A feast of comedy gold at festival

Comedians Tommy Rowson and Alun Cochrane with the BBI's Steven Lord and festival director Shane Gough

For seven days top acts from the comedy circuit performed in various venues across town.

Organised by the Brighouse Business Initiative (BBI) and Foot of the Barrel Theatre Group, it proved to be a great success for all those who turned up looking for a bit of fun.

Shane Gough, festival director, was over the moon with the success, said: “When we started to plan the event I thought one or two nights would be sufficient but as plans progressed it just grew into a whole week.

“The comedians and audiences alike were amazed at what we achieved for a for a first effort.”

Over 30 comedians took part throughout the week, ranging from newcomers to the circuit such as Dave Austin and Rivka Uttley who starred at the Millers Bar open mic night to the Holiday Inn headline shows starring Alun Cochrane, known for his appearances on BBC television shows Mock of the Week and Have I got News for You, and Smugs Roberts who regularly appears on BBC radio and TV.

Elliot J Huntley, Dave Rivers and Tommy Rowson did brilliant work at compering during the week.

Two rising stars from the Edinburgh Fringe, Fern Brady and comedian of the year Brennan Reece, performed at Rastrick Bowling Club.

Brighouse Sports Club also played host to the “Discount Comedy Checkout”.

Children’s shows took place at Central Methodist church and Gareth Richards and Steve Bugeja hosted the children’s game show “Gunge! Gunge! Gunge! Prego’s restaurant

The BBI is now focussing its efforts on the highly popular Victorian Christmas Festival which will take place on the weekend of November 28 and 29.

For more details about the event visit the website www.victorianchristmasfestival.co.uk