Union JACK Radio has partnered with Hull-based comedy promoter Giggles Live to bring a number of the events to the city, where they will be hosted by popular entertainment venue Social (opened in 2010 as Fruit, and reborn in 2020 as Social).
Created to show support to the British comedy industry and to help comedians and venues whose lives have been adversely impacted by the effects of the global pandemic, The Union JACK Radio Comedy Club will run for an initial six-month series, with live comedy nights also taking place at The Frog & Bucket (Manchester), Chuckle Busters (Bristol) and The Big Difference (Leicester).
Established in 2012 and having hosted some of the country’s most renowned comedians, touring shows and events, Giggles Live and Social will welcome comedians including Jack Gleadow, Peter Brush, Anna Thomas and Nina Gilligan to the Union JACK Radio comedy nights. The nights will be hosted by Hull’s very own Gary Jennison, with tickets starting from £8. There are six comedy nights currently scheduled, the first of which takes place on Wednesday 22 September, followed by events on 27 October, 17 November and 15 December 2021, and 26 January and 23 February 2022.
Gary Jennison, Founder of Giggles Live, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing a national comedy project to Hull that helps support the comedy industry, showcase new and emerging talent and bring some of the comedy circuit’s favourite acts right on your doorstep in Humber Street’s Social. Union JACK Radio is committed to showcasing the Best of British, and these events offer a chance to be heard by a wider audience and hopefully give people the chance to experience live comedy with a difference. Hull has a history of being funny, a wealth of comedy talent in the City and multi-award-winning comedians and comedy writers, fabulous comedy gigs and its own comedy club, and these events will help strengthen being on the comedy map and what Hull has to offer!
“It’s important that comedy continues and survives, and being involved in these events will support comedians, venues and hopefully create a bit of a comedy buzz in Social – the destination venue in the city for those wanting their cultural fix but also Humber Street, part of Hull’s thriving and independent Fruit Market area.”
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, including the teams at Giggles Live and Social in Hull.”
In addition to the series of live events, Union JACK Radio – one of few 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.
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, please visit unionjack.co.uk.