First there was the Comedy Carpet, a 2,200 square metre expanse of concrete and granite, adorned with the work of over 1,000 comedy writers and performers, like a ‘welcome’ mat between the Irish Sea and Blackpool’s iconic tower.
On its opening, I drove past the many people taking in the quotes and jokes, and thought there was an alfresco mass happening. Now we have a great reason to bow our heads in respect to the Comedy Carpet as July sees two nights of hilarious entertainment lined up in the eponymous Comedy Carpet Live.
Visit Blackpool announced the starry line up of well known and loved comedians who will join in our town’s vibrant history of comedy performances.
Saturday 27 July brings a top line up headed by household favourite Omid Djalili, the English born Iranian stand-up comedian and noted actor. Djalili has won and been nominated for a whole host of prestigious awards for stand-up comedy and acting on stage, screen and telly.
Joining him will be three equally hilarious and talented comedians:
Mark Watson, a favourite of comedy panel shows, 8 Out of Ten Cats and Never Mind the Buzzcocks
Daniel Sloss, a bright young thing from Edinburgh who is enjoying international popularity, at aged 22; he’s been performing stand-up since age 16
Lucy Beaumont, who just last year won the Radio 2 New Comedy Award, hosted in Blackpool, for her comedy acting and writing.
The second instalment of the Comedy Carpet Live, sees Paul Merton sharing his interest and knowledge of silent film comedy.
Through clips, excerpts and his own deadpan observations, Paul will talk through a journey of silent film accompanied by live music from pianist Neil Brand & The Prima Vista Social Club, to create an experience of the true magic of silent film. The geniuses of silent comedy, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy will entertain alongside the highlight of the evening, ‘Safety Last’ by Harold Lloyd. Scenes from the film, made in 1923, feature Harold clambering up the side of a skyscraper, watched by a panicked crowd.
The evening promises to be full of the endearing magic of silent comedy film and wonderful live music, chaperoned by a man with expertise, passion and dead pan humour.
The Comedy Carpet Live stand up is on at 8pm on Saturday 27 July at Blackpool Opera House.
Paul Merton Presents Silent Clowns at 7.30pm on Sunday 28 July at the Opera House at The Winter Gardens.
For ticket information or to book, visit the Blackpool Tourist Information Centre, Winter Gardens Box Office, or TICKETMASTER hotline: TEL: 0844 856 1111
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