South West's largest comedy festival returns
BBCThe South West's largest comedy festival has returned for its second year -promising to be twice as big as the first.
The Exeter Comedy Festival, which features more than 60 shows in 15 venues across four days, is taking place this week until Sunday 8 June.
Pubs, hairdressers and piano shops are among businesses across the city which were converting into temporary venues.
Bridget Christie, Tim Key, Reginald D. Hunter and David O'Doherty are among some of the big names appearing.
"We can't wait for people to see all the great shows we have to offer," festival organiser Georgia Thomas said.
Audiences will find both established TV comedians and strong local acts on the line-up.
Taskmaster's Bridget Christie and Mark Watson are among those to come, while Tim Key launched his new poetry book L.A. Baby! in an interview with cult-favourite Daniel Kitson on Thursday.
Cornish Comedian of the Year Ben Treloar and Exeter's own Ed Tripp will also be appearing.
In 2022, JoJo Maberly performed her first ever stand-up gig in Exeter.
Three years later, after scooping up an armful of awards, she's back with her full length show Angst & Angstability.
"When I started there was one gig a week so I would go every week and write new material," she said.
"Now there are so many shows coming to the festival - it's so great to see the comedy world come alive in Exeter."
The weekly gig, Locally Sourced, is still going and its organisers are the brains behind the festival.
"In the days of social media, gathering people together is an almost revolutionary act," organiser and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Will Adamsdale said.
"And yet when we do it, we love it and feed off it."
An exhibition of art produced by comedians performing at the festival is open to the public at the Exeter Picturehouse.
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