Thorner Comedy Festival
Since 2005, the Victory Hall has welcomed a STELLAR comedy line up to our stage, thanks to huge support from Festival Republic and our many sponsors. Over the years we’ve raised thousands for the hall and numerous other charities.
The 2025 Thorner Comedy Festival will take place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February.
…AND HERE’S THE LINE UP!
Friday 21st February
John Meagher (MC), Nina Gilligan, Lucy Beaumont
After nominations for the BBC New Comedy Award, and Irish Comedian of the Year, John Meagher was a finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act of The Year, and Leicester Sq Theatre New Comedian of the Year awards. In 2022 he won the Panel Prize at the Edinburgh Fringe as part of “Best in Class”, the working-class stand-up showcase. He has supported legendary Irish comedian Patrick Kielty on his recent tour and works at all the major UK and Irish Comedy Clubs.
“Like watching a young Irish Billy Connolly” – Irish Times
Nina Gilligan is sometimes outrageous, always hilarious with a charming, loveable persona which belies an acerbic wit. She is a skilled writer, creator, and improviser and has written several comedy shows and plays including ‘Rescued’ (Nominated for Best Comedy at Greater Manchester Fringe) and ‘Broad Shoulders’( receiving 5-star reviews at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival). Most recently she was named ‘Best Act’ in the 2024 Comics’ Comic Award.
“Must-see show – phenomenal performer” – Rolling Stone
Proud daughter of Hull, Lucy Beaumont is a hugely talented stand-up, comedy actress and writer. She starred in and co-wrote the highly-rated sitcom of the fictional view of her marriage to TV’s Jon Richardson ‘Meet The Richardsons’, and co-wrote the Channel 4 series ‘Hullraisers’. Before becoming a familiar face on our screens, her debut Edinburgh show ‘We can Twerk it Out’ was nominated for the Fosters Newcomer Award. She has also won the BBC New Comedy Award and Chortle’s award for Best Newcomer.
“The next Victoria Wood in the making” – The Stage
Saturday 22nd February
Lee Peart (MC), Ian Smith, Lloyd Griffith
Lee Peart gigs at all the major comedy clubs across the UK, and has previously supported Jason Manford and Steff Todd on tour. Resident warm-up act for ITV’s Loose Women, he has also warmed up audiences for some of the biggest shows on TV, including Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent, Netflix’s Dance Monsters and Love Island: Aftersun.
He has interviewed the likes of Lorraine Kelly, Tom Allen, Nadia Sawalha, Gloria Hunniford OBE and more, for his podcast ‘Let’s Talk with Lee Peart’
“Made the room squeal with laughter” – The Observer
Ian Smith is a regular at the biggest comedy clubs in the UK, appearing on Live at the Apollo last month. His material mixes conversational, energetic storytelling and observations with unique set pieces and an exceptional skill for improvisation. Ian has appeared on BBC Three at the Fringe, BBC3 panel show ‘Sweat the Small Stuff’ and Channel 5 series ‘The Funny Thing About…’. He has also worked with Rob Beckett on the popular Dave podcast ‘The Magic Sponge’ which has previously topped the iTunes comedy charts.
“Catch him now before his inevitable jump to the big time” – The Telegraph
Since his last visit to Thorner (2018) Grimsby-born standup, TV presenter and choirboy Lloyd Griffith has gone from strength to strength, appearing in countless TV shows (Return to Paradise, Live At The Apollo, Ted Lasso, Nolly, Everyone Else Burns, The Outlaws, It’s A Sin…). As well as supporting Jack Whitehall and Rob Beckett on their UK tours, he has completed four of his own sold out stand up tours, and appeared on numerous BBC Radio Shows. He’s also a regular co-commentator on Grimsby Town FC games AND can often be heard performing with the choirs of Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle and various other London groups.
“Disarmingly good” – The Times
Both Nights
The show starts at 8pm, but the doors (and bar) will be open from 7pm. As ever, we will have a fully-stocked (resonably priced) bar with beers from our sponsors Black Sheep Brewery and food from the wonderful Mr. D’s Pie Machine
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