Russell Kane to host Shrewsbury comedy gala
Award-winning comedian Russell Kane will host this year's star-studded gala at the Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival.
Kane, a regular on Live at the Apollo and Celebrity Juice, is the latest big name to be handed the compere role by festival organisers, after Shropshire’s Greg Davies last year.
The gala, on July 22, brings the festival to a close and will feature Irish comedian Jason Byrne, who is well-known for hosting his own show on Dave TV - Don't Say it, Bring it, and Taskmaster's Nish Kumar.
SICFest co-director Kevin Bland said: "Once again we’ve managed to pull together an eclectic mix of top circuit acts to perform their hour long shows prior to taking them to the Edinburgh Festival. We’ve added more venues this year and extended the festival length to try and keep up with demand for shows, both from performers and the public.
"This year, as well as the previews we have the stand-out, cult hit from last year’s Edinburgh Festival, The Elvis Dead, and a special festival version of the regular comedy club at Theatre Severn to kick it all off on the opening night."
The breakout hit from last year’s gala show, hip-hop improv stars Abandoman, will also make a welcome return, and once again Rob Broderick from the band will be performing a one man show at the Old Market Hall.
As well as Theatre Severn and The Old Market Hall, Henry Tudor House, The Old Post Office, Havana Republic, Stop Café @ The Museum and even the Sabrina Boat will play host to the country's top comedians throughout the month.
The festival runs from July 19 to 22 and tickets for all shows are available from Theatre Severn.
