
Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
Following their continuing success, organisation Little Wander (the minds behind Machynlleth Comedy Festival in mid-Wales) have created a sibling weekender, based in Aberystwyth and now in its second year after a dip-in-the-water launch in 2018.
Machynlleth Comedy Festival has grown substantially over the years, creating a reputation on the back of being a comedian’s comedy festival – standups coming with both touring shows and experimental dry runs for the Edinburgh Fringe. It gives it a rough and ready mood, with the polished, tried-and-tested material playing happily alongside the crazier stuff.
This is the key difference between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth; at the latter, all the shows will be ones the comedians have been touring for a while. In other words, it’s a guarantee that the audience are going to see nothing but the highest-quality gems. With around 40 shows over the course of the weekend, the headliners for the festival include some of UK comedy’s most well-known names, including sell-outs already in the form of Rhod Gilbert and James Acaster.
But it’s not just big names that make up the line-up. Kiwi Rose Matafeo brings her 2018 Edinburgh-winning show Horndog to Wales. Her rapid fire, upbeat style of comedy closely teeters on that loveable line between approachable, and concern for her character, while her earnest approach to relationships and men hits on all the right comedic beats. Elsewhere, comedians such as Mark Watson and Suzi Ruffell [pictured] appear, as well as a whole host of ‘yet to be on a Dave repeat’ new UK comedy acts. All-in-all, the line-up ensures that there’s always going to be someone you find funny, no matter your sense of humour.
Although there’s no official campsite set up – yet another difference from Machynlleth – there is plenty of accommodation all over Aberystwyth. With hotels and B&Bs to choose from, the weekend promises to be an alternative – and cheaper – Edinburgh Fringe.
words Seren McKeever
Various venues, Aberystwyth, Fri 4-Sun 6 Oct. Tickets: prices vary per show. Info: www.abercomedyfest.co.uk