Shropshire Star

Comedians to get court jester feeling at Shrewsbury Castle gigs

Comedians will get the authentic feeling of being historic court jesters when they perform in the grounds of Shrewsbury Castle.

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Dan Nightingale

Theatre Severn’s popular comedy club Severn Jesters will be at the castle this summer, as the venue prepares to team up with Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival for another season of alfresco fun in the sun.

Following the success of similar open-air comedy nights at the venue last summer, the Castle Jesters events will run every Saturday throughout August. Each night will feature four comedians on the comedy club circuit, for audiences to enjoy. The first details of the line-up have been revealed, with further acts to be announced soon.

Kickstarting the comedy sessions on Saturday, July 31, are award-winning Freddie Quinne and Alex Boardman. They will be followed by New Zealand comic Sully O’Sullivan and Bafta-winning comedian and presenter Tudor Owen on Saturday, August 7. Tudor has written, presented and performed numerous television and radio shows including his own TV comedy series for S4C The PC Leslie Wynne Show.

On Saturday, August 14, comedian and writer Michael Legge will perform alongside Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee Chris Washington. Chris returns to Shrewsbury after a sell-out festival gig in 2019.

Also joining the line-up is Welshman Noel James, who has headlined most comedy clubs in the UK. The following weekend will be hosted by home favourite Dan Nightingale, who will be joined by Susan Murray, writer for 8 Out Of Ten Cats, BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show, and News Quiz.

Theatre Severn’s marketing officer Beki Poole said: “We’re really excited to team up with Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival.

"Last year’s events were great fun and we can’t wait to share lots of laughs with audiences at the castle again this summer.”

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival organiser Kevin Bland added: “First and foremost we are delighted to be back doing what we love; programming top class comedy for the people of Shrewsbury. We've lost two festivals since the start of the pandemic, and whilst this is a very different format we're grateful to our good friends at Theatre Severn for the opportunity to get back on the horse, so to speak, and put these shows together in such stunning surroundings.”

Tickets for open-air comedy events at Shrewsbury Castle are available online at theatresevern.co.uk or by calling 01743 281281. Ticket prices are £15, with an early bird offer of £10 per person for a limited time.