Blackpool’s museum of entertainment launches its first major exhibition – a retrospective of Andy Hollingworth’s evocative and powerful photographs of some of Britain’s most iconic comedians.
I Photograph Comedians opens today (13 July) and will include 50 prints of Hollingworth’s photographs as well as objects of comedy memorabilia from his personal collection.
Hollingworth has always had a unique connection with his subjects, capturing rare contemplative moments off-stage, distinctively creative studio portraits as well as documenting unparalleled access to their electric stage performances.
He has worked with comedy legends including Rowan Atkinson, Steve Martin, Rik Mayall and Victoria Wood and is the go-to photographer for many contemporary favourites including Rosie Jones, Kevin Bridges, Johnny Vegas, Sindhu Vee and Romesh Ranganathan.
With themes of stand-up comedy, portraits of sitcom greats, live performance, and humourabilia – Andy’s word for the ephemera related to comedy and entertainment, I Photograph Comedians is an exhibition which celebrates the people that make Britain laugh.
Hollingworth said: “This retrospective of my work over the last 30 years reflects the changing faces of comedy in the UK and my interaction with them. I’m delighted that it’s being displayed at Showtown in Blackpool – the very heart of British entertainment for the last 100 years!”
Jill Carruthers, Exhibitions Manager at Showtown said: “Andy Hollingworth’s photography is perfectly suited to being Showtown’s first major temporary exhibition. His unique connection with the comedians he works with is evident in the intimacy and playfulness of his photographs.
“Andy has a distinctive style that captures the combination of onstage antics, and backstage nerves and excitement that resonates with what Showtown is all about – celebrating performers and inviting our audiences for a different point of view.”
A programme of events exploring comedy and laughter will complement the exhibition through to February 2025, including a series of exhibition talks and tours with Hollingworth as he shares anecdotes about each act, examines what it means to be famous and funny.
Screenings of the film, Laurel & Hardy: Last Dance of The Cuckoos a documentary which follows his obsession with Laurel and Hardy. Families can have a giggle at several free comedy themed activities throughout the run of the summer.
I Photograph Comedians launches on 13 July as part of Blackpool Comedy Festival. Running from the 8-14 July, the festival promises fun, comedy, culture and extensive entertainment with a packed programme featuring some of the funniest faces on the circuit.
The festival is a celebration of the rich cultural history of Blackpool’s legacy of entertaining the masses in the golden age of variety through to providing a platform for today’s stand-up superstars. The exhibition continues until 23 February 2025.
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