MACHYNLLETH COMEDY FESTIVAL | EVENT PREVIEW
Fri 3-Sun 5 May
Various locations
Tickets: prices vary
words: Gareth Ludkin
Disregard the Comedy Roadshow behemoth, reject the egotistical stadium tour, and turn your back on the ubiquitous TV comedy quiz show, and what you’re left with is an intimate comedy festival packed with experimental, creative and warmly adventurous comedy stand-up which strikes at the heart of what comedy is all about: fun and entertainment.
The Machynlleth Comedy Festival, which opens for its fourth year from Fri 3-Sun 5 May, is all of these things and more, with unique venues in a beautiful countryside location and a wealth of vibrant comedians (both big and small) sprawling out in the early summer sun, rubbing shoulders with their audience.
Whilst the festival may technically lie outside of our remit as a South Wales-based entertainment and what’s on guide, we couldn’t really resist raving about this excellent weekend of comedy, and when the lineup includes the likes of Stewart Lee, David O’ Doherty, Mark Thomas, Josh Widdicombe, Isy Suttie, Sara Pascoe and Richard Herring to name but a few, who can really blame us.
Among the many highlights at this year’s festival, Mark Thomas offers his politically motivated new show Manifesto Warm Up, Richard Herring contemplates cocks, Stewart Lee offers three nights of work-in-progress material, and Bridget Christie tackles the pertinent topic of female oppression. Pappy’s Flatshare Slamdown is an anarchic gameshow, whilst Mark Olver’s Dancing About Architecture is perfect for anyone with an interest in the art of comedy performance. His discussion show sees some of the finest comedians from the weekend discussing why they love comedy so much and how they set about writing new material.
Throwing aside the corporatisation of larger festivals, settle into a no-holds-barred comedy experience at Machynlleth with performances in venues such as the local bowling club, historic 300-seat Tabernacl theatre, nearby rugby club and even a garden shed. A festival which charm and character, Machnylleth draws back comedians year on year. With such quality eager to return for another round of comedy fun, the chances are you will too.
Info: www.machcomedyfest.co.uk