The Road to Leicester Comedy Festival, run by Rutland promoter Hats Funny Comedy, returns
A ‘warm-up’ comedy festival, launched last year, is set to return for a second run later this month.
Rutland-based promoter Hats Funny Comedy runs The Road to Leicester Comedy Festival, giving acts the chance to perfect and promote their acts ahead of the Leicester Comedy Festival in February.
“We have no affiliation to the Leicester event, but there are so many people in nearby counties who love comedy, that have never experienced a festival show,” explained Ian Hayes, founder of Hats Funny Comedy.
“Leicester Comedy Festival attracts some of the best comedians in the world, along with some of the best in rising talent within the industry.
“Right on our doorstep we have current and future superstars, performing in fantastic intimate settings, and we should really embrace it.”
Hats Funny Comedy has put on shows at 40 venues since it was founded in 2022 with an opening night at the Boot Inn, South Luffenham.
It aims to help up-and-coming talent climb the comedy ladder, but has also brought more established acts to the area, including TV regular Shazia Mirza and Royal Variety performer Scott Bennett.
The Road to Leicester starts in Peterborough on Tuesday, January 28 and ends with two Rutland shows on Sunday, February 2.
Award-winning comedian Dawn Bailey, fresh from supporting Frankie Boyle, will appear at the Sun Inn, Cottesmore, while Andrew Bird takes his A Ticklish Mind show to The Boot Inn, South Luffenham, ahead of a nationwide tour.
“It’s an incredible finish to the festival,” Ian added.
“Dawn is an exceptional talent, who reminds me of Peter Kay with her northern charm and immense likeability.
“Andrew Bird has supported Michael McIntyre on his nationwide tour, and days after his performance at The Boot Inn, he will be taking his show to venues such as The Royal Court, Liverpool and The Royal Derngate in Northampton.
“Having him closing the festival at the place where the Hats Funny Comedy journey started, is an amazing achievement and demonstrates perfectly how far we have come.”
Full festival programme -
Tues, Jan 28: The Bluebell, Werrington, Peterborough – Michael McKenzie ‘Bed 32’, supported by Luke Harrower, Ravi Saini and Brayden Kerr (free entry or pay what you like);
Thurs, Jan 30: Number 13 bar, Wellingborough – Tadiwa Mahlunge work in progress show, supported by Jules O’Brian and Dom Hatton-Woods (£10);
Fri, Jan 31: The Woolpack, Islip – Kevin Daniel ‘Jockanory’, supported by Sarah Johnson and Eddy Midgeley (£12)
Sat, Feb 1: The Thornhill Arms, Rushton – Mad Ron and Jerry Bakewell ‘Identity Theft’, supported by Ben Harrington and Edi Johnston (£10);
Sun, Feb 2: The Sun Inn, Cottesmore – Dawn Bailey work in progress show, supported by Anthony Williams and Tom Williams (£8);
Sun, Feb 2: The Boot Inn, South Luffenham – Andrew Bird ‘A Ticklish Mind’, supported by Doug Carter and Vix Leyton (£10).
Tickets for all events available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/hatsfunnycomedy or for more information via @Hatsfunnycomedy on social media
For enquiries, call 07593 074187 or email Hatsfunnycomedy@outlook.com