What started as an open mic night above a pub in Swindon has blossomed into one of the region’s most exciting comedy success stories. And now, Swindon Old Town Comedy Club – the town’s only independent, grassroots professional comedy night – is preparing to deliver its biggest ever show on Sunday 1st June, as part of the Old Town Festival.
‘Comedy at the Bowl’ will see the club take over the iconic Old Town Bowl for an evening of side-splitting stand-up, featuring a line-up brimming with some of the finest comic talent on the UK circuit. Headlining the show is none other than Taskmaster favourite and Swindon’s own, Ivo Graham – a familiar face from shows like Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week, not to mention a regular sight at the County Ground.
This year marks the first time that Swindon Old Town Comedy Club, also known as Wessex Comedy, has been invited to programme and host this flagship event. It’s a significant moment for a club that only rebranded just over a year ago under the direction of comedian Sam Michael – who, after originally launching the concept as ‘Hop Comedy’ with co-founder Michael Kohlweg at The Hop Inn, decided to breathe new life into the local comedy scene.
And breathe life into it he did. From hosting comedy nights at the Christ Church Community Centre, to curating a packed charity event alongside the Old Town Beer Festival (which recently featured Trigger Happy TV star Dom Joly), Sam has worked tirelessly to make professional comedy both accessible and affordable in Swindon.
Joining Ivo on stage will be Matt Bragg – a rising star who has supported comedy giants like Ricky Gervais, Harry Hill, and John Bishop. Matt recently sold out the Swindon Arts Centre on his own tour, and his sharp wit and deadpan delivery are bound to go down a storm.
Also on the bill is Alexandra Haddow, known for her appearances on BBC and Comedy Central, along with the newly crowned BBC New Comedy Award winner Paul Hilleard – fresh from causing a stir on Comic Relief with a set that people are still talking about. Hosting the whole affair is, of course, Sam Michael himself, who recently supported none other than Al Murray on tour.
Speaking ahead of the event, Sam shared: “When I moved to Swindon eight years ago, I was disheartened by the lack of a comedy scene. You either moan about it or do something – I chose the latter. Being asked to bring the Swindon Old Town Comedy Club to the Bowl is a huge moment for me, and I’m grateful to South Swindon Parish Council for the opportunity.”
Tickets are priced from £18.00 and are available now. Given the calibre of acts, and the club’s growing reputation, this is not a night to miss.
Comedy at the Bowl
Sunday 1st June
Tickets: Buy here
