Under The Hammer

Telford Theatre on Tour in Partnership with Arts Alive

 

 

Adult £12.00 | Concession £10.00

Doors open 6.30pm | Event starts 7pm | Running time 195 minutes (includes a 15 minute interval)

Agent Dali, Agent Kahlo and YOU!

A Johannes Vermeer is going under the hammer at a charity art auction. Agents Kahlo and Dali of the Company of International Artists, a top secret art detective agency, are summoned by the organisers to oversee proceedings.

All is going well until intel from an unknown source throws everything into question…

A fine blend of theatre/improv, escape room and ‘who-dunnit’ style mystery, this immersive participatory experience sees attendees attempt to solve a fictional mystery inspired by real-world art crime cases. As newly recruited detectives of the Company of International Artists (a top secret global art detective agency) they must review evidence, decipher codes and crack puzzles to solve a case of art forgery before the culprit evades justice!

All Company of International Artists investigations are facilitated by quirky, exuberant lead investigators Agents Kahlo and Dali.

Under the Hammer is performed, written & produced by Brave Bold Drama – a multi award winning theatre company based in the south west. For the past 11 years they have been dedicated to making high quality innovative participatory theatre experiences for all ages. They pride themselves in making work that is equal parts fun, richly-detailed and edifying.

Telford Comedy Club with Edi Johnston

Tickets £10.40 | Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

The Edi Johnston is a Musical Comedian from Nottingham who writes all kinds of songs (Long AND Short) about the trials and tribulations of a middle-aged, ginger, tea-drinking, comfortable shoe-wearing, sport following, hiphop loving rapper & singer/songwriter.

With nods to Morecambe & Wise, Victoria Wood, Bill Bailey & Tim Vine, Edi shares his particular view on life growing up from child to parenthood within modern day UK through the oft maligned art of Ukulele Rap Musical Comedy.

Edi has been featured on Channel 5 and BBC Radio and has gigged throughout the UK and in New York.

He’s the reigning Nottingham SlamCabaret champion and has also supported the likes of Harry & Chris, Andy Kind, Scott Bennett, and Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer.

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Telford Fringe with Fab Goualin

Tickets £10.40 | Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

Edinburgh debut from BBC New Comedy Award 2025 semi-finalist, Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year 2025 finalist and So You Think You’re Funny? 2024 finalist, Fab Goualin. A show about being mixed-race, middle class, and misunderstood. Growing up, Fab often being the only person of colour in the room meant a lifetime of awkward assumptions, accidental anthropology, and people confidently explaining his own identity to him. Too “something” for certain crowds, not “something enough” for others, he became a master of the code-switch. But the real confusion wasn’t just external, it was internal.

The HandleBards’ Macbeth

Adult £19 | 21 & Under £12 | 12 & Under £5 | Under 5 Free | Suitable for all ages.

Doors open: 6pm | Show starts: 7pm | Show running time (approx): Show running time (approx): first half 50 mins, interval 20 mins, second half 50 mins.

This is an outdoor production, so please dress for the weather!

Join The HandleBards for a hilariously high-octane production of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ like you’ve never seen before. Forget the tears and tragedy, our Macbeth is chock full of mishaps, mayhem and mirth.

We all know the story. Three Witches promise Macbeth the Scottish crown and like any normal people would, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plot to kill the king. Things get rapidly out of hand from there as foul deeds are done, plots unravel and mysterious spirits appear

The HandleBards are an intrepid three-strong troupe spending the summer touring Macbeth by electric van, bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.

We recommend you bring a cushion to sit on. Space for folding chairs will be prioritised to people with access requirements.

The Amphitheatre is a no-smoking venue. A smoking/vaping area will be provided.

A bar is available on-site offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. While theatregoers are welcome to bring food and soft drinks with them, alcohol may not be brought be brought to site but should be purchased from the amphitheatre bar.

Telford Fringe with Andrew Bird & Alex Kitson

Tickets £10.40 | Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

 

 

 

 

Andrew Bird: On The Edge

Comic’s Comic “Best Act” 2023 UK Comedy Awards

Andrew appeared on “The Russell Howard Hour” and supported Russell on tour including Bristol’s Ashton Gate Football stadium and six shows at The London Palladium. He’s also supported Rhod Gilbert, Rob Brydon, America’s Brian Regan and Michelle Wolfe on their only London shows and Michael McIntyre on an entire arena tour including Wembley and the O2. He’s written on the TV shows Jon Richardson’s Ultimate Worrier and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. Andrew is one of only seven comedians to perform for Banksy at Dismal Land.

 

Alex Kitson: Now Look Here

Alex Kitson’s comedic style is unique, marked by spot-on humor that resonates with a diverse audience, making him a beloved figure in the comedy circuit. His knack for transforming everyday observations into comedic gold sets him apart, promising a memorable experience with each performance. Whether he’s crafting a new stand-up routine or penning a comedic script, Alex’s innate ability to make people laugh is always evident. His sharp wit, coupled with a relatable approach to comedy, creates a captivating atmosphere that leaves audiences wanting more.

In a world where laughter is the best medicine, Alex Kitson is undoubtedly a master physician. Step into a show, and prepare to be regaled by his comedic genius that not only tickles the funny bone but also makes you see the world through a humorously unique lens.

 

Telford Fringe with Aaron Simmonds & Samantha Day

Tickets £10.40 | Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

 

 

 

 

 

Aaron Simmonds: Happy Ending

A show can have a happy ending, but can life?

A stand-up comedy show from a comedian that cannot stand up. In this show Aaron talks about the gig that went so badly he wanted to give up stand-up comedy, meeting the person he wanted to spend his life with and the funniest thing he’s ever done at a funeral (which happens to be the funniest thing he’s ever done).

No masseuses were harmed in the making of this show.

*Content warning* – swearing, sex and suicidal ideation (not at the same time).

 

Photography by Karla Gowlett

 

Samantha Day: I’ve Started So I’ll Finish

What should you do when it’s clear you’ve chosen the wrong partner, or the wrong job? Talk yourself into it! You’re not a pathetic quitter. Ignore red flags and emails from HR, and assert your right to cock things up without being interrupted. ‘Once you choose false hope, anything is possible.’ Leicester Comedy Festival Silver Stand-Up Winner 2025. British Comedy Guide Pro Award Finalist 2024. Comedy Store King Gong Winner 2022. ‘Just brilliant’ (Arthur Smith). ‘A highly engaging performer’ (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Warm, witty and a natural with the crowd’ (One4Review.co.uk). After three decades as an accountant and single mum, Samantha’s been freed from the city and she’s really hit her stride, as a truly original act who’s progressing fast on the circuit.

Telford Fringe with Dave Chawner & Jules O Brian

Tickets £10.40 | Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

 

 

 

 

Dave Chawner: Dry Humour

Dave’s a number 1 best-selling author, award-winning stand up, presenter & mental health campaigner.

Dave has been a stand-in for BBC’s Mock The Week & Channel 4’s Taskmaster and has appeared on BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, ITV’s Lorraine, Jeremy Vine On 5, Radio 1, Radio 2 & Radio 4. His comedy special ‘Mental’ has recently been uploaded to ‘NextUp’

He has written for National newspapers including The Guardian, The Telegraph and Metro as well as numerous magazines including Cosmopolitan, GQ​ and Men’s Fitness.

 

Jules O Brian: Avoid Excessive Cleavage

Brummie based Jules performs around the country, telling anyone who will listen about ageing disgracefully, body hang–ups, parenting, and dating. This former teacher’s relaxed, chatty style, crowd interaction and warmth, all served with a sardonic wit, make her a natural crowd pleaser.

Jules was nominated for the Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent award in 2022, and was shortlisted for Funny Women 2023.

She performs her one woman show, “Avoid excessive cleavage (and other advice to ignore)” at comedy festivals, and gives talks about having embarked on her comedy career as an older woman, to various groups.

Telford Fringe with Hasan Al-Habib & Kevin o’Brien

Tickets £10.40 | Doors 6.30pm | Show 7.30pm

 

 

 

 

Stuck In The (Middle) East With You

Arab. Brummy. Muslim. Hasan Al-Habib is also an award-winning stand-up comedian, writer, & actor.
After selling out his double act show “2 Muslim 2 Furious: Mecca Drift” at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024, Hasan’s solo debut in 2025 – “Death To The West (Midlands)” – also sold out its entire run and multiple extra shows. DTTWM received a nomination for Best Debut at the 2025 Leicester Comedy Festival Awards, and had a six night run at Soho Theatre in London’s West End.

Absolutely One Liner Jokes

 

Stand Up Comedy with David Eagle, Jason Neale and Tal Davies

All tickets £10 | Age guidance: Strictly 18+

Doors open: 6.30pm | Show starts: 7.30pm | Show running time (approx): 2 hours, includes a 15-minute interval

This is an outdoor production, so dress for the weather!

Summer time is here so come and enjoy some scorching comedy talent in the beautiful surrounding of our outdoor amphitheatre!

August’s super summer funny funsters are Jay Neale, Tal Davies and headlined by David Eagle…

We recommend you bring a cushion to sit on. Space for folding chairs will be prioritised to people with access requirements.

The Amphitheatre is a no-smoking venue. A smoking/vaping area will be provided.

A bar is available on-site offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. While theatregoers are welcome to bring food and soft drinks with them, alcohol may not be brought be brought to site but should be purchased from the amphitheatre bar.

Comedy Club 4 Kids

Adult £10 | Child £8 | Family of Four (with at least two children) £30

Age guidance: 6+

Doors open: 1.15pm | Show starts: 2pm | Show running time (approx): 60 minutes, no interval | This is an outdoor production, so dress for the weather!

Since 2005, the Comedy Club 4 Kids has been getting the best stand-ups and sketch acts from the international circuit to do their thing for an audience of children (aged 6+) and their families… but without the rude bits!

A decade later, the company has expanded from one London residency to being countrywide, running shows and workshops all over the UK from Peebles to Portsmouth, even producing a book on how to write and perform stand-up.

The show is family friendly, but without any patronising idiocy. In fact, it’s just like a normal comedy club, but it’s on in the day, kids are allowed in, and thus there is a higher than usual chance of heckles like “why is that your face!?”

We recommend you bring a cushion to sit on. Space for folding chairs will be prioritised to people with access requirements.

The Amphitheatre is a no-smoking venue. A smoking/vaping area will be provided.

A bar is available on-site offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. While theatregoers are welcome to bring food and soft drinks with them, alcohol may not be brought be brought to site but should be purchased from the amphitheatre bar.