THE ORGANISERS of Droitwich’s inaugural Rik Mayall Comedy Festival say they have been ‘blown away’ by the response to the event, adding it had gone ‘way beyond their expectations’.
Artists have been comparing it to established festivals, including Brighton and Edinburgh, and some have suggested it has the potential to become the ‘go-to’ place in May/June ahead of them performing at the internationally-renowned comedy festival in Scotland in August.
Festival Director Stuart Panrucker told the Standard: “From the start, we wanted this to be a kind of warm-up for Edinburgh – a place where comedians could try out material before heading up north.
“This week has shown that’s not just possible, it’s already happening.”
The festival, launched last Saturday morning in Victoria Square, has boasted more than 200 events at 30 local venues.
Stuart added: “Venues have been packed, some local businesses have had their best weekends ever, and the feedback from artists and audiences has been fantastic. It’s exactly what we set out to do.
“For a first go, it has all been pretty incredible – we’ve welcomed visitors from all over — all over the UK and Ireland, even from as far as Australia — some staying for the full eight days. “It has truly bought tourism back to Droitwich.”
The Rik Mayall Comedy Festival continues on Friday and Saturday with more than 60 events still to catch.
And, lucky viewers, may even be able to grab tickets for some of the final Norbury shows, including Rachel Fairburn WIP (Saturday, 6pm) and Verbal Diary (Saturday, 3pm).
Stuart said: “We’re finishing strong too, with a full day of free entertainment in Lido Park on Saturday, and the after-party with the hKippers at the Working Men’s Club.
“The Norbury team have been brilliant – show after show sold out – and huge thanks go to all the local businesses who’ve got behind it and to the performers who took a punt on something brand new.
“I really want to thank our amazing volunteers – many of them came from all over the country just to be part of this.
“People who’ve never been to Droitwich Spa have met each other here and formed lasting friendships, it’s lovely to see.
“This week has already put Droitwich Spa on the comedy map – and that’s down to a huge amount of work from an absolutely brilliant team that I’m proud to be a part of.”
Visit: rikmayallcomedyfestival.com for all you need to know on the final events.
