 19-22.

Organisers have added new venues to the 2018 line-up.

It will culminate in a star studded gala show in the main auditorium at Theatre Severn – and there will also be a mini gala in the smaller Walker Theatre to kick it all off on the Thursday night.

Henry Tudor House is the latest venue to be announced for the festival which this year attracted some of the biggest names in comedy including Greg Davies and Joe Lycett.

Festival director Beth McGowan said: “We are delighted to be in a position to announce the dates of next year’s event, and work is already underway booking acts for the gala."

Early indications are that the town’s comedy fans won’t be disappointed with the gala line up once more, with another eclectic mix of top level acts being firmly in the organiser’s sights – whilst the Edinburgh Previews & Work in Progress shows were so well received by audiences and acts alike, they expect another batch of superb international acts next year.

“We set a high bar last year with Greg Davies and Joe Lycett and we don’t intend taking a backward step on quality,” Beth said.

“Henry Tudor House is a great addition to the venue list, it fits our requirement for quirky, festival friendly surroundings whilst having the added bonus of having the know-how to put on a show already. Similarly, we are on safe ground at the Walker Theatre, but we intend to do something a little different with the seating arrangements and set it up cabaret style as a one off for the festival.”

Organisers are on the lookout for a smaller capacity venue that fits the festival ethos.

Beth added: “We’re well covered for 70-200 seat venues, ideally we could do with a 40/50 seat room to complete the set. We’re still making enquiries at a variety of places but if any venue owners feel they have the ideal room and want to get involved in the festival, please do get in touch.”