The Objectively Funny Festival returns to the Albany with 42 shows over 11 days, showcasing what the Guardian last year dubbed “the art form’s cutting edge.” Retaining its low prices and grassroots mentality, the festival will be two days bigger and one year better this time around, and once again be the first place in London to see dozens of critically acclaimed comedy hours as they return fresh from sell-out runs in Edinburgh.
Opening with a double bill from alternative comedy icon John-Luke Roberts (“just so many killer gags” **** Guardian) and critically acclaimed TV writer Rosie Jones (“tremendous” **** Scotsman), the festival will encompass acts from all over the comedy spectrum for eleven straight days in one single venue.
Also in the showcase is a clutch of Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees. The three women, all performing their debut shows, are Sindhu Vee, Maisie Adam (pictured) and Olga Koch (pictured). There are other award-botherers all over the line-up, such as Paul Currie, who was given the title of ‘Best Show’ in the Comedians’ Choice Awards this year, as well as last year's Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees, Elf Lyons, Ed Night, Rob Kemp and Kwame Asante. It also includes 2017’s winners of both the prestigious Amused Moose Award for Best Show, The Kagools, and the BBC New Comedian of the Year Award, Heidi Regan.
The festival takes place at the historic Albany pub on Great Portland Street, a comedy room since the ‘80s and the location of Bob Monkhouse: The Last Stand, filmed for the BBC. It has been curated by Martin Willis, half of double act Loose Brie and the programmer at the venue, which has invested heavily in comedy since he took the position after the festival last year.
Entry at the weekend is just £5, with audiences given the opportunity to pay each act at the end of their show. Tickets can also be reserved for these shows for £6 apiece. The weekday shows start at £9 each, or £15 for both shows of a double-header. There are concessions rates as well.
The Objectively Funny Festival is at the Albany, W1 from September 20 - 30. Info and tickets here.
