BANANA CABARET BALHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL

BEST OF BANANA CABARET

CARL DONNELLY, RIA LINA, RADU ISAC, JACK GLEADOW, JOHN MOLONEY – compere*

PICTURED: Ria Lina

CARL DONNELLY: The comedian lover’s comedian, Carl is an accomplished standup comedian, regularly in demand at the finest comedy clubs in the UK, Ireland, and overseas in particular at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. A prolific writer and an authentic voice, his conversational, silly sense of humour has secured the high respect of his peers and a host of prestigious awards.

“One of the most engaging and bendy-minded comedians on the circuit.” – THE GUARDIAN

RIA LINA: Ria Lina is quickly becoming a household name. Funny and likeable, hugely admired as an accomplished comedian, actor and writer, and for a formidable work ethic, she commands the stage with a natural ease, energy and fierceness of delivery. A BSc in Experimental Biology, an MSc in Forensic Science and a PhD in Virology mean it’s not just her standup that’s intelligent. Ria is in demand for her scientific insight, her confident delivery and her biting wit.

“Fearless, provocative and very funny.” – THE SCOTSMAN

RADU ISAC: Radu Isac is a young but veteran Romanian comedian and he’s a very nice person, always considering others first and never far from a compliment. His comedy and personal hygiene are of an excellent standard. Beginning in Bucharest, he switched to doing his standup in English to be understood by audiences in LA. He moved to London, quickly made it to the final of English Comedian of the Year, and became a respected circuit professional. He is an impressive, intelligently subversive, spellbinding comedian.

“Simultaneously sweet and dark, cynical and tricksy.” – CHORTLE

JACK GLEADOW: Jack Gleadow is the best thing to come out of Hull since the M62. Leicester Mercury Champion and Amused Moose National New Comic, Jack is a complete natural and one of the most unique performers on the UK circuit today. Taking his inspiration from the Golden Age of Variety, Jack is a one-man standup variety show, complete with sounds, stories, jokes and a scooter. Gags, tales and funny sentences, this is old school comedy for the modern age. Catch this irresistible and infectiously daft rising star here!

“He’ll be as big as Lee Evans one day.” – BEYOND THE JOKE

JOHN MOLONEY: Industry legend and esteemed co-producer of the Balham Comedy Festival, John Moloney has been a professional comedian for more years than he’d care to mention. John epitomises dry, dispassionate delivery and is master of the droll one-liner. He entertains audiences across the globe with his crafted, intelligent and original standup. Twice winner of the Best Live Performer award at the London Comedy Festival, John is one of Britain’s most in-demand comedians.

“Gifted and unpretentious.” – THE TIMES

TICKETS: £18 plus booking fee

BALHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL – FULL LISTINGS

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Banana Cabaret is delighted to bring you our 10th critically acclaimed Balham Comedy Festival from Friday 8th – Saturday 16th July.

It’s 9 nights of choice standup comedy – celebrity and household name acts, rising stars and comedians’ comedians, first-timers and festival favourites, solo shows and special guest appearances – there are shows to satisfy every comic taste, all wrapped cosily in the round at our beautiful venue.

There are two or three acts on each of the solo show dates. The rip-roaring Best of Banana Cabaret shows each feature five superb comedians and a special guest will bring the festival to a glorious close.  

Balham Comedy Festival 2022 spans nine nights and features an amazing twenty-eight comedians, performing in our home of 39 years, the Bedford’s iconic round Club Room where Banana Cabaret has hosted the likes of Eddie Izzard, Jack Whitehall, Sarah Millican and Joe Lycett.

The festival is presented by Banana Cabaret – one of London’s longest-running premier comedy clubs – loved by comics and audiences alike and always one of the best lineups in town – and is co-produced by Banana Cabaret’s Dave Vickers and award-winning comedian John Moloney.

Doors: 6.30pm / Show: 9pm – 11pm. Guests to be seated by 8.00pm. Food orders until 7.30pm. Standing tickets available from 6.30pm at the ticket desk. Bars and DJs until 2am.

*Acts subject to change

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