A series of live performances hosted by cult Edinburgh Fringe comedian Top Joe featuring comedy and music kicks off on Sat 17th October with the debut event featuring comedian Liam Pickford and alt. pop polymath Esa Shields at the The Well Space on Roscoe Street.
By Richard Lewis
Photograph of Esa Shields by Keith Ainsworth
Following a successful 22-night run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in June, cult comedian Top Joe launches a residency in Liverpool entitled Regular Gig.
A night-out with a difference, the monthly event is held at Liverpool’s newest art and performance venue The Well Space, Roscoe St. Featuring a series of hand-picked comedians and musical acts, the inaugural event on Saturday 17th October sees Joe backed by highly-rated comedian Liam Pickford and acclaimed underground pop polymath Esa Shields.
Re-routing comedy back to a more alternative source, Joe states that the event is in contrast to the mainstream likes of the BBCs Comedy Roadshow. ‘This is the comedy of life, yes, but it is not about losing your keys or what you had for your tea 10 years ago’. A veteran of Latitude, Edinburgh Fringe and Beacons Festival, Joe’s material explores life, Buddhism and 80s power balladry, his shows comprising interactive comedy, performance-art and a good measure of all-round strangeness.
Placed second in the Student Comedian of the Year rundown by respected comedy authority Chortle, Liam Pickford is building a sterling reputation amongst comedy fans nationwide for his material that sees the high-brow collide with the minutiae of daily life.
First coming to attention via his appearances last decade at the Korova club, Esa Shields is the curator of fantastical world of leftfield pop informed by Czech film soundtracks and sixties acid folk.
Highly praised debut LP Ovum Caper appeared last year to excellent reviews and scored acclaim from Bido Lito! alternative music publication The Wire and was nominated for a GIT Award. Prior to performing Esa will be in conversation with Top Joe before his live set.
Admission for the event is a mere £4 on the door, with cheaper advance tickets available here:
Check out the trailer:
Sat 17th October 7:30pm
The Well Space
2 Roscoe Street
Liverpool
For more information go to: www.topjoe.co.uk
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/921938607897178
Interview with Esa Shields: www.catalystmedia.org.uk/archive/issues/misc/articles/esa_shields_interview.php
Review of Ovum Caper album: www.catalystmedia.org.uk/archive/reviews/ovum_caper.php
billetto.co.uk/events/95354