The Somerset Comedy Festival has hit a financial crisis, with the result that many of the shows have had to be cancelled. Seann Walsh and Simon Brodkin are among those no longer appearing at the festival which was initially due to run at various venues across the county from July 3 - 28.
Organiser Trish Caller said: “The Somerset Comedy Festival has been a dream of mine for so long. But the reality is these are tough times for people and tickets for some of our bigger events just haven’t sold. I have no option but to cancel them. I don’t think the timing of the general election has helped. People are just feeling nervous about everything right now. But I have no intention of giving up and I’m already planning for next year.”
Caller says some smaller shows will still go ahead and is confident about a big festival returning again next year.
Comedy stars like Seann Walsh, once described as the best observational comedian of his generation, doctor-turned-comedian Phil Hammond, Royal Varity Show performer and famous prankster Simon Brodkin and Emmanuel Sonubi, who has gathered a huge following after being voted best newcomer at the Edinburgh Fridge in 2022, were due to headline the Somerset Festival throughout July. But all their shows are now off.
Of the 40 shows which had been planed at venues in Taunton, Bridgwater, Weston super Mare and Bridgwater, 22 are having to be called off. People who have bought tickets will get their money back.
A full list of the shows cancelled – and how to get refunds – will be on the Somerset Comedy Festival website (www.somersetcomedyfestival.co.uk)
It is still hoped that some shows will go ahead including those at Tacchi Morris Arts Centre, Taunton Minster, The Castle Hotel and the CICCIC venue in Taunton – Caller is urging people to come forward and buy tickets.
“I often find that people say they intend to buy tickets for an event but they haven’t got round to it yet. I would plead with those people – buy the tickets now and we can make sure parts of the festival can be saved.”
As for Somerset Comedy Festival 2025, she says that lessons have been learned from this year.
“I will be working hard to get sponsors on board for next year, not just financial support but people who can, for instance, help us with marketing and promotion.
“I know we can make a success of this – I know the people of Somerset love comedy. There were many things that conspired against us this year. Next year will be different.”
