All aboard the laughter tram: tram users treated to tram ride with a difference for comedy festival

IN HONOUR of this year’s Nottingham Comedy Festival, on Saturday 4^th November, riders of Nottingham Express Transit (NET)’s 12:05pm tram from Toton Lane to Hucknall, will be treated to a side-splitting tram ride to remember.

With just a valid tram ticket or pass needed, those who hop on the Toton Lane to Hucknall tramline anywhere along the route, will be able to experience live onboard comedy performances from five comedians during their journey.

Taking turns in 15-minute slots, the comedians Dan Webber, Stephen Catling, Sachin Kumarendran, Katie Mitchell and Adam Anwar will all be on hand to add a little laughter and cheer to passengers ahead of their upcoming shows during the festival which takes place from 3^rd November to 11^th November. 

This year marks the Comedy Festival’s 15^th year and is set to be its biggest and best yet, with 120 comedians performing at more than 100 venues across the city.

Lucy Moseley, marketing manager at NET, said:

“Each year, the Nottingham Comedy Festival is always a really special occasion that draws a whole wealth of talent as well as visitors to the city. This year’s anniversary event is set to be no exception, using lots of venues that go beyond the city centre, such as Squire Performing Arts Centre on Arboretum Street and St Wilfrid's Church Hall, in Wilford – all accessible on our tram routes.

“We’ve loved teaming up with the Nottingham Comedy Festival organisers and some of the fantastic comedians who will be performing during the event, to provide passengers with a little taster of what’s to come during the festival, while treating them to a journey a little more entertaining than their usual tram ride, whether they’re heading to the festival or not.

“It’s certainly set to be a journey with a difference, with plenty of laughs and the chance to witness some truly hilarious talent while traveling. Comedy has the remarkable power to unite people, and we hope that this event brings the community of Nottingham together, while highlighting the amazing work that Nottingham Comedy Festival does.”

All comedian performances on the trams will be family friendly and will last the duration of the entire tram ride, with passengers able to come and go as they please.

The Nottingham Comedy Festival is directed and organised by Helen Stead who also runs regular comedy nights throughout the year through her company NCF Comedy. She launched the festival to highlight all the comedic talent Nottingham has to offer.  

Since its launch in 2009, the festival has grown from 50 acts and now includes a wide variety of comedy, such as stand up, improvisation and sketch. A selection of shows are free to watch, with ticket prices ranging from £2 - £18 per individual act elsewhere across the festival.  

Nottingham Comedy Festival director, Helen Stead, said:

“It’s brilliant to be bringing the Nottingham Comedy Festival back to the city once again, and with more comedians and venues than ever taking part this year, it’s set to be very special. I’m always blown away by the incredible talent we have right here in the Midlands, and that’s certainly true this year too. We have some brilliant acts, and with 120 performances to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

“The upcoming partnership with NET is a great way to help brighten up the days of those travelling on the tram while also offering a little taster of what we have in store over the course of the week.”