Veteran producers Avalon have announced their line-up for this year's Edinburgh Fringe. Their shows include Rose Matafeo returning with last year's Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning show Horndog and a new show from the winner of Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer 2018 Ciarán Dowd.
Presenting the latest shows from award-winning comics Al Murray, Frank Skinner, Russell Howard, and Simon Brodkin, critically acclaimed theatre from performance artist Bryony Kimmings, political satire from Matt Forde, brand-new shows from Amused Moose Comedy Award 2018 Winner Tania Edwards and Double Edinburgh Award Nominee 2017 and 2018 Ahir Shah, and musical comedy from rap jazz duo Harry & Chris among many others.
There will be debut hours from the rising stars of comedy including Ray Badran, Susan Riddell, Steff Todd and Travis Jay.
During the last 30 years, Avalon has promoted more Edinburgh Comedy Award winners and nominees than any other company including: Chris Addison, Greg Davies, Dave Gorman, Harry Hill, The Mighty Boosh, Al Murray, Russell Kane, Alex Horne, Roisin Conaty, Kristen Schaal & Kurt Braunohler, Garth Marenghi, Lucy Beaumont, Bilal Zafar, Glenn Moore, Ahir Shah and Ciarán Dowd, and three of only six female winners of the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award; Jenny Eclair, Laura Solon, and 2018’s winner Rose Matafeo.
Tickets on sale now here.
Avalon’s line-up for 2019 includes:
Ahir Shah – Dots
“intricately crafted, profoundly moving, howlingly funny... he’s a blazing talent firing on all cylinders”
★★★★★
The Telegraph
Double Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee 2017 and 2018, Ahir Shah returns with a brand-new hour of stand-up following on from critically acclaimed show, Duffer, which was performed to packed houses at last year's Fringe, had a sold-out run in London's West End, and toured within the UK and internationally. Ahir has appeared on Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), Have I Got News For You (BBC One), Frankie Boyle’s New World Order (BBC Two), Stand Up Central with Rob Delaney (Comedy Central), and The Now Show (BBC Radio 4). “Magnificent” ★★★★★ (The List), “Outstanding” ★★★★½ (Chortle), “Impassioned, probing and unexpectedly moving” ★★★★ (The Mail On Sunday), ★★★★ (The Times).
Al Murray – Landlord of Hope and Glory
“Stand-up Gold”
The Guardian
Citizens of Hope and Glory! A new tomorrow beckons. One that smells reassuringly of yesterday, but with Wi-Fi. One last heave and we will be there. And when the going gets tough the tough get going. Although the going won’t get tough and anyone who tells you it is going to be tough is lying. Come join the Pub Landlord and step backwards into the future.
Bryony Kimmings – I’m A Phoenix, Bitch
“a choking and exhilarating ride”
★★★★★
The Guardian
Following a critically acclaimed extended run at Battersea Arts Centre and an Offies 2019 Award win, Bryony Kimmings brings I’m a Phoenix, Bitch to Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which will also feature as part of the British Council Edinburgh Showcase 2019. I’m a Phoenix, Bitch sees Kimmings combine personal stories with epic film, soundscapes and ethereal music to create a powerful, dark and joyful work about motherhood, heartbreak and finding inner strength. “One of the most extraordinary things I have ever seen” (Emma Thompson), “a metaphysical glitter cannon of trauma being fired straight at your chest” (TimeOut), “exceptionally raw” (New Statesman). Further critical praise for Bryony Kimmings’ previous work includes ★★★★★ from Evening Standard, Independent, The Scotsman, Time Out, The Stage, and Herald Scotland. Commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne, Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Battersea Arts Centre, and financially supported by Arts Council England.
Ciarán Dowd – Padre Rodolfo
“A riot from beginning to end...a cult hit”
★★★★★
Chortle
Winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer 2018, Ciarán Dowd returns with a supernatural action-adventure and follow-up to the 2018 smash hit Don Rodolfo. In the wake of an unspeakable tragedy, world-famous lothario, swordsman and butthead Rodolfo turns his back on his lifestyle – rejects the sword, takes a vow of chastity and joins the priesthood. But it’s not long before he’s fighting his own personal demons and some actual demons. Ciarán was nominated for Breakthrough Act at the Chortle Awards 2019 and has appeared in Josh (BBC1), GameFace (E4/Hulu), Zapped (Dave), and has made the most guest appearances on Drunk History (Comedy Central). “The funniest show you will see this year” ★★★★ (Telegraph), “comedy of the most ridiculous variety” ★★★★ (The Guardian), ★★★★ (The Times).
Eleanor Tiernan – Enjoying the Spotlight Responsibly
"Funny, Fanciful and Fearless"
Graham Norton
Concerned about Gemma Collins ability to entertain after the icebergs melt? In bed gorging on True Crime while the actual crime outside your door fails to tantalise? Following a sell-out run at last year’s Fringe, Irish comedian Eleanor Tiernan (BBC Radio 4’s New Quiz, BBC Radio 4’s Where’s The F in News) is back to spark your joy. "Amiably acerbic" (Stewart Lee), “Genuinely hilarious” ★★★★ (Funny Women), “Tiernan boasts a magnificent curl in her lip and snarl in her voice” (Sunday Times).
Frank Skinner – Live
“Provocative, remorseless, and very, very funny”
The Times
An unmissable opportunity to see comic legend Frank Skinner perform brand new stand-up in an intimate space. “One of Britain’s funniest men” (Evening Standard).
Jacob Hawley – Faliraki
“Intelligent and important, his self-aware set sees him explore themes of class and identity in the modern world expertly” ★★★★
The Sunday Post
Stevenage soft-Lad Jacob Hawley presents his 2nd solo show with ruminations on love, youth and mental health. Politics for idiots, feminism for lads, love stories for louts, self-care for those who don’t. ‘The distinctly millennial rising star of the Edinburgh Fringe’ (New Statesman), ‘A down-to-earth talent who's got it in spades.’ ★★★★ (The List), “his show is an important contribution to a discussion we all need to be engaging with” ★★★★ (Peg Review). Creator and star of BBC Radio 4’s Welcome To Britain and BBC Sounds’ Jacob Hawley: On Drugs, as well as being a BBC New Comedy Award Finalist.
Jayde Adams – The Ballad of Kylie Jenner's Old Face
“There’s little doubt that Adams is anything but stardom bound”
Evening Standard
Following a sell-out Fringe in 2018, Jayde Adams is packing away the sequins and glamour for her 4th solo show to reinvent herself as a 'Successful Independent Woman Person'. “Britain’s Funniest Woman comic” (Daily Mail) invites you to an incredibly serious keynote speech investigating what it means to be a feminist in 2019. “She’s a star” (The Guardian), “Glam, glitter and a deconstruction of feminism? Now that’s divine” ★★★★ (The Arts Desk), “Adams has a highly original voice” ★★★★★ (Three Weeks).
Kieran Boyd – Crashing the Party
“Impressively funny... Terrific material”
The Scotsman
What happens when the never-ending party ends? Kieran Boyd’s brand-new solo hour gives you a backstage pass to 12 reckless years with the critically acclaimed and frequently disapproved of sketch group WitTank (“dazzling”, The List). A hilarious patchwork of stories about life before, during and after the wheels come off and the tank runs dry. “Brilliant, fresh and funny... Absolutely glorious stuff... Exquisite” (Kate Copstick), “The kind of acute social observations that would grace any mainstream stand-up showcase” (Chortle), “Genuinely funny...very talented comedian” (ThreeWeeks).
Lucy Beaumont – Space Man
“Beaumont is a riot!”
The Scotsman
Award winning comedian Lucy Beaumont presents her highly anticipated return to comedy with a brand new hour of life affirming laughter. The Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee is back to share stories from the front line of motherhood on the North East Coast. Creator and star of BBC Radio 4's To Hull and Back, Lucy can be seen on QI (BBC Two), Ultimate Worrier (Dave), Alan Davies As Yet Untitled (Dave), and The Unbelievable Truth (BBC Radio 4). “Devastating comic timing” (The Stage), “A Star is born” (Chortle), “Heart-poundingly performed” (The Times).
Matt Forde – Brexit, Pursued by a Bear
“Possibly the best political comedy show on the Fringe”
★★★★★ The Telegraph
Following a completely sold-out 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Britain’s leading political comedian once again promises his last show as an EU citizen (maybe). As seen on Have I Got News For You(BBC One) and The Royal Variety (BBC One, ITV). “Is there a better political comic than Matt Forde currently working in the UK? I can't think of another to touch him” ★★★★½ (Chortle), “a stand-up of rare skill” ★★★★ (The Sunday Times), “smart, funny ideas” ★★★★ (The Times).
Matt Richardson – Imposter
“Hilarious and charming”
The Mirror
Virgin Radio presenter and comedian Matt Richardson is trying to navigate the world of adulthood, while feeling like an imposter. Join him for hour of unrestrained, raucous laughs where anything could happen. As well as being the only comedian to host a show on Virgin Radio, Matt has hosted The Hangover Games (E4), The Xtra Factor (ITV2) and Just Tattoo Of Us (MTV), as well as appearing on Roast Battle (Comedy Central), Celebrity Juice (ITV2), Drunk History (Comedy Central) and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here Now! (ITV2). ★★★★★ (Voice Mag), ★★★★★ (Theatre Weekly), “High wattage charisma from a talented young comic whose star is on the rise” (The Guardian).
Matt Winning – It’s The End Of The World As We Know It
“hilarious, personal, inventive, and something that will stay with you for some time to come’”
★★★★★
Ed Fest Mag
A storytelling lecture from the “attractively impish” (Guardian) Dr Matt Winning about how we all cope with climate change. The critically-acclaimed Paisley professor is humanising our planetary predicament with his unique blend of bite-sized environmentalism, short stories, and some compelling slide show transitions. As seen on BBC Three, BBC Radio 2, and as the Environmental Correspondent on Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave. “Winning’s sharp wit and intelligence allows him to educate as he entertains” ★★★★½ (Sunday Post), “a terrifying statistic regarding our planet’s future before a joke which leaves the audience roaring with laughter” ★★★★ (National Student), “an entertaining blend of facts, figures and accessible bits of stand-up” (Chortle), “Clever gags ... esoteric routines” (Scotsman).
Pierre Novellie – You’re Expected To Care
“Brutally funny”
★★★★ ½
Chortle
Existing is exhausting. Endless empathy and engagement is expected of everyone. You’ve got to be aware of all the complicated, horrific things in the world, don’t you? Even if they’re absolutely nothing to do with you? Following a critically acclaimed run at last year’s Fringe, Mash Report correspondent and comedian Pierre Novellie returns to bring some intellectual levity to various absolutely appalling subjects. “The dawn of a major talent” (The Guardian), “hilarious…He will go far” ★★★★ (The Times), “very close to being a stand-up masterclass” ★★★★★ (The List), “sharply crafted and intelligent comedy that pokes a satirically pointed finger at almost every team there is” ★★★★ (Sunday Post).
Phil Wang – Philly Philly Wang Wang
“This is intoxicating stuff”
★★★★
The Telegraph
Following a sell-out run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Phil ‘Philly Philly Wang Wang’ Wang returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a new hour of absolute gold. Phil has made a name for himself (that name being Phil Wang) exploring sex, romance, politics, and his mixed British-Malaysian heritage, in shows that delight in his unique Wang brand of smart/silly stupidity. This one is about morality and the modern sense of self. Swell! As seen on Have I Got News For You (BBC One), Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), Taskmaster (Dave) and The Comedy Line-Up (Netflix). “Stand-up dreamland” ★★★★ (The Guardian), “A unique and properly funny stand-up” ★★★★ (The Times), “Perfectly intertwined personal-political belly laughs” ★★★★ (The Scotsman).
Ray Badran – Everybody Loves Ray, Man
WINNER Best International Comedian
New Zealand Comedy Guild 2017
Acclaimed Australian comedian Ray Badran presents his debut show following sold-out performances at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and New Zealand International Comedy Festival. After moving to the UK, the rising star is ready to tackle the big issues in life such as pockets, Subway sandwiches and fridges with his characteristic whimsy and off-beat observations. As seen on Comedy Central's No Experience Necessary which he wrote and starred in (“funniest local TV show in ages”, New Zealand Herald), and heard on ABC’s comedy podcast Positions Vacant (Top 5 comedy podcasts in Australia). "His style definitely struck the right chord for the night, getting the entire crowd in hysterics…” (Arts Review Australia), “Hilarious… these stories are funny and well told”(Sydney Morning Herald).
Rob Auton – The Time Show
“A genuine original. Poetical, philosophical, humane, completely charming and funny to boot”'
The Guardian
Following on from the second best reviewed comedy show, The Talk Show, at 2018’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Time Show is a comedy/theatre/spoken word show about time. It is suitable for people who know of time. Award-winning comedian and poet Rob Auton has previously performed shows about the colour yellow, the sky, faces, water, sleep and hair. A clip of Rob recently performing on Stand-Up Central With Rob Delaney (Comedy Central) went viral with over 7 million views on Facebook, adding to television credits including The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One), Cold Feet (ITV) and Random Acts (Ch4) . “A genuine original. Poetical, philosophical, humane, and funny to boot” (The Guardian). “We need him” (Scotsman). “Charming, eccentric and uplifting, Auton is a talent to watch” (Independent). “Funny, baffling and deeply moving” (Telegraph). “Just sad” (Vanessa Feltz).
Rose Matafeo – Horndog
WINNER Best Show
Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2018
Comedy Award Winner Rose Matafeo returns to the Fringe for one week only with the celebrated show Horndog. A whirlwind of stand-up, sketch and mid 20s angst, Horndog has enjoyed multiple sell-out performances around the world and was consistently highlighted as one of the best shows at the Fringe in the Guardian, Vogue, Evening Standard, The Mirror, Chortle, and British Comedy Guide. “Rose Matafeo is going to be huge” ★★★★ (The I), “Matafeo is an astute, often hilarious observer of millennial life” ★★★★ (The Telegraph), “Another storming set from a woman whose neuroses, intelligence and flamboyant sense of her own ridiculousness make her a near-perfect comedian” ★★★★ (Guardian).
Russell Howard – Work in Progress (Afternoon)
“One of the world’s top comedians”
The Sunday Times, UK
Come join Russell for his early afternoon bonus hour. He’ll be messing about and answering your questions. Some of it will be good, some will be rubbish but hey, it’s only a fiver!
Russell Howard – Work in Progress (Evening)
“One of the world’s top comedians”
The Sunday Times, UK
Russell performs his work-in-progress show testing new material. Some jokes will last to his tour or TV shows, some will survive just one night. Regardless, it'll be fun. Come be part of the process. All profits from this run will go to The Kiyan Prince Foundation.
Simon Brodkin – 100% Brodkin
“if it's an hour of spit-your-drink moments you're after, there aren't many better comedians to turn to”
★★★★
Rupert Hawksley, The Daily Telegraph
Award-winning, critically-acclaimed comedian Simon Brodkin unveils his funniest character yet… himself! After three hugely successful BBC series as character Lee Nelson and having gained notoriety as a serial prankster, pulling off world-famous stunts on the likes of Donald Trump, Theresa May, Kanye West and Sepp Blatter, Simon will perform out of character for the very first time. He opens up about childhood growing up on the mean streets of Hampstead Village, moving on to adulthood as an out-of-his-depth doctor, inept parent and conflicted Jew. “Prodigious talent” (The Times), “Get him out!” (Donald Trump).
Steff Todd – Reality Check
“Absolutely incredible impressions”
The Mirror
Award-winning comedian, impressionist and internet sensation Steff Todd presents her debut solo show Reality Check. Hailing from Yorkshire, Steff has gained worldwide attention with her viral impressions of stars from Reality TV and Pop culture ranging from the Kardashians, Love Island, X Factor and many more, making her of the hottest emerging talents in comedy. Join her for her debut hour of hilarious stand up, razor sharp one-liners and amazing celebrity impressions. Steff has appeared on The Dog Ate My Homework for CBBC and has recently supported Iain Stirling, Sara Pascoe and Rob Delaney. “Hilarious and brilliant” (The Stand) “Hilariously accurate impressions” (Daily Star).
Steve Bugeja – Single Mum
“Plentiful jokes and compelling storytelling"
Scotsman
The host of BBC Radio 4’s Economics with Subtitles, and award-winning (BBC New Comedy Award), critically-acclaimed Steve Bugeja returns with a twenty-first century kind of fairy tale, following his childhood helping his single mum find her Prince Charming all while learning his times tables. (He was 7). As seen on The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One), The Zoe Ball Show (ITV1), Stand Up Central(Comedy Central), Love Island Aftersun (ITV2) and Comedy Up Late (ABC TV) at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, “Steve's a charming, likeable stand-up with a set packed with gags” ★★★★ (Sunday Post), “An eye for comic detail that's all his own” (Guardian).
Susan Riddell – Duvet Day
“A Scottish talent on the rise”
The Scotsman
Best Scottish Newcomer Nominee and Funny Women Runner Up Susan Riddell’s debut show champions laziness in an increasingly manic world. The rising star’s sharp observations and sparkling wit have already been highlighted as a Must Watch Show at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (The Scotsman). “A brilliant comedian … a star on the rise” (BBC Comedy Presents), “Emerging talent ... original comic voice” (Funny Women), “Formidable, fearless ... quick with the audience. She’s sharp make no mistake” (The Wee Review).
Tania Edwards – Don’t Mention It
“Packing plenty of punchy and self-aware insights into modern life…Tania Edwards is effortlessly funny”
★★★★
Ed Fest Mag
How easy is it to be brazen yet bashful, courageous yet coy (and make sure everyone notices)? Winner of Amused Moose Comedy Award 2018, Tania Edwards returns with a brand-new hour, taking an irreverent look at love, marriage and parenthood, as well as a side swipe at our vanity in a social media saturated age. In a bold stand against a rising tide of self-obsession, Tania advocates a stiff upper lip - with quivering intensity. “brilliantly dark jokes” ★★★★★ (Voice), “ram-packed with gags” (Chortle), "cuts daggers with sharp one liners" (Glamour Magazine).
Travis Jay – Funny, Petty, Cool
“He’s amazing”
Dave Chappelle
From a throwback to the time Travis Jay accidentally became leader of a Black Lives Matter protest, to delving in to his South London upbringing and a raw look at the impact of his grandfather passing, this debut hour offers both a deeply personal and side-splitting socio-political insight in to his world to date. The Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year nominee returns to the festival twenty five years on from watching his mother Angie Le Mar perform her comedy sketch show in 1994.
THEATRE, VARIETY, MUSICAL COMEDY & PODCAST PRODUCTIONS
Flo & Joan – Before the Screaming Starts
“These intricately crafted, flawlessly performed numbers will have you howling with laughter one minute, wiping away a tear the next”
★★★★
The Telegraph
In January, musical comedy sisters Flo & Joan watched the Bros documentary and saw a glimpse into their future; a lot of dog portraits and male pattern baldness. Following a sell-out run at last year’s Fringe, they return with a brand new hour of waggish songs to parade about the place. “Musical comedy hasn’t been in such safe hands for years” (The List), ★★★★★ (Sunday Post), ★★★★ (Sunday Times). Chortle Awards 2018 Best Music & Variety Act Winners and Leicester Comedy Festival 2018 Best Musical Act nominees. As seen and heard on Stand Up Central (Comedy Central), Horrible Histories (CBBC) and The Now Show (BBC Radio 4).
Harry & Chris – This One’s For The Aliens
“A wonderful blend of infectious songs packed with sharp, clever wordplay”
★★★★★
Sunday Post
Comedy-Rap-Jazz-Duo and Guardian Pick of the Fringe 2018 Harry & Chris return to the festival following three sold out national tours. In an era where life on Mars is looking increasingly likely, their latest blend of award-winning wordplay, awe-inspiring musicality, eyebrow-raising bromance and unashamed joy takes on the mammoth challenge of spinning planet earth to the rest of the universe. As seen on The Russell Howard Hour (Sky), and heard on BBC Radio 2’s Live From the Edinburgh Fringe, and BBC Radio 3’s The Verb. “Thoroughly feelgood” (Chortle), “Blisteringly talented” ★★★★★ (Fringe Guru), “a truly capturing and uplifting show” ★★★★ (Edinburgh Guide).
Jonny & the Baptists – Love Edinburgh, Hate Bastards
“It’s thought-provoking, lyrically brilliant fun of the highest order.”
★★★★★
Exuent Magazine
Multi-award nominated musical-activist-comedians Jonny & The Baptists are sick of these politically fragmented times. The musical comedy duo’s 6th show hopes to cross the divide and bring people together the only way they know how, with musical brilliance and though-provoking lyrics. Stars of BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show, "Excellent" ★★★★ (Guardian), "Wickedly funny" ★★★★(Times), "Superbly crafted" ★★★★ (Metro), “biting satire” ★★★★ (Edinburgh Reporter), “a real Edinburgh highlight” ★★★★★ (British Theatre Guide).
Matt Forde – Matt Forde’s Political Party Podcast
★★★★★
The Telegraph
Following a 5-year sold-out residency in London, Matt Forde (as seen on Have I Got News For You , Mock the Week, The Royal Variety Performance and Question Time) returns to Edinburgh for two live shows. The Political Party Podcast is regularly in the Top 10 comedy podcasts on iTunes and has over 50,000 subscribers. Previous guests include: Tony Blair, Nigel Farage, Ruth Davidson, Michael Portillo, Tessa Jowell, Anna Soubry, Liz Kendall, Ken Clarke, John Swinney , Alistair Campbell and George Osborne. “Is there a better political comic than Matt Forde currently working in the UK? I can't think of another to touch him” ★★★★½ (Chortle), “a stand-up of rare skill” ★★★★ (The Sunday Times), “smart, funny ideas” ★★★★ (The Times).
