At the end of this week Kings Heath will prove its place as Birmingham’s funniest suburb – with almost 50 comedy shows over four days – from the 24th to the 27th of July. Once again the festival has an impressive line-up. The launch show at the Hare and Hounds is headlined by All Killa No Filla star Rachel Fairburn and fresh from Taskmaster, Fatiha El-Ghorri tops the bill at our Saturday night Gala with Barbara Nice. The gala also features Birmingham legend Jo Enright, James Cook and rising star Rachel Baker.
The special Saturday Gala show will pay tribute to our beloved volunteer, and friend, Cate McGee, who sadly died during last year’s festival. Cate was a massive supporter of the festival, and we hope McGee’s Comedy Gala does her proud.
Elsewhere, Live at the Apollo’s Lindsey Santoro and Harriet Dyer are bringing their latest works in progress. We also have performances from the fabulous (and Edinburgh comedy award nominated) Josh Pugh, Sean Lock award winner Eric Rushton, Hayley Ellis, Rob Kemp, Masai Graham and Chloe Reynolds.
It’s not all straight stand-up. There will also be special shows for children, Felt Tipsy with local legend Tat Vision, BadFlix film club, a comedy speed quiz and Comedy Karaoke hosted by Edinburgh hero Masai Graham. Most shows are pay as you feel, so audiences can take a chance on something new at no risk. Once again, the festival is spread across lots of beloved local venues, with performances at venues including The Hare and Hounds, Circus Mash, how brave is the wren, Schooners, The Juke, Houblon, Loco Lounge, Fletchers and Grace and James.
Organisers Alice and Kate said: “We were blown away by everyone’s support last year, and loved seeing the venues full of people having a lovely time! We hope 2025 will be bigger and better and can’t wait to see you all again.”
2024’s launch festival saw 34 shows across four days, opened by Helen Bauer, Barbara Nice and Celya AB and closed by Joe Lycett. In 2025 there’s established names, newcomers, and a huge amount of variety. From TV regulars to Comedy Karaoke, there is something for everyone.
Tickets for the Kings Heath Comedy Festival are on sale – check out https://www.khcomedyfest.com/ or follow us on social media @khcomedyfestival.