Leamington’s Spa Centre laughs out loud for ruby milestone

The entertainments venue in Leamington is hoping to attract large crowds to its comedy festival this autumn.

And to get crowds warmed up and laughing, the theatre will on Friday June 15 host a gala evening, featuring the comic talents of four well established entertainers - with live rhythm and blues music thrown in for good measure.

A television regular on shows such as Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Argumental and Dave’s One Night Stand, Jarred Christmas (that guy with sideburns and glasses) also gave a memorable performance as Madonna on Let’s Dance For Comic Relief.

With jokes, stories and plenty of energy, the fast-paced comedian will get things going.

Next up - Lloyd Langford, a regular on Ask Rhod Gilbert and Sony Award nominee who continues to remind one and all of the time he once beat David Tennant at an arm wrestle on national television.

Also bringing a spectacular act to the proceedings will be cabaret performer Matt Ricardo. Reviving the almost-lost art of the gentleman juggler, Matt blends dazzling feats of dexterity and balance with the wit and timing of a skilled stand-up comedian.

He is known internationally for his signature trick - the reverse tablecloth pull (as recently seen on Tonight With Jonathan Ross) - where he puts a tablecloth on a table, underneath all the objects.

Audiences can also meet the creations of Abigail Collins, who desribes herself as having “the physique of an athlete and the mouth of Joan Rivers”.

She will bring to the stage Peggy Sued - non-reformed alcoholic, ex Vegas Bunny Girl and specialist in compromising dismounts - and Angel Rodriguez, Brooklyn’s answer to Beyoncé.

And if all this were not enough, also taking the stage on the night will be the aging rockers, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, bringing their well-established rhythm and blues sounds to Leamington.

The venue will also be showcasing photographs and archive films showing the construction and opening of the theatre in 1972, while there will be a late bar, live music in the foyers by the Spa Centre’s resident maestro Tony Whittaker and bar meals available.

Tickets to the gala evening, which cost £12 or £11 if booked online. Doors open at 7pm and the fun begins at 8pm. Call 0845 218 3540 or visit www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk

Further details about the festival, which will run from October 16 to 20, will become available closer to the time.