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Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Matt Forde and Bilal Zafar
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Due to a unforeseen circumstances, Chloe Petts has been replaced by Bilal Zafar
Matt Forde
Matt Forde is one of the country’s most in demand satirists.
Described as 'our foremost satirical stand-up' by The Sunday Times, Matt Forde has toured critically acclaimed shows nationwide including most recently Clowns To The Left of Me, Jokers To The Right in 2022 and Inside No. 10 in 2023.
Matt Forde’s hit live podcast The Political Party transferred to the West End’s Duchess Theatre in 2021 after over 70 sold out shows at Westminster’s The Other Palace, for a twice extended fortnightly residency continuing in to 2024. Matt has brought Parliament to life with his stand-up and debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures including Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Tony Blair, Eddie Izzard, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown and Gary Neville. Matt has received numerous nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards and the show is regularly highlighted as a top podcast pick in the press.
Matt wrote and voiced characters for Spitting Image (BritBox/ITV) including Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. Matt currently presents Absolute Radio’s weekly Rock ‘n’ Roll Football Show. He is also the co-host of Wondery’s flagship British Podcast Award winning British Scandal alongside Alice Levine.
In 2019 alone, Matt hosted the Alternative News Desk for Channel 4’s election night coverage, chaired the One Nation Conservative leadership hustings and debated Britain’s withdrawal from the EU with Tony Blair for the Institute of Global Change.
Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two).
Matt’s first book Politically Homeless was listed by The Sunday Times as one the Best Political Books of 2020.
Bilal Zafar
Bilal Zafar was nominated for the lastminute.com Best Newcomer Award for his debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Bilal also won the New Act of the Year award joining the company of previous winners such as Stewart Lee, Ardal O’Hanlon, Joe Wilkinson and Linda Smith.
He was the runner up at the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year competition. He has appeared on BBC3, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Asian Network, and has written for The Independent.
An accomplished actor, he has appeared in Channel 4 sitcom Catastrophe, Sky sitcom Sick of It and the Paul Feig directed feature film Last Christmas.
He also runs a successful Twitch page which has racked up over 12.3K followers. He streams an interactive, improvised comedy show three times a week where he plays a football manager embroiled in scandal, featuring various special guests. The show is growing every day and has been picked up by multiple radio shows and newspapers.
Avalon Edinburgh Preview line ups are subject to change.
Studio
£12
Matt Forde
Matt's website
Bilal Zafar
X @Zafarcakes
other events you may be interested in
Kate Cheka - A Messiah Comes
Bighead Comedy presents the reigning Funny Women Award winner and Chortle Best Newcomer nominee’s debut hour where she tries to save the world.
Where does this messiah complex come from? Is it the second coming or has she just inherited her mother's psychological disorder? If you're anxious about the state of the world (or just your own mental state), join this BBC New Comedy Awards semi-finalist as she becomes the first woman to wonder what many men have wondered before her: am I actually God?
Winner of 2023 Funny Women Stage Award.
Nominee for NextUp's Biggest Award In Comedy Best Newcomer and 2024 Chortle Awards Best Newcomer.
'Charismatic, eloquent, frank and witty...an impressive debut for a bright comic' Chortle
'Witty and charming...the audience are quickly drawn into Kate's world' The List
'She's unstoppable. Her enthusiastic delivery cracks along at such a pace that you
wonder whether she's remembering to breathe' The Skinny
'Impressive, frank and relatable' Chortle.co.uk
Studio
£16.50
Insta katechecka
Fb Kate Cheka
Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Pierre Novellie and Toussaint Douglas
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Pierre Novellie
Stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster. Pierre is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and recent TV appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). On the radio, Pierre has performed on The Now Show (Radio 4), hosts the BBC Sounds podcast series Obsessed With… SAS: Rogue Heroes and co-hosts the hit Budpod podcast alongside Phil Wang. As a writer, Pierre was one of the regular writers on the rebooted Spitting Image (ITV/Britbox) and has also written on shows including Mock the Week (BBC2), The News Quiz (Radio 4) and The Mash Report (BBC2).
Toussaint Douglas
One of comedy’s most exciting and talked about new names and is already making serious waves across the industry. His innovative brand of stand up mixes the personal with the political, whilst adding a uniquely absurdist slant to brilliant comic effect.
His extensive list of credits include Late Night Mash (DAVE), Outsiders (DAVE), Hypothetical (DAVE), Comedians Giving Lectures (FAVE), Unforgivable (DAVE), Alan Davies, As Yet Untitled (DAVE), Funny Festival Live (BBC One), Question Team (DAVE) BBC Presents: Stand Up For Live Comedy (BBC Three), The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4) and Dead Ringers (BBC Radio 4).
'There’s something of a Richard Ayoade vibe to Toussaint Douglass, stiffly awkward and on a different plane from rest of the world. He creates vivid, slightly absurd, images of his life…but it’s skillfully concealed beneath a charming quirkiness. One of the best and most distinctive acts' Chortle
Avalon Edinburgh Preview line ups are subject to change.
Studio
£13.50
Pierre Novellie
Pierre's website
Insta pierrenovellie
Fb PierreNovellie
Toussaint Douglas
Insta toussaint_gram
Carl Donnelly - Another Round
Join one of the UK’s finest comedians as he brings you up to speed on how he’s settling into being a married middle-aged father.
With recurring stomach ulcers, a bald patch, and an internet search history that now includes anti-leakage boxer shorts.
With his signature blend of honesty and wit, Carl turns life’s darkest moments into comedy gold. Raise a glass and join him for laughs, resilience, and hard-earned perspective.
Previously nominated for both the Best Newcomer and Best Show in the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, he’s appeared on such shows as Mock The Week and Russell Howard’s Good News as well as recently supporting Kevin Bridges on his international tour. He’s also a regular on radio (BBC 5Live’s Fighting Talk and Talksport) as well as being one half of the podcast TVI (Two Vegan Idiots).
'Observational genius' Guardian
'His comic warmth could fill the Sydney Opera House' Chortle
'Masterful stand-up with the lightest of touches' British Comedy Guide
'Up there with the best' ★★★★ Herald Sun
'A bringer of delight' ★★★★ Scotsman
★★★★★ Skinny
★★★★★ Broadway Baby
Age guidance: 15+ years.
Content warning - mild language
Studio
£17.50
Fb Carl Donnelly
Insta carldonnelly
Live Music Lunch Club: Charlotte Spruit (violin)
A new regular spot for lovers of live music who prefer their concerts in the daytime, alongside a little lunch, in a relaxed environment.
Performances take place in the Studio in a cabaret set up so you can come and go during the music if you want to.
The ticket price includes a pre-show two course lunch from our Café Bar.
Ysaye Sonata for solo violin No 2 in A minor, Op 27 No 2
H.I. Franz Von Biber Passacaglia in G minor, for Violin Solo
Kurtag Selection from Signs, Games and Messages
J.S. Bach Partita no 3 for Solo Violin in E Major, BWV 1006
Born in the Netherlands in 2000, Charlotte Spruit was a winner at the 2023 Young Classical Artists Trust international auditions, and has previously been a prize winner at numerous international competitions. She was also selected as one of Classic FM’s Rising Stars of 2024.
Charlotte is a keen chamber musician and soloist, having performed at prominent locations such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall in London and the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. She has performed chamber works with acclaimed musicians including Janine Jansen, Rachel Podger, Gidon Kremer, Tabea Zimmermann, Lawrence Power, and Christian Tetzlaff.
As a concerto soloist, Charlotte has played with numerous orchestras, including the Residentie Orkest The Hague, The Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pauliner Barockensemble, and Ensemble Esperanza.
She began her violin studies aged four with Coosje Wijzenbeek, culminating with her studying at the Guildhall School of Music in London with David Takeno, followed by the Royal Academy of Music with Ying Xue, where Charlotte recently completed her Master’s degree under Rachel Podger and Pavlo Beznosiuk.
Charlotte plays an 18th-century anonymous Italian violin, kindly on loan from the Dutch Musical Instruments Foundation.
Studio
£30 including a 2 course lunch
12.30pm - Lunch
2pm - Concert begins
Norden Farm Patrons, Bronze, Sliver and Gold Members can click here to login for Priority Booking.
Showstopper Tots
Led by Mairi Cowieson
Showstopper Tots Musical Theatre themed music and movement classes for ages 2 - 5yrs. Younger siblings are welcome. Under 6 months free.
Join us for our exciting Lion King themed term. I Just Can't Wait to be King! so, come and join other little lion cubs, as we get ready for our Morning Report and sing Hakuna Matata.
The classes take the children on an adventure, exploring the music and story of The Lion King. Learning a dance to help with their coordination, singing songs and playing drama games to help with their confidence. Each class ends with our mini theatre and story song, written especially for ShowstopperUk, by fabulous West End composers.
This story song is added to each week to enhance their engagement and concentration skills. It's also fun for the parents / carers who attend with their little ones.
Building confidence, musicality, coordination, concentration, all through the wonderful world of Musical Theatre.
Led by a professional West End performer and director.
Summer
Course 1: Lion King
Thur 24 Apr - 22 May (5 weeks)
2pm - 2.45pm
Whole course - £40 (5 weeks) (1 adult and 1 child)
Trial on 24 Apr - £9 (1 adult and 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£32 (1 adult and 1 child) if you would like to continue for the rest of the remaining 4 weeks please put remaining dates in the basket when re-booking and a discount will apply.
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult and 1 child) I siblings £5.40.
Course 2:
Thur 5 Jun - 17 Jul (7 weeks)
2pm - 2.45pm
Whole course - £56 (7 weeks) (1 adult and 1 child)
Trial on 5 June - £9 (1 adult and 1 child) Siblings £5.40
£48 (1 adult and 1 child) if you would like to continue for the remaining 6 weeks please put remaining dates in the basket when re-booking and a discount will apply.
Drop-in sessions for the rest of the term £9 (1 adult and 1 child) I siblings £5.40.
Age guidance: 2 - 5 years
Book Club
Share your thoughts on contemporary fiction with other readers in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
This season our Book Club will be reading:
Thursday 17 April
The Romantic by William Boyd
Thursday 15 May
Normal Rules Don’t Apply by Kate Atkinson
Thursday 19 June
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Thursday 17 July
Table for Two by Amor Towles
Thursday 14 August
TBC
Suitable for 18+ years.
Spaces are limited, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
7.30pm – 9pm
£5 per session (includes a glass of wine or soft drink from the bar)
Avalon Edinburgh Preview: Matt Forde and Bilal Zafar
A double header of comedy as two top comedians warm up ahead of the Edinburgh Festival.
Due to a unforeseen circumstances, Chloe Petts has been replaced by Bilal Zafar
Matt Forde
Matt Forde is one of the country’s most in demand satirists.
Described as 'our foremost satirical stand-up' by The Sunday Times, Matt Forde has toured critically acclaimed shows nationwide including most recently Clowns To The Left of Me, Jokers To The Right in 2022 and Inside No. 10 in 2023.
Matt Forde’s hit live podcast The Political Party transferred to the West End’s Duchess Theatre in 2021 after over 70 sold out shows at Westminster’s The Other Palace, for a twice extended fortnightly residency continuing in to 2024. Matt has brought Parliament to life with his stand-up and debate with some of politics’ most powerful figures including Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Tony Blair, Eddie Izzard, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Angela Rayner, Michael Heseltine, Anthony Scaramucci, Alastair Campbell, Gordon Brown and Gary Neville. Matt has received numerous nominations from award bodies including the British Podcast Awards and Chortle Awards and the show is regularly highlighted as a top podcast pick in the press.
Matt wrote and voiced characters for Spitting Image (BritBox/ITV) including Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. Matt currently presents Absolute Radio’s weekly Rock ‘n’ Roll Football Show. He is also the co-host of Wondery’s flagship British Podcast Award winning British Scandal alongside Alice Levine.
In 2019 alone, Matt hosted the Alternative News Desk for Channel 4’s election night coverage, chaired the One Nation Conservative leadership hustings and debated Britain’s withdrawal from the EU with Tony Blair for the Institute of Global Change.
Matt hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several nominations at the Broadcast Digital Awards, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two).
Matt’s first book Politically Homeless was listed by The Sunday Times as one the Best Political Books of 2020.
Bilal Zafar
Bilal Zafar was nominated for the lastminute.com Best Newcomer Award for his debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Bilal also won the New Act of the Year award joining the company of previous winners such as Stewart Lee, Ardal O’Hanlon, Joe Wilkinson and Linda Smith.
He was the runner up at the Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year competition. He has appeared on BBC3, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Asian Network, and has written for The Independent.
An accomplished actor, he has appeared in Channel 4 sitcom Catastrophe, Sky sitcom Sick of It and the Paul Feig directed feature film Last Christmas.
He also runs a successful Twitch page which has racked up over 12.3K followers. He streams an interactive, improvised comedy show three times a week where he plays a football manager embroiled in scandal, featuring various special guests. The show is growing every day and has been picked up by multiple radio shows and newspapers.
Avalon Edinburgh Preview line ups are subject to change.
Studio
£12
Matt Forde
Matt's website
Bilal Zafar
X @Zafarcakes
Funky Monkeys
An energetic and creative music and movement class for babies and children under 5.
This fun and funky session uses lights, puppets, parachute, instruments and music to get your little ones moving!
Suitable for ages 9 months - 5 years.
Summer
Fri 9 May - 25 Jul (excluding 28 May)
11am - 11.45am
£8.50 | Siblings (9 months +) £4 | £45 for 6 sessions a term (this offer doesn't include the sibling ticket)
If you would like to book the offer price for 6 sessions, please enter a ticket for each date you would like to attend into your basket and the offer will apply automatically.
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