National digital radio station Union JACK Radio, renowned for its unique offering of British comedy and all British music, is committed to helping the British comedy industry get back on its feet following the devastating effects of the global pandemic and can today announce the launch of a nationwide series of live comedy nights. The radio station has teamed up with The Frog & Bucket (Manchester), Chuckle Busters (Bristol), Giggles Live (Hull) and The Big Difference (Leicester) to present the regular shows.
Launching on 2 September, The Union JACK Radio Comedy Club will create a new opportunity for venues and comedians who have seen their livelihoods threatened by the lengthy closure of live entertainment venues and the restrictions on audience numbers, while also delivering a series of occasions for comedy fans across the country to join.
The Union JACK Radio Comedy Club will feature a host of respected comedians, both established and new talent, with confirmed names including the likes of Scott Bennett, Jen Ives, Eshaan Akbar, Steph Laing, Jenny Collier, Sikisa, Nina Gilligan and Will Duggan (see Notes to Editors for full list of names confirmed to date). The Comedy Club will run for an initial six-month period and will take place at the following venues:
- The Frog & Bucket, Manchester
- 2 September, 7 October, 4 November, 25 November
- Chuckle Busters, Bristol
- 4 September, 10 October, 5 November, 1 December, 4 January, 1 February
- Giggles Live, Hull
- 22 September, 27 October, 17 November, 15 December, 26 January, 23 February
- The Big Difference, Leicester
- 24 September, 27 October, 23 November, 15 December
Full information, including how to purchase tickets, can be found online at unionjack.co.uk.
In addition to the series of live events, Union JACK Radio – one of few remaining independently-owned commercial radio stations – will also broadcast the comedy nights, creating a special, weekly comedy show for listeners and further expanding its offering for British comedy fans. The show launches on Thursday 7 October at 10pm and can be heard exclusively on Union JACK Radio.
Geoff Rowe, Director of Comedy at Union JACK Radio and founder of the respected Leicester Comedy Festival, said: “I’ve been producing live comedy for almost 30 years and am only too aware of the devastating impact the pandemic and lockdown have had on comedians and promoters across the UK, and around the world. I’m delighted that the team at Union JACK Radio are putting their money where their mouth is and investing in this project to play a part in getting the circuit back up and running. We will have some amazing comedians performing at each club and are thrilled to be working with the network of promoters and clubs.”
Union JACK Radio has demonstrated unwavering support for the British comedy industry since its inception in 2016. Its sponsorship portfolio has included Leicester Comedy Festival, from where it has broadcast shows including Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year, UK Pun Championships and Circuit Breakers; and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, bringing the festival to life for listeners nationwide with live interviews and features created during the occasion. It has collaborated with and featured some of the nation’s best comedic talent, from Ed Byrne, Omid Djalili, Basil Brush and Marcus Brigstocke, to Jared Christmas, Brian Blessed, Josie Long and Shappi Khorsandi, whilst also nurturing newer talent, such as Josh Berry, whose hit show ‘Josh Berry’s Fake News’ was created especially for Union JACK radio.
To find out more about The Union JACK Radio Comedy Club and how to purchase tickets or listen, visit unionjack.co.uk.
