FESTIVAL LAUNCH SHOW
Celya AB / Helen Bauer / Barbara Nice
Come and join us for the first ever show at the first ever Kings Heath Comedy Festival. Local legend Barbara Nice hosts a night headlined by adopted Brummie Celya AB, and opened by Helen Bauer with other local talent in between.
Celya AB: Following multiple sell-out tours and barnstorming appearances at JFL Montreal and Melbourne ICF, the Live at the Apollo star - and previous winner of the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award - headlines the first night. 'The UK's Parisian comedy star is making waves' (Guardian). 'One of the most striking acts around, combining magnetic stage presence with punchy material' (Evening Standard). 'A comic shooting to fame' **** (List). **** (Scotsman). As seen/heard on BBC, Comedy Central, Off Menu and The Guilty Feminist; support for Maria Bamford and St. Vincent.
Helen Bauer: Known for being a comedy powerhouse with an electric stage presence, Helen is one of the UK’s most exciting rising stand up stars.
In August 2019, her debut show was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In February 2020 the show transferred to Soho Theatre for a London run and has gone on to be filmed by 800 Pound Gorilla and is available as a special on YouTube. Since then, Helen has written and toured two more critically acclaimed shows in Edinburgh, Soho Theatre, Australia and all-around Europe.
TV appearances include Live At The Apollo (BBC2), Stand Up For Live Comedy: BBC Presents (BBC 1 & 3), Edinburgh Nights (BBC 2). Helen co-hosts the podcast Trusty Hogs with fellow comedian Catherine Bohart.
Barbara Nice: Phoenix Nights star Janice Connolly’s comedy creation Mrs Barbara Nice is a loveable force of nature. Hilarious and uplifting, she’s the perfect antidote to doom and gloom and if you’re in need of a comedy pick me up Barbara’s your woman, like your favourite aunt at a family wedding she’ll get you going with her unique comic insights and her celebrations of daily life.
Barbara Nice is the overenthusiastic housewife alter-ego of award-winning comedian Janice, who was discovered by legendary comedian Peter Kay, who asked her to play Holy Mary in Phoenix Nights. She has been compared to Victoria Wood, Mrs. Merton, and Julie Walters.