April Fools' Gala 2023

A star-studded, proper variety show line-up to celebrate April Fools' Day in style!

HEADLINER - REGINALD D HUNTER

Since reaching the final of So You Think You Are Funny in 1998, Reg has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-loved performers, known for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of issues - brutally honest and never afraid to tackle the most challenging of subjects. With many TV and Radio appearances under his belt, he also regularly tours all over the world. We're thrilled he's joining us for this April Fools' Gala!

RONNIE GOLDEN
Expect comedy songs and gags galore from the ex-Fabulous Poodles frontman and Barry Cryer's long-term partner in crime. There isn't much Ronnie hasn't done so it's impossible to write a simple one line resumé!

ROWLAND RIVRON
With an impressive televisual CV encompassing 'Dr Scrote' on The Last Resort with Jonathan Ross, Jools Holland, Fat Les's 'Vindaloo', 'Raw Sex' on French & Saunders, Fry & Lawrie and his own TV chat show 'Rivron' floating in the river Thames, Rowland also appeared on everything from Holiday to Shooting Stars, via Richard & Judy! He also played with Adrian Edmonson, Phill Jupitus and Neil Inness in the Idiot Bastard Band.
We've coaxed him out of semi-retirement to bring us, in his own words, "some silly bollocks"!

HELEN LEDERER
Possibly best known as dippy Catriona from Absolutely Fabulous, Helen has a unique wit and observational humour with an extensive writing portfolio, and has starred in many other TV shows from The Young Ones and Bottom to Hollyoaks and Miss Marple, as well as appearing as a panellist on many Radio 4 comedy shows.

FRANK SANAZI
The Dark Prince of Cabaret, the Ubermeister of Lounge...
"Brilliantly stupid, fantastically wrong and ridiculously funny" - Scotsman
"He will leave you in stitches. The Jokes are relentless" - Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

CHRIS MCGLADE
Often inspring uproarious laughter, tears of sincerity and standing ovations, Chris' honest, conscientious comedy and cutting-edge poetry makes for a truly unforgettable performance.
"Plenty of food for thought...Heartfelt and often intense" **** Scotsman
"Big, old-fashioned, belly-laughs...a unique comedy voice" **** Chortle

CHRIS LYNAM
Dubbed "King Of Clowns", with an exquisite grasp of the grotesque, Chris has been feverishly subverting the traditions of the stand-up for more than thirty years.
"Surreal unhinged quality which makes for comic greatness" - The Guardian

CERYS NELMES (MC)
Colourful and charming West Country born comedian, actor, TV presenter (and current voice of the National Lottery adverts!), Cerys was recently awarded Best MC in the 2022 UK Comic's Comic Awards.
"Great audience interaction skills...some comically inappropriate flirting and spreading good spirits. Just what you want from an MC" - Chortle