Ealing Comedy Festival, in partnership with Headliners Comedy Club will be back from 24th July. As we prepare to welcome the Ealing Summer Festival‘s back to town, we spoke to Simon Randall who runs the show!
Tell us about yourself
My name is Simon Randall. I founded the Ealing Comedy Festival 31 years ago. I book all the acts and run the show side of things on the night and help promote the shows. I also own and run Headliners Comedy club in Chiswick.
What does Ealing Comedy Festival mean to you?
Its been amazing and gratifying to see the comedy in the park grow from one night with a 200 capacity to regularly selling 5,000 tickets today.
A large team are responsible for the smooth running of what has become one of West London’s premier events, when we started it was just me and Joyce from Ealing Council!
What can we look forward to this year?
This years show looks like being one of the best ever. I’m delighted that Rory Bremner, Judi Love, Mark Steel, John Shuttleworth and Phil Wang have all agreed to appear for the first time.
I’m also looking forward to the two Mega Gala nights celebrating our 30th year in the park.
One of the nicest things about the festival is that its so well attended by Ealing residents, I grew up in Ealing and I know its a schlep to get into town and back for some decent entertainment, so I’m very pleased to bring some West End quality shows within walking distance
Any tips for aspiring comedians in the borough?
I’m often asked for tips for any aspiring comedians out there. There are lots of nights around town that showcase new acts and I would encourage anyone who fancies themself as the next Lee Mack or Katherine Ryan to gig and write as relentlessly as they can. Who knows, you might be on at the festival in its 40th year.
Huge thanks to Simon for taking the time to speak to us.
