End Of The Road is known as a melting pot for the very best in alternative music, but it is also an Eden of the arts generally, and is cementing that reputation with the announcement of its Comedy and Literature lineup.
Leading the names for the comedy programme at End Of The Road 2024 is Lebanese-American comedian Janine Harouni, whose Netflix special was selected as one of The Guardian's 'Ten Comedians to Watch in 2021'. The BBC New Comedy award winner is known for expertly delivering polished punchlines and poignant moments about life and death.. Also announced is Stewart Lee, the definitive deadpan stand-up known for careening through topical, observational, self-deprecating and absurdist routines.
Scottish comedian and Taskmaster favourite Fern Brady will showcase her straight talking and uncompromising routine. Celebrated for shining a light on women with autism in her brilliant book Strong Female Character, Fern is a fan favourite for her frank, no-nonsense and hilarious discourse. Elsewhere on the comedy bill, Josie Long will bring her infectious charm to End Of The Road, whilst Knightmare Live, the cult kids TV show will come to life at Larmer Tree Gardens this year.
Northern powerhouse Paddy Young who describes himself as “Hungry, Horny and Scared”, might be in the gutter, but he’s looking down on you. American comedian Sara Barron will regale the audience with her incredible, uncensored storytelling, exploring the ins and outs of relationships and the often hilarious escapades of living in the UK as an American, whilst Phil Ellis will effortlessly entertain audiences of all ages with his amalgamation of off-beat observational material and physical comedy. Pappy’s, formed of Ben Clark and Tom Parry return to the bill, the much-loved sketch group harness classic comedy chops with a modern sensibility.
For early risers, or perhaps those who are still yet to go to bed, festival daytimes get underway with wide ranging and exploratory chats with leading authors and memoirists in the dappled light of the Talking Heads stage. Announced on the literature bill is acclaimed cultural historian Richard King, whose work focuses on the intersections of identity, subculture and place. His latest book ‘Travels Over Feeling’ reveals a true picture of Arthur Russell, one of the most enigmatic and distinctive artists of the last 50 years. Marchelle Farrell speaks passionately about the relationships between our external landscapes and internal ones, the patterns that are reenacted in the human relationship with the land, and how they might be changed.
American record producer and writer Joe Boyd will be discussing his upcoming debut book ‘And the Roots of Rhythm Remain: a journey through global music’; a non-academic page-turner, full of anecdotes and personalities and backstories. Simon Raymonde is a producer, musician and founder of beloved independent label Bella Union. Prior to this he was the bass player in legendary Scottish indie band Cocteau Twins, at End Of The Road he’ll relive these exciting times, speaking about his memoir ‘In One Ear’. Plus, a Special Guest will be announced later in the Summer
Full Comedy Lineup:
Janine Harouni
Fern Brady
Stewart Lee
Knightmare Live
Josie Long
Paddy Young
Phil Ellis
Pappy's (Tom Parry & Ben Clark)
Sara Barron
Patrick Healy
Tamsyn Kelly
Thanyia Moore
Ria Lina
They Like To Watch: with Geoff Lloyd & Sara Barron
Full Literature Lineup:
Richard King
Marchelle Farrell
Joe Boyd
Lucy Jones
Jon Moses
Noreen Masud
Simon Raymonde
Harriet Baker
Tickets and more info here.
