SSDC has provided £500 grant-aid to help bring on a new comedy festival for the Ham Hill area.
Hamdon Ha! Ha! is taking place in Norton-sub-Hamdon which has already hosted a series of successful stand-up comedy sessions over the past year. The concept of a comedy festival extending over several days is an innovation for South Somerset that builds on the popularity of the one-off events held so far. Festival performances will be held at Norton’s parish church and at the village pub over the weekend 10 – 12 October.
Comedy acts already lined up include An Audience with Jonathan Veira – “classically trained singer and lovely, funny person” – and an hour of fun for the kids with Professor Paradox.
Agony aunt Virginia Ironside is bringing her one-person show about Growing Old Disgracefully to Somerset following her appearances on the Edinburgh Fringe. Virginia has been answering readers’ problems in national newspapers for many years and now writes a weekly column in The Independent
Saturday night is stand-up night with our regular MC Tom Glover who is joined by Chris Purchase, George Rigden and more.
Lindsay Higgins, Co-ordinator for Hamdon Ha! Ha! said, “When I go to the Edinburgh Fringe I feel like I’m in an Aladdin’s Cave of entertainment. I have so much fun I want to share it and this weekend does just that. We have something for everyone in stories, music and general tomfoolery. Most of the entertainers were at the fringe and I’ve seen them in action so can vouch for the quality. Bring your mates, your children, your parents. Prepare to laugh the weekend away. I love it! You will too”.
Councillor Sylvia Seal, SSDC Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, added, “The Hamdon Ha! Ha! Festival programme looks packed with laughter and talent including top-notch talent fresh from appearances on the Edinburgh Fringe. I am delighted that SSDC is able to help with the starting costs of this event which will bring enjoyment to local people and attract visitors to the area too”.
For those on Twitter or Facebook, information about the festival is being posted up by the organisers. Follow @HamdonHaHa on Twitter or search HamdonHaHa on Facebook.