Kids' comedy festival returns to Birmingham

Birmingham’s comedy festival for kids returns to Central Library with a packed programme of free comedy acts and wacky workshops over the half term holidays.

Gigglefest, which runs from 19 to 26 February, includes workshops, silly stories, magic, daft crafts, potty poets and puppets, an open mic session, a chocolate eating contest and some of the country’s best stand up comedy for kids.

Amongst those performing and leading workshops will be poets John Hegley and Murray Lachlan Young and comedienne Barbara Nice. CBBC’s Dan and Jeff’s Potted Panto has already sold out. With puppet shows for the under fives, improvisational comedy for the over elevens and plenty of events suitable for the whole family, tots, teens, mums, dads and grandparents will all find something to tickle their funny bones.

Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said: “Birmingham City Council’s libraries hold a wide range of free and low cost activities for children and their families throughout the year. Gigglefest adds to the quality of families’ lives by providing an inspirational, entertaining and educational week of comedy acts and workshops, most of which is free.”

For more information on Gigglefest call 0121 303 2421, or visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/gigglefest

Ends

Media contact: Debbie Harrison 0121 303 4476 debbie.harrison@birmingham.gov.uk Campaign and Communications Team, House of Sport, 300 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 1TZ
Tel: 0121 303 4514 / Fax: 0121 303 4943

Notes to Editors:

Full programme of events

Saturday 19 February

10.30am-12noon So You Want To Be Funny?
11-11.45am Super Silly Storytime
12 Noon-1pm The Noise Next Door
12.30-1.30pm Creaky Knee Stories presents ‘ The Roald Dahl Experience’
2.15pm Alan Seaman followed by Patrick Monahan

Monday 21 February

11am-12 noon Make a Giant Cartoon Strip with The Crazy Comic Club!
12.15-12.45pm Laurence and Brian’s Big Laughter Show Part Two: The Sequel – Funnier Than Before (Just!)
2.45pm The Two Amandas
1-2pm Ian Billings
2-2.30pm Chocolate Eating Competition
2.30-4pm Crazy Comic Club! – Comic Art Workshop

Tuesday 22 February

10-10.45am Giggle-Go-Round: Physical Comedy Workshops with Jane Sutcliffe for the under 5s
10.45-11.30am Giggle-Go-Round: Physical Comedy Workshops with Jane Sutcliffe for 5-7 year olds
11.15am-12 noon Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre presents “Mavis and the Green Giant from Outer Space”
1-1.45pm Mark Waddington
2-2.45pm Tallulah Swirls Puppet Theatre presents “Susie Sparkle”
12 noon James Campbell

Wednesday 23 February

11am Spoz
12 noon Gez Walsh
1pm Murray Lachlan Young – Modern Cautionary Tales for Children
2-3pm John Hegley
4-5.40pm Potted Panto Starring CBBC’s Dan & Jeff SOLD OUT

Thursday 24 February

11-11.30am Super Silly Storytime
11am-12.30pm Stand-Up Comedy Workshop with Barbara Nice
1-1.45pm Kids Open Mic
1.30-3pm Acting Funny!
2-2.30pm Liam Jones & Harriet Dyer
2.30-4pm Daft Craft with Lorna Rose

Friday 25 February

11-11.30am Super Silly Storytime
11.30am-12 noon Laurence and Brian’s Big Laughter Show Part Two: The Sequel – Funnier Than Before (Just!)
11am-12 noon Musical Comedy Workshop with Jay Foreman
12.45pm Chris and Dave Present…
1-2pm Janice Phayre & Friends

Saturday, 26 February