FESTIVAL DIARY DAY 1 - and so the odyssey begins...

Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival Begins today - HOORAY!!!! After months of planning and preparation, the city explodes with comedic mayhem this evening, as the city plays host to over 500 shows over 17 days!

I've been down into the town today and there's banners everywhere, Festival Staff handing out brochures, comedians sitting around in venues drinking coffee and venue owners rushing around making last-minute preparations. I also clocked a mildly terrifying laughing sound, playing on a loop at the top of the High Street, and a life-size bear outside Chutney Ivy! It's all go...

Just the Tonic - the name says it all, really.

Obviously no self-respecting Leicester comedy enthusiast could fail to be wetting their pants with excitement about the new Just the Tonic club that's opened on Granby Street. The venue, formerly Highlight and before that Jongleurs, has an absolutely cracking line-up including big names such as Milton Jones, Ardal O'Hanlon, Ed Byrne and 'that sound effects bloke from Police Academy' himself, Michael Winslow! Also appearing in the coming weeks and months are critics' favourites Daniel Kitson and Doug Stanhope, the wonderful Boy with Tape on his Face, and my own personal favourite, Dr. George Ryegold, to name but a few.
For full listings, get yourself onto http://www.justthetonic.com/leicester-comedy/ immediately and start salivating...