Sell-out success for Frome Festival comedy

The Frome Festival has celebrated it’s first sellout success for a major show, weeks in advance of the festival opening on 6th July. Dr. Phil Hammond, who has turned his work as a GP into a successful comedy and writing career, has now sold all tickets for his show at the Merlin Theatre on Friday 13th July.

Also, predictably packed to the rafters, will be The Idiot Bastard Band, an amalgam of comedians Phil Jupitus, Ade Edmondson, and the comedy songwriting genius of Roland Rivron and Python’s Neil Innes. Fans of great comedy need not despair however, as there are still many opportunities to catch some superb acts coming to this year’s festival.

Shappi Khorsandi, the Iranian born comedian and broadcaster will play Cheese and Grain on Wednesday 11th July. This show contains new material which Shappi is sharpening up for her presentation at the Edinburgh Festival in August. There are still seats available, though advanced booking is advised because a full house is expected. Also appearing at the Merlin, TV comedian and broadcaster Mark Thomas will be a popular draw with his show ‘Bravo Figaro’, a funny and personal exploration into the world of opera. Musical themes combine effectively with two other humorists on the Frome Festival bill; Rook Lane Arts hosts the hilarious, irreverent, cult country and western singer Hank Wangford, and his sidekick Brad Breath, on Tuesday 10th July. On Thursday 12th, the humorist, writer, broadcaster and Poet Laureate to Barnsley FC, Ian McMillan, will present his widely-toured and well-loved works in the company of musician Luke Carver Goss.

Following in the footsteps of last year’s brilliant performance by songwriting comedian John Shuttleworth, these shows are not to be missed by those who enjoy witty words and subtle, observational comedy.

The ‘Alternative Guide to Frome’ is becoming a more popular comedy event year on year. Dr. Archibald Combellack Snr takes his audience on a funny and factually unreliable tour of the town. Look out too for the Natural Laughter Skills Workshop, on 12th July at 3.30pm, when the full joy and therapy of laughter will be experienced first hand. For all details, either pick up a brochure or check the web site: www.fromefestival.co.uk. All tickets are available from the Cheese and Grain box office: 01373 455420.