Home / Arts and Entertainment / Cumbria's Comedy Scene Roars to Life
Cumbria's Comedy Scene Roars to Life
10 Apr
Summary
- Local comedian established nights to support aspiring comics.
- Carlisle's Old Fire Station dedicates 70 shows to comedy annually.
- Major comedy clubs are now touring Cumbria, boosting local talent.
The appetite for comedy is strong in Cumbria, with hundreds of thousands watching popular shows. Despite initial scarcity of opportunities in the region, comedians and enthusiasts are actively building a local scene. Steph Bradshaw, an actor and comedian, founded Big Fish Comedy in 2022 to address the challenges of traveling for gigs.
Initially held at a wine shop, Big Fish Comedy now hosts events at the Theatre By The Lake and the Reghed centre, aiming to nurture local talent and provide a stage for progression. Bradshaw hopes these efforts will encourage more Cumbrians to pursue stand-up.
Carlisle's Old Fire Station is a significant hub, dedicating 70 of its 200 annual shows to comedy. Managing director Will Morgan notes the importance of comedy for escapism. The venue will also host its first Just the Tonic comedy night, a touring club featuring established and emerging comedians, with Paul Foot headlining the inaugural event.
This influx of professional comedy nights, including those at The Brickyard in Carlisle and Kirkgate in Cockermouth, is vital for developing the county's comedy culture. Like Maryport's renowned Blues Festival, Cumbria aims to build a lasting comedy tradition, attracting audiences to discover new talent.
