A new digital mural has been unveiled in Birmingham city centre to celebrate some of the city’s Comedy Legends. The pop art-style mural features Joe Lycett, Meera Syal, Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Skinner and Dame Julie Walters as well as landmarks from around the city including the Bull Ring, Town Hall and Rotunda. 

The striking mural has been designed by Midlands-born artist David Hodge and has been commissioned by Sky Comedy Rep ahead of the second season of the ‘Park Life Festival’ – a Festival of new comedy writing taking place at the Birmingham Rep Theatre from 22nd – 27th May.  

Produced by Sky Studios, Sky’s original programming arm, and The Rep, the six-night festival will celebrate and showcase the work of eight new and emerging comedy writing talents from Birmingham and around the UK. 

One of the writers featured in this year’s Festival is Birmingham’s Asia Wray, who along with seven other new writers from across the UK, will see her original play ‘Bruk Pocket Girl’ performed at The Rep.  Her play is about three chaotic teenagers who enter a dance competition with somewhat amusing and unexpected consequences.

The Birmingham Comedy Legends mural will appear during a two-week period from 15th May with the most notable site being at New Street. It will also be featured across a number of Ocean Outdoor digital sites in the city centre...

Artist and mural-designer David Hodge says: "It really is a thrill to be asked to create this tribute to so many famous names from the world of comedy in the city where my own creative journey began. Funnily enough where the billboard is situated is only a few yards from where lots of us young clubbers, designers and creatives used to meet back in the '80s on a Saturday in the tearoom in Rackham’s.  Somehow it brings me home and makes my creative journey reach another landmark moment." 

Tickets and more info about Birmingham's Comedy Rep shows here.

Pictured top: David Hodge & Asia Wray