Set on the Southsea seafront, multi-award-winning Victorious Festival (23/24/25 August 2024) – the UK’s biggest metropolitan festival – has today announced its full comedy lineup for this summer’s Bank Holiday extravaganza. Building on the success of last year’s expanded comedy offering, Victorious will welcome some of the biggest and best names in comedy to Southsea this summer, adding even more value to an already jam-packed Bank holiday weekend.
Headlining Friday’s comedy lineup is Russell Howard, one of the UK’s most successful comedians. Best known for writing and starring in 10 seasons of Russell Howard’s Good News, Russell will bring positivity and laughter to Victorious’ comedy stage off the back of his critically acclaimed UK and European tour.
Arguably one of the most controversial comedians of recent years, Frankie Boyle will push the boundaries of humour while casting a light on societal issues with a confrontational full-frontal delivery. Having taken a break from the stand-up circuit, Frankie will offer “topical observations” with sometimes vicious and polarising reflections on life, society, politicians, celebrity and consumer culture with equal measures of shock and laughter.
Offering classic British humour at this year’s festival, everyone’s favourite pub landlord Al Murray has been announced as the final headliner for this year’s comedy stage. The Olivier Award nominee will bring his infamous alter-ego, The Pub Landlord to Southsea this summer.
Joining TV funnyman Russell Howard on the festival’s opening day will be comedy queen and BBC Radio 4 star Suzi Ruffell, returning to the festival following her “Dance Like Everyone’s Watching” tour, which gained her a nomination for Best Stand Up Show at the National Comedy Awards, and compere Emmanuel Sonubi, one of the hottest comedians on the comedy circuit right now who will host Friday and Saturday’s comedy offerings.
Touring Filipina comedian, actress and writer Ria Lina known for her appearances on BBC’s Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, The Now Show and Mock The Week joins Saturday’s stacked lineup alongside Fatiha El-Ghorri who will challenge cultural preconceptions and stereotypes with her unique brand of unapologetic stand-up. Acting as main support on the festival’s penultimate day is compere Justin Moorhouse known for his regular TV and radio features leading proceedings.
Hosted by the loveable Eastenders star Shaun Williamson, Barrioke will make its Victorious festival debut in the comedy and cabaret tent on the Sunday afternoon. Expect audience participation and plenty of laughs all rolled into one joyous karaoke session!
Elsewhere on the bill festival goers can enjoy Emmy Award-winning comedian Fiona Allen, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Abi Carter-Simpson and Paul McCaffrey (as seen on Live At The Apollo) plus performances from Brandon Palmer, Michael Frankland, Saaniya Abbas, Perry Reilly, Radu Issac and Andy Field. The comedy and cabaret tent will also welcome Southsea Alternative Choir, Bog Rolling Stones, Bloody Grungers, House of Anthems, Beatles for Sale, The South Side Racketeers, HYPR, Rewind and Bingo Bango.
This year’s comedy and cabaret tent will be sponsored by Wightlink, Sam Woodman Partnerships Marketing Manager at Wightlink said: “Wightlink is delighted to sponsor The Big Top Comedy & Cabaret stage, at Victorious Festival. With such a fantastic line-up we look forward to adding even more laughter for festival goers.”
This year’s showstopping comedy lineup will take place alongside a stacked music bill featuring headline sets from Fatboy Slim (Friday), Jamie T (Saturday), Biffy Clyro (Sunday) and performances from Sugababes, Louis Tomlinson, Wet Leg, Courteeners, Pixies, Groove Armada (DJ set), Professor Green, James Bay and Razorlight.
Website: victoriousfestival.co.uk
Tickets: £195 weekend pass, day tickets from £70
