Beloved out-and-out northern comics, Justin Moorhouse and John Thomson, have rallied up their pals to announce an incredibly special show. Get ready for a night packed full of comedy camaraderie. From favourites like Johnny Vegas to Les Dennis, this first-time Easter performance is sure to crack you up. All funds raised will be donated to the Legacy of War Foundation (an eggs-ellent cause) which helps improve the lives of Ukraine civilians affected by conflict. Here’s the full line-up.
Justin Moorhouse
Edinburgh Fringe Favourite, Justin Moorhouse, is a man of many things: Radio DJ. Actor. Dog Walker. Parent. Vegan. But above all, a northern comedy powerhouse who’s infectiously warm and jovial personality guarantees a performance you’ll fall in love with. Best known for his appearances In Phoenix Nights, Looking for Eric, and 8 out of 10 cats, this cheerful funny man is a pillar of the northwest comedy scene.
John Thomson
Winner of the Edinburgh Comedy ‘Best Comedy Show’ award (1992), and nominee for best TV comedy actor. The Salford-born star has appeared in 24-hour-party-people (2002), Grimsby (2016), and Men Behaving Badly (1992). In recent years, you’ll recognise John Thomson from Cold Feet as loveable Pete Gifford. Behind the screens, this funny man writes comedy with friend, Steve Coogan. The pair hit it off at university and have since worked together on Coogan’s Run and Knowing Me Knowing You…With Alan Partridge.
Johnny Vegas
Vegas’ broad career in TV is a testimony to his talent as a comedian. He first made his name known in the year 2000 by winning Best Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards. Since then, his self-deprecating, surreal, and thoroughly British sense of humour has regarded him as one of the nation’s faces of comedy today.
Best known for: Benidorm, 8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown, Still Open All Hours, and QI.
Nina Gilligan
Nina got off to a flying start to comedy when she broke onto the scene in 2011. Now, she is a regular on the UK circuit, performing at gigs and venues all over the country. In 2021, the actress, writer and comedian won the prestigious Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year award. Fellow comic, John Thomson described Nina as, “a naturally funny comedian with a charming and genuinely likeable style”.
Les Dennis
From theatre, comedy, TV to opera, Les Dennis beholds a colourful career in entertainment. In 1982, he formed a partnership with impressionist Dustin Gee, which led to the pair forming their own series: The Laughter Show. In recent years, Dennis is best known for his 15-year stint as one of the hosts of Family Fortunes, and since has become an icon of British TV.
Jason Manford
A talent born out of the hotbed of northwest comedy. Manford secured his big break as a glass collector in Buzz Club, Chorlton. The set comedian didn’t arrive, so Manford was ushered onto the stage by a compere to perform. A moment that ended up being a pivotal career moment. Six gigs later, he won the 1999 City Life Comedian of the Year Competition. With observational comedy being his trade, Jason since appeared as team captain for 8 Out of 10 Cats and presented the Premiere League All Stars.
Dave Spikey
Spikey is a veteran in the comedy game. He upholds an impressive career spanning out over two decades. He is one of the most sought-after comics of today. Spikey co-pioneered Phoenix Nights, an influential TV series that swiftly made comedy history. The legend has numerous awards to his name like ‘Northwest Comedian of the Year’ and ‘Best Comedy Newcomer’- It’s safe to say that Dave is comedy gold.
Daliso Chaponda
In 2017, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Chaponda captivated the country. His refreshingly up-beat anecdotes and daring routines stay just on the right side of adult humour. Since appearing on the show, Chaponda has gone onto performing in theatres around the world. He’s since launched the Radio 4 show, ‘Citizen of Nowhere’ which looks at the relationship between the UK and Africa.
Tom Binns
Star of the BBC one mockumentary, Hospital People, Tom Binns is the brains behind the daft yet adorable Radio DJ, Ivan Brackenbury. Despite having a smaller CV on the screens, Binns appeared on an episode of The IT Crowd and Spooks to name a couple. Ivan Brackenbury was such a hit that Binns was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award In 2007.
Tez Ilyas
New kid on the block, Tez Ilyas, has recently exploded onto the comedy scene. In 2015, he performed at BBC Asian network’s special comedy night, celebrating 50 years of Asian programmes. Then, he went on to stand-up at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival four times. His clever comedy about British national Pakistani life gained critical acclaim. With unwavering momentum, Tez has since launched popular shows like Tez Talks (BBC Radio 4), and the Tez O’clock Show (Channel 4) as well as being a favourite on The Last Leg (C4), Mock the Week (BBC two) and many more.
Mick Miller
Miller is the self-proclaimed “old’s cool comedian”, with a remarkable career stretching over forty years in the live comedy circuit. The living legend fulfilled a lifetime ambition to perform in Las Vegas- in 2018 he was selected to be part of the major ITV series, Last Laugh in Vegas. In recent years, Miller has used his comedy talent to land acting roles in shows such as Peter Kay’s in Car Share and IDEAL with Jonny Vegas.
Kiri Pritchard-Maclean
Kiri is a Welsh, razor-sharp comedian and writer. She actively directs the sketch group, Gein’s Family Giftshop which was nominated for Best Newcomer in 2014 for the Edinburgh Comedy Award. Maclean is a seasoned performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has five chortle awards to her name. She can be recognised from her guest appearances on shows like Have I got News for You and Russell Howard’s Stand Up.
Ted Robbins
Ted Robbins has taken up a variety of roles in his stellar career. Ranging from favourite TV scores like Holby City, Brookside, Doctors, Little Britain, Lead Balloon, Phoenix Nights, and more. He’s been the face of quiz shows like Chain Letters and Catchphrase, not to mention hosing his Sunday morning show for BBC radio Lancashire. Robbin’s rich resume speaks to his hard-working and enigmatic persona, making him a national treasure.
Adam Rowe
Winner of the funniest joke at Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2018) this upcoming Liverpudlian comic has a lot to say to the world. A year later, Rowe returned to Edinburgh for his show Pinnacle which was described as “another irrepressible and articulate hour by a rising talent”. His award-winning podcast, Have a Word, was deemed ‘best podcast’ In 2022 by Chortle.
Steve Royle
This juggling-jester is a Britain’s got Talent success story who joked his way into the public eye. However, prior to reaching the semi-finals, the comic held a notable 30-year career in entertainment. Being another member of the Phoenix Nights crew, Max & Paddy’s Road to Nowhere and Stand-Up Britain. The all-rounder presents a Sunday lunchtime show for BBC Radio Lancashire. In addition, Royle was crowned entertainer of the year at the county’s Red Rose Awards.
The show will be taking place on Monday 18th April at the Manchester O2 Apollo, so do your bit and buy a ticket!
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