A quiz show king, an award-winning musician and a television star have been announced among the line-up for this year’s Aberdeen International Comedy Festival.
The celebration of all things funny will return to the city for a fourth year from October 3 to 13.
Close to two dozen acts will take to stages in bars and clubs for the festival including Paul Sinha, who rose to prominence on ITV quiz show The Chase.
He also recently appeared as a contestant on comedy series Taskmaster, and will bring his new show Hazy Little Thing Called Love to the Park Inn on October 11.
Sinha said: “Aberdeen remains the furthest I have travelled within the UK to perform comedy, and I am delighted to make a return.”
Making reference to Aberdeen’s recent success in a horticulture competition, and more historic heroics on the football pitch, he joked that any city “obsessed” with Britain in Bloom and the 1983 Cup Winner’s Cup was “fine by him”.
Dubbed the “Queen of Scottish Comedy”, Janey Godley will kick off proceedings with her Beyond The Fridge show at the Tivoli theatre on Thursday, October 3.
The Glaswegian began her comedy career in 1994 and appeared in the film Wild Rose, which was released to critical acclaim earlier this year.
Elsewhere BBC Radio presenter Ashley Storrie and broadcaster Jojo Sutherland will entertain audiences.
Other notable names on the line-up include Catherine Bohart from BBC2 satire The Mash Report, Lou Sanders, Megan Shandley, panel show regular Stuart Mitchell and musician Vikki Stone.
Magician Seska will “throw buckets of happiness into the air” with his show, while Cal Halbert will mix music, stand-up and impressions and James Nokise will give his thoughts on the worlds of sport and politics.
This year the festival is expanding to include Cineworld in Union Square, with a mini movie festival celebrating new comedy releases.
Screenings are being organised for films including Zombieland 2: Double Tap, A Shaun The Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, Abominable and Joker.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of organiser Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It is hugely exciting to announce the full line-up for what truly will be our biggest, funniest and best festival yet.
“Whether you’re considering catching some live stand-up for the first time or are a comedy stalwart keen to enjoy the next big thing, then Aberdeen truly is the best place to be this October.”
